SHELLEY CHESTER
PLAYWRIGHT /
SCREENWRITER
GALLERY & REVIEWS
REVIEWS
I LEFT MY DIGNITY IN MY OTHER PURSE
"A delightfully funny play about a woman in a unique part of her life. Ruth is absolutely hilarious, and Marge and Maya just don't stop with the witty banter. The meta choice on Chester's part to make Ruth be the only one who can recognize that one actor plays several parts is hilarious. Nothing but sheer pleasure and wickedly funny dialogue, three comedic actresses could really make this play cook!"
Emily Hageman
------------------------
The script is an absolute romp! It makes sense that it won a Neil Simon award - as it gave me strong echoes of both Simon and "The Hangover," which is such a delightful and unexpected combo!
Calvan Hallman - Producing AD for Mirrorbox Theatre
-------------------------
Seeing Dignity in Midland, Texas was a highlight of Charles’ and my year.
Angela Smith Award-winning writer
-----------------------------
It's intermission, and I've already laughed A LOT!
Come to Mirrorbox Theatre this weekend and enjoy this hilarious show with a cast of seasoned CR senior actors.
-------------------------
THE MARRIAGE PICKLE
A review by Andrew Pelegreen III
CRAVING BUTTERFLIES
A song review for Rendezvous
I love the total weirdness of this. The musical dialogue between the man and woman against the “jungle” sounds, drum rhythms, and the music of the chorus come together in a perfect blend. I’ve listened to it numerous times and each time find something else that I think is absolutely brilliant. It’s a creative match for anything in “The Lion King” or jungle scenes in “The Book of Mormon.” Bravo!
Angela Smith Award-winning writer and working musician.
------------------------------
Saving the Past: The Musical
I LOVE THIS MUSICAL PLAY! I would not change one word, comma, or direction. I believe Shelley writes some of the best closing lines for scenes I have ever read!
Professor Joe Goldblatt
Emeritus Professor Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland.
------------------------------
Stephen Sondheim, you have a successor! I miss a good overture, too, and I particularly loved yours, especially the generous use of syncopation. For some reason, syncopation inspires anticipation in me. I’ll bet there are numerous theatre restoration projects going on that would welcome your musical.
Angela Smith Award-winning writer and working musician.
------------------------------
Your work truly has the feeling of the Fred Astaire/ Debbie Reynolds musical era. Boy- I would think older talents like Lilly Tomlin-Dolly Parton-Reba would love to jump into a play like this. One of the songs brought me back to my college drama experiences -fell in love with theater - my first professional musical at 19 Schooled and performed with Robin Williams.
Victoria Dorazi Singer-songwriter professional actress
-------------------------------
Homeless Not Helpless
"WOW.... I cannot say enough about what an amazing show this would be to produce and direct...just love it so much! Such a great cast of characters and the dialogue and all... It is a winner 100%. Just truly a joy to read and it will win many awards!!"
Andrew Pelegreen III, Executive Director, The Hope Players
------------------------------
A powerful piece. Very real issues men have to consider when dealing with women, particularly younger women. I truly love the focus on "innocent until proven guilty" instead of today's world of social media, "guilty by public opinion, unless proven innocent."
I like the test of faith element in it as well.
Chuck Caudill - Director
-------------------------
Life Love and the Pursuit
“A story that gives me hope for love against whatever obstacles life throws at you.
Shelley Chester writes smart, compelling, lovable characters that I hope to see more of in the future.”
Lisa Damitz
------------------------------