Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize “Saturday Mourning Cartoons” by Iraisa Ann Reilly as a Semi-Finalist for the 2023 Premiere Play Festival. “Saturday Mourning Cartoons” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 40 Semi-Finalists out of 701 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the play’s vivid characters, beautiful and complex interpersonal relationships, and theatrical style of setting. Our congratulations and thanks to Iraisa.

With shades of "Ordinary People" and "Rabbit Hole," "Saturday Mourning Cartoons" is a sly, yet tender exploration of grief, loss, and family. I've never heard the loss of faith as articulately or poetically described as I have here. This play also begs the question: When we experience a tremendous loss, how do we trust ourselves (or those still with us) to pick up the pieces? Even at their ugliest moments, I loved spending time with Reilly's characters, and wanted to see them through to the end of their healing journey. A gorgeous play that I can't wait to see!

I loved the journey this play took us on as we met the family, learned about their struggles, and witnessed their vulnerabilities. The passage of time was handled deftly as we reached the climax of the play. The ending contained one of the most beautiful moments in the play.