Matthew Lombardo’s semi-autobiographical comedy traces the relationship between Italian matriarch Maria Collavechio (Caroline Aaron) and her gay son (Matt Doyle) spanning the course of five decades. As they continue to test their lifelong bond, the play depicts the outrageously funny and sometimes completely infuriating dynamic between a domineering mother and her rudderless son.
Conversations with Mother, Matthew Lombardo's semi-autobiographical comedy currently running at Theater 555, is a crowd-pleasing show that traces the relationship of a mother and son over five decades. Although the play is constructed for laughs, Lombardo touches on serious issues, such as drug addiction, domestic abuse, and gay sex during the height of the AIDS crisis. Its chief draw, however, stems from its repurposing of the comedic scenarios, sketches, rhythms, and bittersweet cultural observations by playwrights and performers like Neil Simon, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, and Renée Taylor and Joseph Bologna. The result is a breezy, enjoyable two-hander that benefits from the natural rapport generated by its immensely appealing stars, Caroline Aaron and Matt Doyle.
It’s a long, wintry walk to Theater 555 from the nearest heated subway, but it’s worth the warmth playwright Matthew Lombardo’s Conversations With Mother has to offer. Directed by Noah Himmelstein, the play is tactful, personal, and precise while hitting the sweet spots of relatability.
2025 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway Premiere Off-Broadway |
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