FIRE IN A DARK HOUSE

...looking at the show from a larger picture, I think Smith and Mariano's decision to debut it during this political arena was smart. It may have had some flaws but the message intended for the audience was clearly envisioned. The America we live in is a tumultuous country, and it's important for us to understand history should never repeat itself... This timely piece brings to light what it means to be an immigrant and an American, two hotly debated words within the White House. It shouldn't matter where someone is from or the color of his or her skin because immigrants built America into the beautiful melting pot it is today.

Writers Traci Mariano and Mona Z. Smith do a fantastic job in conveying the ugliness and reality of how war affects people and what people will do to stand up against the enemy.

For a stay-at-home mother of three children, I often find myself reading or watching "uplifting" stories that have happy endings. In truth, these stories don't always give me an opportunity to use my "real person" brain and instead give me an excuse to escape to a fairyland. This play opened my eyes to recognize that issues we face today are not new, but just history repeating itself over and over- just another setting in the history of America. The play was creatively staged, had a small cast who each evoked emotion from the audience, especially the characters of Rose, Mary and Willie. There was not a single moment of boredom or misunderstanding- the script was seamless. It is the perfect show for high schoolers to be required to see for US or European History classes to invoke discussion and action and for the rest of America to study so that we can transform our own destructive human behaviors and make a difference in our childrens' and their friends' lives in the real world and not a fairyland.

I saw Fire in a Dark House a couple of weeks ago and am still thinking about it. I loved the story and I was especially struck by how relevant it is for today even thought it takes place in another era. The staging was very cleaver and the acting was terrific. I hope more people get the opportunity to see this wonderful play. Exceptional!

This compelling play emerges at a time in our history when we are given another chance to choose differently, to choose wisely and humanely, to rewrite our future; turning from tribalism to inclusion, honoring the courageous spirit of those who came here full of hope and determination, following their vision for a better life. Hats off to the actors who depicted their characters with such passion and authenticity. Fire in a Dark House is poignant reminder of the fragility of freedom for all and the vigilance required to maintain a humane society. Bravo.

I came with no expectations and little knowledge of the story other than that it took place in 1918 during WW1. What I experienced was a complete immersion into the life of an immigrant family, women's rights (or lack their of) and the sacrifices of freedom for freedom. I actually felt like I was part of the play at one point during the Rally scene when several of the actors were actually in the audience. Amazing performances by the entire cast, without any break in character, which kept me in the moment. The portrayal of Rose by Augusta Mariano brought me to tears and I have a new found empathy for what life was like then. A powerful story that peaked my interest in learning more about that time in our history.

I saw Fire In A Dark House last night and have not stopped thinking about it since. One of the most thought-provoking plays I have seen, in many ways and on many levels. The cast was fabulous; each and every member! The script was excellent. I highly recommend seeing this production.

This impeccably written and performed play really packs a punch. Illuminating, thought-provoking, and timely, this is a story that will stay with you long after the final scene.

A beautifully written play about a painful time in our history. Although it takes place in 1918, it resonates with what is happening in our world today. This is a powerful play. Highly recommended.

What an amazing and powerful story. It was so interesting seeing such a unique WWI story from the viewpoint of an American farm town. It was so different and intriguing, that it pulled me in, from the very start. The conflict was throughout and characters so well-written, that there was never a dull moment. Plus, it was so timely with so many emotions; I wanted to see more! The writing was flawless, the directing so creative, the cast impeccable. What's not to love!

This is a story that flows from sweetness to darkness in the blink of an eye. The characters are bold and the performances are really beautiful. The staging is simple but excellent and there are strong threads of lyrical and magical realism, which I loved, used to brilliant effect. It's a story not often told about a time when the world still felt young and full of hope before a war threw us all into a turmoil that remains to this day.

Poignant and timely, Fire in a Dark House considers what freedom, justice, loyalty and love really mean when confronted with propaganda, falsehoods and nationalism.

Fire in a Dark House is a well-crafted play that could attain theatrical importance with stronger, deeper and more incisive execution.