Mother Stories on Broadway
Mother’s Day is a celebration of mothers and motherhood.
It’s not, however, a declaration of how perfect moms are— in fact, it’s our imperfections, our challenges, and our faults that make us who we are. And, strangely, that’s worth celebrating!
Being a Mom is the most rewarding and challenging thing I’ve ever done. My four children bring me great joy and they have also brought me to my knees in despair.
A true celebration of Mothers and motherhood has to incorporate the mess that often goes with it. It’s unpredictable, challenging, and can be totally overwhelming at times.
This Broadway season I am struck by the heart wrenching stories of mothers and the incredible dynamics of their families on the stage. We see stories of trauma, abuse, cognitive and physical disability, dementia, mental health challenges, the complexities of aging and more.
The Who’s Tommy
The first time I saw The Who’s Tommy in Chicago I left at intermission. I couldn’t handle the emotional trauma and abuse I saw on stage. It hit too close to home. I know what it’s like to have a child not be able to speak. I know the frustration of not knowing how to help my child; the hopelessness of it all, and the hours, days, weeks and months of therapy that feel like no use when you are in it. I also know the fear that someone could abuse my boys, and because of their inability to tell me, I would never know it.
I’ve since seen the show twice and I think it’s one of the most perfectly crafted musicals on our Broadway stage today. It’s the love of Alison Luff’s Mrs. Walker that carries and, eventually, transforms the story. It’s a mother who never gives up on her child–even in the pinnacle of her frustration.
Mary Jane
Speaking of tenacity, Rachel McAdam’s Mary Jane in Mary Jane is another story that feels familiar to my own. Part of the joy of having two sons with developmental delays is that David and I have a circle of friends, like a family, with children of various cognitive and physical dis/abilities. This show lifts those communities and celebrates the friends, nurses and fellow parents who trudge this path together.
Mary Jane’s advocacy for her child, Alex, who has Cerebral Palsy, is a clarion call to carers, medical professionals, therapists, researchers, pharmaceuticals, and insurance agencies to better understand the weight and relentless worry that mothers and parents can feel.
Reviewer, One Man’s Opinion, says it well; ‘Mary Jane is an honest look at how a mother who desperately loves her child has her Being chipped away as she persists in the never-ending fight for hope in a seemingly hopeless battle.’
The Notebook
In addition to challenges of cognitive and emotional dis/abilities, I am moved by the complexities of conditions like dementia which, in The Notebook, steal from the main character, Ali, precious memories and moments of togetherness with her family.
I’ll never forget seeing the film, The Notebook, for the first time and thinking how cruel it was that Ali’s mother and father would break up her relationship with Noah. As I watched this new musical version, however, my focus shifted from that mother to, now, Ali as Mother, and the debilitating effects of Older Ali’s dementia. This haunts me. How could a mother so full of life and vitality forget those closest to her; forget the memories that made her who she is? Her anguish, confusion, fear, and overwhelm is so poignant.
For friends who have endured watching this agonizing disease take hold of those you love, I see you and your struggle more than ever. I mourn with you, and celebrate the memories you hold dear.
Mother Play
Yesterday I saw Mother Play. While I’m still unpacking it, the story centers on yet other challenges mothers face. In this case single-motherhood, divorce, strained relationships, substance abuse, and aging. It seems that mothers are not spared any of the challenges this life can hold.
I have yet to see Hell’s Kitchen, Appropriate, and other mother-focused productions this season. What I have seen, though, is celebration of Mothers in complex and diverse ways.
During this Mother’s Day weekend, I honor the moms who endure much and who are seeing themselves on stage this Broadway season—maybe for the first time. It is a window into the challenges many mothers face. This Mother’s Day may we honor the mess.
It is the tenacity, grace, hope, and love these Moms have for their families—despite, or rather strengthened by, their challenges—that is truly something to celebrate.
Happy Mother’s Day!
