←Recommendations of BIRTHRIGHTS...and WRONGS (a 10 minute play)

The artistry of playwriting is on full display in Marj O’Neill-Butler’s two-hander. The dutiful husband absent from his wife’s side, the meddling mother-in-law who desires to see a live birth. Seems predictable except that these two are in the waiting room for two different births. Excellent characters, surprising escalations, and bonding over transparency with each other. Mark’s show is fantastic. Highly recommend.

Few events in life are as life-changing and life-affirming as the birth of a child. Marj O’Neill Butler showcases the fears, the joys, and the regrets leading up the big moment. I loved the unusual, unexpected friendship that evolves in a few minutes in the waiting room between a jittery new dad and a grandma feeling left out of her own grandchild’s delivery. Wonderful dialogue and heartwarming ending!

Marj O'Neill-Butler has a unique way of getting us to know and feel characters so well that within a few lines we feel as if we've known them for a very long time. We are here witnessing two strangers brought together by the miracle of two births taking place off-stage and yet we know how both of them will be welcomed into the world by their families. A touching and truthful moment for father and grandmother with worthy amount of love, humor, and compassion.

This is a first I’ve read of Marj’s plays…it was wonderful. I would like to point out the fact, of how she used my name; thank you. If you are looking for a play that deals with truthfulness and heartache all in one, this is the play for you. This play is prolific. Masterful. Well done.

Ms. O'Neill-Butler, who always writes relatable characters and dialogue, has brought two strangers together about to embark on parenthood and grand-parenthood, having had to overcome mistakes, tragedies and fear. And they have and will, all in the name of family. This is a charming and in the end, moving piece about being supportive, even to people you don't know. Sometimes, you can have the most intimate and emotional moments with people you hardly know.

Playwright Marj O'Neill-Butler has crafted a sensitive two-hander with some laugh-out-loud lines. You'll find yourself rooting for both Gregg and Pam as they face their inner demons and summon the courage to show up in life for the people they love. An expertly written short play on the defining moments in our lives. Read it, produce it - don't hang out in the waiting room like Gregg and Pam!