←Recommendations of TROUBLE (at the Vista View Mobile Home Estates)

Audrey Cefaly never disappoints. Strong Southern women, heartache, catharsis, magical realism, and some great laughs all in one place. Florida Rep showcased this play as part of its 2023 PlayLab, and the reading of an early draft left audiences in awe of how Cefaly tells a story with rich, deep, human (and not human) characters. Read it; it's worth the "trouble."

We are pleased to support this play! It was a Finalist for the 2023 New Works Festival at Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas, Texas.

This play is laugh-out-loud funny in so many places, but Cefaly brilliantly resists the tidy ending so common with comedies. There are no neatly tied bows here—even when the play seems poised to head in that direction. It’s messy, and funny, and poignant, and painful, and honest all the way through. A less sophisticated storyteller might have tried to save Euba in the end, or at least to soften her—to make her “see the light.” However, that would have discredited so much that came before. This kind of pain doesn’t resolve so easily.

Four women reveal so much of their differing strategies for coping with their hard-scrabble lives in the lead up to and execution of an unwanted birthday party. At the dark center is Euba, who has seemingly surrendered. She is surrounded by women whose faith and nurturing and willingness to take action buoy their spirits. Euba's despair is addressed through a highly theatrical encounter with a mystical raven. This play is poignant without being condescending and ultimately affirming without being cloying.

Cefaly brilliantly mixes lyrical realism with theatrical metaphor, exploring the mystery, futility and exuberance of life. Euba's birthday is tomorrow. She has no interest in celebrating. She lives an impoverished life, works a menial job, and begins drinking at 6:00 am. Against Euba's fervent wishes, her mother plans a party, forcing Euba to confront her past, the loveless relationship with her mother, and the strange appearance of a human-size raven stealing her bourbon, bringing her presents, and nesting in her yard. Cefaly leaves the audience wondering if this feathered omen is here to claim Euba's soul or save her life.

I adore an Audrey Cefaly play! The Raven as a character is an exciting element.