What Reviewers Are Saying: 

 

"All this may seem heavy, but Axelrod blends humor and hope....

Director Brittany Connors has assembled an excellent cast. The family conversations are sharp, fast, and often funny. The darker moments are strong but not maudlin...

The central character of Ethan is played by Nick Smathers, who is brilliant. He delivers Ethan’s sly, funny comebacks to his parents and a quiet, strong confrontation with Diane. He moves from the good son to the tortured young man who has not overcome his Chicago troubles. Smathers gets each of those emotions perfectly. He delivers Axelrod’s wry humor with just the right tone. The end is especially unexpected and the perfect touch as performed by Smathers..."

- Hugh Gallagher, A2Pulp. Read it here: https://pulp.aadl.org/node/648121 

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What Audiences Are Saying: 

"My husband and I absolutely loved DRY SUMMER! The script by Robert Axelrod is fantastic! He has created characters that are so human and genuine that you really feel what each one of them is going through, getting us caught up in a story you don't want to end. All the actors are superb, hitting just the right notes, lending reality and truth to what they are experiencing and the audience hangs on their every word. Huge congratulations to the entire cast, crew and creative team! We hope this World Premiere is just the beginning of success for this wonderful production!"

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"The show pace was perfect, set changes, etc, music between sets was great. I loved the show."

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"Dry Summer was magical! It was intimate, pulled you in as though you knew each well developed character and the authenticity in the trials of dealing with a loved one with alcoholism were spot on. The tears flowed at the beautiful ending."

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"Interesting script, wonderful detail in sets (even a mezuzah on the door frame) and well acted. Not a boring second in this play. Meaningful, realistic and taking place in Ann Arbor was an added bonus! Dance like nobody's watching!"

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"Absolutely loved this show! Each actor was perfectly cast in their role. The actor of Ethan was sensational. And the touches of the Jewish family and the local Ann Arbor atmosphere just made it delightful."

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"I thought the play was exceptional—the actors were so talented and made me feel deeply. The dialogue was raw and so beautifully written. So much talent!"

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"I thought the play was terrific, especially Nick Smathers. Laura Mandernack nailed it as the Jewish mother of which I've known many. Sarah Burcon was great as Nicks counterpart. Don't get me wrong, I liked Brian Cox too. It was amazing how Ethan and Sarah played off of one another and learned from one another. The last scene of the play blew me away with Ethan washing himself clean. It was very relatable and left me in tears, albeit happy tears. I might even come to see this one again. I'd love to see any and all of these performers at Theater Nova again."

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"It is amazing that you keep producing one great play after another. And I think it is tragic you don’t have a full house for every performance"

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"Another particularly fabulous Theatre NOVA production! Definitely one of my favorites!"