Project Mom
A few years ago, after Connie’s mother passed away,
she discovered a treasure trove of memories. Her mother had kept extensive notes
– a primitive diary – of her life growing up in Philadelphia in the early 20th
century. As a tribute to this woman and a testament to the story of strong women
everywhere, Connie began the Herculean task of coordinating all this fascinating
data and organizing it into a biography.
Somewhere along the way, Connie began thinking of the plight of mothers. She
knew so many other mothers or daughters whose mothers went through similar
struggles in protecting and providing for their families while preserving their
own independence and identity. At parties, over dinner, in correspondence,
Connie’s friends echoed many of the same tales of sacrifice and love that she
herself knew of her own mother and continued to uncover in her mother’s notes.
From simple beginnings often comes inspiration. In the summer of 2003, Connie
pitched me the idea of putting together a collection of works – writings of
women and men about their own mothers. Funny, sad, heartwarming, whatever. We
petitioned 50 of our friends, family, and co-workers to put pen to paper and
tell us something, anything about their moms. While some were tight-lipped (you
know who you are!), the response was better than we could have expected. Nearly
half sent back their thoughts – touching tales, clever anecdotes, a sprawling
epic or two. And suddenly a collection of “mom memories” seemed insufficient.
With an extensive background in theater, Connie tossed out another idea to
me. How could we present these memories as a play? People wouldn’t pay admission
to watch people read letters. Or would they? I do not understand
inspiration, nor would I ever attempt to harness it. It is what it is. So I tell
you with not even the slightest hint of sarcasm or humor that, after a few days,
I spitballed an idea to Connie that had its origins in - believe it or not -
Saving Private Ryan and an episode of The Brady Bunch.
Three years later – three years of writing and editing and planning – and
finally "Project Mom" had its moment in the spotlight. Over the weekend
of May 12-14, 2006, "Project Mom" debuted at the
Riverview Studios in Bordentown, NJ, for three sold-out performances.
The two-act comedy/drama set at a fictitious women’s magazine, concerns several
editors who have been charged with sifting through hundreds of submissions in a
“mother-daughter” essay contest to find the best writing. Along the way, they
learn so much about being a mother, being a daughter, what we learn, what we
forget, what we have in common. And they learn a little about themselves as
well.
The letters used as the foundation of this play are the actual writings of the
women (and 1 man) who actually submitted works to us back in the Summer of 2003.
Their refreshing honesty and vivid memories played a large part in the success
of "Project Mom".
If you did not get a chance to see
"Project Mom",
you can still be a part of the "Project Mom" experience. Visit our
Publications
page for details about Project Mom: A Collection of Essays,
the companion book featuring the complete works of the contributing
writers whose words and thoughts inspired this play, as well as information
regarding the "Project Mom" DVD.
ad/logo artwork by Connie Morgan
