←Recommendations of Underneath

This piece may be only 20 pages but what Dana Hall does with them is quite remarkable. This play is subtly powerful and resonates so deeply for me. Dealing with the end of life, and the difficulties a grown child might have with their aging parents, are challenging in the best of circumstances — and these, of course, are not. Dana has proven herself to be a powerful writer. I know this because I know her work. This play deserves to be among her best.

As someone with definite hoarder-like tendencies, there was a lot I could relate to in this piece. Dealing with aging parents is never easy, for either the parents or children, and Hall captures the love, care, and frustration of this stressful time with clarity and compassion. Sweet, funny, and heartfelt.

UNDERNEATH by Dana Hall is a touching story capturing the emotional battle of whether to keep or toss seemingly silly mementos that adult children often deal with as their older parents shift into the next phase of life. This play is a nice reminder that it isn’t the “thing” that’s important, but the joy and the memories each item holds, creating a family’s history. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this lovely addition to Rhino Theatre’s 6th Annual One Act Jamboree.

We are not only what we hold onto but what we let go of. This sweet examination of a family in the throes of facing the inevitable turning of time speaks volumes to anyone who has had to clear out the house of a loved one. We keep such strange reminders of the past, as if it will protect us from the future.

Sweet, tender, and delightful, this family short piece will connect with many audiences. Between the boxes of "stuff" and stubbornness of everyone involved, DANA HALL has written a lovely piece about aging and choices.

DANA HALL’s short play, “Underneath” is a beautiful piece. It reminded me of the time I had to go through my brother’s boxes of ‘stuff’. He kept birthday cards, notes, newspaper articles, and on and on. Each had an important memory to him, and luckily as his brother, I could remember many of the events associated with all these keepsakes. Wonderful play!

Anyone who has had to deal with aging parents knows this play. Feels this play. Has lived this play. Bittersweet, touching, heartbreaking, and yes, funny. And terrific roles for older actors.

A beautiful, sweetly told tale of aging parents and their son, trying his hardest to do what he feels is best. Features wonderfully emotional dialogue and well defined characters who end up butting heads in an attempt to do what feels right, but there are no right or easy answers in this well told short play. Great roles for older actors. Lovely and relatable.