REVIEW: ‘Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home’ charms and delights

Mary Kelly, Breeda’s mother, with her three older sons, while still living in Ireland

by Kenny Frost

The stage set is minimalistic and familiar; on the left, a comfortable-looking chair and side table, suitable for perhaps knitting or reading, and on the right, a small dining table. Both are accompanied by a teapot and, importantly, a tea cup with a saucer. In the middle of the stage is a modest travel bag, and behind it all is a projection screen.

So begins “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home,“ a one-woman play written and performed by Manchester’s own Breeda Kelly Miller. A mostly biographical narration of the life of her mother, Mary Kelly, Breeda touches upon themes of loss, discovery, family, clashing cultures, and so much more. While perhaps not an uncommon theme, two main elements present in this particular tale add texture and dimension to otherwise similar stories.

The first is Breeda’s narration, not just in her own voice, but also in the voices of both her mother, Mary, and her father, Tom. The rolling Irish accents, along with the charming lexicon they both brought to Michigan add richly to the depth of the performance. The second element is the surprising quality and context provided by the home photographs, which are projected on the screen serving as a backdrop.

It would be a mistake to regard “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home“ as just another immigrant story, though those themes are certainly present. In sharing her home photographs and her late mother’s struggles from Irish childhood to widowed dementia, Miller plies the crowd with a vulnerability that is too rare in similar productions. “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home“ is a performance that is perfect for the current climate, providing healthy perspective and reminding us of the importance of remaining positive when all may seem lost. It also speaks to the importance of being resilient for those we care about, and being able to recognize when that person is us.

Developed with help from friend Brian Cox, Miller’s first foray into playwriting has already enjoyed some success, and she is pleased to announce more coming shows:

On May 17, she is collaborating with Big Hearted Stories in Ann Arbor to raise money for several local organizations that provide aid to the elderly.
The Gaelic League in Detroit is hosting a performance on May 22 at 4pm.
A Wilde Theater in Brighton has shows on June 11 and 12.
Saline Evangelical Homes of Michigan Foundation is sponsoring a show on June 25.

Show details and more can be accessed at BreedaMiller.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.