←Recommendations of HAPPY BIRTHDAY

The act of gift-giving can be as joyful as receiving. Except if it’s the case of an ungrateful recipient in HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Michele Clarke manages to craft a fully realized character with just a few lines of dialogue and some subtle body language. The character may be off-putting, but Clarke’s ability to cut to the heart of the matter is impressive.

Sometimes, it’s what’s unsaid that tells you what you need to know.

A two minute piece that speaks volumes, it explores the differences between expectation and a judgmental reality. Is Claire as rude as she would come across? Yes, and we all know someone like her.

Well written and honest, I look forward to discovering more of Clarke’s work.

Graceless and uncouth Claire is a sight to behold in this vivid short. Her failure to appreciate a thoughtful gift and the reason for that failure are heartbreaking. The set up and reversal are handled masterfully in this exquisite gem of a play.

Oooof! Who is this girl? That is rudeness beyond measure. No one can possibly be that crass! Michele Clarke has created a truly despicable character.

Apparently, it is not always the thought that counts.

In this very short play, Michele Clarke delicately explores the risks of heartfelt gestures and the sting of unreciprocated effort, leaving a lasting impression of the fragility of human grace.

Gift giving is really hard. It's an attempt to connect with someone and show them you care. So what happens when you buy a gift (that you think is perfect) from a cheesy location that everyone thinks is beneath them? Does the source of the gift matter as much as the thought? Can we find perfection in unexpected places? Deep thoughts can come out of this small gem of a play. It got me thinking, for sure!

Such a heartbreaker in such a short piece! I love the way she played with expectations here; this one really packs a punch (and reminds us to remember our OWN grace).

Don't judge a gift by he packaging. MICHELE CLARKE gives us a painful moment where passion and excitement is replaced with arrogance. Audiences will talk after this relatable short piece.