PLEASE NOTE EVEN IF INITIALS ARE THE SAME, THE CONTRIBUTORS ARE DIFFERENT
“I caught the closing performance of Stray Cat Theatre’s production of "Fetal" by Trista Baldwin.
A show about four women in a clinic within the jaws of a bloodthirsty god.
There’s a special structure to this play that depicts each character’s battle with the wider socio-political assemblage that has made a battleground of their bodies. Muffled chants of so-called “pro-life” protesters create an atmosphere that each character must swim through in order to make sense of the machine that produces their shame and pain.
In the end, the only solace is their own unity with each other. The only hope is in their capacity for joy and support, even amid the repressive chaos outside the clinic door.
The world changes in absurd, surreal and downright destructive ways. To weather the madness, it takes finding an assemblage of unlikely allies to break through and see something new.
Something liberating.“ - ND
"Thank you so much for a lovely piece of theater last night! It was so moving and powerful!" - MS
“Just saw…FETAL. It was excellent. As an abortion clinic escort and abortion doula, this play was 100% on point.” - LD
“With EE Moe’s direction and this incredible cast of women the end-result was nothing short of gut-wrenchingly great theater.” - TT
"Here’s another success for the state’s foremost producer of new, important plays, aka Stray Cat Theatre.
Tonight is the last chance to catch this production. A deft, gripping script by Trista Baldwin, a playwright who always delivers the goods and pulls no punches. Don’t be that person who has to say, “oh, I missed that one.” - TS
"I've always said that the most anxiety inducing thing for me when it comes to parenting my two little girls is the idea of not knowing if I will have the necessary tools in my parenting toolbox when the time comes for more serious struggles in the girls lives as they get older.
Tonight Sarah and I attended a theater performance from our lovely friend Lola.
The setting of the performance follows three women in very different stages of life, waiting for an abortion appointment at a Texas based abortion clinic on the day SCOTUS rescinded ROE V. WADE.
A powerful performance from our friend coupled with a topic I am ashamed to say, I suddenly realized I knew very little about.
By the end of the performance I realized that not only was I thoughtfully entertained, but I was able to add a few new tools to my toolbox.
Tools I may not ever need to wield during the course of my girls journey developing into full fledged people.
But tools that I'll have none the less so I WILL be prepared if that day comes.
The subject matter covered is so important right now, and there is still time if you want that same feeling.
Tomorrow night is the final performance of FETAL. Playing at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Put on by the Stray Cat Theatre.
There are still remaining seats (not a ton)
Support one of our local theaters.
But do it for YOU.
P.s. AMAZING job Lola!!!!!" - SG
"Powerful, thought provoking, and timely." - KM
“Everyone should see this! Congratulations on bringing another play to the valley that is relevant and makes people think. Those seats should be filled!! Go see Fetal! Wish this piece wasn’t as relevant as it is. But here we are…..” - MW
“There was a block of ten minutes where I couldn’t stop crying as I watched a little girl breakdown from the pressure, fear, and stress of an unwanted pregnancy. We lived the moment with her and felt it to our core. One of the many stories from real life women that resonated in an honest, urgent cry for help. Simple yet effective, Fetal at Stray Cat is another display of STC’s bravery, power, and unflinching commitment to social movement. This play could save lives. It could change minds. And it definitely provides a glimpse into the life of women directly impacted by the archaic roll back of rights. Beautiful work throughout. Thank you Stray Cat.” - ST
"I attend Stray Cat theatre events (calling them plays or shows is inadequate) knowing that the experience will have to marinate for a few days, and may pop up unexpectedly even after that. I'm certain that Fetal will revisit me. I was drawn to it, partly, by the chance to see two of the most dynamic -and under-utilized- forces in our theatre scene, EE Moe and Debra Lyman, tackle this subject matter and make it real. It could be an easy rabbit hole of righteous pretension, but never went there. Classy and understated did the job nicely.
Of note....Anne - the character played by Deb, doesn't seem to have been understood by audience members, or even critics. By what I've read and eavesdropped, after the show, she was characterized as being harsh or judgemental or even mean.
This is interesting, because she told us, several times, who she was and what she was doing....and not doing. Anne wasn't counseling or advising the women. She was acting as a respository vessel for all of the thoughts and feelings that they couldn't acknowledge even to themselves. She took their truth so they didn't have to deal with it. She told them that. I take your story and I hold it. You don't have to.
That's so powerful, and somehow was lost on people. Because assumptions cut off listening, I suppose.
I'll say I enjoyed Fetal. The performances were sharp and well drawn, the set and spotlight devicing was perfect. And, It was provocative, dangerous, risky theatre which is what I slavishly admire Stray Cat for providing to the few of us that show up for it.
