Review: FOSTER MOM at Premiere Stages is Charming and Enthralling

"No one knows where their steps will lead them."

By Leslie in Foster Mom

Foster Mom, an entertaining and significant new play is now being presented at Premiere Stages at Kean University through September 24. This charming theatrical piece is written Chris Cragin-Day, meticulously directed by Kel Haney, and features an excellent cast. It is a story that will touch the hearts and minds of all who see it. The play was selected from over 400 submissions to the theater's Play Festival, an annual competition for unproduced scripts by area playwrights. Compliments to Premiere Stages for making this outstanding show available to metro area audiences.

In Foster Mom, Leslie, who is 39 and single, has decided to become a foster parent with the guidance of a straight talking social worker, Sophie. But when Leslie's mother, Sarah sets her up with Josh, an eligible bachelor, things become complicated. As the couple's romance develops, Leslie is reluctant to reveal her plans to be a foster mom to Josh. The issues of race and acceptance are also confronted as Josh has an Asian background and Leslie, a white woman, may be offered a child of color. The story is an insightful and thoughtful portrayal of the foster care system, personal perceptions, and how relationships can affect plans. Leslie's romance, her mother's perspective, and the experience of her social worker all play a considerable part in the story's outcome.

Each member of the four-person cast is ideal in their roles. They deliver the well-crafted dialogue so genuinely that you will believe that you have been drawn into a real life event. The company includes Stori Ayers as Sophie; Ariel Woodiwiss as Leslie; Kate Kearney-Patch as Sarah; Kurt Uy as Josh. The understudies are Bria Johnson as Sophie; Marissa Parrott as Leslie; Darrell Bryan Rosales as Josh.

The Creative Team has done a great job of bringing Foster Mom to the stage. They include scenic design by Jessica Parks; lighting design by Brant Thomas Murray; costume design by Sydney Maresca; sound design by Emily Auciello. Dale Smallwood is the Production Stage Manager; Amy Fisk is the Assistant Stage Manager; Helen Tewksbury is the Props Master and Arly Rubens is the Assistant to the Director.

Foster Mom is a play that will inspire essential conversations about social responsibility, attitudes about race, and the role of motherhood. Get your tickets now for this enthralling production at Premiere Stages.

Foster Mom runs for 90 minutes with no intermission. It is being performed through September 24 in the Zella Fry Theatre on the Kean University main campus in Union, N.J. Shows are Thursday and Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm; and Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $30 standard, $20 for senior citizens and Kean alumni and $15 for students and patrons with disabilities. There are significant discounts for groups of 8 or more. To make reservations or to order a season brochure, please call the box office at 908.737.7469 or visit Premiere Stages online at www.premierestagesatkean.com.

Photo Credit: Mike Peters

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