←Recommendations of Julie's Place

  • Kim E. Ruyle: Julie's Place by Emily McClain
    “

    Annie is thrown into a hot mess when she returns after her mom’s death to help out in the family restaurant. The conflict, secrets, and cream sauce swirl in this well-crafted world and give us some great theatrical moments. The heart of the story is the family bond. And there is perhaps no family bond stronger than one that forms between those to pour their heart and soul into a family business. McClain’s play illustrates this perfectly.

    Annie is thrown into a hot mess when she returns after her mom’s death to help out in the family restaurant. The conflict, secrets, and cream sauce swirl in this well-crafted world and give us some great theatrical moments. The heart of the story is the family bond. And there is perhaps no family bond stronger than one that forms between those to pour their heart and soul into a family business. McClain’s play illustrates this perfectly.

    ”
  • Maximillian Gill: Julie's Place by Emily McClain
    “

    Wonderful writing, brisk dialogue, convincing restaurant-industry details, and a breezy wit really make this play sparkle, but ultimately its strength is in its handling of the familial relationships between these sharply individualized characters. The play takes on tough issues along with easier ones but never feels tonally unbalanced. Instead, McClain skillfully weaves a number of themes and conflicts into an artful tapestry.

    Wonderful writing, brisk dialogue, convincing restaurant-industry details, and a breezy wit really make this play sparkle, but ultimately its strength is in its handling of the familial relationships between these sharply individualized characters. The play takes on tough issues along with easier ones but never feels tonally unbalanced. Instead, McClain skillfully weaves a number of themes and conflicts into an artful tapestry.

    ”
  • Elizabeth A. M. Keel: Julie's Place by Emily McClain
    “

    There's some great storytelling going on here! I loved the adult siblings' realistic relationship, and so many of the one-liners. We get to watch these adults navigate the new normal in the wake of their grief. The play is comfortable being exactly what it is, much like the titular restaurant. No bells or whistles: it's here on a mission to fill us all back up.

    There's some great storytelling going on here! I loved the adult siblings' realistic relationship, and so many of the one-liners. We get to watch these adults navigate the new normal in the wake of their grief. The play is comfortable being exactly what it is, much like the titular restaurant. No bells or whistles: it's here on a mission to fill us all back up.

    ”
  • Quinn Xavier Hernandez: Julie's Place by Emily McClain
    “

    Emily McClain's knack for strong interpersonal dynamics between her characters is on full display in JULIE'S PLACE. No single branch on this family tree feels overlooked and the way each character processes the grief of losing the matriarch, Julie, is fascinating. Funny, heartfelt, captivating, and (at times) an absolute gut punch of a play. Read it and then produce it. I highly recommend it!

    Emily McClain's knack for strong interpersonal dynamics between her characters is on full display in JULIE'S PLACE. No single branch on this family tree feels overlooked and the way each character processes the grief of losing the matriarch, Julie, is fascinating. Funny, heartfelt, captivating, and (at times) an absolute gut punch of a play. Read it and then produce it. I highly recommend it!

    ”
  • Adrian Baynard: Julie's Place by Emily McClain
    “

    Dramady does not seem to do this play justice. It's examination of how grief, words left unsaid, and a crippling family dynamic is captivating, but the humor never leaves us feeling down for long. The play is rich with familial conflict we all have experienced, but has several surprises to keep you off balance and engaged. McClain's piece drips with honesty that makes you want to reach out to your estranged family! Check this piece out!

    Dramady does not seem to do this play justice. It's examination of how grief, words left unsaid, and a crippling family dynamic is captivating, but the humor never leaves us feeling down for long. The play is rich with familial conflict we all have experienced, but has several surprises to keep you off balance and engaged. McClain's piece drips with honesty that makes you want to reach out to your estranged family! Check this piece out!

    ”