BEFORE A FALL

I saw the preview performance of "Before A Fall" yesterday, and I could tell this was a group very ready for an audience. Go be that audience. This is a story that, like "To Kill a Mockingbird", is not an entirely comfortable, but it is an important message and well-written, nonetheless. And like the dramatization of "Mockingbird", it addresses these uncomfortable ideas an in an appropriate, non-offensive way. These actors and this script deserve an audience. The actors had a secure handle of their characters and conveyed the intricacies and secrets of the story with depth and control. Costa played Darla June Hawkins, the young woman at the center of the drama, with much aplomb. She demonstrated a nice balance of too much unwanted e... full review

Before a Fall was a very moving play, beautifully directed and acted. A well-assembled cast portraying complex, multi-layered characters. I highly recommend this production.... full review

Originally posted on Bitter Lemons - "Fringe Femmes" http://wp.me/p1ZQLV-a9S It's billed as a "Southern Gothic Tale," but whatever that means to you, don't go looking for the avant-garde or much of the Fringe factor here. Lily Mercer's "Before a Fall" is a straight-ahead, often chilling drama that centers on one good Christian family, in a small town where what happens in a barn, stays in a barn. Until it all goes terribly wrong. Or wrong-er. The villain - aside from the town's shut-your-eyes-and-look-to-God mentality - is the Rev. Jack Hawkins, and Worth Howe plays him with a suitable creep factor. The innocents are young Darla June and Lala, who've learned to stay away from Grandpa, especially when he's drinking. Allie Costa and Ja... full review

Just saw Lily Mercer's wonderful "Before A Fall," where sobs could be heard in the audience by the last scene. The play deals with highly charged material, which is sure to trigger deep emotional responses. Ultimately uplifting, the piece explores the brutal landscape of the Serenity Prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference." Brilliantly played by Allie Costa, young Darla forces the adults surrounding her to struggle for that wisdom. The large cast, including the incredible Jamie Mcrae playing six-year-old Lala, delivered many strong performances. Mercer is definitely a writer/director to watch.... full review

Thoroughly enjoyed Before a Fall. Well Written, Directed and a strong cast! A Must See in the Fringe Festival!... full review

This review won't do any good, as I saw this production on closing night. But it was perfect. Brilliant script, wonderful performances, all around. Great direction and a chilling frustrating story that made me want to get out of my seat and intervene in the events that were going off the rails and nobody could do anything but watch it happen. Beautifully compelling theater.... full review

I really enjoyed this play. It was really interesting and kept me on my toes guessing how it was going to play out. (oops, no pun intended) All the actors were really great, kudos to whoever cast this. My only thought is I found the very, very end a little too ambiguous. I suppose that may have been the playwright's intention, but I finished the play a little confused. I wasn't sure whether the lead was going to commit suicide or not. (I'm writing this since the play has finished its run so no chance of being a spoiler) I wonder if the playwright intended a more clear ending, but hasn't quite found it yet. (I know this is the world premiere so perhaps it's still being explored) But a lovely theatrical experience, no doubt. Thank you.... full review