You only have one life to live and it's your life. You shouldn't live it for some one else. That's one of the messages that are sent by this wonderful and inspiring play, The Little Flower of East Orange, written by Stephen Guirgis and directed by Philip Hoffman. What is interesting about this play is it is based on Stephen's personal life experience with his own family. It was about how what ever happened in your parent's childhood can affect the way they are and how they raise you. Family's expectations can also hold a big burden on you as well and this play shows what this certain family been through, what is expected of them and how they react to tragedies.

The scene begins with Danny telling the story of how his delusional mom ran away from his sister and was admitted in the hospital. Danny is the narrator of the play and has the role of Therese's alcoholic son. The hospital setting is so realistic. From the hospital beds to the costumes of the nurses I really felt as if I was in the hospital room with the mother. Therese's character was hysterical. She kept having flash backs and dejavu. She kept denying who she was until the clever doctor tricked her in doing so. The flash backs were very effective because the lighting would change and you see the characters act out a memory she encounters. When her two kids visit her they begin with cursing her out. This is very ironic because usually when someone's mother disappeared for a while you miss them and give them hugs and kisses. Through all the worries she gave her kids though, they were pretty angry. Even though they both show they love their mother in a funny way. A lot of families are like that.

Danny shows he cares by traveling miles to see his mother. He's supposed to be in rehab so he can be cured from his alcohol addiction! His mother appreciates him even though she asking him to buy her a bottle. Isn't that funny? She means well though and besides she has had a rough life. Her father was deaf and always expected so much from her. He wanted her to be the brightest and become a teacher for the deaf. He also abused her though. One day after already recovering from a back injury he became really drunk. She helped him up the stairs putting pressure that wasn't allowed and it broke again. She had to be in the hospital for ten years! The worst part is her father didn't remember and she was too conscious of hurting his feelings to tell him. Danny doesn't understand why she loves her father so after what he made her go through. The point of the play and what Therese points out is that that was her life and she still lived her life. She lived her life especially when she had kids. She wants Danny and her daughter to take care of themselves so they can never say because of their mother they couldn't live.

This is a FANTASTIC, HILARIOUS and HEARTWARMING play. It reminded me of questions I constantly ask myself. Like why does my mom act the way she does and made me have such a hard and bad life? The truth is we all have our stories and we are the little flowers from our own East Orange. Our stories can be funny, heartwarming or sad. As long as we are living our lives for ourselves that is what matters.