Conversations with Mother

 Conversations with Mother
Theater 555
March 19, 2025 

Photo courtesy of  Conversations with Mother

Conversations with Mother, a new play by Matthew Lombardo, is a genuine and touching portrayal of the relationship between a mother and son.  It is a series of phone conversations and in-person discussions between the two characters.  They can be sarcastic, impatient, funny, and short-tempered with one another, yet their relationship is firmly built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and care.

Maria Callavechio (played by Caroline Aaron) gets a call from her young son, Bobby (played by Matt Doyle), while he is at sleep-away camp.  He hates it and wants to come home.  She says, “N-O.”  He calls again to tell her how much he misses her, and she still says no.  When he makes up a juicy lie about how a camp counselor is luring him into his cabin at night, she races to pick him up.  Bobby often calls his mother when he is in trouble and in need of help.  She promises she won’t get mad if he tells her the truth, but of course she always does.  This doesn’t stop him from telling her the truth the next time.  Their relationship takes a big step when Bobby moves to New York City to become a playwright after his father passes.  When Bobby gets involved with an abusive boyfriend, his mother implores him to break it off.  He adamantly refuses.  She cuts him off until he does.  Bobby’s mother pushes him to pursue his dream, and drops everything whenever he need her.  She confides in him when she decides to stop her cancer treatment.  It’s his turn to be supportive, and he does not let her down.  Their conversations continue even after she passes. 

Caroline Aaron & Matt Doyle
Photo courtesy of Conversations with Mother

Caroline Aaron is direct and firm as Bobby’s mother.  She persistently plays every tactic in the Italian mother’s handbag.  She gets under Bobby’s skin, and Matt Doyle’s reactions range from tolerance to exasperation.  He rarely loses his sense of humor with her.  He is open and honest, so when he does cross the line, it is spontaneous and hurtful.  Mr. Doyle’s character ages throughout the play.  These changes are subtle and effective.  He and Ms. Aaron’s connection flourishes with every scene.  Their trust grows deeper after a serious confrontation or mean interaction.  That is why this piece works so well.  It is truly authentic.

Conversations with Mother is a well crafted piece with an unexpected ending.  Director Noah Himmelstein finds poignancy in humor.  The timing is natural.  The pacing is swift.  The heartfelt moments are truthful.  It is playing at Theater 555 through May 11. 

Domenick Danza