Reviews of “Let’s Play House”

– Edmonton Journal
“Heavy… Light… Powerful” – VUE Weekly
“Among the bravest stage projects I’ve seen.
Life at its most naked… the actors escape gravity.”
– SEE Magazine

Jonathon and Carlynn believe with artistic perspective
everyone can live a rich life regardless of constraints.
Set to birth ecological culture and inspired economies,
they are sidelined into caregiving:
Jonathon for his mom with Alzheimer’s;
Carlynn for her son with medically-unexplained pain
that reduces him to couch and crutches.
Can their artistic perspective help their families? Themselves?
How can they play on the world stage if fate forces them into a domestic drama?
Let’s Play House pits the creative spirit
against its ultimate test – chaotic caregiving.

Reviews from:
Citizens
Caregiving Pros
Media

Is it good?

“When I try to describe what I saw, I get chills. We were in awe.”
– Sharon Watts, Ministry of Community and Social Services

I was too moved and astonished and raw after the curtain to stay
but I want you to know how good and necessary you are.
” – Robin Haggerty, C.A.L.M.

“The best thing I’ve done all year.” – Judith Amundson

I left the theatre with a lightness I have not felt for a long time. … a support group
focused on your play would be so much more healing and awakening than a LOT
of other groups I have been to.
” – Linda Pattison, caregiver

The rain was horrendous – and a nightmare to get my husband around in – but
the answers to my questions about why I was bothering became abundantly
clear.

– Cindy Pock, Calgary

“Intensely personal…, it explored both the limits and potential of art…
It was at turns hilarious and heart-wrenching.”

– Eva MacDonald

“I was deeply moved, riveted at times, surprised often, and delighted overall. …
My own private miracle unfolded on stage before me. … Sheer brilliance. “

– David Jan Jurasek, MFA, RDT, CCC

“The honesty was mind-blowing. You had me crying and laughing at the same
time. … so revealing and so touching … so much spoke deeply to me.”

– Barbara Sauvé, RN

“Profound is an over-used word, but this was profound. You saw it in the
response of the audience. And you felt it in yourself.”

– Keitha Lamey, Special Needs Educator, TDSB

“I saw 22 shows – only yours made me cry”

– Chloe Whitehorn, Best of Fest winner

It’s not just for caregivers. I have no connection to caregiving, but I connected more with this show than any other

– Lara Masterson

“The highlight of the festival”

– Barrie Edwards

“It continues to inspire important conversation”

– Angela Bischoff, Toronto

But what do caregiving pros think?

“Brilliant – I was totally enthralled – you have a very important play here.
I can’t wait to see it again.” – Joan Barrington, Hospital for Sick Children, Director, Therapeutic Arts Program

Every caregiver both professional and informal should see this.” – Peta Collings, Manager of Volunteers, Agapé Hospice, Calgary

“Helps us all.” – Dale Goldhawk, then-President, Alzheimer Society of Canada

The play prompts and enables people to talk about issues most of us avoid. The dialogue and action are emblazoned in my mind – the scenes give a focus and freedom for families to discuss difficult questions.”
– Tashana Thomas, Co-ordinator Support & Counselling, CANES Home Support Services

“provides the deepest experience of the caregiver’s life”
– Audrey Miller MSW, RSW, CCRC, President, Elder Caring Inc./Soins Elder Caring

“Excellent – a real roller coaster of emotions. Thanks so much.” – Dan McGale, Executive Director, S.C.A.P.D. – Simcoe County Assoc. for the Physically Disabled

“An extraordinarily accurate and penetrating portrayal … Tremendous wit and
tenderness… brought tears to not only myself, but each of my four friends.”
– Stephen Douglas, Psychotherapist

“We look forward to using it to educate professionals and support caregivers
across Canada.”
– Jane McCarthy, A.L.S. Society Canada, Director of Services & Education

“What a great start to the conference!”
“Thank you for opening my eyes”
“It’s like every moment was surprising yet perfect”
“It elevated my life to art – I am living my life on your storyline”
– Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, conference feedback

“You give everyone new hope.” – Barb Beecroft, Leisureworld Director of Nursing

“Let’s Play House gripped me throughout the show… Even now!”
– Roy Bedford, Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta

“I saw it on a whim and will be ever-grateful I did.”
– Melinha Denholme, social worker, BC Forensic Psychiatric Service

And the Media?

All media reviews:

Heavy subject …
light and entertaining … powerful
– VUE Weekly

“emotion-laden, highly imaginative” – NOW


“I did not expect this” – Edmonton Journal

“haunting” – Paula Citron, Classical 96.3

“not a dull moment”
– Mooney On Theatre

“Among the bravest stage
productions I’ve seen. …
Life at its most naked…
the actors escape gravity.”
– SEE Magazine