←Recommendations of 997 Pieces

11.17.24 - As an avid puzzler myself, this one hit home hard. This was sweetly fun, watching these three elderly folks try to out do one another and having their own difficulties in doing so. This kind of script is an actors dream, as the characters are so loaded with potential. There's the dialogue, the physicality and the characteristics of each to play with. I like Toby Malone has specified that these elderly puzzlers should be played by high schoolers in order to enhance the physical antics.

I love this comedy! "997 Pieces" has exactly what you want in a laugh-out-loud comedy: selfish, conniving characters being spoilsports, lots of physical action and lots of conflict, and the sweetest vindication that is perfectly played at the end. This is a tremendous 10-minute comedy that should have a long production list. Bravo, Toby Malone!

The fact that these senior characters are written for high school students makes the play 1000% funnier. I laughed so much while reading; this is such an entertaining play!

Well this is adorable. There is so much physical comedy in this short piece, as well as visual gags. I think the visual I am most delighted by is that one of these three seniors (who are meant to be played by high schoolers) wears a toupee. I don't know if a toupee on top of a teenager's hair is what's intended, but it's what I pictured in my mind, and I'm into it. Who knew completing a puzzle could be so funny (or so stressful)? This short is a breath of fresh air that would be a crowd pleaser!

My mother LOVES puzzles. My fiancee LOVES puzzles. My ADHD allows me to love puzzles for about 5 to 15 minutes. I have not the patience or willpower or strength to finish a 1000 piece puzzle, and doing it competitively in my old age against others would most definitely lead to my utter downfall. "997 Pieces" is hilarious, deceptively heartfelt, and a beautiful reminder of what happens to the things we love if we ever start to take them too seriously. The true winners here are the folks in the audience.

I ADORE THIS PIECE THAT HIGHLIGHTS SENIOR CHARACTERS! Sorry for screaming, but 997 Pieces was a true delight to read. Although written for high school performers, active and senior performers would truly bring it to life.

OH I LOVE THIS PIECE! Physical, smart and surprising at the end! Who knew a play about putting together a puzzle could be so active?! So much fun!

This is a charming portrait of three senior citizens losing all sense of perspective over completing a jigsaw puzzle. Each is a distinct and well-drawn character and would offer the right sort of challenge to high school performers.

This was a joy to read and I used to see some similar battles at my Mom's assisted living place over what seemed like the most innocent of things like Bingo. I love the idea of high school kids playing the elderly people as it speaks a lot about personalities sort of being cemented at the younger age and never really changing much as we progress through this little thing called life. That desire to win at games never goes away. A brilliant ending and one that had me cheering for my favorite of the three men.

Talk about a comedy that gives a group of actors something to have fun with. The jokes don't just lie in the words, but these characters - shaped nicely and clearly by Malone - will be a blast for anyone to step into. The room for physical comedy is great and it ramps up into a hilarious conclusion that is the perfect resolution to this hilarious piece. It also leaves room for an ensemble to bring their own humor to the performance. Great work! DO THIS PLAY! People will love it!