THE PLAY: The show’s one character creates a list of positives to help her cope with her mother’s suicidal depression.

THE PRODUCTION: First off, even though the subject is serious, this is a much more lighthearted experience that you’d expect. Louise Keeton is the only actor on stage, but the script calls for audience participation in several ways:
1. As she cites a number on the list, an audience member reads the response.
2. Several audience members come up on stage to assume small roles.
This approach makes the show more fun, but the distractions somewhat hinder the full emotional impact (although on opening night an impromptu wedding speech was sweetly touching). Fortunately, Keeton has an easy rapport with the audience, as she effortlessly switches from being the narrator to assuming the character. All the while, she inhabits the dialogue like it’s her own words. Director Julie Fulcher-Davis has kept her touch relatively transparent, allowing for spontaneity, while grounding in show in a simple, effective production. The set consists of a few pieces of furniture with an occasional projection on the giant rear screen, while Gretta Daughtery’s lighting design rounds out the effect. Speaking of the space, this new auditorium has perfect acoustics and comfortable seating. Running time: 1:20 (no intermission)

THE POINT: Louise Keeton is an assured presence who’s comfortable turning this play’s humor and hardships into an enjoyable and effective production. (4.5 / 5)

An Illuminated Stage Theatre Company production at the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education thru 10/3