←Recommendations of Backyard Stonehenge

All marriages require work and maintenance, but sometimes a literal representation is the perfect answer. And in BACKYARD STONEHENGE by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn, the couple in question is reeling from addiction and legal issues that has cracked their very foundation. But stone by stone, they build something new in this play that gives hope for their future with humor and heart.

If you build a replica of Stonehenge in your yard (using your scary neighbor’s landscape stones without permission), will it make you feel bigger, will it make the wonders of the world feel closer, or maybe just smaller? Priskorn gives us a touching and comedic look at a couple trying to pick up the proverbial pieces after one of them makes an irreversible mistake that costs them not only a trip to see the real thing, but possibly their marriage. Maybe a small Stonehenge can provide a much needed miracle, which may last even after the neighbor finds out.

In the intimate confines of a suburban backyard, TJ's makeshift Stonehenge becomes a powerful metaphor. As the stones align, so do the fractured pieces of their relationship. Amid disappointment and DUIs, Kendra joins in, weaving commitment and forgiveness into the ancient stones. A testament to resilience and love.

A pitch-perfect origin story. It tells us what to expect from the Stone Circle, frames the types of characters we'll be meeting going forward, and opens an almost infinite number of possibilities for the series. You don't have to start here (I didn't) but you'll be glad you found your way here when you do. Really well done.

Backyard Stonehenge hides the dark realities of depression under a mask of grand gestures and deep love, just like in real life. And just like real life it's handled with the easily identifiable humor we use to cope with the trauma of our existence. In a few short pages Jacquelyn crafts relatable characters making the most of a bad situation. Backyard Stonehenge is sweet, and caring, and loving, and briming with an underlying pain. This is an important show from an important playwright. It's honest with Jacquie's signature humor and tight dialogue. This is a great show.

This short but sweet play was a refreshing read. I liked how it showed an impactful scene from everyday life, proving that stories don't need to have crazy high stakes to be meaningful. The romance is realistic, and that's what makes it a joy to read (or watch, I assume!). There are speed bumps in every relationship-- the interesting part from a storyteller or audience perspective is how the couple gets over those speed bumps. Overall I greatly enjoyed reading this work.

I was lucky to see this play performed live in Livonia this past February! The relationship that Floyd-Priskorn creates for this piece is so engaging and interesting to watch as an audience member. While the circumstances are unfortunate, the try at romance does not go unnoticed. Really fun script that highlights love overcoming all and caring for your person.

There's a lot going on in this short play, from its fun comic opening to relationship drama and a bit of romance. TJ and Kendra have already been on a journey thanks to the backstory Floyd-Priskorn has created for them. It feels they're ready for the next steps in that journey because of this play.

This is the second of Floyd-Priskorn's plays that I have seen staged, and I suspect it won't be the last. She has an excellent feel for the absurdity of the human condition, and the lengths we will go to please the ones we love...or at least take the edge off their exasperation at our poor decisions. Bonus! If you have never been to Stonehenge, she brings Stonehenge to you...

This is a delightful and touching play that focuses on a young couple pushing through a rough patch in their relationship. The concept of building a Stonehenge in the backyard serves as a symbolic representation of the couple's attempt to recreate a missed experience. It's a unique and creative element that adds a dash of theatricality to this heartfelt script.