←Recommendations of Five Miles Long, Two Hundred Feet High

FIVE MILES LONG, TWO HUNDRED FEET HIGH is a beautiful two-hander by Maripat Allen. Audience members and readers alike should experience the journey these characters take across the Mackinaw Bridge. I love how rich and respectful the play is to Michigan as we follow two people - one from the lower peninsula and one from the U.P.

The Mackinac Bridge, infamous for length and height, provides a comedic setting for Maripat Allen’s delightful “Five Miles Long, Two Hundred Feet High.” Jennifer must cross the bridge, but terrified by stories of cars having been blown over the bridge’s side, she pays someone to drive her and meets Jason, a veteran who understands fear. With Aristotelian unity of time and place, Allen’s play entertains us through every minute of the journey, one in which Jennifer and Jason cross more than the Great Lakes below them. Strongly recommended.

As a fellow height hater - I can relate to the fear, and as a vet, I know how to put the fear inside of itself and move forward. This short piece covered all the bases and the characters were very true to life. I loved the dialogue which I'm certain is a delight to hear live and the story line was strong. I will be reading more of Maripat Allen - she's the real deal. Brava!

Two well-drawn and engaging characters come to face their very different fears in this lovely two-hander. The setting and Jason's mission offer unique circumstances for a first meeting. This is a charming, surprising, and well-executed romantic comedy.

I recently heard a reading of this play and instantly fell in love with it. When I read it I had the opportunity to savor it. It's really a lovely short play with two very likable characters in a fascinating situation. You care about these people and are constantly surprised about how they connect. A total delight!

I love a play that can truly capture Michigan's unique charisma. Anyone who has visited Mackinac or has had to get to the UP knows what a daunting task it is--making it the perfect setup for a rom-com. This is such a charming two-hander with a very sweet, romantic ending.

A truly Michigan play with a universal heart. Driving over the bridge is an experience, for sure. One that might just open Jennifer up to a bigger world north of her familiar and safe life. A very sweet two-hander.

This is an effortlessly charming short play with two instantly likable characters. I see it already has a handful of productions under its belt and I hope it receives more.

Jason and Jennifer, despite having two distinctly different Michigan accents (that the playwright explains right away), have a romantic encounter while in a car. Jennifer's aunt has just died and she's attending the funeral; Jason is ex-Army and picks her up when she needs a driver. Together they find mutual attraction in what amounts to a very sweet rendezvous. (Simple set, could be easily done with a few chairs representing the car.)