MY ENTERTAINMENT WORLD - THERESA PERKINS

“Jennifer Fell Hayes’ hauntingly beautiful new play… based on real events is replete with emotional complexity and riveting story-telling and is well worth a trip to the intimate Paradise Factory Theatre… With a backstory that could easily be a plot line on television’s Call the Midwife, Hayes explores the impact that relationships during childhood can have on a person long into adulthood, the complexities of developing healthy relationships and the many ways that people understand, show and share their love… Hayes has taken an exceptional true story and crafted a rich examination of interpersonal relationships that is both mesmerizing and heart-wrenching.

“Hayes expertly weaves her 1970’s narrative with the ghosts of Rosemary’s past by having characters and scenes from Rosemary’s childhood move about, within and around the “present day” action – allowing the audience to experience minor revelatory moments alongside Rosemary… In totality, it is a powerful narrative, tackling mental health and grief, and the play acknowledges that all parents have flaws, make mistakes and often make child-rearing decisions based on their own childhood experiences (thereby causing a single generation to shape generation after generation thereafter).

“…there is an appreciable  and necessary versatility to Dauber’s set design that allows for fluid movement between the ghosts of the past and the action of the present. Kia Roger has done a lovely job creating a lighting ambiance befitting the emotional tone of the show, and Megan Culley’s sound design highlights key moments in the action. Also, there is no denying that the show’s Beatles soundtrack energizes the audience and firmly establishes the era.

“Michael Markham portrays his dual roles of Leslie and Arnie, Rosemary’s husband and Ruby’s lover respectively, with a lovable oafishness… Judith Barcroft’s dour Vera is delightfully sharp-tongued and exquisitely portrayed as a complex, emotional woman who has spent much of her life drowning under the weight of a deeply felt loss. In her final scene with Kate Grimes, both women infuse the scene with such emotional gravitas that it is difficult not be moved by their stirring performances. Zoe Watkins similarly stands out in the role of Ruby, deftly presenting a nuanced performance as a woman whose insecurities, fears and pain linger just under a steely facade.”

HI! DRAMA - EVA HEINEMANN

“’Rosemary and Time’ makes you think about family, hard times, and surviving them... Jennifer Fell Hayes who comes from Yorkshire captures the cadence and personality of Yorkshire… Kathy Gail MacGowan directed this with such compassion for all the characters...

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“The acting was terrific. They really got the accents down beautifully, even the children: Eliana Grace Brenden and Ciela Elliott who have real acting chops at such a young age. Kate Grimes as Rosemary had this patrician quality that defied her background. She seemed to have the perfect life but it was starting to crack. Mary Kate Harris was so obnoxious as the bratty spoiled kid that it was fun to watch her get her comeuppance from Hilda played with real warmth from Virginia Roncetti. Michael Markham got to play two different characters which he did splendidly: The randy soldier and the caring Dad and husband. Zoe Watkins as the selfish Mom of the young kids was defiant in her defending her awful behavior but despite everything I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her. Same thing with Judith Barcroft who oddly enough reminded me of my Mother and my friend said she reminded her of her Mother as well. She captured that universal you're-not-good-enough feeling. There was a reason for her glacial haughty exterior."

ONSTAGE BLOG - ANTHONY J PICCIONE

“Under the direction of Kathy Gail MacGowan, the staging is very clean and orchestrated wonderfully… The set and costume designs of An-Lin Dauber succeed in capturing the backdrop and time period of the play, while the tone and atmosphere of various scenes are set perfectly by lighting designer Kia Roger.

“In terms of the acting, Judith Barcroft – who has an extensive background of performing both on and off Broadway – stands out in her role of Vera, showing a captivating amount of emotional depth as Rosemary’s adoptive mother. Meanwhile, the two leading actors – Kate Crimes and Virginia Roncetti – both do justice to the roles of long lost sisters Rosemary and Hilda, respectively. In the role of their biological mother Ruby, Zoe Watkins delivers an intense performance which is especially memorable during her final monologue.”

THEATER IN THE NOW - MICHAEL BLOCK

“Jennifer Fell Hayes has written a piece that is deeply rooted in truth… The drama unfolds slowly but surely.

“Director Kathy Gail MacGowen takes Rosemary and Time and focuses on the importance of relationships… MacGowen has taken the time to pull out the nuances from the script and fully realize them with her company… Kia Rogers’ lighting design and Megan Culley’s sound design were integral to the memories for Rosemary.

“Kate Grimes does a sensational job… Her portrayal is honest and raw. Virginia Roncetti as Hilda often found herself playing the subservient role, but when she finally snaps back at Julie, Roncetti was at her finest. The tender moment Hilda and Julie share was quite a remarkable shift in the play, and Roncetti and Mary Katharine Harris, who played Julie, did well.”