A Packet of Holiness and Joy Will Come to You? (A Fable) presented by Curious Theatre Branch at Prop Theatre

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...The play's many carnivalesque noises highlight this atmosphere. A slide whistle is heard. Roving cartoon rabble-rousers bark idea spittle into a cardboard megaphone. Scenes flow together with the blare (aah-ooo-ga!) of a little clown horn in Vicki Walden's pocket (she has four lovely roles, including "Cliff the Lyft Driver" and an orphan who's lost her dog). O'Reilly plays a lonely writer for a bit, but doubles the rest of the time as the drunk Hap Happenstance, who barters family heirlooms-including a "pencil sharpener that looks like Walt Whitman" (it does not)-for looted booze from a thief friend. Things end, after 65 minutes, much as they started: randomly and strangely, but with abrupt beatnik gusto."

Third Coast Review - Recommended

"...A Packet of Holiness is very much DIY theater. Most of the props (Julie Williams) are cut from corrugated board. Characters make quick persona changes with the aid of clever hats and caps (made by Kate O'Reilly). Locations are sometimes cued by handwritten titles on rally signs. There's some music with Sennett picking on a banjo for accompaniment. The script has funny bits and amusing lines and the performers all show their versatility. (Note: there's plenty of happiness but no holiness or any sign of the winter holidays in the production.)"