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To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday
IN B/W & COLOR - WITH FRANCES CONROY, JEAN De BAER, RICHMOND HOXIE, CHERYL McFADDEN, AND OTHERS...
76 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 24, 2024
I would give this 3.5 ⭐️’s, and if I were to see/read a 2024 rendition think I might be more inclined to give it a 4, or possibly an even higher rating. My copy of the play is from 1983, and there are one or two jokes/action points that I felt were outdated and inappropriate. However, I also feel that some omissions/tweaks to the text could make a huge difference, which I think more modern versions of the play make a point of doing.
As someone who participated in this production in high school, grew up near the ocean, and am a sucker for some nautical drama emulating hope in the wake of tragedy, I feel biased towards the story. When we performed this in 2015, I’m pretty sure the edited and sculpted script was devoid of what qualms I have with the original text, and thus probably enhances my overall feeling of it.
Ultimately, it’s a play that has a lot to say in small story. I would say 90% of the dialogue is emotionally insightful in craft while minimal in body, which I personally find impressive. At the end of the day it was a nostaligc read for me. 🌊🌅🐚
As someone who participated in this production in high school, grew up near the ocean, and am a sucker for some nautical drama emulating hope in the wake of tragedy, I feel biased towards the story. When we performed this in 2015, I’m pretty sure the edited and sculpted script was devoid of what qualms I have with the original text, and thus probably enhances my overall feeling of it.
Ultimately, it’s a play that has a lot to say in small story. I would say 90% of the dialogue is emotionally insightful in craft while minimal in body, which I personally find impressive. At the end of the day it was a nostaligc read for me. 🌊🌅🐚
September 9, 2016
Two years ago Gillian died in a boating accident. David, her widower husband has struggled since then and their daughter Rachel has hatched a plan to help him get back into living life- she's invited her aunt (mom's sister) and uncle, as well as her dad's old college friend, Kevin (a girl). David resists but finally accepts their help. The play ends with a hopeful spirit for the future.
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This play does a great job of representing how life halts when something major disrupts it (like a death or divorce). That feeling was evident in David and Rachel's relationship. David was consumed with grief, just sort of existing, holding onto memories of and conversations he'd had with his wife, ignoring his responsibilities. Rachel just longed for her father to care and comfort her, and for them both to move on with their lives. The play also explores the balance of relationships within a family and the strength of trust and love between members.
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I didn't particularly enjoy this play. I think because I've experienced the "halting of life" as David and Rachel had I felt uncomfortable. I wanted to get out. It felt very realistic and I didn't enjoy all the arguing. I did like the ending though- it felt hopeful and freeing.
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This play does a great job of representing how life halts when something major disrupts it (like a death or divorce). That feeling was evident in David and Rachel's relationship. David was consumed with grief, just sort of existing, holding onto memories of and conversations he'd had with his wife, ignoring his responsibilities. Rachel just longed for her father to care and comfort her, and for them both to move on with their lives. The play also explores the balance of relationships within a family and the strength of trust and love between members.
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I didn't particularly enjoy this play. I think because I've experienced the "halting of life" as David and Rachel had I felt uncomfortable. I wanted to get out. It felt very realistic and I didn't enjoy all the arguing. I did like the ending though- it felt hopeful and freeing.
August 28, 2021
I've never had the skill to write characters whose voices sound like their own and not like me. So I respect how clearly each character comes through in this play. And I've seen this performed on stage, so I can visualize the action as I read the dialogue. But ultimately I prefer the movie version. Those visuals, music, and departures from the play's tensions bring each character and their arcs much more vividly to life for me.
August 17, 2014
I had no idea this story was originally a play – I just figured the movie was from an original screenplay. I was wrong.
This is a story about grief and coming to terms with the unexpected loss of a loved one. It has some sweet moments, but, at least on the page, it didn’t connect for me. Not recommended.
This is a story about grief and coming to terms with the unexpected loss of a loved one. It has some sweet moments, but, at least on the page, it didn’t connect for me. Not recommended.
December 12, 2015
A deceivingly classic drama. The characters have more to them than what is presented at face value, but you have to want to find those qualities during your reading. Despite his grief, I didn't find David to be a very likeable character and I didn't quite understand his relationship with Cindy. Ester was my favorite character, but everyone loves a sassy, no nonsense woman in dramas like these.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews