←Recommendations of UNHEARD (10-minutes)

In Glenn Alterman’s “Unheard,” awkward silences punctuate the conversation of an estranged father and son, between whom incommunication has been a primary characteristic. Ironically, then, offstage sounds (hospital bells, a commanding voice over an intercom), move the action forward to an unexpected revelation. The result is a piercing meditation on the mysteries of filial attachment and the silence of death. A powerful ten-minute play, “Unheard” can be produced either in an audio format or in a fully staged production. Strongly recommended.

This beautiful piece starts out like a typical deathbed scene but quickly turns into something different and more. The device used is both funny and poignant and provides a message for us all, in the deepest, most heartfelt way. I have a feeling I’ll think back to this play the next time I have to say a final goodbye to a loved one.

I got to see this piece performed live at Livonia Community Players this past February! I love the twist that this piece has, and the self-awareness of the characters about what they aren't saying really hits you in the heart. Great work!

Sometimes it takes an external force to push us along, hopefully in the right direction. Loved the use of the OVERHEAD VOICE. Bravo.

Love and regret - a combination that rears its head too much in a life. Alterman gives us both and the inevitable question, “what if we just said what needs to be said?” What a wonderful world it could be.

Very moving and realistic. A real sense of urgency because of his father's situation and the voice offstage. Glad they came to an understanding and said I love you. Well done, Glenn.

Heartbreaking. The things that should have been said, that really needed to be said long before. A father and son, estranged, seek to find a way to connect...even just a little. But that would be enough. A truly beautiful 10-minute piece worthy of any night of one-acts.

This was heartbreaking. Absolutely, devastatingly magical. And a wake up call, just like the one from overhead! Say those I Love Yous.

Oh, I really felt something reading this, having gone through a similar experience not so long ago (without the brilliant theatricality, of course). I would love to see this onstage, and I can only imagine how incredibly moving it would come off the page for the actors and the audience alike. I love Glenn Alterman’s gift for writing moving, gut-wrenching dramas.

We can never, ever have enough of such slice-of-life/end-of-life plays as this. Never! Beautifully rendered and incisive. What would seem tragic is actually life affirming. Thank you, Mr. Alterman!