The Belle of Amherst NJ Reviews and Tickets
About the Show
Crafted from diary entries, letters, and poems by Emily Dickinson, this solo play offers a personal look at the life of one of America’s greatest poets.
Show-Score Member Reviews (4)
See it if You want to get lost in the life of one of America's greatest poets as portrayed by a terrific actress who commands the stage
Don't see it if You hate one person shows, poetry, or thoughtful prose
See it if You like Emily Dickinson or excellent acting
Don't see it if You don’t
See it if you're at all literary, you love poetry or Emily Dickinson specifically, or you appreciate masterful one-woman performances.
Don't see it if you prefer straightforward scripts with obvious arcs and tidy conclusions. Read more
See it if you like Emily Dickinson, or if you're open to learning a bit about her life and her words.
Don't see it if you don't like 1-person shows or you're hoping for lots of her poetry.
Critic Reviews (4)
“The one-person play features the brilliant acting talent of Silliman...Expertly directed...the production shines a light on the life, times, and works of the celebrated poet...Luce’s wonderfully crafted play is drawn from Dickinson's own writings, and it is an authentic portrait of the poet's complex personality...Silliman is exceptional...Silliman portrays all of the charm, emotion, spirit, humor, and intensity that the role demands.”
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"That the reputedly reclusive Dickinson would have been so forthcoming is questionable; regardless, Ms. Silliman’s performance is touchingly sensitive as well as unflinchingly commanding...Miraculously, Silliman is not dwarfed by Harry Feiner’s handsome set, which wants only for the kitchen sink...After spending the next couple hours with this Emily Dickinson, we do indeed give her our love. With plenty left over for Maureen Silliman."
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"An impressive feat of acting. To memorize two hours of stream-of-consciousness musings — and then deliver it all in a natural, seamless way — seems to me to be as daunting a task as building a television set from scratch...I feel, though, that while Luce should be applauded for helping to make people aware of Dickinson (1830-1866) and her poetry, he failed to write a truly compelling play...Silliman, as good as she is, can only take this material so far."
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“A two-hour glimpse of more than just poetry...Silliman carried this one-woman show with grace and liveliness...Rechnitz’s production emphasized the life of an individual who made choices, in her poetry as well as in her life, even when they might not have been popular...The marvel of the show was Silliman’s performance...She was amazing to watch...This production encouraged everyone to...seek a spiritual connection through poetry, with nature, with loved ones, or both.”
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