←Recommendations of THE FORGETFUL STORYTELLER

I don’t usually get this emotional reading a play, but Jack Levine’s 'The Forgetful Storyteller' hit me hard. Having had a loved one go through dementia, so much of it felt painfully real. But it’s not all sadness—there’s humor, warmth, and those small, precious moments of connection that make you realize how much love can endure. Levine captures all of it so honestly. I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after I finished—it’s one of those stories that sticks with you.

A moving and deeply human play, The Forgetful Storyteller captures the quiet heartbreak of dementia with honesty, warmth, and grace. Jack Levine crafts richly drawn characters whose love and resilience shine through moments of humor and pain. The bond between David and Emma is especially affecting, grounding the story in tenderness and truth. Both intimate and universal, this is a poignant, beautifully told reminder of memory, legacy, and the enduring power of family.

Jack Levine's "The Forgetful Storyteller" is that rare character-centric piece that hits all the right buttons, drawing you fully into the lives and trials of it multi-generational family of protagonists as they deal with growth, aging, career, and the ultimate loss of a loved one to the tragedy of dementia. Watching the journey of the patriarch, David, as he fights to protect his loved ones while struggling with his own cognitive decline is the true gut punch of the best kind.

A gentle and sad family drama about a man's battle with dementia and its reverberations throughout the lives of his loved ones. The side stories of the family members are nicely drawn and flesh out the play in a rich way. It's a difficult but rewarding read, and it resonates whether or not you've seen someone close to you suffer in a similar way.

"The Forgetful Storyteller" is a touching piece of theatre on strong, deep relationships. The characters of David and Emma provide excellent opportunities for actors to take on complex roles, developing as Levine excellently crafts the progressive nature of dementia for David and his loved ones. With a medical condition that leaves families heartbroken, we are shown the beauty of family, story, and legacy that give the audience hope.

A heartfelt piece which reminds us of the impact we have on one another. How we can be anchors for one another. Lovingly drawn characters. Bravo.

Wonderful, warm relationships are on full display in Jack Levine's "The Forgetful Storyteller." Tackling a sensitive topic like dementia can be challenging, but Levine uses an emotionally accessible approach with likeable characters (except for one villain), providing his protagonist a gently decline. It's a heartfelt and compassionate telling of one man's struggles with the disease highlighting the importance of loving family and good friends. Excellent story-telling.

I am always drawn to stories involving multiple generations and the ripple effects that occur when the patriarch or matriarch is afflicted with a health issue. Jack Levine does a wonderful job of showing how dementia of a very beloved father and grandfather affects everyone in the family in profound ways. I was intrigued by a subplot involving the granddaughter and David’s heroic intervention. I also was moved by the granddaughter’s speech about rocks and how they can be “anchors,” much like David. It was a strong ending to a multi-layered, nuanced drama.

Jack Levine's The Forgetful Storyteller stayed with me long after I finished reading. As someone who has witnessed dementia firsthand, this play felt like a quiet, honest reminder of what that journey holds. It moves through tenderness, humor, and the slow heartbreak of watching memory slip while love remains. This is a deeply human work that deserves to be experienced in performance.

Wonderful storytelling by Levine here as you're drawn into the lives of this family: their joys, their struggles, and their steadfastness in the face of the "evil" taking their husband, father, and grandfather away from them, piece by piece. We are with David as he "fades away," and yet, just like any good storyteller, he is able to remain by what he leaves with those who loved him most. A lot of love to be found in this play, and it provides a very warm experience indeed reading or seeing it.