←Recommendations of Second-Hand Spiral Ham

The reading I heard of this play hit me hard. It starts off like a familiar conversation, but the message becomes so very clear and powerful. The final monologue is so strong! If you aren’t thinking about Second-Hand Spiral Ham for days after reading this, check your heart and read it again.

There is much ado about a ham here, but of course in the end it isn't really about the ham. DC Cathro's subtle yet explosive marital drama demands an immediate re-read, if only to admire how skillfully he scatters breadcrumbs into his disarming, naturalistic dialogue, subtly guiding you down an emotional path that justifies its blisteringly righteous conclusion. A bracing lesson in perspective.

There is so much backstory infused in this play that needs no explanation - you breathe it in. The dialogue crackles, the tension builds, and Cathro gives us an ending that celebrates the best of endings in traditional Christmas stories. Real people, real stakes, a ham, and a truth. You cannot ask for more in a play.

The dialogue in this play captures the authentic texture of a spousal relationship and builds to a searing and moving monologue in which Carla's decency leads to rage over Darren's lack of compassion. Who knew a simple ham could have such resonance?

I literally applauded at the end of Cinda's closing monologue, tears welling up in my eyes. Lovely, DC Cathro, just lovely. A short play that truly captures the spirit of the holidays, or at least what that spirit should be and balances it beautifully with a female spouse who has given enough to her unappreciative spouse but still needs to give. Proud of her.

Only Cathro can take such a potentially shenanigan-bound Secret Santa play title and deliver such a deeply human, deeply empathic experience that will leave its audience spellbound and deeply moved. As Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend says, "The DIALOGUE."
This is the play you secure for your holiday play festival when you want to close things out by bringing down the house with a quiet tour de force.

The DIALOGUE. This play has such wonderful, realistic spousal dialogue, and it all builds to the most amazing monologue of compassion and righteous rage and the spirit of what the holiday season is supposed to be about. Timely and touching, this play is fantastic.

What I love most about D.C. Cathro's plays is the way he so effortlessly infuses the gruffest characters with the most tender humanity. "Second-Hand Spiral Ham" left me feeling hopeful because it shows that while it's easy to treat others — including loved ones — with casual malice, it's just as easy to treat people with boundless love. This is a beautiful piece.

Cathro strongly shows a woman who is pushed too far about her empathy and responds by defending it and negating her husband's casual cruelty. Character and backstory are wonderful and the dialogue, always a Cathro strength, is terrific.