Local woman’s production will make it to Detroit PBS this winter

Local author and actor Breeda Miller can’t wait for the next steps in Mrs. Kelly’s Journey … or her own!

by Marsha Chartrand

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” says Breeda Miller.

You look out the window of her newly inaugurated “she-shed,” dubbed the Cup & Saucer Cottage, and you wonder which “thing” she is talking about. She’s accomplished a lot the last few years and has much she can feel pride in.

But it’s the production of Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home — a one-woman show where she details the life of her mother, an Irish immigrant who ended up settling in Lincoln Park with her husband and three sons (Breeda was subsequently born in America). As Mary Kelly gradually declined into vascular dementia, Breeda became caregiver as well as daughter and shared, first in a short book of caregiver tips, then more openly and personally in her semi-autobiographical play, and eventually in a full-length book — to be published this year — of her experiences with both humor and heart.

She has performed across the country with return invitations to many venues and has received rave reviews. And she never knows just what might be waiting around the corner. Her performances at the Penn Theatre in Plymouth have brought kudos and new avenues for promoting her project.

And so she finds herself with a short-term project at hand: a free dinner and performance at the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging — a perfect day or overnight trip for Manchesterites — next Tuesday, June 11. But plan quickly! Reservations for your free dinner are due by June 4 by calling 269-279-8083. (That date is to be guaranteed a dinner; you will be able to get a seat for the 7pm show at any time, and it’s still all free!)

Her longer-term project (along with a few trips along the way!) for the rest of 2024 will be working with Detroit PBS to create a videotaped 80-minute “live” version of Mrs. Kelly as possible programming for their pledge drive in December. She’s been in talks with PBS on the down low for quite a while so the fact she can actually talk about it out loud is progress! This is an exciting development that could really take Breeda — and the production — in some great directions. And it will be worth every direction she takes.

Who knows where hard work and determination (combined with a little creativity) can take you?

Ask Breeda! She’s finding out more every day.

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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.