Directed by Michael Shamata
Cast: Alison Kelly, Barbara Pollard, Deborah Williams, Jill Daum and Robin Nichol.
Mom’s the Word 3: Nest ½ Empty
Hello there! So it’s finally the weekend, and I went to watch another play as usual! This time I watched something that did not interest me as much before actually watching it. The play is called Mom’s the Word 3: Nest ½ Empty. (And let me tell you now, Mom’s the Word series is a HUGE deal!) Before I get started on my sharing with you guys, please note that I have included some housekeeping components of the theatre in the middle, don't fall asleep when you read 'em!
0. Initial & Final Impression:
Here are some honest confessions: I searched up for the theaters playing, and found Mom’s the Word 3. I watched the trailer and saw their pictures and I thought, “Nah… I’m not watching some aged ladies (no offence but we are seriously not from the same generation!) cuz what fun will there be in what "senior" moms talk about.” And my reaction would probably be like the picture below. (Oops) But because it was the only play available at the time, I thought I would give it a chance. (Fingers crossed)
After witnessing a full house in the theater, the genuine and positive reactions from the audiences, as well as conducting after some post-performance researches, I finally realized the moms are international! They have toured 19 countries with their witty, humorous, poignant but heartwarming stories. The tickets for Mom’s the Word series have always sold out fast! So make sure you book yours in advance, online or via phone calls!
Barbara Pollard, Jill Daum, Robin Nichol, Alison Kelly and Deborah Williams (from left to right) star in of Mom's the Word 3: Nest ½ Empty
Pre-show: I went to watch the play alone, since I was not in a good mood because my boyfriend and I just had a little argument. I didn’t want to go with any friends either. I figured I probably needed some time with myself. I sat in the middle of the seating area. When I arrived, the theater was mostly filled; people were chatting and talking about how the play might be. Because I was alone, so I just observed. I can say that above 95% of the audience had been middled-aged females and grandmas, whose nests are likely 1/2 empty like the moms in the play (well, a few percentage could be listed under grandpas).
If you ask me to describe this play, I'll just quote Robin Nichol, who is one of the playwrights and actress; the quote says it all: it's about putting real, difficult experiences out there in a honest way — and the humour is just in the reality of it... We're just laying it out there. It's theatre of recognition. Everybody feels the same way." I totally agree with what Nichol has said. Even though I'm not a mom yet, and I haven't experienced what the moms might have experienced collectively, I could resonant and empathize with the stories that were told in the play. When I was immersed, it didn't feel like I'm watching a play, it felt more like a chatting session where everybody spills some secrets or complaints. During the show, I was sometimes observing others and listening to their responses because I didn't get the jokes, but the rest of the audience was definitely enjoying everything.
After the play had ended, the audience gave a huge wave of shouting and clapping, and they gave the troupe standing ovations. I stood up, too, though it was half forced because I just wasn't ready for it to end yet! The play touched my heart, but it wasn't about ME, or my generation, so I didn't connect with the play as much as the rest of the audience did; therefore, I feel like giving a standing ovation, but since everyone around me started getting up, I didnt want to be disrespectful. But then I thought of their dedication, effort, and the sincerity I've felt... it was a wholehearted play! So after a quick thought, I stood up agreeably, applauding for their performance, sharing, and teaching.
Despite the jokes that I didn't understand and the moments that I didn't feel as connected with, Mom's the Word 3 is truly an insightful and deeply touching piece which we should all watch.
1. Costumes:
Though it's called costumes, what they wore on stage do not fit with the tradition costume ideas. The characters wore casual clothes, just like what they would normally wear in daily life. The clothes were of different styles, too, I think they suit the characters. Another thing I liked about the costumes is that they stayed true to the characters' personalities while the clothing also featured a variety of colours, so that the stage wasn't boring to look at.
2. Stage Set Up:
Home-like. "Messy," but simple. Inclusive, and magical.
There was 2 sofas, rolling chairs, magical storage room and numerous magical boxes, where more props are waiting inside for you to discover.
3. Use of Props:
I loved the use of the plain boxes. They could represent the overflowing amount of stuff in the house that are ready to be thrown out, or the "fossils" that never got to be used or was never touched since moving-in) where more props are hidden. For example, you wouldn't imagine discovering an oven and a refrigerator when you open the boxes.
I also really enjoyed playing games with their props. When they had popcorns, baked cookies, and a knife, I immediately starting scanning them to see if they are real! And yes, they are. Moreover, they had cushions with a husband's picture printed on both sides, they have made me wonder if he is the actress' husband in real life! The props have successfully brought out a sense of reality.
