Butterflies are Free

Astonishingly delightful, deep, comedic, emotional and real love story. In a clever period piece, I felt carried into each character’s world in an authentic and convincing way. Complex and brilliantly acted, the emotional reality of this story is universal and left me believing.... full review

This was Great! truly! I did not expect to love it. I hoped I would like it, but it far exceeded my expectations. the writing was lovely; the directing was perfect and the performances, genuine and authentic. Every character was likable, even the the annoying maman joon :) I found myself laughing, loud belly laughs and loving it. please go see it ! highly recommended. Firou. ... full review

Beautifully acted, witty period comedy that has depth and speaks to universal truths. I loved it. ... full review

Butterflies Are Free- with Persian flavor- delights an audience with it's charm and simplicity. The volunerability that the two (young) lead actors, Mojean Aria and Rebecca Forsythe bring to the stage is remarkable.They bravely get to know one another right in front of our faces. This poinent comedy is fluidly staged and stylisitically on point, The story unfolds at a beautiful pace. Obvioiusly an excellent director, Shila Ommi's presence as Mrs. Baker (Chanel from head to toe) suggests Audrey Hepurn. Lastly, Jesse Pimental blasts on stage covincingly as a self obsessed 1960s director. The potential for shallowness breaks our hearts. ... full review

The timing could not have been better in this charming, touching play. The actors were perfectly cast, with the part of the overbearing mother looming over the set and her fellow performers, even when she wasn't present onstage. Shila Ommi has a strong and capable knack for directing, and it was her relationship with her son Don, played by the attentive Mojean Aria, that was the most complex onstage. Rebecca Forsythe's take on the Diva Next Door was astonishingly fluid. Her performance of a woman trying to feel special by making someone else feel loved was simple and lovely to watch. She was comfortable in how uncomfortable she was, and as a fellow actor it was inspiring to watch. These two gifted young actors fell in love on stage, hurt eac... full review

The play was interesting and very well-acted. Mojean Aria is very convincing as a blind person. I enjoyed the play immensely.... full review

The 1969 Broadway smash Butterflies Are Free gets a topnotch Hollywood Fringe 2015 revival with an extra something—a cross-cultural spin that adds some Persian spice to Leonard Gershe’s already “groovy” mix. Click on "Original Article" to read my complete review at StageSceneLA.com.... full review

I as so looking forward to seeing this play, but it seems director/actor Shila Vosough Ommi just wanted to star and change it to a Persian/Farsi comedy. Disappointing to say the least. But it appeals to her audience, just not me.... full review