Project Mom
A few years ago, after Connie’s mother passed away, she discovered a treasure trove of memories. Her mother had kept extensive notes – a primitive diary – of her life growing up in Philadelphia in the early 20th century. As a tribute to this woman and a testament to the story of strong women everywhere, Connie began the Herculean task of coordinating all this fascinating data and organizing it into a biography.
Somewhere along the way, Connie began thinking of the plight of mothers. She knew so many other mothers or daughters whose mothers went through similar struggles in protecting and providing for their families while preserving their own independence and identity. At parties, over dinner, in correspondence, Connie’s friends echoed many of the same tales of sacrifice and love that she herself knew of her own mother and continued to uncover in her mother’s notes.
From simple beginnings often comes inspiration. In the summer of 2003, Connie pitched me the idea of putting together a collection of works – writings of women and men about their own mothers. Funny, sad, heartwarming, whatever. We petitioned 50 of our friends, family, and co-workers to put pen to paper and tell us something, anything about their moms. While some were tight-lipped (you know who you are!), the response was better than we could have expected. Nearly half sent back their thoughts – touching tales, clever anecdotes, a sprawling epic or two. And suddenly a collection of “mom memories” seemed insufficient.
With an extensive background in theater, Connie tossed out another idea to me. How could we present these memories as a play? People wouldn’t pay admission to watch people read letters. Or would they? I do not understand inspiration, nor would I ever attempt to harness it. It is what it is. So I tell you with not even the slightest hint of sarcasm or humor that, after a few days, I spitballed an idea to Connie that had its origins in - believe it or not - Saving Private Ryan and an episode of The Brady Bunch.
Three years later – three years of writing and editing and planning – and finally "Project Mom" had its moment in the spotlight. Over the weekend of May 12-14, 2006, "Project Mom" debuted at the Riverview Studios in Bordentown, NJ, for three sold-out performances. The two-act comedy/drama set at a fictitious women’s magazine, concerns several editors who have been charged with sifting through hundreds of submissions in a “mother-daughter” essay contest to find the best writing. Along the way, they learn so much about being a mother, being a daughter, what we learn, what we forget, what we have in common. And they learn a little about themselves as well.
The letters used as the foundation of this play are the actual writings of the women (and 1 man) who actually submitted works to us back in the Summer of 2003. Their refreshing honesty and vivid memories played a large part in the success of "Project Mom".
If you did not get a chance to see "Project Mom", you can still be a part of the "Project Mom" experience. Visit our Publications page for details about Project Mom: A Collection of Essays, the companion book featuring the complete works of the contributing writers whose words and thoughts inspired this play, as well as information regarding the "Project Mom" DVD.