Plot - An autistic son & how it impacts his mom, dad, and sister. Grandma comes to visit and sees what it's like. Needless to say, she's a little shocked at some of the activities that go on in the house. Poignant, sad, funny at times. Was a bit confused when the (6th) character knocks on the door towards the end of the play, but then it is explained later and the plot makes sense again. The big question is: when is enough considered enough? Do they want to put the son in a group home?
Location - a 30 second walk from a MAJOR subway station; can't beat that. I think this is my favorite theater to go to; I wish more things played here.
Running time - A concise 1 hour 19 minutes. If show starts at 8pm, you'll be out on the street at 9:19pm.
The writing is that of a tv movie, but that said, the play holds one's attention throughout, and one empathIzes with the characters and their situation. It's honest and true, sad, painful, and affecting. It's taut and without an ounce of fat, blather, or pretentiousness, unlike so many of the plays of late. There is a plot twist that is very well done.
I recommend this play, and especially Julia Murney's beautiful performance, which, alone, is worth the price of admission. Without the slightest histrionics, she conveys the multiple dimensions and conflicts of her character. I have always admired her work, but never has she had a role that allowed her to display the full range of her talent. She has it here.
One of the toughest shows I have ever sat through, and I mean that in a good way. The show kept me and my friend talking for hours afterward. Also Julia Murney wow what a performance and the lead guy who played Josh (wow wow wow).
For those of you still wanting to see this, it's on Goldstar today for "free." Based on everyone's recommendations so far I am going to give it a shot.
"Pardon my prior Mcfee slip. I know how to spell her name. I just don't know how to type it." -Talulah
Saw this last night, and it was a great evening. The range of emotions you go through for the family was incredible. Both Julia Murney and Daniel Everidge give stunning performances. They did a talkback after the production last night, so you could truly see how different Daniel was when compared to the character of Josh that he plays so well.
Interesting nugget was that the play has some autobiographical roots for the author, whose son is autistic. I'd never seen anything at the Minetta Lane Theatre either, and was impressed by the facility too. Great evening of theatre - I'd highly recommend!
Saw this tonight and very much enjoyed it. All five actors are great, and as others have mentioned this is finally Julia Murney's chance to really show off her talents. I've enjoyed her performances in the past, but she's always come off as crazy belter first and foremost. Now with the singing stripped away and Murney given a juicy, well-written role, she's dynamite.
I liked both plot twists and thought the play flew by. I thought this was so much better than both Grace and If There is... (Funny enough, at one point a character asks Murney about her autistic son, "Isn't there some place he can go?" to which she responded, "If there is we haven't found it yet!" My friend and I had to stifle our laughter!)
Overall a very worthwhile night at the theater.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
"Funny enough, at one point a character asks Murney about her autistic son, "Isn't there some place he can go?" to which she responded, "If there is we haven't found it yet!" My friend and I had to stifle our laughter!) "
I can't believe I'm going to defend myself to you, but we were totally engaged the entire show. If we hadn't been so engaged we probably won't have been paying enough attention to hear the line and make the association in the first place.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
There were no gales of laughter. I said we stifled the laughter, which means we didn't actually laugh. No one was disturbed; we were sitting in the last row, far away from any other patrons. All we did was look at each other knowingly and then turned our attention back to the play. I'm sure if we heard a character say, "Rags, you gave me rags!" we would have had the same reaction.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
I must have seen a different show than all of you, because I saw Falling last night and wanted to get out, ASAP. I work with young adults on the autism spectrum, so before you tell me I didn't understand it, just stop. What was the point of the play?
Saw this on Sunday afternoon. The most poignant theater experience I have ever had. Talk back afterwards made it so much more real. This is must see theater. Having dealt with autism in my life, this is so much needed. My friend did't stop brawling thoughout the entire play including the talk back when a young autistic man got up and spoke how much he related to Josh. I had to shake her. Oh 75% stayed on for the talk back. NOT ONE negative thing was said.