4. Character Involvement:
I especially paid attention to what I call "background performing." It looks at what the characters do when they are not under the spotlight. In this play, when one mom was sharing, lights were still shone on the others, but just slightly dimmer. I especially observed what the other moms were doing, and I was pretty satisfied with their performance since their acting were natural; nobody was stiffly sitting on the stage, waiting for their turns to come. It didn't exactly feel like they were in a play, rather, it was like they were casually hanging out in one of their places, earnestly listening to each others' sharings.
5. Content:
The play was made up of stories shared from the 5 moms. Some were funny, some were heartwarming and moving, but they were all relatable, meaningful, and reflective. The play deals with motherhood, family issues, and relationships, since we are all part of a family, this play is worthy to watch! More in-depth discussion after this.
6. Playing on Pun?
< Mom's the word vs. Mum's the word >
Maybe I'm making too much connections here about the pun on "mom's the word" and "mum's the word," but they totally make sense to me. In fact, it has led to my learning from the play. First of all, I interpret the title of this play in two ways due to the abbreviation. One is "mom is the word," and the other is "mom has the word."
Mom is the word: This play revolves around motherhood, family, and marriage. Moms are portrayed as a hinge, connecting between children and husband, as well as other family members. So in a sense, mom is the most essential member in the family. She takes care of the husband, the children, and the entire family. When there is a problem, she will step up and help with negotiation, trying to solve any issues. Therefore, MOM, is the word.
Mom has the word: Continuing from the above, I said moms are the hinges between family members. Moms are the lovers of their husbands and they are then moms of their own children. Moms educate, influence, and model for the children. Everything moms do and speak, determines how the children will grow and where the family is going towards. The invisible power is in moms' hands; therefore, MOM has the word.
Mum's the word: "Mum's the word" is a popular English idiom, which means to keep silent or quiet. The phrase also appears in Shakespeare's Henry VI, Part 2, Act 1, Scene 2:
"Seal up your lips and give no words but mum."
Interestingly enough, the play has ended with the sentence "Close your mouth and listen. Mom's the word." It was a huge stop moment for me, so I think I won't forget for my entire life! (Later in the next section, you will see more discussion on this.) Here, I interpreted the line as advising us to know when to shush! When we close our mouths, we listen! Listen to each other, listen to your heart, listen to what matters. Talking doesn't always solve a problem, communication does, and we have to listen and then talk for it to become a conversation. Therefore, mum's the word.
7. Takeaway Message:
"Close your mouth and LISTEN. Mom's the word."
This line above is the closing line to the play Mom's the Word 3: Nest 1/2 Empty, and this is where my major learning comes from.
In the play, the moms have shared with each other stories of their family members in daily life. Inevitably, people argue; people share different opinions and perspectives. And the people who you consider the dearest grew to become the ones you wish you'll never see again. So what's the problem?! The problem is you don't listen.
Yes, YOU.
Okay, you may ask "what should we do?!"
Here's a solution: Re-learn how to appreciate, and listen.
Appreciate everyone in your life right now. If you are feeling unhappy or unsatisfied with something in your life, whether it's because you have a problematic relationship you want to fix, or a stubborn partner you want to "get rid of," if you just pause and reflect for a moment, you'll realize the problem lies in YOU. I totally agree with this idea. (Here's what Jaime Sofia thinks:) Yes, the other person definitely has his/her wrongs, but it takes two to tango. If you could be the first one to take a step back, and be the one with a bigger heart, peace returns, and love returns. One suggestion from the play was: write down all your wrongs and all the good about them, read them to him/her, and thank him/her. Afterwards, you feel good, they feel good, and your relationship is good. Problem solved. Again, listen to each other, listen to your heart, listen to what matters.
On another note, I think this play could be advertised and promoted more among young adults as well. The stories are quite relatable to everyone, so children can have hear "the other side of the story" from a group of people called "the moms." This play could be an opportunity for children to have an understanding of what is always going on in parents' heads. Moreover, although the older children have left home and been on their own, they are always the dearest children in their parents' hearts, and they are never forgotten! Mom's the Word 3: Nest 1/2 Empty brings the 1/2 emptied nests together again!
8. GO? or NO!
Now you have had a preview of how the play is going, are you going to watch the play while it's still in town?? Or are you hesitating because you are a young adult like me too?
(If you are feeling blue, GO, it'll bring you a whole bucket of laughters. If you are a mom, GO, you can't not go because the play is all about YOU. If you are a husband or at least you are a son, GO, because it's either about your sweet wife or your dear mom.)
Leave a comment below and let me know if it's a GO or NO for you! (I'm wishing not to spot any NOs.) For whose of you who are going to support the troupe and watch their play, hope it'll be a FANTASTIC experience for you!! Also, remember to share with me your thoughts on the play / any stop moments / personal learning! See y'all in the next blog!
Love,
Jaime Sofia Collingwood
