West Hartford, Ct – “MOTHER (and me),” written and performed by Melinda Buckley, is coming to the Playhouse on Park,
November 2nd and November 3rd, 2024.
MOTHER (and me) is a compelling 75 minute solo play that harnesses the power of theater to bring people together around an important issue: Alzheimer’s and the challenges families face while caring for a loved one. This poignant narrative explores the complex relationship between a daughter and her immigrant Mother as they both navigate the experience of dementia. Melinda, the writer and performer, balances the weight of the subject matter with a blend of sensitivity, skill and showbiz flair. What sets MOTHER (and me) apart is its refreshing use of humor. Through laughter, Melinda invites the audience to connect deeply with the story, making it not only a heartfelt exploration of struggle but also an uplifting celebration of love and resilience.
Both performances will also include a Q&A/Talkback with either Tina Hogan or Carolyn DeRocco of the Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter along with Susie Sarkisian Coaching, Navigating Aging in Families. They’ll discuss the vital issues raised by Melinda’s show, as well as spotlight the local programs and services in the area for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. There will also be an opportunity to sign up and join TEAM MOTHER for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Greater Hartford, taking place on November 9th in East Hartford, CT.
Melinda Buckley sat down for a Q&A to discuss her show and what she hopes it will bring to the community.
Q: Why was it important for you to tell the story of your relationship with your Mom as she aged and was diagnosed with dementia? How did the artistic process unfold?
A: I was always fascinated with my mother’s story. She was born in Hungary and she was very exotic to me; especially in comparison to everyone else in our small blue-collar town. Her early life was terribly impacted by the war and the stories that she would share with me- and she would not share many- were completely enthralling to me. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, one of the things we would do is go through family photos and talk about the past. Then an interesting thing happened: the more she forgot, the more I remembered. I was in a writing group at the time, and these stories began pouring out of me. At first it was just therapeutic, but then, I was encouraged by friends and my acting teacher, the renowned Wynn Handman, to develop them into a solo play. And so I did. I sought out my friend Matt Hoverman, who specializes in solo performance and that’s how the show began.
Q: You note that while dementia is certainly a serious topic, the subject is handled with humor and ultimately the show is uplifting. What can audiences expect from this show?
A: My mother was a very funny woman. And actually she should have been in show business, because she was both beautiful and fearless. Also, one of the gifts she gave both my brother and I was a certain sensibility; a knack for finding humor in the darkest of subjects. Maybe it’s a particular Hungarian trait, I’m not sure. But anyone who has been through difficult times, knows that at some point, you do just have to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Plus I believe in the old Mel Brooks formula: tragedy + time = comedy. Don’t get me wrong, the show doesn’t turn away from any of the challenges, or difficult moments; it just holds them in such a way that we are able to embrace both the dark and the light.
Q: When you were invited to present your show at Playhouse on Park, you contacted the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Why do you think it’s important to spotlight the community resources available?
A: My intention with the piece has always been to encourage people, to show them that they are not alone; that they too can get through this and maybe, even find gifts on the other side. I’m proud that my show stands as a theatrical piece on its own; it’s played very well in NYC and at theatres across the country. But it’s especially rewarding to me when I can connect with other caregivers and offer them support. It can be so tricky to navigate the complexities of this disease, and many people aren’t aware of the amazing resources that are available to them. I also know that caregiving on any level is isolating and exhausting. Many people tend to ‘go it alone.’ So I am hoping people will come out to laugh and yes, cry a little- but mostly feel the power of being in a room with others who understand. I’ve done a lot of work with the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center of Cape Cod. They have a terrific slogan that I firmly believe in: “Until there’s a cure, there’s community.”
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: Only that the show reaches beyond those who are on this particular journey. It’s really about life… about family and the universal bond between parents and their children. And that particular moment in time, when roles reverse and the roller coaster ride that no child wants to get on, begins. That’s a ride we’re all on, after all, so I’m inviting people to come out and enjoy mine!
MOTHER (and me) will be performed November 2nd @7:30 pm, and on November 3rd @2:00 pm at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119. Tickets are $32.50 and can be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office at:: 860-523-5900 Ext. 10 Directly following both performances, there will be a Q & A/talkback. As part of the Theater’s
commitment to make a positive impact, there will be an opportunity for those who wish to make a donation to this
important cause at every performance.