←Recommendations of Abstract Parents

A unique look at modern-day parenting that feels so theatrical and really leans into the magic that can only happen on stage. Goldman-Sherman does a great job here capturing the existential dread of what it means to provide for a small human. This felt very clown-inspired in a way that both looked at the absurdity of the concept of parenting and of staying attractive to one's partner. I think actors and directors would have a great time with this piece.

To be or not to be a parent is one of the most monumental decisions in a human life, & this play really highlights how strange it is that we often need to make that decision in concert with another person, & that for some of us, the decision happens in slow motion over many years, while for others it's an event already in progress that they must respond to on a rapid timeline. A great one act with distinct characters that actors will love to embody & audiences will love to root for.

As an adoptive parent, this play resonated with me. The anxiety, the uncertainty, the fear -- all these are wrapped up and tied with a comedy bow. We care for these characters and want to everything to work out for them. Well done.

Abstract Parents - Well aren’t we all at some point? “Should I?, could I?” to “I’ll make the worst parent ever.” Emily and Jake reach many points on their road to adopting. Completing the paperwork is just another one. Susan challenges them in conversation and in her style of parenting. But they know each other better than Susan does and they’ll figure it out. And you’ll enjoy the journey. You’ll get caught up in Jake’s monologue, as his mind races on as will yours.

I think love is simultaneously the shittiest and most worthwhile human experience, made squishy and messy through vulnerability - and what could be more vulnerable than loving a stranger? This fascinating, bracingly human short reminds us that every baby, whoever they are, begins as a stranger to the people who are supposed to love them most. My favorite part of this piece is the subtle love story at the center, the way we slowly watch Jake and Emily choose to endure that agonizing vulnerability together (and the realization that they have more experience in that area than most). Just lovely!

ABSTRACT PARENTS is a wonderfully written play, which reminds us that parenting, a biological or adopted child, can be challenging, wonderful, scary, heartwarming, but most of all, a blessing. Emma Goldman-Sherman has created a beautiful play, which I would love to see performed.

This comedy is light fun and flirty, while counterbalanced with the weight of Emily and Jake’s fears and anxieties. The play bounces between laughs and heaviness, giving moments of levity between the real fears that many parents to be experience when considering children. A great choice for any theatre festival.

Emma Goldlman-Sherman's ABSTRACT PARENTS bares the fears of adoption, along with the workings of a marriage. This play is a wonderful view of the outset of adoption - the thoughts and feelings that pummel adoptive parents and just why people adopt in the first place. It is also good for birth parents that have not considered adoptive parents. This is a well-written, character driven play that would fare well in any festival. Kudos to Goldman-Sherman for exposing this rarely seen corner of life!