Talking Blues: Two One-Acts by Cecilia Fairchild

Fairchild handles hefty themes deftly and with magic, making a substantive play feel enlivening instead of draining. ... full review

A singularly beautiful piece of work. Fairchild's writing evokes a deeply lived life of heartbreak, humor, and resolve. Brilliantly realized performances all around. Would call out Darrett Sanders, in particular, whose portrayal of a deeply troubled yet unforgivable father is absolutely enthralling to watch.... full review

Really solid and interesting work!... full review

I loved this show!... full review

Give them all the awards!... full review

A roller coaster ride through human relationships. Loved it!... full review

Such beautiful writing from a first time writer. Great actors. I was pulled in from the beginning. ... full review

The first of playwright and actor Cecilia Fairchild’s two one-act plays is Family Tradition. The piece centers on Joan (Claudia Elmore) – an Oklahoma native living in LA – and her relationship with her dead father whose spirit keeps haunting her. It’s a darkly poetic tale of alcohol and abuse, and how blood binds us – sometimes against our will. Darrett Sanders deftly portrays the alcoholic father Leon with such pain and anguish that it’s difficult not to sympathize with this irredeemable man. Likewise, Elmore gives a nuanced performance as Joan, the daughter who hates her father for what he’s done to her, and yet cannot cast out his spirit. Overall the piece could be tightened, and could use to incorporate comic relief as it’s a bit too ... full review