Still Life with Iris

A moving story with both humor and depth. It provided challenges for our more experienced actors, and also fun roles for those new to the stage. Our middle school students loved that it was challenging, and they loved creating the world of the play. We marketed it as "The most popular play that you've never heard of," because it is a favorite of so many who have produced it, yet it seems largely unknown by the general public. Definitely one of my favorites as a middle school director and great for this age, but an older group could dig even deeper into the nuances, and the design opportunities.

Kristin Hall, Lincoln School, Lincoln, Mass.

Still Life With Iris is a great fantasy show - it reminded us a little of Alice in Wonderland. The actors had fun with the variety of over-the-top characters and the audience appreciated that it was appropriate for children as well as adults.

Lauren Deal, First Flight High School, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

Wonderful! One of the most clever, profound plays for children I've ever read, with enough character complexity to impress even adult professional actors.

Luann Purcell, First Stage, Atlanta, GA

Still Life was a huge success for us. It challenged our company to really stretch our technical skills. The audiences loved it.

Carrie Wood, Waller High School Theatre, Waller, TX

Still Life with Iris deserves the prizes it has won. It raises much more significant issues; the importance of history, the dangers of perfectionism, how to parent, than most plays for young audiences. Yet is fast-paced, fun and visual.

Karen Bovard, Watkinson School, Hartford, Conn.

The play and its message are beautiful and I loved working on the magical elements.

Cecille Deason, Eastwood High School, El Paso, Texas

The actors' perception of their world within and without the play was deepened and enjoyed more for doing this wonderful play. We all felt it was the best show we've ever done for the 7th and 8th grade drama classes.

Linda Khoury, Hammond School, Columbia, S.C.

This beautiful and unusual play was perfect for middle-school students! We loved all the opportunities for literature, art and music connections. The cast, crew and audiences loved the show.

Jodi Johnston, Thomas R. Grover Middle School, Princeton Junction, N.J.

This show appeals to audiences of all ages ... it's layered with significant themes regarding the importance of every person protecting our memories and of cherishing our families. It reminds us of what is most important in this world.

Karen Bohmfalk, Paradise High School, Paradise, Texas

This is one of the most creative scripts I have had the pleasure of reading. It is an incredible educational exercise on characterizations for students in my program.

Cynthia Koetting, AC Lamplight Youth Theatre Company, Amarillo, Texas

Still Life with Iris is a beautiful and funny children's show that my actors and audience fell in love with. I plan to direct this play again in the future!

Stefanie Ask, Stevenson High School, Stevenson, Wash.

This is a wonderful show to perform for children of all ages. There are both funny and beautiful moments in the script and some telling social commentary. There are some really fun roles for actors, too.

David Heywood, Black Hills High School, Tumwater, Wash.

I loved this play from the first reading. It was so well written for a children's piece—full of charm and imagination. It gave our art department so much room for creativity, especially with the Past Coats. Audiences of all ages responded well. My high school actors found the play both fun and challenging. A great ensemble piece.

Cassy Maxton-Whitacre, Shenandoah Valley Governor's School, Fishersville, Va.