Okay, so there's a sharp turn in this one. I don't want to give too much away, so just read it and prepare for a gut-punch. Also, teachers are severely underpaid.

"Failing" reminds us that being a teacher in the US requires so much more than the job description - especially with what we're facing currently. Erin Moughon packs so much into this short play, but always manages to find the heart and humor, even after the devastating twist. The fact that this IS HAPPENING in our country makes it even more devastating. And it makes me appreciate our educators even more. Thank you.

This remarkably affecting short two-hander starts as a teenage melodrama until a sudden (and, for this audience member, wholly unexpected) plot twist turns it into something much more. "Failing" turns into a celebration of everyday heroism and a potent reminder of all of our responsibilities for one another in these dark times. Which is a lot for a 20-minute play, but "Failing" pulls it off.