Part of FringeNYC: A producer’s life goes off-script after one son is diagnosed with autism, another yearns to be a princess, and her hair catches fire! Doreen's funny, heartfelt story about accepting those you love, even when they’re not what you expected.
... Read moreCategories: Solo Show, Comedy, Local. From Doreen Oliver. Written by Doreen Oliver. Directed by Janeece Freeman Clark.
FROM THE ARTIST:
EVERYTHING IS FINE UNTIL IT’S NOT is a heartfelt, personal comedy about Doreen, a workaholic film producer whose life goes off-script after her son is diagnosed with autism. As she tries everything the experts advise to help her young son become more “normal,” she seeks strength from her mother and aunts, a funny, irrepressible crew of old-school African-American matriarchs born and raised in Newark, NJ. Under the loving yet scrutinizing eye of her mother – who insists she could be a better housewife by ironing her husband’s clothes and feeding her kids things other than quinoa - Doreen feels like she’s failing her child in the one job that matters most.
EVERYTHING IS FINE UNTIL IT’S NOT explores the relationship between parents and their children, and the ability to accept those you love, even if they’re not what you expected.
"Oliver is an energetic and captivating performer who truly puts her heart into her performance, showing skill in both her movement and her delivery. Her vivaciousness is contagious, and one cannot help but root for her and her story of determination....While one might expect a story about motherhood and the challenges of autism to be overly sentimental and preachy, this production is rather an honest, heartfelt tale about family, love, and motherhood that anyone might relate to." Full Review
"A fresh and eye-opening look at what it’s like to raise an autistic child…Oliver has keen insights into the ever-opinionated world around her, and paints a painful yet beautiful picture of the challenges that she and her son face daily...She radiates bravery and compassion, both as a performer and as a mother. I would happily have stayed beyond the one-hour running time to learn more about how she and her inexplicably special Xavier experience the world." Full Review
See it if you enjoy compelling storytelling, beautiful, raw, emotional writing.
Don't see it if you cry easily or dislike solo performances.
See it if One of Fringe's best.
Don't see it if No reason
See it if You are interested in the idea that life can turn out very differently than you expected, but with some unanticipated lows AND highs.
Don't see it if You don't like entertainment that relates to parenthood.
See it if You're someone's parent, and especially if you're someone's child. If you want to be reminded of the magic and lessons in everyday life.
Don't see it if You never laugh at yourself.
See it if A gripping, emotional journey about a woman grappling with her son's autism, a story that transcends. Brilliant acting & writing (& singing)
Don't see it if If you're not comfortable with emotion. Very moving, expect tears.
See it if You have a mother or are a parent, like great storytelling, like unpredictable stories, you enjoy plays that make you think (and laugh).
Don't see it if You're looking for a raucous time or not interested in an emotional roller coaster.
See it if you are moved by personal narratives related to family, or just generally making meaning out of life
Don't see it if personal narrative isn't your thing... if you're not into personal essays or radio storytelling (e.g., the Moth), this may not be your jam
See it if you are struggling with your special child, want to gain empathy for those whose children have particular challenges, want to laugh and cry
Don't see it if you want pure entertainment without thought provoking ideas
See it if you are looking for a real depiction of what it's like to be a person with preconceived expectations that may or may not be met.
Don't see it if you aren't looking for an emotional show, and you don't laugh and cry equally, and you don't appreciate an occasional break out in song.