Donald V. Calamia said this about GEM Theatrics' Old Love in Encore Michigan --
* "Old Love has plenty of heart!"
* "But it's the acting that makes or breaks the story. . . and here Quillin and Mitchell serve the story quite well."
* "A very entertaining production."
* "...as a 60-something gentleman sitting behind me said after the production ended, 'That was cute.' And not only did his wife agree, but several others echoed similar sentiments as they left the theater. For a warm, summer night along the St. Clair River, can you ask for a response better than that?"
John Quinn of Encore Michigan has this to say about
My Dearest Friend...
My Dearest Friend...
- Michigan playwright Mary G. Kron meticulously researched her project, but was more fortunate than most historians in having primary resources for recreating historical figures. John and Abigail...were prolific letter writers – and some 1,200 of them were preserved. Excerpts have been crafted into a sort of dialogue; they are the meat and sinew of this charming play.
- The fact that Mitchell and Quillin are married brings a spark of real-life to their performances...
- My Dearest Friend is not a history book. It is the intimate story of two extraordinary people that transcends history. That's a tale worth telling.
Praise for My Dearest Friend...
"GEM Theatrics was absolutely wonderful to work with. Students, faculty and staff, and the local Great Lakes Bay Region community members who were able to attend the recent production of "My Dearest Friend" in September at Delta College were mesmerized. Audience members felt like they were watching the real John and Abigail Adams. Gary and Mary Beth made sure our needs were met and accommodated our scheduling. Do not hesitate to have them come to your organization. Truly a pleasure to see and work with!” Heidi Helgren, J.D., Associate Professor of Management & Coordinator of Legal Support Professional Program (Delta College, MI September, 2015)
"What a wonderful morning we had at the Women's City Club - a very moving experience - as we were transported into another world. It was a beautifully done play...the acting was superb, the content encompassing and the props so appropriate." Jean VanderLaan, (Women's City Club, Grand Rapids, MI July 2015)
"Thank you so much for your wonderful portrayals of John and Abigail Adams. Your performance was nothing but amazing. Those who attended marveled at the deep connection that you were able to convey between John and Abigail. One minute we laughed, one minute we were in awe of the truth and then we felt that moment of sorrow. Bravo! to you both. And for Mary G. Kron, Well done!" Holly Swincicki, (Assistant Director, Morton Township Library)
"Thank you again for the wonderful performance. I told Carol to get you scheduled for Love Letters during the Aquinas Fall Break. You were great. Our students loved the performance as did I. Thank you, thank you." Sheila W. Pantlind, (Director of OLLI at Aquinas College)
"Mark and I were in the audience for the Saturday matinee performance of My Dearest Friend. The script and performances were SUPERB. Thank you!" Frances Gentile, (actress and theatre patron)
"It's we who should say 'Thank You' to you and Mary Beth, and of course to the extremely talented author, Ms. Mary Kron. You have collaborated to create a breath-taking piece of theater magic. I for one was honored to witness it." Sharon Hayes, (actress and theatre patron)
"I enjoyed the production immensely; it was both entertaining and enlightening: great wit, great passion, great insights into two people whose humanity has been blurred by lore and legend. Yours and MBQ's portrayals were outstanding: great connection, great honesty, great pathos. . . [M]y heartfelt admiration for a brilliant piece of theatre. It's very worthy of a wide reception in theatres across the country." Eric Dawe, (actor, director and author of AENEAS: Last King of Troy)
Read the Grand Valley Lanthorn feature article telling of the journey to produce My Dearest Friend, by Mary G. Kron.
http://www.lanthorn.com/index.php/article/2011/11/gv_alum_to_bring_abigail_adams_to_life
Praise for Love Letters. . .
"Comments on the surveys were all very positive. The comment I saw the most was 'please do more programs like this'. Comments from patrons attending the program were extremely positive and enthusiastic. Gary and Mary Beth were easy to work with and the production was funny and engaging." Jean Sanders, Grand Rapids Public Library.
“This dynamic acting couple’s interpretation of Love Letters will touch your heart, amuse you and may bring a tear to your eye. Gary Mitchell and Mary Beth Quillin first performed this production at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre where I had the privilege of being their director. These two actors are true professionals and their performance of this play was outstanding. Since then they have performed this play for other organizations and their performances have become even more rich and appealing. I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful play performed by these excellent actors. It will be an event you won’t soon forget.”
Penelope Notter – former Associate Director, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
"GEM Theatrics was absolutely wonderful to work with. Students, faculty and staff, and the local Great Lakes Bay Region community members who were able to attend the recent production of "My Dearest Friend" in September at Delta College were mesmerized. Audience members felt like they were watching the real John and Abigail Adams. Gary and Mary Beth made sure our needs were met and accommodated our scheduling. Do not hesitate to have them come to your organization. Truly a pleasure to see and work with!” Heidi Helgren, J.D., Associate Professor of Management & Coordinator of Legal Support Professional Program (Delta College, MI September, 2015)
"What a wonderful morning we had at the Women's City Club - a very moving experience - as we were transported into another world. It was a beautifully done play...the acting was superb, the content encompassing and the props so appropriate." Jean VanderLaan, (Women's City Club, Grand Rapids, MI July 2015)
"Thank you so much for your wonderful portrayals of John and Abigail Adams. Your performance was nothing but amazing. Those who attended marveled at the deep connection that you were able to convey between John and Abigail. One minute we laughed, one minute we were in awe of the truth and then we felt that moment of sorrow. Bravo! to you both. And for Mary G. Kron, Well done!" Holly Swincicki, (Assistant Director, Morton Township Library)
"Thank you again for the wonderful performance. I told Carol to get you scheduled for Love Letters during the Aquinas Fall Break. You were great. Our students loved the performance as did I. Thank you, thank you." Sheila W. Pantlind, (Director of OLLI at Aquinas College)
"Mark and I were in the audience for the Saturday matinee performance of My Dearest Friend. The script and performances were SUPERB. Thank you!" Frances Gentile, (actress and theatre patron)
"It's we who should say 'Thank You' to you and Mary Beth, and of course to the extremely talented author, Ms. Mary Kron. You have collaborated to create a breath-taking piece of theater magic. I for one was honored to witness it." Sharon Hayes, (actress and theatre patron)
"I enjoyed the production immensely; it was both entertaining and enlightening: great wit, great passion, great insights into two people whose humanity has been blurred by lore and legend. Yours and MBQ's portrayals were outstanding: great connection, great honesty, great pathos. . . [M]y heartfelt admiration for a brilliant piece of theatre. It's very worthy of a wide reception in theatres across the country." Eric Dawe, (actor, director and author of AENEAS: Last King of Troy)
Read the Grand Valley Lanthorn feature article telling of the journey to produce My Dearest Friend, by Mary G. Kron.
http://www.lanthorn.com/index.php/article/2011/11/gv_alum_to_bring_abigail_adams_to_life
Praise for Love Letters. . .
"Comments on the surveys were all very positive. The comment I saw the most was 'please do more programs like this'. Comments from patrons attending the program were extremely positive and enthusiastic. Gary and Mary Beth were easy to work with and the production was funny and engaging." Jean Sanders, Grand Rapids Public Library.
“This dynamic acting couple’s interpretation of Love Letters will touch your heart, amuse you and may bring a tear to your eye. Gary Mitchell and Mary Beth Quillin first performed this production at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre where I had the privilege of being their director. These two actors are true professionals and their performance of this play was outstanding. Since then they have performed this play for other organizations and their performances have become even more rich and appealing. I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful play performed by these excellent actors. It will be an event you won’t soon forget.”
Penelope Notter – former Associate Director, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre