Recommended by Francis RTM Boyle

  • Embers from A Life of Fire
    15 Feb. 2018
    Embers brings Ota Benga to life and illustrates his fortunes through the lens of his tutoring Young Hunter. The prose is compelling, Ota's syntax is consistent and precise, DJ Jones clearly took great pains to make it so. The story, comedic and tragic, chronicles the life of the ultimate outsider- a man without country, his only home lost to him. He's been used by greater powers but only wants to go home. D.J. Jones asked me to tell her what is wrong with her show. The only thing wrong with Embers is that it has not yet been produced.
  • FRANCIS/FRANCES: A SUNDAY SCHOOL MONOLOGUE
    14 Feb. 2018
    As Francis or Frances (depending on gender) tells this story, I was convinced- this is how a child would tell this story. The point of view is unique, the passion is genuine, and I can't tell what parts are deeply held convictions and which parts might be parroting. Kudos to Asher Wyndham for threading a tough needle by writing a believable monologue for a very young actor.
  • Black Diamond
    27 Apr. 2017
    Black Diamond might well be called a Zoo Story of male pride. Neither character is clean of the charges made of them, and uncertainty reigns until the last moment. An interesting and troubling piece.
  • Picture Me Rollin' (one act)
    19 Mar. 2017
    Someone you love is hit by a car. You don't know if their soul still resides within their atrophying brain. What's next? Nothing pretty or clean. Diana Burbano shows us a family trudging through the mire of medical hell that accompanies a major trauma. It is brutally truthful: it is the Ecclesiastes 3:4 in full illustration: "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." My favorite line: "Bowie. You. Snape. All the magic boys are dead." Simply bittersweet.
  • A Life Enriching Community
    19 Mar. 2017
    The greatest triumph of "A Life Enriching Community" is the treatment of the main character's sexual orientation as a complete non-issue. Love drives this story, it permeates the needs and drives of the characters. Philip Middleton Williams makes a point I wish were more obvious: love is love is love- what parts you have are only important if you insist they are. We're left with a fully realized, lovely couple who are about to embark on their latest (and possibly last) adventure. And they do it hand in hand.
  • Fabulous Monsters
    4 Sep. 2016
    A heartfelt and spectacular portrait of two women who have known the best and worst of each other for years. Diana Burbano's voice bursts forth and makes a joyful noise. The scenes of days gone by and those of the present day blend seamlessly. Sex, Drugs, Punk, and Rock'n'Roll are the background for a great generational tale.

    A play I'd be honored to direct, with incredibly strong roles for five actresses and an actor.
  • Linda (Monologue for a Latina)
    23 Aug. 2016
    Linda is a joy of empowerment and self-discovery. In just a two-page monologue, Diana Burbano shares the life story of Linda, "A young Chicana woman dressed in a Wonder Woman costume and carrying a guitar." She finds her heroes, finds her strength, and you just have to root for her. Perfect for any strong actress.
  • And Twice On Sunday
    9 Aug. 2016
    The situation is ubiquitous in all depictions of espionage, but a rookie spy fails on an epic level. In many ways this is a workplace comedy, but the fate of the world may well be at stake. After this hilarious play, you'll never see a spy story in the same way.
  • Is This Seat Taken?
    9 Aug. 2016
    This play is a wonderful and clever staging of the Hail Mary Pass of relationships- the restart. Charlie and Nat are clearly drawn and compelling characters. Mr. Sytsma's writing breathes creative life into a situation we have seen reduced to a sitcom gimmick. We're pleasantly reminded that relationships are ever evolving.
  • That Kiss
    7 Aug. 2016
    That Kiss is an insightful joy. DC courageously lets his characters be messy as well as messed up, and it is great fun to watch them in all their complexity.

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