Recommended by David Crespy

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    From the initial beat of the drum, which becomes a thrum of a heart, this play takes us deep into the uncanny, a world where a heart transplant recipient, Donna, is forced to come to terms with the heart of a young man, Zach, that has saved her life, but is also transforming her. At times, hilarious, at others, heartbreaking, this is a play that takes a charming metaphysical approach to a medical question, "how much of us is donated, when we donate our organs?"

    From the initial beat of the drum, which becomes a thrum of a heart, this play takes us deep into the uncanny, a world where a heart transplant recipient, Donna, is forced to come to terms with the heart of a young man, Zach, that has saved her life, but is also transforming her. At times, hilarious, at others, heartbreaking, this is a play that takes a charming metaphysical approach to a medical question, "how much of us is donated, when we donate our organs?"

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    I am dazzled by Lucy Wang's amazing ability to drop her audience to the floor laughing with her LIM family's constant sparring, even as the tragedy and horror of sudden domestic violence rages with a line or two of the comedy. Another thrill occurs with Wang's ability to levitate lightning fast multiple conversation threads in the air, weaving heartbreak, hilarity, and an unvarnished view of an Asian family deftly assimilating to American hegemony, even as it dramatizes the intense love and equally devastating pain felt within.

    I am dazzled by Lucy Wang's amazing ability to drop her audience to the floor laughing with her LIM family's constant sparring, even as the tragedy and horror of sudden domestic violence rages with a line or two of the comedy. Another thrill occurs with Wang's ability to levitate lightning fast multiple conversation threads in the air, weaving heartbreak, hilarity, and an unvarnished view of an Asian family deftly assimilating to American hegemony, even as it dramatizes the intense love and equally devastating pain felt within.

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    A devastatingly honest, yet gorgeously lyrical portrayal of dealing with trauma related to domestic violence, alcoholism, and marginalization. Written with lavish dramatic style and sustained by the fierce courage that Maya, a young woman displays with uncanny clarity, even as her pain is etched on her and her mother, Alicia's skin. This play should be seen, now, and become a part of a larger national conversation on trauma and abuse.

    A devastatingly honest, yet gorgeously lyrical portrayal of dealing with trauma related to domestic violence, alcoholism, and marginalization. Written with lavish dramatic style and sustained by the fierce courage that Maya, a young woman displays with uncanny clarity, even as her pain is etched on her and her mother, Alicia's skin. This play should be seen, now, and become a part of a larger national conversation on trauma and abuse.

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    A sad, haunting, and funny play about loss and love, gardening, and the things that love leaves behind. Filled with a special magic that feels real, and throbs with a liminal theatricality that borders on the uncanny.

    A sad, haunting, and funny play about loss and love, gardening, and the things that love leaves behind. Filled with a special magic that feels real, and throbs with a liminal theatricality that borders on the uncanny.

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    We were delighted to include "Spark" as part of our MU Summer Repertory "Comedies-in-Concert" series - our audiences loved the gentle but lively comedy, the positive and powerful message on issues of gender, and the delightful, effervescent exploration of teenage challenges. It is effortlessly theatrical, relying more on imagination than expensive set design, and offers exciting roles for young performers, even as it raises important questions about identity, friendship, and dragons!

    We were delighted to include "Spark" as part of our MU Summer Repertory "Comedies-in-Concert" series - our audiences loved the gentle but lively comedy, the positive and powerful message on issues of gender, and the delightful, effervescent exploration of teenage challenges. It is effortlessly theatrical, relying more on imagination than expensive set design, and offers exciting roles for young performers, even as it raises important questions about identity, friendship, and dragons!

  • David Crespy: TOUCH THE MOON - full-length play, 5 characters by Arianna Rose
    “

    Tough, smart, honoring the victims, and moving like a gunshot through the harsh reality of a young woman's tragedy, Arianna Rose's TOUCH THE MOON is a heartfelt, smart, and beautiful constructed mystery that gets at the worst fears a parent can have. Moving like a knife across the stage, the play works in pulses, shifting scenes, locations, and time effortlessly, relentlessly, in search of truth. It has the unstoppable arc of mother and daughter attempting to connect through the ether, despite the horror of what has happened, and despite the sadness of loss, inspires hope and meaning.

    Tough, smart, honoring the victims, and moving like a gunshot through the harsh reality of a young woman's tragedy, Arianna Rose's TOUCH THE MOON is a heartfelt, smart, and beautiful constructed mystery that gets at the worst fears a parent can have. Moving like a knife across the stage, the play works in pulses, shifting scenes, locations, and time effortlessly, relentlessly, in search of truth. It has the unstoppable arc of mother and daughter attempting to connect through the ether, despite the horror of what has happened, and despite the sadness of loss, inspires hope and meaning.

    ”