←Recommendations of The Pity Mourner (Ten Minute)

Paul Donnelly creates very specific characters and very sad given circumstances in "The Pity Mourner," which would make me cry. But when Donnelly introduces a bit of kindness, options blossom for the reserved and perhaps dour Margaret. It feels that she has made a life-altering decision in this short play. I'd love to read more of her and Archie's story.

This quiet, gentle play is filled with so much emotional resonance -- grief, curiosity, humor, loneliness, resentment. Kudos to playwright Paul Donnelly for creating such well-drawn and interesting characters who are really affecting. That's not easy to do in a 10-minute play!

In the unlikeliest of places, Margaret and Archie, two middle-aged strangers make a connection. It’s a brief but endearing encounter that leaves us hopeful and wanting more. Well done.

Love can be found in the strangest and saddest places, as seen in Paul Donnelly's bittersweet short, The Pity Mourner. I was immediately charmed by these two characters, from Margaret's grave circumstances and solitude to Archie St. Claire's graceful random act of kindness. So achingly endearing, honest and hopeful. Mother would be proud.

Sweet and melancholy rarely go together, but Donnelly's play combines the two in such a deft way that I'm almost in disbelief. Archie's question could so easily be another case of improper time, improper place, but instead reveals itself as two people taking a chance and embracing "yes" in the face of mortality. A most thoughtful and tender piece.

A really lovely ten-minute two-hander about connection--in a very surprising place--with two wonderful roles for older middle-aged actors. Beautiful.

An endearing two-hander! A “meet cute” set in the unlikeliest of places! I very much enjoyed reading this in THE BEST TEN-MINUTE PLAYS 2023, published by Smith & Kraus.

A sweet two-hander in which an unusual act of kindness toward a reluctant recipient may bring about great change. Paul Donnelly’s writing, as always, is economical and exquisite. A situation and characters that draw you in instantly and make you care deeply. Highly recommended!

A beautifully mellow piece about 2 people connecting in the most unusual of circumstances, and of how kindness - and gentle perseverance - can break down our protective barriers. I too would love to see this short play expanded.

Enjoyed reading this, if you can 'enjoy' a funeral scene. I love how Paul has thought up this setting for 2 strangers to meet. A lot is left unsaid which adds to the emotion. It stands alone well as a 10 min play, but I could also see it as the first scene of a longer story, wondering how it would unfold.