I thoroughly enjoyed "Laundry Day at Mrs. Thoreau’s” and the way we learn so much of how “isolated” the great man truly was without any of this information coming out as exposition. Kennedy is able to capitalize on the resentment any bright female person of the time period might feel toward the deference shown to her brother. It’s wonderful to watch her rein herself in and then even better to see what she does when she loses it! I urge people to read and enjoy this remarkable play.

"Laundry Day at Mrs. Thoreau's" was a joy to read. The foundation of family support and love shines through these strong female characters as they share in the mundane and distasteful cleansing of soiled clothes. Using history and humor, Shayne Kennedy has stripped down the famous genius of Thoreau into common humanity and basic roots. This has inspired me to research the Thoreau family a bit more. Thank you for a wonderful one act! (I have a renewed appreciation for my washing machine as well).

There’s so much to love about this play. It contains two excellent parts for women, with sharp and funny dialogue. It also offers food for thought. Who knew Henry David Thoreau lugged his laundry from his cabin back to his mother’s house? That he took a restorative nap while his mother and sister washed his clothes. That his sister Sophia was equally intelligent and capable. If I were asked “what is this play about”, I’d say it’s about two women who might have achieved remarkable things if a man had stayed home to do THEIR laundry.