My Brilliant Divorce
About the show
Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominee Melissa Gilbert stars in this one-woman comic drama that explores how to cope when the world you have built comes crashing spectacularly down.
Rachel Lipsky Haringay is divorced and abandoned by her irritatingly round-headed husband of many years after he discloses his Argentine lover, "Rosa the Posa." Now alone in London, Rachel is left to deal with an empty nest, a disapproving mother, a misogynist lawyer, some dubious counselors, a bad case of hypochondria and the specter of poverty. With only the family dog Axal for company, Rachel mourns her marriage, picks up the pieces, and learns to live whole again.
"The enchanting Melissa Gilbert’s hilarious and touching performance as a newly single woman is showcased in 'My Brilliant Divorce,' a sparkling solo play...Recalls the spirit and achievements of Neil Simon at the height of his powers...Sharp humor, precise details and focused structure...Melissa Gilbert’s brilliance combined with Geraldine Aron’s delightful writing and the exceptional production all make 'My Brilliant Divorce' an upbeat entertainment of substance." Full Review
"Grappling with midlife 'conscious uncoupling' promises to unleash all sorts of demons in 'My Brilliant Divorce.' That no monsters end up appearing in this potentially hilarious vehicle for a woman of a certain age has everything to do with Melissa Gilbert’s miscasting...Gilbert comes off as a sweet shiksa milquetoast, knocked flat by the sudden turn of events but without a proportionate sense of rage; she is delightfully engaging, but has none of the conspiratorial vengeance one craves." Full Review
"A scrapbook of scenes you've witnessed many times before...So much of 'My Brilliant Divorce' plays like an extended comedy routine that when Aron tries to introduce more serious moments, they feel out of place...Melissa Gilbert isn't really the kind of New York wisecracker specified in the script, but she is pleasant company and has certain strengths, including a genuine sense of vulnerability...The mildly diverting script should be much cleverer to justify this trip over familiar terrain." Full Review
"Aron exploits much of her heroine's misery for laughs...The show's stereotypes and caricatures are even more discomfiting...A generally buoyant performance. Gilbert's ease onstage gets her laughs out of decrepit jokes...She relies more on charisma than range...Changes from one character to another are usually signaled through her voice, not her body. While she does credible accents, the overall effect is closer to new characters appearing in an audiobook than on a stage." Full Review
See it if You adore Melissa Gilbert. This solo show is very funny with thought-provoking moments. Staging very interesting. Melissa is captivating
Don't see it if Don't like solo shows
See it if You enjoy one actor productions with simple staging. Melissa portrays the emotional turbulence of divorce very intimately. Beautiful emotion
Don't see it if You expect a large production, glitz glamour. This is a thought provoking, personal, exhibition of the psychological stages of divorce.
See it if You have any experience with the subject matter. To see a wonderful performance by Gilbert. To enjoy some great laughs. Great writing. Go!
Don't see it if If you have no experience in the travesty of divorce.If you can’t sit through slow periods. Any problems with sex or if suicide is a trigger
See it if Well done. Melissa Gilbert shines in this
Don't see it if You don't like one person shows
See it if The acting was very good and showed a wide range of the star
Don't see it if The subject matter was very relevant to the news of today showing a woman who still clung to her marriage after husbands behavior
See it if Gilbert gives a great, very funny and believable performance is this really well written one-woman play.Great direction.Very relevant themes
Don't see it if Sets are very sparse though she makes use of the entire stage and several little props. It never gets dull.
Also This was a very engaging play. Time flew by. ... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy one woman shows about topics relevant to women in their middle years. You appreciate the work put into an energetic 90 minute show
Don't see it if You are looking for more of a play with character interactions and more of a plot. You can’t relate to the struggles of a divorcing woman
Also Melissa Gilbert is adorable in this show. She gives a heartfelt perfor... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see the great talent range Melissa has
Don't see it if you'd be disappointed with a story ending with a man (ultimately) being the reason for happiness after divorce
See it if Gilbert is terrific as the middle aged suddenly solo gal forced to find herself after many years of being a wife/mother. It's 1 womans tale
Don't see it if You wouldn't enjoy a small story replete w/self a self conscious lead who's unsure "what's next " & what to do w/herself "now". Charming.
See it if Wholesome acting.
Don't see it if If you prefer lavish Broadway production.
See it if If you want to see Melissa Gilbert in a one woman show, deal with divorce and being single over 40. The humor is fitting.
Don't see it if You dislike one woman shows.
See it if Love the way she imitated characters telling her story, it funny too. It about breaking up that anybody can relate to.
Don't see it if Not alot of things going on stage. It's talking.
See it if You want to see a quirky, charming play with relatable situations and emotions.
Don't see it if You don’t like one-person shows or need elaborate staging.
See it if Melissa Gilbert stars in solo show moving on as a divorcee from a bad Brit and multiple characters advising. Talented and likable actor.
Don't see it if one person centerstage reflecting on a bad marriage.
See it if Melissa Gilbert is a fasinating actesd and portrays many emotions beautifully
Don't see it if If you don't enjoy a one woman show in an intimate atmosphere
See it if if you remember Laura Ingalls you will want to see her all grown up/ She doesn't look like what you remember. She tried but the writing did
Don't see it if You cannot go home. laura Ingalls is not what you get
See it if you like one-woman shows; if you've ever been dumped; if putting one's life back together is interesting to you
Don't see it if You want a play with characters and action and music
Also This was so believable I thought the actress was telling her own story... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy solo shows. A very authentic look at what happens & how one feels after a relationship ends. Gilbert is wonderful in this.
Don't see it if You dislike 1 person shows or plays with simple staging.
See it if The story really is about how women are treated as they age by men spouse . Such a true story Melissa Gilbert rocked!
Don't see it if If you are a man and are not open minded to what goes on in real life.
See it if you’d enjoy touching performance by Melissa Gilbert as she shows us a glimpse of vulnerability and misery of going through unwanted divorce.
Don't see it if you don’t like one woman shows, topic of divorce/infidelity or struggles of divorcees or if you only enjoy big productions & elaborate sets.
See it if Are a fan of Melissa Gilbert. She did a wonderful job in this very touching one woman show about divorce and how it can affect you.
Don't see it if You are not into one person shows and are not into the topic of divorce.
See it if You want to see Melissa Gilbert all grown up. She is entertaining although the story was nothing new and the ending was predictable.
Don't see it if You want something different or you are not a fan of Melissa Gilbert
See it if Melissa Gilbert did a great job of acting. This would appeal to those who want to travel with her through the travails of divorce.
Don't see it if If you don't like one person shows--although the actress brought other characters into the play with her impersonations.
See it if you're a fan of Melissa Gilbert or would enjoy a middle aged woman's story of her divorce. Excellent job by Melissa Gilbert!
Don't see it if you're not a fan of one woman shows
See it if you'd like to see a very relatable Ms. Gilbert on stage. She's a charming, confident storyteller who holds our interest—few slow spots aside
Don't see it if solo format, minimal set, or mostly fluffy content would irk you, tho you'll likely come away smiling & won over by a scrappy performance
Cast & Creatives (9)
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