Sarah Morton's new solo piece begins with the idea that "happy endings are hard to fathom." The moving and humorous play follows the narrator's problematic pursuit of happiness after she flunks a doctor's depression test.

Morton clearly portrays what may be one of society's least acceptable illnesses, and demonstrates that lack of acceptance by playing several comic characters who try to bring the narrator out of her depression while they are unhappy themselves.

Prozac, relaxation tapes, sunny vacations, and mediation may not help the narrator, but provide comic relief to this frank and unflinching look at dealing with depression. Morton's lyrical language arcs throughout the piece - her prose is at its most melodic at the very beginning and the end, but it's also sharp and bleak when her character is in the depths of her sadness. The play is a beautifully crafted look at depression and the difficult journey to happiness.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Marian Fairman mrf5@case.edu

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