Flying Standby

Tanya's show was touching and funny. I loved her Mom's character! And Tonya's character as herself was neurotically funny! Great job!... full review

In "Flying Standby," playwright/actress Tonya Meeks accomplishes the seemingly impossible: She brings a one-woman tour de force double-whammy of writing and performance that seamlessly draws her audience into a world that engages, entertains, teaches and seems too impossible to believe it's autobiographical. These talents are rare in such dramatic endeavors. Too often, plays based upon the playwright's personal experiences feel uncomfortably as if the platform was built upon a need for therapeutic catharsis. Ms. Meeks' powerful piece however feels anything but. The world she creates is indeed almost too bizarre to believe. But the way it is crafted - both in terms of writing and acting - assures that what you see on stage probably happ... full review

Tonya is a delightful performer and the show has potential. ... full review

I just loved Tonya Meeks and her one-woman show about her mother. Such a nice tribute and performed so visually (even with costume changes!) that I felt like I met her. I laughed and I cried (I hate crying in an open theater with other people around me, but I couldn’t help myself), and imagined how it will be one day when I have to figure out what to save of my own mother’s and if she’ll have a “kids” box somewhere. I won’t be a spoiler, but what a lovely ending. Sometimes I think the people with the most difficult or dysfunctional pasts make the most interesting people – Tonya is definitely interesting and very entertaining. Bravo Tonya, you and your mom are definitely a hit. She would be proud.... full review

Looking at the previous review, I can't help but wonder how we could have both been at the same show. PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED ON EXAMINER.COM: Ever been disappointed when the long awaiting movie version of your book fails to live up to your memories? That's kinda how I felt after attending the performance of "Flying Standby" at the Hudson Theatre last night. According to the program, it was supposed to be Tonya Meek’s bittersweet comedy, revealing how the determination to escape her alcoholic mother carried her through a turbulent ride of addiction, lost love, and a final desperate flight toward reconciliation. As such, I expected to witness a story of triumph over adversity, and walk out afterwards with things looking up. The sa... full review