Alzheimer’s Blues
(Reviewed under working title, The Year of Dead Cats)
Electronic Link Journal

“A MUST SEE. 100 PERCENT FUN. A PERFORMANCE OF WILD PIZZAZZ. YOU WILL WIPE AWAY TEARS OF LAUGHTER.”
– Karen D’Onofrio

Do not, I repeat, do not be put-off by the title of this play. The kitties are mentioned briefly and kindly. Hankies will not be needed. Unless you have to grab one to wipe away tears of laughter,
which is entirely possible.

This production is based on the true story of ERICA HERD’s mother, Katherine Lind, a beautiful and successful New York actress. Then schizophrenia crept in, followed by Alzheimer’s, making a difficult diva even more difficult. Mom’s landlord notifies Erica that her mom is being evicted. This is the fifth eviction, and the time has come. Erica is now in charge.

That adult diapers, government bureaucracy, gibberish, and a hurricane can be made unbelievably funny is incredible but true. Writer HERD, despite what must have been an intensely emotional period in her life, has created one of the most laugh-out-loud plays ever. She portrays her mother, herself, and many other characters along the way with wild pizzazz. And she sings! Enjoy the riotous “Geezer Cabaret” number, or a unique and beautifully sung yet roll on the floor laughing variation of “Memory”
(yes, from “Cats”). There are no serious moments. The facts are unhappy, but that doesn’t intrude one little bit on the play, which is 100 percent fun.

“THE YEAR OF DEAD CATS” is a must-see for anyone who wants to get their happyface on.

-Karen D’Onofrio-