If you want to feel safe, enjoy Steel Freekin' Magnolias for the 90th time. If you're up for an emotional, intellectual, moral and ethical roller coaster ride, meet me at TCA for the next one. I'm buying…" - RR
"It has been with me all day. I keep going back to some of the discussions." - KK
"Congrats to all on an amazing show! Don't miss it!" - MH
“A very important message from a very strong script!” - DS
"…holy moly. All of those actresses gave the most poignant performances I’ve seen in ages!" - CL
"Whoa! Phenomenal performances in a very charged play. Challenge yourself to see the world through these characters' eyes and if you think this isn't a play for you (which I totally thought)...it is." - HC
"So powerful!" - CM
"I don’t care who you are, what your station in life is, or whether you think this show has nothing to do with you. You have through this weekend to see it. Go." - MS
“While I strongly feel it is important for everyone to hear and see these stories, I fear that the ones who need to hear them the most won’t.
If you think this isn’t a show for you, I promise you it is.” - VO
"See FETAL at Stray Cat Theatre if you can. Compelling work, and a brave, fierce ensemble." - ML
"Such an amazing show with an amazing cast." - DW
"DAMN you all are so talented. Amazing performance tonight." - TT
"Fetal will knock your socks. Great acting stellar writing. My God, Stray Cat Theatre. Runs through next Saturday!" - NT
"Saw Fetal tonight at Stray Cat Theatre...I am biased towards its lovely cast but I think this is a great and important production. Perspective and empathy abound. Great writing, direction and a cool talk back. Stray Cat is a jewel of the valley.
Turn off your screen and go support theatre. Any theatre." - KH
"...Stray Cat always provides an entertaining evening. But the latest production, FETAL, is extraordinary. Not only is it a look at women's lives under stress, but the humor and anguish is expertly portrayed. Each character has a story to tell, and did so as only the women experiencing the anticipation of a Supreme Court decision could. Kudos to the actors and entire staff of Stray Cat -- as in everything, it takes a village. And Stray Cat has a village and more!" - JH
"One of the things I love about Stray Cat Theatre is that they produce powerful, topical productions that can challenge your views and leave you thinking/talking about it long after you’ve left the theater. That’s not always easy to find in the arts...Two weekends left to see this beautifully acted piece." - LI
“Bring your Kleenex. And maybe a stress ball.
Some Stray Cat shows make me sad.
Some make me wanna punch someone. Or a lot of people.
This one does both.” - JG
"Opening Night of "Fetal"! Once again the professionals at Stray Cat Theatre have brought us a timely and thought-provoking production...powerfully impactful! Casting proved to be excellent! Kudos on directing go to E.E. Moe! Set design by Tiana Torrilhon-Wood was so effective!" - LP
"Bravo for doing this. A wonderful message at any time but especially in the current climate of our Nation and our State. Thank you." - HM
"I got to catch opening night of FETAL at Stray Cat Theatre. I had no idea what the show was about, and if you know me then you know that’s how I like to watch shows. The subject matter is more hard hitting and more important now than ever! Do yourselves a favor and go see it. Thank you, Stray Cat, for continuing to tell these stories. Congratulations to the cast and crew. Break legs for the rest of your run!" - MT
"Just saw a terrific performance of "Fetal" at Stray Cat Theatre. Very timely content, well written with standout performances by Kate Haas and Wyatt Murphy. Highly recommend y'all go see this show!' - VR
"A wonderful show great cast!!! Don’t miss it." - YC
"This show should be required viewing. By everyone. I was completely blown away." - AF
“…Brilliant writing by Trista, superb direction by EE., lovely performances by Debra Lyman, Dolores E Mendoza, Wyatt Murphy and Kate Haas at Stray Cat Theare in Tempe.” - SAF
“Grade: B…a telling tale on women losing a cherished right to decide if and when they should bring a baby into this troubled world…FETAL gets to the heart of the ridiculous extreme of eliminating a woman’s decision on whether or not to have a baby.” - CC
"Director EE Moe created a deeply moving experience, the casting choices were perfect, each actor brought a unique depth to their role as the story in this clinic waiting room in Texas was evolving. You are in this room with these women of different ages, backgrounds and stories. I was overwhelmed with emotions and feelings and had tears at the end of the play. I had tears because these women have been left in limbo and we don’t even talk about it anymore. Tears because what is happening is real, I’m even more fired up now to keep up fighting for all those who are hurting. A nice surprise at the end, we got a chance to meet the writer and a chance to see old friends and hug the cast.
You can see Fetal until March 1st." - SC