I am the farthest thing from a knowledgeable critic. Just a simple patron of the arts.

Always amazed at people with talent. That being said, I attended the Marshalltown Community Theater (MCT) annual Iowa Playwright Night where Iowa talent competes with one act plays. The plays are written, then judged by a committee of peers. Then the winning plays are actually performed live. Pretty cool concept. My understanding of the rules is surely off, but the important part is this is Incredible talent is right here in little old Mtown.

I don’t want to spoil the fun, so I won’t tell details of the three stories, but WOW. Not what I was expecting. Hats off to cast and crew, steller performance. You got game.

“Love is a Mystery” by Edie Goodwin was a pure gem. Don’t tell anyone, I shed a tear at the end. The characters came to life quickly and took you through a lifetime to a very touching ending.

“Family Reunion” by Pete Grady was an incredible story of the passing of time blended with the passing of generational connections. This powerful and touching moment in time shows sometimes we learn the best lessons from our elders as they share their fears from struggles, they battled in life to keep a family together.

“Gravedigger” by Quinn Young. This is one of the most unique performances I have seen, and I am still processing. Might have to go again. As stated, not an expert critic, so hard to explain this one, it touches on the fragility of life, the pain of death the struggle to move on and much more.

The good news, still time to get out and see these amazing plays. Right here in little old Marshalltown, take a date, they will thank you.

Orpheum Theater

Friday-Saturday May 2-3 @ 7pm

Sunday May 4 @ 2pm