←Recommendations of Aunt Nellie's Two Cents Worth

The first thing that struck me about Aunt Nellie’s Two Cents Worth is how effectively Baker uses an eye dialect to enhance the naturalistic dialogue and capture the language of 1950 Indiana. More than the language, Baker captures the values and mindset of the times and the region. It’s worth considering how times change, but people not so much. Really well done.

We had the great privilege of reading this piece as part of our Sunday night playreading and in it, Don offers a fabulous powerhouse of a character in Aunt Nellie as she puts Flo to rights about the decisions in relation to her son's career and relationship. It's a fascinating and emotionally tense family drama but you'll find yourself wishing you yourself had an Aunt Nellie.

Not having a tight-knit extended family nor one steeped in religion, I'm often taken aback by how much power elder generations wield. Or think they wield.

Here, Flo's family is jeopardized by an age-old predicament: a son moving on from the life he was supposed to build on and pass down. Even worse, he's been ensnared by a woman of another faith. Baker steeps familiar tropes in a deeply personal reality, where family history is both weapon and salve. Flo and Aunt Nellie remind us people who live and think like this still exist and are capable of adapting.

I was impressed by Aunt Nellie's more practical take on the inevitability of progeny never taking the path that is expected by parents. Preserving a way of life becomes the primary goal for some parents, whether the children want it or not. Flo is afraid that way of life is going by the wayside and isn't prepared to let her son do that to her. But thank God Aunt Nellie is there to provide some much needed perspective on the matter. A smart, charming bit of country wisdom by Don Baker goes down as smoothly as Sugar Cream Pie does.

Aunt Nellie's two cents offer invaluable and compassionate wisdom in the face of Flo's disgruntlement with her son's career path and potential spouse. These women are depicted with great care and attention to detail giving this slice-of-life play its heft and substance.

Enlightenment, be it a word of advice from an elder, or something discovered on your own, comes in the most opportune times, even if it's a little late. This gentle and moving two-hander is ample opportunity for Flo and Aunt Nellie, and we as onlookers learn, too. And I envy the actors who get to spend time with them.

This short "slice of life" two-hander, set in 1950 Bible Belt Indiana, gives us a lovely sliver of Hoosier sugar cream pie and the less sweet flavor of religious prejudice. Nellie and Flo give us pause to think and re-evaluate society's perspectives in the 21st century, and to question the reality that old bias still lives and still divides. I enjoyed the read.

With "Aunt Nellie's Two Cents Worth," Baker has captured the very essence of a particular fear - and the prejudice it engenders - that embedded itself in rural Indiana. Aunt Nellie's life story give her a different perspective, which she does not hesitate to share. A delightful play, sprinkled with Hoosier wisdom and laced with universal truths.

“Sometimes I wonder if God cares as much as we think He does,” and just like that Baker zeroes in on the petty differences that keep people apart. Baker has an ear for family - what’s said and unsaid. His characters may be imperfect but they are capable of thought and change - the things that make us human. Aunt Nellie and Baker know their stuff.

Aunt Nellie’s Two Cents Worth is rich in character, homespun wisdom, and Hoosier dialect. As a mother worries she may be losing her son to his fiancée’s family, all the more worrisome because they are of a different faith, in steps Aunt Nellie. The dialogue is comfortable and airy, concerns are expressed and wisdom imparted in just the time it takes to fold a basket of towels. Perfect!