←Recommendations of A Johnnie Walker Blue Christmas

This short play is so wonderful in its story details and that's because of John Patrick Bray's skills. The setting, rich and detailed and full of possibilities. The characters and their backstories and shared personal history? Same. I also love the themes of generosity, of apology and (perhaps) acceptance, of letting go and moving forward. "A Johnnie Walker Blue Christmas" is a feel-good play. It is, indeed, peace on Earth and goodwill to man. [24/09/26]

Sometimes you read something that completely blows you away. It can be unexpected when this happens but happened it did. This play is brilliant on every level. It’s profound. It’s stellar. There is simply not enough accolades I can provide that do it justice. You must read this play. It’s worth it!

I was fortunate enough to attend a reading of this play, and it has stayed with me ever since. Transported into the world of Randy and Stoge, amidst the flickering Santa and the soul-stirring saxophone melodies outside the stage is set beautifully. With authentic dialogue and rich characterizations, the playwright skillfully delves into themes of forgiveness, redemption, remorse, and the essence of generosity. Pour yourself a glass and dig in! Bravo John.

What a beautiful moment in an unexpected place with unexpected connections... and one musical new one. While Christmas may be known for its ghosts of past, present, and future, it's just the actions of past alone that haunt two old classmates in this poetic and atmospheric short play by JOHN PATRICK BRAY. This is the kind of holiday play that feels real for the holiday season. Regrets. Grudges. Amends. Thank you, John.

I imagine I was both Randy and Stoge at some stage or another in my youth. I never learned to let go of my grudges or my guilt. They may be faded and rarely thought upon these days, but this show is a gentle reminder that we are not forever those awkward kids who didn’t know where they were heading. Great work, John Patrick Bray.

The last thing you want at Christmas is to be haunted by the ghost of bullies past but John takes this interaction, which could end horrendously and sprinkles a dose of Christmas Essence that allows the audience to experience a beautiful moment at the end. I won't say too much for fear of spoiling it but this piece is one that will make you feel warm inside, and not just from the Johnnie Walker.

Vividly drawn characters and a compelling conflict blend to create a unique Christmas narrative. The best aspects of the spirit of the season ultimately come to the fore, but it's the bumpy journey there that gives this piece its real power.

This may be a Christmas play because it takes place at that time of year, but the interaction and the spirits, so to speak, of the moment are universal. John Patrick Bray has a beautiful way of giving us very distinct characters that creates a tension that is palpable; old grudges and memories die hard. The gift, though, is more than just the most expensive scotch in the store: it's the realization that those old grudges and memories can be dissolved with a shot or two and the undercurrent of sweet music.

Christmas is a time for foregivenss, for letting go of grudges and embracing humankind. Unless it’s an old bully, in which case screw that.

Bray creates a palpably awkward reunion between two classmates who were far from friends. Neither Randy nor Stoge fit bully/victim archetypes but are regular guys with incompatible dispositions: introvert and prankster, Nitro meet glycerine. Forgiveness is difficult with a transgression so resonant and an apology so weak. A saxophonist provides great atomospheric and character counterpoint, resulting in a blend of potent personas that goes down with aged, smooth perfection.

A wonderfully crafted short; perfect for the holiday season. A theatrical "cup of kindness"!