Independence

“GO!” and one of “Seven Shows to See” at Fringe — L.A. Weekly/Stage Raw:

“A striking revival of Lee Blessing’s 1984 drama… These characters are complex, beckoning, and masterfully sketched by Blessing, and the performances are outstanding under Vernée Watson’s exacting direction.”

Read the full review:

http://www.laweekly.com/2014-06-19/theater/seven-shows-to-see-at-2014-hollywood-fringe-festival/

INDEPENDENCE is a moving, surprising, and darkly funny family drama from Pulitzer-nominated playwright Lee Blessing.

Three estranged sisters are forced to reunite at the family homestead in small-town Independence, Iowa when their mother, Evelyn, begins to show signs of a major relapse into mental illness. The daughters must decide how best to care for their mother—or whether she needs or deserves their care—all while negotiating past traumas, secrets, and betrayals as they wade hesitantly back into each other’s lives. Two weeks of broken hearts, broken dreams, and a desperate longing for forgiveness and closure build to a final, explosive family confrontation in which Evelyn herself finally has her say.

This production is a labor of love from the cast and crew, who are passionate about Blessing’s exceptional writing and who have worked tirelessly to bring an authentic, honest, and open production to the Fringe stage.

The director, Vernée Watson, is a well-known actor in the television industry who has used her expertise in comedy to breathe new life into the genre of the family living room drama. INDEPENDENCE is her directorial debut.

Please read our “Extended Press Release” under the ‘Press’ tab above.