Plays

Love, M

Told through letters, Love, M. is the story of two mothers at the dawn of AIDS. Atlanta white socialite Deborah writes to her son, Chris, who is pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. Myrtle, a Black southern Baptist, writes to her son, Timothy, an idealistic young lawyer.

With humor and humanity, and the AIDS Quilt as backdrop, Love, M. weaves the abiding threads of the healing power of love, as the characters piece their way towards acceptance.

Spit Like a Big Girl

A comic look at what a Southern daughter learned from her college professor parents.

Inspired by the discovery of her father’s journals after his death, Clarinda Ross takes us on a humorous and poignant journey as she leaves her home to venture out into the big world.

Compassion, etiquette, men, and child-rearing are just a few of the subjects she examines through her wacky and uniquely Southern viewfinder.

Most importantly, the play expresses how well her father's lessons have served her in her struggles as the mother of a disabled child.

‘From My Grandmother’s Grandmother Unto Me’

Take a trip through the mountains of Appalachia, stop on Fannie’s front porch and meet her children, grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. In the tradition of mountain storytelling, 'From My Grandmother’s Grandmother Unto Me' tells the joys and sorrows of five women in the author’s family with honesty and humor. Common historical events such as the Great Depression and the World Wars are related in terms of how they affected this particular family.

The play is a testament to the power of family storytelling, and how it can shape the lives of generations.

The Outlook Review

Reviews

“Ross is a master storyteller, and part of a vigorous revitalization of that art form.”
-LA. Weekly (Critic’s Choice Award)
“She has worked with director David Thomas to capture the essence of each character in simple soulful strokes.”
-Drama-Logue (Drama-Logue Award: Best Actress)
“...a celebration of southern heritage."
"...a simple story, beautifully told.”
-Atlanta Journal Constitution
“...a theatrical treat."
"...a tour-de-force.”
"...the audience loved every minute."
-Charleston Post and Courier
"Like a treasured heirloom passed down from generation to generation, this poignant monologue finds its way into our hearts. Ross’ own character, her captivating voice resonates with truth and sensitivity to the human condition.”
-Backstage West
“...brilliantly brings women from another time to life.”
-Chattanooga News/Free Press
“With only a pair of wire-frame glasses, an apron, and an old straw hat, she became the women who had preceded her in her life. I only wish I could remember my grandmother with this actress’ clarity.”--The Orlando Sentinel
"This is the story of America itself, in it's transition from Indians and the wilderness frontier to an industrialized land where economic opportunity and foreign wars began to tear families apart for the first time and change the traditional roles of women."
- Steve Fesenmair - Appalachian Film Expert and Critic - WVLC, Charleston, W. VA