Finding the Burnett Heart

Synopsis: Although coming out is integral to the story, that's not what makes Paul Elliott's drama so involving. It takes place in a small bedroom shared by an intelligent, upbeat teenager named Tyler (Joel Johnstone) and his mean-spirited, homophobic granddad, James (James Handy), temporarily boarding with his son's family. Tyler's a kid any mom would be proud of, and Grace (Colleen McGrann), the exacting family matriarch, is proud, until she learns he's gay. His father, Robert (Jeff L. Williams), determined to spare his child the cruel disdain he suffered in his own youth from James, lends him solace and support

Notes: Reviews: LA WEEKLY -GO! (Deborah Klugman) May 2, 2012 Powered by smart, keen dialogue, this play delivers an incisive exploration of father-son relationships and a damning portrait of bigotry and Christian fundamentalist dogma. Winner Best Play of the Season - Detroit Repertory Theatre 2009