←Recommendations of A Conversation About Mom

In life, unlike theatre, we rarely get those arguments where we poke each other's insecurities in just the right ways to facilitate character growth, where we find a narrative arc that might satisfy anyone at all. When we consume art, in some way, we know this. This is artifice. In this lovely play with a twist I genuinely was surprised by, John Busser points that out. Plays are practice of the imagination. We use them, often unaware. He whispers, with a gentle poke, "Practice is grand, but find your courage. The play is ending, and so soon will life."

You know there is going to be a moment where the rug gets pulled out from under you in this narrative. You are bracing yourself for it, you think you know when and what it will be and boom! You get an anvil on the head instead. A lovely and sad surprise. But a conversation a lot of people need to have before it is too late. a really powerful two-hander.

John Busser attacks this 10 minute play with a rawness that has you uncomfortable from the outset. While you might know something is missing, John distracts you with quick hard-hitting dialogue. If you don't squirm, tense up, or otherwise involuntarily react to the back-and-forth between father and son, you might not be human. This show does that and more and then... hits you with an incredible twist that you anticipate from the beginning, but forget about it as emotions and tensions continuously shift throughout the short play. Brilliant play John Busser!

A grain of sand worked over by nature becomes a pearl - a grain of truth worked over by John Busser becomes an excellent play, A CONVERSATION ABOUT MOM. You may see yourself as the father, son, even the mother by the time it’s over, as Busser builds anguish in myriad forms we all know.

What a powerful rendering of the regrets of a lifetime coming to the surface. And how cleverly constructed. The naturalistic seeming exchange between a father and son builds to a surprising revelation, one that is moving and rings true.

You know something is coming and then POW...it surprises you none the less. A beautiful piece about love, loss, disappointment, and making final moments count. LOVELY.

It’s always so amazing when a story sneaks up on you. This one is a true gem. A wonderfully realistic encounter that teeters into the realms of the fantastic with casual ease. Bravo to John Busser for offering up a surprise in a world where every story is so full of twists that we have grown nearly immune to them.

A touching two hander about Walter trying to make up with his son, Jeremy. Walter left his wife with devastating consequences, and it’s time to atone. The play is well plotted and the characters are distinct and sympathetic.

This short play, featuring a deadbeat dad and a resentful son, feels like you are watching two prize fighters going nine rounds. The well-crafted dialogue, laced with insults and accusations, packs one gut-wrenching punch after another. Bravo!

Well, that was devastating.
"A Conversation About Mom" is. a powerful two-hander about family, mortality and marriage. Busser's short play also expertly explores what it means to be a good father (or not) and a good husband (or not). Both characters are so well written and nuanced, this would be a treat for any actor. Bravo!