←Recommendations of The Lingering Scent of Oranges

I love a play where a simple object can carry serious emotional weight, & all the more so when it physically changes its state of matter before our eyes. Melted candles, broken dishes, & changes of heart -- nothing's quite the same on the other side of these 10 minutes.

"The Lingering Scent of Oranges" is a lovely, gratifying rendering of two sisters and the strict imprint their parents left behind. Steven G. Martin's beautifully crafted exchange made me reevaluate my tendency to overplan and save the "good stuff" for special occasions. I'm ready to renew my passport and break out my mother's good china for an impromptu tea party with my young daughter. Every day is special. Every day is a gift. Thank you, Steven.

Never was the adage "You can't have your cake and eat it, too" illustrated more humorously or elegantly than in this quirky two-hander, in which a half-burned candle becomes so much more. Filled with two colorful and specific characters (we all KNOW these women!), the piece reminds us that the pleasures of life are to be enjoyed, not put away for an imagined "later" that may or may not ever come. Depending on which sister you align with, the play will either make you gasp and clutch your chest or nod knowingly. A warm, funny, though-provoking delight!

What a glorious, twinge-ridden love letter to sisters, to the discovery that life is meant to be lived, that love is shown by breaking out the good china during a noon visit; were I to do an evening of love stories, I'd include this one: the love between sisters, and the love of oneself. Go, Melinda, go!

A no-longer-so-young woman in a swimsuit in a winter living room is the striking opening image of this lovely meditation on time, late middle-age, and choices. Melinda's newfound lack of fucks to give is a joy to witness, as she firmly parries the shaming thrusts her older sister Robin dishes out. The lifelong bonds and deep differences between siblings are laid bare in this encounter, one that's either joyful or heartbreaking, depending on which of the two you ask. Great roles for women, especially the newly-unapologetic but still-loving Melinda. May her frequent flyer miles never expire.

What a battle royale between the forces of joy and growth and the forces of fear and stasis. These are two vividly drawn characters whose disagreement is both funny and moving. Ultimately, Melinda shines as bright as the special candle she is burning.

Oh is Melinda a breath of fresh air in this play! I loved the character here even as I was frustrated (and yes, I think you're supposed to be) with Robin. Robin has already resigned herself to the grave in all ways here. Her life seems to be living on the sidelines, while Melinda is ready to be back in the game! And I applaud her for it. Steve Martin writes the best characters in that they bring out an emotional response in us, the audience. That's what good writing does.

Two sisters "of a certain age" push and pull against the bonds and boundaries of family and tradition and expectations in a delightfully real and bold dance. Steven Martin beautifully creates relatable and authentic characters that leave you with a linger question of "what happens next?" and wishing for more of Melinda and Robin.

Steven G. Martin gives us a simple setting, two chairs and an end table, allowing us to focus completely on his engaging characters and their lively banter. The humor is great, and there's a cool message about embracing life and not being afraid to break some rules. Martin's knack for creating memorable characters shines through again in this piece. Bravo!

Two sisters - of a certain age - face aging and death with vastly different philosophies. Melinda wants all she can get out of life, while Robin the realist wants to follow society's rules. The two women obviously share a love for one another, but neither can live life as her sister wishes. A fine play. Highly recommended.