←Recommendations of ERSTWHILE

05/02/2026 - A beautiful drama piece where an older couple runs into their younger selves. I love how so much of this piece is up to the audience and their imaginations resulting in a heartbreakingly beautiful piece that can either be sad or happy depending on how you look at it. Great creative concept makes for a great night at the theatre. Well done!

ERSTWHILE,by Debra A. Cole, is a lovely play where a senior couple can watch their same selves at the beginning of the journey parenthood. The nostalgia and hope and anxiety and composure are seamlessly written leaving us with a sweet and calm view of life itself. So nicely done.

I love how much this playwright trusts her audience, never spoon-feeding, but allowing them to piece together the off-stage narrative through what isn't said, making for an engaging, heartbreaking theatrical experience. I think we all wonder what, if anything we'd say to our past selves - would a warning help, or just prevent us from becoming who we'd be in the future, warts and all? That question places this play in the domain of a daydream, relatable to all of us despite its specificity!

Time is a funny thing and playwrights get to pretzel it to our purposes. Cole presents an older couple meeting their younger selves on the precipice of a life altering event. What does one say? What warnings do you give? What would you have wanted to know and would you have listened if anyone told you? Big questions hang heavy over a tiny human moment. Cole tells the story of these two couples separated by time with warmth and grace.

A beautifully wistful and bittersweet piece of theatre, lovingly crafted by Debra A. Cole. "What’s fair about what’s to come?" Nothing can truly spare us from heartache, but courage comes from knowing others have gone before and made it through. You'll want to hold all of these characters close and thank the playwright for "THIS".

In this earnest, tender take on “Erstwhile,” Debra A Cole gives aging parents the opportunity to speak with their younger selves, in the moments before their lives change forever. Nothing prepares you for the challenges, the joys, and tears of parenting — but sometimes all you need is the assurance that it will all be worth it.

“Be kind to yourself in the coming years.” Deeply felt.

The central conversation in this play is an ideal example of dropping necessary information in while allowing the audience to fill in the blanks -- remarkable. A very moving piece of drama.

Each little clue drop in this story pulled more and more at my heart. The more that was revealed, the more you love both versions of this couple.

A wonderful and touching ‘what if’ scenario. Will have audience members thinking about their pasts, presents, and futures!

A lovely and haunting interpretation of "Erstwhile," equally full of hope and heartache. Just like life!
Who among us hasn't wished they could bump into their younger selves in a grocery store ... or that our older versions might appear mysteriously to offer us kindness and grace for the long road ahead?