←Recommendations of Early Decision

Mo isn’t ready to let go of her imaginary friend. Clancy, however, knows it’s what Mo needs. This play captures what it is like to be on the cusp of adulthood. Unexpected moments will keep audiences invested. “Early Decision” is a poignant, funny, and compelling short play.

Early Decision has such compelling characters and a funny and poignant plot line, that it inspired me to write a sequel (with a nudge from Playwrights Thriving). I find Sam Heyman's writing style and topic choices to be deeply relatable, creative, and magnificently entertaining.

What a wonderful imagination Sam Heyman has to create such a sweet play. He beautifully captures the insecurity so common during high school years as Mo, with the aid of an understanding school counselor, accepts the decision of her imaginary friend. Clever and heartwarming, a guaranteed festival favorite.

I heartily agree with other's recommendations that this is a delightfully sweet play with relatable characters and some lovely surprises (the floating water bottle/the counselor's unqualified acceptance of Mo's imaginary friend). It's perfectly normal to go through periods of self-doubt at Mo's age, and a little help from a friend, real or imaginary, can only be good. Heyman's sense of whimsy comes through.

I love the early line that Mo says to the imaginary elephant, "Aren't they teaching you anything at that high school of yours?" Also the backpack with an imaginary pocket that's bigger on the inside is a very nice touch - and of course the floating bottle. This is a gentle break-up play in which Mo's fantasy life, as represented by Clancy, is the initiator and voice of reason, another very nice touch that indicates that Mo is going to be just fine.

Growing up is hard. As kids, we're expected to make increasingly weighty, life-altering decisions when we're still just trying to figure out ourselves. Poor Mo has to make decisions for two! And the other person is an imaginary elephant! What turmoil! Heyman's short play is an outstanding hoot, but also has a very tender heart at its center. It is a lovely way into the complex issues of letting go, growing up, and a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best thing a friend can do is to remember that your friends are their own people. Or elephants.

There’s a beautiful rationality in this play which derives much of its conflict and drama from characters desperately trying not to hurt each other’s feelings. Funny and fanciful with equally terrific roles, though I must say I’m partial to Clancy the elephant. You have to respect an imaginary friend who has his own plans.

Heyman gives us a great story about growing up, letting go, and facing the non-imaginary world ahead. This put a big smile on my face that keeps coming back.

It's so hard to move forward in life all alone! This is such a sweet play with great roles and surprises. I love the floating bottle and the fact that no one has to figure out how to make that happen technically. Wonderfully relatable work!

A delightful and surprisingly emotional short play that will both tickle audiences' funny bones and pull on their heartstrings. Who among us hasn't been afraid to venture into the next chapter of our lives alone? Mo's journey in this short play is relatable and real.

Actors will enjoy the nuances this short play offers and a director would have all kinds of fun staging this, as well.

An utterly delightful piece of work. Sam Heyman offers up this quirky 'growing up' story with humour and emotion. It is a simple tale and one with such empathy for the characters that it fills you with warmth and hope. A super piece of work.