The Anna L. Weissberger Foundation In Association with Paper Birch Productions and AMT Theater Present

ASHES & INK

By MARTHA Pichey

With
KATHRYN ERBE, JULIAN SHATKIN, JAVIER MOLINA, TAMARA FLANNAGAN, and RHYLER WATSON

Directed by ALICE JANKELL

AMT Theater
354 West 45th Street (between Eighth & Ninth Avenues)
https://ashesink.ludus.com/index.php
October 16 - November 3; Opening Night 10/18/224

Martha Pichey’s ASHES & INK tackles the age-old question of when the responsibility of a parent ends. Or indeed, does it ever end? Throw in the reality of a single parenting, and the subject becomes even more complicated. Because Molly (portrayed by the acclaimed Kathryn Erbe) has built a career around bird sounds, the obvious metaphor is one of the momma bird pushing the baby bird out of the nest. But what if the baby bird is injured.? Nothing is as simple as it seems. The only undeniable actuality is that there is going to be a lot of pain.

The ASHES & INK cast is amazing. You will not find better performances on a Broadway stage. Javier Molina, never stepping out of character – even in the scenery changes, is the dad that everyone wishes they had. Julian Shatkin, the injured baby bird, takes us from sane to frothing addict in a second, and young Rhylee Watson is so endearing with his curiosity and honesty that you want to teach him how to ride a bike. Tamara Flannagan rounds out this crew as Molly’s sister dealing with her own demons. The scenic design by Tim McMath is extremely clever; however, clever as it may be, there are too many changes that eventually become a distraction. Perhaps video projections could solve that problem as opposed to physically moving furniture and walls.

ASHES & INK – you may not be comfortable with the subject matter, but the performances are exquisite. Check it out.

- Laurie Lawson -