←Recommendations of Angel Flight

Take the stress of flying, add an annoying seatmate and have this flight occur on what could possibly be the worst day of your life. This interesting, intriguing and emotionally-charged short play uses this setting to give us a glimpse of a young woman in grief. I've been on board Angel flights and Joe Swenson does a nice job accurately setting the scene. He does an even better job of bringing the impact home with a wonderful story. Well done.

An emotional gut punch caps this intense and intriguing short play, which delves bravely and unapologetically into the unassailable power grief can have over us. Playwright Swenson expertly tricks us into thinking we are witnessing a boorish encounter when we are really privy to something far more complex and enigmatic—yet convincingly real. Once you have read, seen, or heard this play, you will never forget it. Bravo!

07/25/2025 - Wow! I was hooked from the beginning of this piece and it never let up for a moment. Joe has a unique gift the way he reveals exposition and builds the narrative to a fantastic conclusion. A great drama filled with gripping characters, and an ending that really took me by surprise. This would be perfect for any ten-minute play festival and would certainly leave audiences talking. Well done!

An exceptional psychological journey that will stay with you. There's a lot packed into this short piece, and Joe lets it unfold naturally and skillfully. The grief and loss that Joanie goes through is heartbreaking, and her revelation is powerful. You can almost see the dividing line when one part of her life ends and the next begins. An excellent play for any night of short works.

03.18.25 - Dealing with the loss of a loved one is sometimes a burden incapable of being carried alone. But asking someone for help it isn't something we tend to do. Which makes the character of Braden a literal Godsend for Joanie whether she realizes it or not. Joe Swenson's characters here are so relatable you can't help but get caught up in their story. You want Joanie to find peace and Braden seems like the antithesis of that, until you understand why he is there. Touching and beautiful.

A poignant and emotionally charged play that takes the audience on a heartfelt journey through grief, loss, and unexpected connections. Swenson's script delicately explores the complexities of mourning and touches on the profound impact of military service.

Joe Swenson truly is a master of words. A beautiful story with dynamic characters and dialogue. Absolutely thrilling and breathtaking!

I had the absolute pleasure of watching this live. It's an amazing, well told and crafted story and deserves to be seen.

I loved this play on so many levels. As a veteran, I loved the inclusion of the fallen soldiers and the price they paid. I also loved the quirk of a possible actual angel on board to comfort the grieving daughter. This play goes straight for the jugular but lessons the tension with well-meaning Braden which is also a reflection on people's inability to know how to handle the pain of someone else losing a loved one. Joe Swenson packs so much into this ten minutes. I would like to see this performed to commemorate Memorial Day just for starters.

Another fantastic short play from Joe Swenson! As I watched a live production of this play (performed by some FANTASTIC actors), I felt all of the emotions that the playwright so masterfully wanted me to feel along with the protagonist -- annoyance, bitterness, sadness, anxiety, grief, frustration, discomfort, and more. Joe is also known for unexpected endings, and this one doesn't disappoint. A beautiful and well-done play.