REVIEWS FOR

ECLIPSED: The Sun, the Moon and Gladys Atkinson Sweet​

 

What Reviewers Are Saying: 

"It’s an emotional, intimate look at a family that struggles to lead a better life and is trapped by the vile racism that is still a major mark of shame in America’s history.
"Eclipsed moves from vignettes covering personal lives to the historic events of the assault on 2905 Garland Avenue and the legal aftermath. Monologues directed at the audience give a wider view of events. Director Bryana Hall has assembled a fine cast. What really works for Hall is the sharp connection between Gladys and the other women who illuminate their power, which often gets lost in the fog of history. Playwright Patrick and director Hall put the emphasis where it counts.
"Jones gives a star turn here. She embraces her dreamy memories of Paris and a kind of equality not known in the United States. Those emotions build as the play goes on, from the joy of having a new baby and a new home to the fright and horror of the assault on the house and the shooting. Jones gets it all, especially later in the play when Gladys is asked to travel the country to raise an outcry for justice and meets the NAACP’s representative Walter White.
"At a time when the U.S. government is trying to erase Black history, Eclipsed: The Sun, The Moon, and Gladys Atkinson Sweet makes a strong case for telling the full and real history, and not burying it to suit a particular political point of view."
                                            - A2 PULP (READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE)

​

Audience Response:

​

"This play reminded me once again what is so magical about live theater. We can read the history of a tragic event like this and that will convey one kind of truth. But such a beautifully imagined play relates another kind of truth, one that speaks directly to our hearts. Thank you for sharing yet another moving, thought-provoking, and inspiring performance!"

​

"This was one of the best productions I've seen at Theatre Nova. The playwright presents the "women's side" of the Sweet story and, in this political climate, it is significant to recognize the female strength and resilience portrayed."

"Performance exceeded expectations, quality of playwright, play, Actors were amazing. Parking was very good."

 

"This was a great production! The script was great, the acting amazing, and the message both important and thought-provoking, especially in these fraught times."

 

"This show was so hauntingly beautiful and the actors were spot on and perfect. This story will stick with me."

 

"Very well-written play and the actors were excellent."

 

"Outstanding show, well acted and message is so relevant for the current climate."

 

"Powerful, moving, excellent acting by every single cast member. Music was effective. Tight scene changes. Costuming was very well chosen."

 

"I love having a theater in Ann Arbor that does new work in an intimate setting. I think it’s an important opportunity for audiences and playwrights alike to have experiences like the one provided by Theater Nova."

​

"Absolutely loved this play and the small, quaint venue. The actors were very strong and vibrant. Every one of them! I will definitely return."

 

"I am quite happy that I saw the show, and very much appreciated it. The acting and the production are quite up to the high standards that we’ve enjoyed at Theatre Nova over several years. Evidently, seeing a play where the performers are almost all African-American and women was a special treat. Equally noteworthy is the fact that this is a Michigan – nay, Detroit story. We should thank the playwright for her success in forging a story for which there are large gaps in the record upon which to base it."

 

"All four of us really enjoyed the play (including the “newbie” among us). I loved having the perspective of all the women, instead of the men. The acting was very strong and effective, and the story was well-told and engaging."

 

"Seen many- always rewarding theater experience, relevant and thought provoking. This was among the very best; script, acting, staging, production. Kudos!"

 

"I attended the play with 3 other people. We all thought that it was absolutely fantastic. Specifically that each actor were phenomenal actors! Out of the 4 of us, only one had heard of this story before. Please keep bringing groundbreaking plays to this theatre!"

 

"Excellent - 5*****"

"I've seen a lot of theatre in my lifetime, from New York to Chicago to London to Stratford, and this production and these actors are top-notch. I was completely involved in this moving, gripping, and timely new play about a black couple who move into a white Detroit neighborhood in the 1920s... Be sure to see it before it closes."

 

"This show was excellent! Well written, well directed and well acted. The costumes added to the real historical feel of the play."

 

"Wow. Of course, I've heard of the story of the Sweet family, but never from the perspective of Gladys. Insightful, well-acted. Loved it!"

 

"Strong performances from a good ensemble work. Important story. Great attendance. Thank you."

 

"The play was excellent! The actors were very good. This was an excellent performance!"

 

"Wonderful actors. Great costumes!"