Local playwright brings acclaimed show home to support community

Photo courtesy of Breeda Kelly Miller.

submitted by Carol Wotring, Manchester Community Resource Center Executive Director

Manchester resident Breeda Kelly Miller is bringing her nationally acclaimed one-woman play back to her hometown for a very special cause. On Sunday, November 2, at 2pm, Miller will perform “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home” at the Manchester Jr./Sr. High School auditorium as a fundraiser for the Manchester Community Resource Center.

The intimate theatrical production tells the deeply personal story of Miller’s Irish immigrant mother, Mary Kelly, chronicling her journey from Ireland to America and her later battle with dementia. Miller transforms between four characters—herself, her mother, her father, and a family neighbor—using only vocal inflections to bring each person to life.

“While my mom’s story is obviously highly personal to me, its themes of family, struggle, faith, and illness are universal,” Miller explains. Having cared for her mother in her Manchester home for six years, Miller understands firsthand the challenges facing caregivers. “I was not a perfect caregiver,” she admits. “When you fall down, give yourself grace.”

The play doesn’t shy away from dementia’s harsh realities, but Miller’s approach finds light in the darkness. “When there is no cure, we have to find the joy—that’s the essence of Mrs. Kelly. There is always hope.”

Miller’s decision to donate the performance reflects her mother’s philosophy: “Do what you can, where you can.” The CRC’s food pantry and community services align perfectly with this spirit of neighborly support.

Tickets are $30 and available at the CRC office or manchestercrc.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. A meet-and-greet with Miller follows the performance.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.