←Recommendations of Barn Wood and Blue Roses (FULL LENGTH VERSION)

Barn Wood and Blue Roses seems to be a high-stakes adventure wrapped in blue roses, secret scrolls and dragon wings. But it’s heart is friendship and the lengths young people will go to open their hearts to others even when it hurts. Jacquelyn Priskorn doesn’t shy away from the big ideas - mythic in scope. Instead she meets them head on infusing them with humor, humanity, and moments of welcome grace. A poignant, smartly written play for the youth canon.

Jacquelyn Priskorn's "Barn Wood and Blue Roses" showcases her storytelling prowess, weaving reality and fantasy through sharp dialogue and a captivating concept. Priskorn deftly tackles tough subjects with sensitivity and humor, bringing characters to life with witty exchanges. The inventive use of painted barn wood signs adds a unique charm to the imaginative "Land of Nebulous." Priskorn's talent shines in this heartwarming play that celebrates friendship, imagination, and the magic of a well-crafted story.

Touching and engaging, Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn's BARN WOOD AND BLUE ROSES is storytelling at its finest. The beautiful relationships between the main characters are made more precious knowing the limits that life has placed on one of them. The seamless transitions between memory and now, and real life and fantasy worlds make for wonderful opportunities for creative staging. The unexpected ending packs an emotional punch - suitably poignant for the topics being addressed. An outstanding play.

If you're looking for a play for young teens (actors AND audiences), this is it! In this engaging, heartbreaking play, the kids all talk and behave like real kids, warts and all, and it's refreshing! Not only that, but the story is compelling, with elements of fantasy that would be a blast to bring to life on stage. Still, it never condescends, tackling tough (but real, important) topics in an accessible manner. The friendship at the center of the piece feels strong and genuine, which makes the climax all the more impactful. A unique offering for schools or family audiences!

Bridge to Terabithia was one of my favorite books growing up--and I feel like Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn has captured a new take on that type of story with BARN WOOD AND BLUE ROSES, in that the story uses fantasy motifs to understand childhood experiences with a backdrop of tragedy and heartbreak--but what Floyd-Priskorn has done in contrast to Terabithia is integrated the entire world into the fantasy story, and also integrated the tragedy and heartbreak from the beginning in the fantasy-escape setting. A heartbreaking story about friendship, love, and loss that all ages can appreciate. A beautiful read!

A lovely play with strong roles for young performers and plenty of possibilities for a set, costume and lighting director. Love how Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn weaves a tale set believably between the world of comforting imagination and harsh reality.

I read this beautiful play first as a one act and have now discovered the magic of Floyd’s wonderful world and creation as a full length version. The poetry is still there about friendship and what balm it can be as we find our way through this world, but the world in Barn Wood and Blue Roses is one that is funny, awe-inspiring and builds toward a satisfying conclusion. I would love to see the costumes for this play as well and the set design.

When reading a play there is nothing better than one that invokes great images in the mind and that is what Jacquelyn has done here. The idea of sheltering in this beautifully and creatively described world from the harsh realities of life is something a lot of people can relate to. In this play Jacquelyn has done a wonderful job balancing between the two. Its a play that can make you smile and imagine, although it tugs at the heartstrings. Chelsea and Devon are lucky characters, to live in this wonderful world that Jacquelyn has created for them.

Wonderfully imaginative, yet anchored in the real world —BARN WOOD AND BLUE ROSES appeals to both the kid and adult in me. I love Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn’s inventions (eg: The Land of the Nebulous, The Dragon Lady L’ Sea, the Obnoxylan, D’Nova, The Blue Lady, Mistress Kay) and her deft balancing of the real and the surreal. The wonderful symbolism for cystic fibrosis and its medical applications and the witty, playful relationship of Chelsea and Devon - love the barn wood art - entertains the head and the heart. Terrific and inspiring for all ages!!

Wow, to say this is a stunning and beautiful play does not do it justice. The fantasy world in which the characters immerse themselves in to help young Chelsea is wonderful, moving, fun, silly at times but altogether beautiful. I know that’s twice I’ve described this play as beautiful but it really is, I felt a small tear in the corner of my eye throughout. I would love to see this staged, everyone would!