How much of what we allow ourselves to believe about life and death is just smoke and mirrors? Mulkerin explores magic, both literal sleight of hand performed onstage and the illusions (and delusions) we adopt to get us through the impossible. With sharp irony, this play counterpoints a magician who doesn’t believe in magic (because he knows how its done) and his once more clear-eyed brother who reluctantly does – if it means some measure of peace for their dying mother. WHEN ILLUSIONS END is built on an ingenious premise and is layered with pathos and insight. Bravo.

This is a unique and moving exploration of how the different ways two siblings have of confronting their mother's imminent death come to intersect. The play also explores the nature of magic and the harm caused by charlatans peddling false hope. The two siblings are distinct and well-drawn as is the situation in which they find themselves. The play builds to a most poignant conclusion. Lovely work.

An absolutely gorgeous and original play about the many different kinds of magic we create in our lives, in our relationships, in our work, and in saying goodbye. I had the great good fortune to read this play in a writers group and became an instant Mark Mulkerin fan. You will too. Cam and Alex, faced with the very serious issue of their mother's imminent demise, craft a plan that will be Alex's greatest magic trick. Filled with fantastic lines, and read-between-the-lines. A must-read and must-produce!