See it if You want a play about a social issue-relationship abuse-presented in a clever manner. You like intimate staging.
Don't see it if You want sharp staging & direction: there's excessive movement & unnecessary volume. I wanted it to settle down & breathe better.
See it if You are interested in relationship issues. If you care about contemorary college life. Appreciate a fine 'boot strap' theatrical production
Don't see it if You require highly polished finished productions. Are uneasy with the important issues of dating violence and sexual assault. Read more
See it if You want to see a play based on a true story that is very relevant, sensitive and eye opening. Want to laugh at times and think as well
Don't see it if You don't like plays based on true stories. You have a difficult time dealing with sensitive matters such as domestic abuse. Read more
See it if If you are interested in stories on abuse and what can happen if you don't pay attention.
Don't see it if You prefer polished theatrical experiences
See it if you enjoy plays about young people in college; plays with a message
Don't see it if you want a more professional staged production
See it if you like plays about young people life's and their challenges
Don't see it if you are looking for a huge production where the importance is never the story
See it if ...you want to learn about domestic violence, care about college issues, want to see work by a promising young playwright.
Don't see it if ..you prefer polished theater, domestic violence is a trigger, want to see work by an established writer. Read more
See it if you want to see a well written show about domestic violence that will leave you thinking. Well done, well acted.
Don't see it if you're looking for more traditional theatre. The space is non-traditional but fits with this show. Read more
"Hyland’s writing is filled with authentic details that vividly realize her central character as well as subtly delineating the rest of the group...Hyland’s highly theatrical treatment infuses such a sadly familiar situation with dynamism as well as restrained sentimentality...With the plucky charm of the young Sandra Bullock, Julia Greer is captivating as the student playing Annie...Director Emma Miller’s exhilarating staging makes the series of vignettes on display quite compelling."
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"The performances are so natural and convincing that it’s easy to be persuaded that this is a devised piece based on personal experience and improvisation. But the play is masterfully scripted from the first curtain speech to the final number…Director Emma Miller guides the production gently without imposing extraneous staging that might disrupt the illusion…These are the fascinating, if somewhat macabre, questions that Hyland's sophisticated play is asking."
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"A sincere exploration of the pressing issue of domestic violence...although, theatrically, it tends to oversimplify and oversweeten its tale...Miller's cast brings high energy...to the production, and Hyland writes with compassion. But the play feels unfinished, making little use of the theatrical elements at its disposal...Hyland seems torn between artistic complexity and the desire to educate…Still, it's hard to fault a young company for tackling a difficult subject with spirit."
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"Annie and Nick's story is typical in many ways, but its very typicality is what makes its telling important...The choice to present 'For Annie' as as play-within-a-play lends it dimension, and it is very successful in creating the reality of its frame...It isn't easy to realistically play non-professionals acting, but the cast pulls it off convincingly. The leads all give solid performances...The play does some interesting things around our experience of authenticity as audience members."
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"Hyland’s sensitive and thought-provoking drama is centered around the story of grief-stricken sorority sisters responding to the murder of one of their own...Nick moves from devoted boyfriend to obsessive and suspicious boyfriend to violent boyfriend. At this point, the play also becomes didactic...The play has the potential to be a powerful teaching tool for a very broad audience. All the ensemble cast members are (where appropriate) engaging, energetic, emotive, or enthusiastic."
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"The ensemble is well formed with a palpable team spirit...While at times repetitive and over-sustained, 'For Annie' is a successful foray into the world of domestic violence...The show well encapsulates the power and sensitivity of complex female characters. Above all, the playwright has created characters that can live, breathe, and communicate without pretense...With such pragmatic actresses under the direction of Emma Miller, 'For Annie' becomes a tale not to be missed."
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