"It's a universe where love causes the deepest wounds and where forgiveness is a possibility that may be deferred, but never disappears." Such is the premise of Little Flower of East Orange, a play by Stephen Adly Guirgis and directed by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Does this flower bloom with emotional beauty or decay on the pavements of East Orange?

The bare stage, with no props and sets, stirs up an atmosphere of anticipation that prepares the audience for a journey through the plains of despair. Little Flower of East Orange takes place in New York City, the present and the past. A man in his mid-thirties, played by Howie Seago, becomes free of his shackles and bottled-up emotions, started narrating the story, all BS excluded; this is the story of his life, at its most significant point. His name is Danny, and he is ready to open up. Thus, the story is told through a flashback, leading up to the aftermath of his mother's death. The protagonists are Danny and his mother, Therese Marie, as played by Ellen Burstyn. The story goes that Danny is approaching a mid-life crisis when his mother is staying in a hospital as a result of attempted suicide. While Marie tries to cope with her physical pain, Danny tries to cope with the mistakes he made. As Marie stays remains in bed for the majority of the play, everyone revolves around her.

Little Flower's strongest attraction is its colorful cast of characters, such as Espinosa, the hilariously mean-spirited nurse who is really good-hearted underneath; Dr. Shankar, the straightforward and crafty doctor who does only what he is supposed to do; Danny's sister, Justina, whose actions are shaped by the fear her parent's imminent death. All of them distinct, each character with their own agenda that intertwines and affects one another.

The simple set of Little Flower includes a hospital bed, a few chairs and curtains, and that's about it. Lights are used occasionally to create a dramatic effect, such as projection of a city when a scene takes place on a roof. Music also plays occasionally, generating emotional surges during a breakdown.

As I was watching the show, I often felt guilty laughing at the tremendous amount of pain inflicted on the protagonists. The tears and laughter were surreal. Even though Little Flower of East Orange was written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, this play could connect to every audience member. We all have a mother.