←Recommendations of The Well-Intentioned Reuben

As gentle as a mild breeze and as emotionally penetrating as an unforgettable piece of music. The character in Darrin Friedman's "The Well-Intentioned Reuben" manages to find the center of his soul with just a hint of guidance from a patient therapist. Not a single false note or cliche ridden line. One must see this in performance.

05.08.26 - Plays like this are all about the journey the character takes. Simon is on a journey of discovery, even if he can't see the trail he's on. All he sees is stagnation. But those things provide the footing for the path he's on, and once he sees that, he'll be able to make progress. Darrin Friedman is clever in his writing here, making the audience privy to Simon's pain, and letting them travel alongside, providing their unspoken support as they wish for him to finally move forward.

The Well-Intentioned Reuben quietly wrecked me in the best way. Darrin Friedman writes with such sharp but gentle honesty. Simon’s sarcasm made me laugh, even while his loneliness sat heavy underneath it. I especially loved the introspection and the beautifully human back-and-forth between these characters. And that ending... understated, hopeful, and earned. That final moment landed so softly and so completely for me. No big theatrical fireworks. Just grace.

Well Intentioned Reuben is an insightful conversation during a dark time for Simon. It showcases the power of finding joy in the simplest of things, and sends a positive message about therapy.

It can sound dismissive to call something a "slice of life," but this fits the bill in the best possible sense. This conversation, which never fails to ring true, gives us insight into the characters, offers us challenges, and gives us hope. It's a gift to the reader, and a lovely 10-minute excursion.

The beauty of this piece is two-fold: it's written so that you feel like you're not eavesdropping; you're a witness to Simon and Ellen's conversation and the moments that make a difference. The second is that Darrin Friedman's style is not to present us with a climactic breakthrough but small revelations and realizations that truly mean something more than "eureka!" It's the little things that add up to those moments that matter. Like finding a really good Reuben. Thanks for this gift.