←Recommendations of Going for a Walk with Sam

This play is such a personal and beautiful tribute to lost friends, human and canine. It is clever and unique too, as taken from the perspective of the spirits, not the living. I would love to stage this, it would be a wonderful challenge to have an actor play the part of Sam, as a gentle spirit and not a jokey doggy.
Thank you Philip for sharing such a personal story in such a lovely way.

Oh God. I read "A Tree Grows in Longmont" and sobbed hysterically. But this one hits even harder. Somehow the joy of Sam stabs the heart a little harder. Knowing Philip (and other pet lovers who have lost pets) was full of so much sadness and regret at the end, they couldn't even entertain the idea of seeing a manifestation of their sweet pup Sam. The funny thing about happy memories is they can make you cry harder than the sad ones sometimes. There won't be a dry eye in the house with this play.

Williams’s emotionally honest plays often have many layers to peel away, and “Going for a Walk with Sam” is no exception. While he literally and whimsically portrays the spirit of a departed dog, Williams delves deeper, exploring the spiritual connection between humans and their beloved pets, as well as how that connection can become integral to human pairings as well. Staging this warm-hearted play would be a delightful challenge for director and actors alike and I hope someday to see it performed.

This cleverly crafted and warm hearted walking play is a play about two people and their beloved pup, Sam. Two of the trio are no longer alive, but in a play that is part memory, part dream, that doesn't prevent playwright Williams from finding ways to reunite them. As Sam reminisces and acts out the glorious walks he enjoyed with Philip and Allen, the past springs back to life and the three can forget their sadness at being apart, and remember the magic of being together.

A memory play that comes to life - just as we 'relive' our finest moments - which may also be our simplest and most mundane. Love is recaptured in this beautiful meeting of loves that have moved on, or transitioned, as some say. The transition here is in Philip, himself, able to finally accept the loss of his beloved pet so that they might relive the joy and comfort of being together. I'm glad he can revisit his dog whenever he likes now. I look forward to getting to meet them all on stage.

A great play that touches on memories, with a mystical quality that gives it an otherworldy feel. This play really gives hope and meaning to life, in an affirming way.

Another simply beautiful play by Philip Middleton Williams. There is so much hope in this heartfelt play about the longing and regrets of lost love. And the reminder that those who are close to us never leave.

Part memory, part dreamscape, and filled in with exquisite remembrances, Williams offers up a song of love. It is a thing of beauty that a simple walk with those you love (human and canine) is the stuff that dreams are indeed made of. You wish for these dreams. You're lucky if you had those walks. Luckier still if you get to keep them close to you and call them up when needed. Yes, there are places here for tears. And so many places for smiles. Williams supplies all of that and more.

There can be so much joy and pain when reunited with loved ones who are long gone. And in GOING FOR A WALK WITH SAM, Philip Middleton Williams takes us further into that world where memories, new and old, create a place for healing as well. A production would also enjoy the process of staging this play with a dog and spirits who are portrayed with purpose and vitality.

A tear jerker for sure and what a beautiful ode to all the lost loves in our lives. There are so many we would want to take that walk again with and Philip gives us a true gem. What a nice dream and what a T-R-E-A-T this play is.