There’s a show that’s coming to town that can’t be found in movie theaters, on Netflix or on Hulu. One that’s downright entertaining and inspiring. I’m talking about the 2017 Listen to Your Mother Show. If you’ve never heard of it before, it’s an on-stage show created by Ann Imig that features original readings by local writers in celebration of motherhood. If you are familiar, you’re aware that it is a Mother’s Day phenomenon that has grown from one performance in one city to 29 shows around the country. And it has featured some amazing people.
I felt the need to write about the Listen to Your Mother show because sadly, it is coming to an end nationally this year. The last Providence show is this week, Thursday, May 4. I’m honored to share the stage for the finale with cast members Karen CL Anderson, Liana Cassar, Elizabeth DaRosa, Brianne DeRosa (director/producer/cast member), Kirsten DiChiappari (director/producer/cast member), Chelley Martinka (producer), Magnolia Perez and Alexandra Vaillancourt. Proceeds from the show help support Foster Forward, an organization that helps connect mentors for children in foster care.
I recommend seeing the finale in your city. (It’s in RI on May 4 at the Providence Public Library at 7 p.m.). I’ve seen performances from the audience… and from the stage.
It’s been four years since I was a cast member of the inaugural Providence show. The bond formed with my Listen to Your Mother sisters in 2013 was real. It was special. And it was beyond words, yet it was all about the words we read aloud for the world to hear. The experience of being a part of this national show that gives Mother’s Day a microphone struck a chord within all of us, as we swallowed our butterflies and fears before taking the stage.
The whole experience, from audition to final show, was so much greater than the sum of the parts. Each cast member, although talented on their own, shined a little brighter when we performed as a group. One presenter flowed to the next, sharing something different. Something special. A part of themselves. And no one left disappointed.
It was an experience I’ll never forget. And I’m so proud of the women co-producing this year’s show, my fellow 2013 LTYM cast mates, Kirsten DiChiappari and Brianne DeRosa and my friend and Rhody Blogger sister, Chelley Martinka.
I’m honored to be sharing the stage with an incredible group of women this year, including my friend, fellow Barrington mom, Liana Cassar. We’ve already laughed and cried together during rehearsals and the connection is real. This year’s ensemble is made up of remarkable women who have stories to share that will have you giggling one minute and grabbing a tissue the next.
For more information about the Listen To Your Mother Show, please visit http://listentoyourmothershow.com/providence/2017/
What: Providence Listen To Your Mother Show
When: May 4, 2017
Where: Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street
How: Tickets can be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets: www.ltympvd17.brownpaper
January.