Blue Ridge

See it if You don’t mind sitting through two hours of play to get to the interesting climax that you saw coming twenty minutes into the play.

Don't see it if You can’t amuse yourself with things like set and lighting design or don’t mind Lind meandering plot lines.

See it if u want to see a wonderful cast, esp. the always wondrous Ireland, portray broken people dealing w/recovery, insecurity & socialization.

Don't see it if you want to avoid a play that is as flawed as the residents & caretakers of this halfway house; you need a play with a point & a purpose.

See it if you want to see a fine ensemble overcome a third-rate play. There is not one weak link in the cast; just wish they had a better play.

Don't see it if you expect better than a third-rate play.

See it if you're interested in plays about people trying to work through recovery, or want to see a great performance by Marin Ireland

Don't see it if you're looking for a play without flawed or troubled characters or prefer to see something more cheery.

See it if an interesting play about interesting characters makes you want to venture out to experience live theater.

Don't see it if riveting performances by theater veterans just doesn't interest you into journeying to a theater.

Also OMG! Marin Ireland's BLEW ME AWAY with her performance as the character of Alison. From the moment she stepped on stage, she was 1oo perfect living inside that character and it was scary. It was a scary ride that I refused to get off of because I needed to see it to the end no matter how bitter that end might be. Loved the ensemble of actors that filled out this play. Their collective brilliance made this play interesting and heartbreaking. I loved leaving the theater that evening shattered by the turn of events of the characters up there on stage. Thanks to playwright Abby Rosebrock for a story that we don't usually get to see on stage, but only in our personal lives. I wish that there had been a talk back on that night I saw the play. We the audience could sure have used one. POWERFUL piece of theater. THANK YOU to everyone involved.... Read more Read less

See it if Great actors depicting heartwrenching characters dealing with trauma, purpose, and the ties that bind

Don't see it if You want a happy play (although there are plenty of laughs), a traditional narrative, or want to avoid themes of abuse (in many forms).

Also This play felt emotionally raw, honest, and powerful. Ireland was riveting and hard to tear my eyes away from, but the whole cast deserves plaudits.... Read more Read less

See it if you are patient with very fine actors in mediocre productions poorly directed and incoherently written

Don't see it if you expect insight, character development, comprehensively spoken and paced performance (not the actors fault)

See it if Some stellar performances esp Ireland and Kendall. Witty and funny dialogue. Fast paced.

Don't see it if Three meltdowns in one play are too many for you - especially when they come out of the blue.

Also Lead overwhelmed the other characters leaving them rather underwritten - especially the female co-director of the halfway house. Rosebrock could be accused of violating the "Chekhov's gun" rule when she introduces a new character who both the group and the audience are expecting will shake things up somehow and he turns out to be the blandest of all the characters - until, of course, he has a meltdown.... Read more Read less

See it if you like the actors and prioritize good dialogue over good plotting

Don't see it if you want a plot-driven play with clear motivations, actions and consequences that has a legible central theme

See it if You’re interested in life’s mistakes, atoning, repeating mistakes, great acting, cliched characters, and less than developed characters.

Don't see it if You want a fully fleshed out story or characters, want to remember what you laughed so much at (I couldn’t, but it was really funny), or...

See it if Clever writing, interesting and unexpected plot, great acting, uncomfortable subject but surprising twists.

Don't see it if The subject​ matter is complicated--if you have issues with addiction and trust, this may be hard on you.

See it if You like dramas of stressed out people in recovery dealing with their demons and each other. Excellent cast, standout Marin Ireland.

Don't see it if You don't care for navel-gazing, 12-step programs, fast talking Southerners and drama queens.

Also Very disappointed in this one. I never realized people in West Virginia talked so fast. It seemed more like a big-city newsroom than a West Virginian half-way house. That said, the plot seemed predictable, the dialogue pedestrian and Ms. Ireland's performance , while impressive left me cold.... Read more Read less

See it if Marin Ireland is always worth watching. Cozy neighborhood theater conveniently downtown.

Don't see it if Depressing characters and hillbilly accents are a turn off.

Also It's all about the female lead. Throw in some two dimensional characters around her and call it a day. Not a must see by any means. Excellent tech credits. Great lighting and sets.... Read more Read less

See it if witty thoughtful dramas.

Don't see it if recovery issues are triggers for you.

See it if you love Marin Ireland. She, along with the rest of the cast, is fantastic.

Don't see it if don't want to do a deep dive into mental health issues.

See it if you are interested in seeing new works produced by a strong and talented cast

Don't see it if if you are turned off by stories about mental health issues and addicitions

See it if you are a Marin Ireland fan (I am). Another brilliant performance.

Don't see it if you prefer that the entire play hangs together and is consistent. Pretty soon into the second act, the play falls apart.

See it if A brilliant performance by Marin Ireland. Fast paced show that explores gender roles.

Don't see it if If offended by sexual talk, swearing.

Also At intermission I was so pumped and thought this was a terrific show. Marin Ireland and the whole cast were giving great performances and the dialogue was smart and powerful and funny. Unfortunately , in the second act the whole thing began to fall apart and really lacked a cohesive ending. Such a shame but still worth it for the first act.... Read more Read less

See it if You like complex plots about people in recovery where grasping the underlying meanings of things are not always clear. Acting is superb.

Don't see it if You like straightforward plots with clearly drawn characters. But you will miss a great turn by Marin Ireland.

See it if you are interested in seeing people struggling to better themselves. Surprisingly funny moments. Touching. Great acting.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy single set plays that have a single dominant theme of rehab that runs strongly throughout.

See it if you like realism & plays with slow builds, where no one is necessarily right & it's up to you to decide if you think anyone is wrong.

Don't see it if you only enjoy lighthearted musicals & comedies (though there are moments of lightness & comedy in this!) or dislike plays about addiction.

See it if Interesting look at selfishness, forgiveness, rehab, power with fine performances particularly Ireland.

Don't see it if Scenes often have what seems like all talking at once. Dialect often tough to pick up. Big reveal was so what due to the way it was revealed

See it if you want a play about people in pain that subtly challenges what you think about feminism and racism without beating you up with dogma

Don't see it if you don't like sad, intense plays; you prefer perfect political correctness

See it if For new voices in writing about real life and actors who inhabit the challenges of playing it real

Don't see it if Stories of anger, hurt, and flawed humanity are not your thing. These are hard characters to like or watch.

See it if great acting trying it's best to improve a poorly written script

Don't see it if don't like poor direction and poorly developed characters with a pointless and confusing plot

Also As many others have mentioned it is difficult to comprehend extremely fast talking rural accents and much of the dialog is lost.... Read more Read less