←Recommendations of The Butterfly Anchor

The key to my heart is a specific, lovable character. Needless to say, this play had me at Angela! The spectacular feat this play accomplishes is bringing the unflappable, fiercely independent Brian to her level.

This carefully structured play moves efficiently through its many emotional beats, with plenty of humor and heart. Every character has such a clear objective that they'd all be a dream for any actor to take on. It's full of lovely moments of symmetry, making the story feel satisfying and complete. The gorgeous, full-circle ending is certain to inspire tears and hope. A beautiful read.

In the context of a man examining himself and his relationships while battling a terminal illness, this play asks a big question: Without empathy are we truly human? While exploring this question, the man, the mother who treated his youthful swimming talent as a commodity, and the caregiver who models empathy through candles and crystals, all fundamentally change for the better and find new levels of their own humanities, in the man's case, even in the face of death. It is a profound and emotionally affecting work audiences will long remember.

Two damaged souls manage to find a connection through a struggle with a devastating and unrelenting disease, each battling it in their own way. Despite their best efforts to keep their distance -- and the shields at maximum -- the two learn from each other and how to face their personal traumas, real and self-imposed. In the end, the caretaker becomes the cared-for, and the weak becomes the strong. It's a powerful tale of reconciliation.

THE BUTTERFLY ANCHOR is a stunning piece of work. As we see Brian, a former Olympic swimmer, come to terms with ALS, a beautiful, emotional and moving tale of new found friendship unfolds. Angela is an unconventional carer, but most of all a total angel, a wonderful character for an actor to delve into. Every character in this play is perfectly constructed, which will surely draw in the audiences attention effortlessly.
This really is an exceptional play which I would pay good money to see!

After living with someone with a terminal illness Butterfly Anchor was an emotional but not triggering read. It skilfully captured the multitude of feelings that everyone involved experience during such a time. These kind of plays can easily turn maudlin but Friedman easily avoids that whilst still packing a weighty gut wrenching punch. In the end we owe it to them to try and live a full a life as possible. Bravo.

As someone who has lost someone to ALS, the changes that follow the diagnosis are terrifying. You wonder when the last conversation with that loved one is going to be. Darrin Friedman captures that fear and sorrow beautifully in this piece. "The Butterfly Anchor" captures the feeling of passing on with Brian while the rest of the cast prepares to enter into a new chapter of their lives. There are quite a few monologues that could be added to an actor's rep book.

Infused with the immediacy that only mortal illness can produce, The Butterfly Anchor tells a heartfelt story of the need for human connection, regret and redemption, and the power of forgiveness. You care immediately for the main characters and root for a satisfying end - even knowing happily ever after is out of reach. Friedman doesn't disappoint, crafting a bittersweet climax that packs a suitable, emotional punch. A couple of audition-worthy monologues complete a script that deserves to be staged. Well done!

What a powerful drama of the costs and gifts of encroaching mortality, of trauma and healing, of grace and connection. This play is populated by vivid, complex, and compelling characters whose journeys it is a privilege to share. The sense of urgency created by Brian's ALS informs every beat. I was riveted and moved throughout.

Butterfly Anchor is a hard-hitting character drama about making peace with your past and present. Friedman has created a play with wonderful backstory and an intriguing plot with a few breathtaking monologues from leads Brian and Angela. A reminder of both the brevity of life and to tend to the people who matter to us, whether our business with them be unfinished or not.