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Always Get a New Toilet Seat, and Other Things My Mother Taught Me

Katherine DiSavino's comedy, Things My Mother Taught Me, at All An Act Theatre, promises to be hilarious and heartwarming.

by Mary Birdsong
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November 25, 2015 at 10:45 AM

Saturday, Nov. 28

Gabe and Olivia are moving into their first apartment when both sets of parents show up unexpectedly. What could go wrong? Delightfully, just about everything.

Katherine DiSavino's comedy, Things My Mother Taught Me, at All An Act Theatre, promises to be hilarious and heartwarming. As the four arrive to "help" the young couple start a new life in Chicago, they come armed with wisdom and cleaning supplies. Things go downhill fast, as possessions are lost and surprises ruined. Add in a building super who only understands English when it's convenient – and provides liquor at critical moments – and the stage is set for comedic errors laced with every parental gem of wisdom the elders have acquired about life and love.

The mothers fuss over cleaning and quiz Olivia about the relationship road ahead. The dads go on an odyssey, end up a bit tipsy, and give Gabe genuinely wise advice.

You will recognize, and laugh at, the classic parental clichés, but you will also see the screwy beauty of family. There's a happy ending here, of course, but the journey to it may have you both laughing and crying. – Mary Birdsong

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 // 652 West 17th St. // 450.8553 or 449.6554

gabeoliviakatherine disavinosthings my mother taught meall an act theatrecomedy

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Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 8
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