To Carry the Child

Jon Courie, of "Jennifer Aniston Stole My Life" fame, has written another beautifully crafted play, this time directing it as well with subtlety and understanding. The production is minimalist - almost Zen in its spare staging and simple scene changes - which serves to highlight the drama and power of the words. Lovely acting - this is definitely a family. Great work by Barbara Keegan, Robin Nuyen, Amanda Phillips, and Sara Allyn Bauer. I saw the very first performance, and already there was a sense of ensemble and an understanding of where the story was going. I expect it will get even better as the actors settle in and have time to find the many sweet, sad, funny and bitter nuances in this piece. ... full review

I saw TO CARRY THE CHILD on its opening night and thought it was terrific! The show was very well cast, and the direction was simple and elegant. This is a very moving play that should be seen. Writer/director Jon Courie is one to watch.... full review

Really enjoyed Carry the child. Sparse set and costuming but it all worked. The actors were superb and the topic...family dimensions regarding a gay child and also who was the favorite child and jockeying for the power in the family was really thought provoking. The author, Jon Courie should keep writing and producing. He is very gifted and has a story to tell! I'm sorry I missed his Jennifer Aniston play. (I cant remember the rest of title...sorry)All in all A great evening...thanks!... full review

To Carry The Child doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. It's simple, heartbreaking, and elegant all at the same time. The casting for me is a little bit of a mixed bag - sure, they certainly give it 110% but a few of them are indicating more than acting, and that takes away from this otherwise brilliantly crafted drama. ... full review

For anyone who has gone through losing a loved one to cancer, bring lots of kleenex with you to this show as it will tug at your heartstrings and bring up emotions that live deep in your soul. There is no greater compliment you can give an actor than to say I hated the character you were playing, and you will feel that way about the father and mother in this play. They cannot help who they are, but you really do want to reach out and slap some sense into them more than once during the show. reminding them to love your children unconditionally and accept them for who they are even if their lifestyle is not one you would have chosen for them. No set, four stools, a few bottles, a glass, utilitarian costuming, all of which let you focus on t... full review

Every word mattered. Such ease and yet such weight, it hit home. I loved every minute and can't thank the cast and crew enough for a wonderful night of theatre. ... full review

Brilliant. Really well written and thought out, beautifully directed. The actors were on point! Tons of talent all around. ... full review

To Carry the Child is a wonderfully moving play that brought me to tears at a few different times. Each of the deep characters went well beyond their initial perception to show us unexpected layers. The play made me reflect on aspects of my own roles in life as mother, wife, daughter and sister. There are scenes and lines that continue to resonate and be brought to mind long after the intense experience in the theatre. Thank you to the playwright, director and actors for sharing this with us! I only wish I had brought some tissues. ... full review

Amazing writing by Jon Courie. Courie delivers depth, humour, and insight in this tragic depiction of a family in crisis and the crisis it has been in for many years... Great acting too...... full review