American Son

We are frequent theatre attendees at many different venues. My husband and I have concluded the 'American Son' performance was the most powerful we have ever seen. The acting was superb and very believable. Kudos to all, in particular Oyin Oladejo. A very impactful presentation on current day issues. The topics and issues deserve continual reflection and consideration.

Bev H, Burlington

Powerful and moving. A beautiful production!

Phillip P, Kitchener

This performance was profound and heart wrenching. Definitely left with the entirety of the heaviness sitting with me. Very well done.

Ashley R, Cambridge

The silence of the audience throughout the play spoke volumes. This was one of the most moving performances I have had the privilege to witness. Well done!

Deb C, Kitchener

Such a true to life, moving show. Extremley well acted. The first show we have been to where the audiece was so shocked, in a good way, they left the show in almost total silence. Well done all cast and crew.

Michael R, Tillsonburg

Outstanding performances from all actors!!! Thought provoking and exceptionally well written!! Powerful and deeply moving!! A must see!!!!!

Laurie S, Kitchener

I thought I understood what the Black Lives Matter movement was all about. This afternoon, in the Saint Jacobs Playhouse, I was put into the shoes of a Black woman, played by Oyin Oladejo, who was agonizing over her missing teenage son. The play, American Son, changed the way I see the world.

Ruth Slavin, Guelph

First time ever I have seen a production where when the curtain comes down there is complete and utter silence. You could have heard a pin drop until the curtain rose to reveal the actors and then the spontaneous applause was deafening. The tears were still rolling down my face when we left the theatre. It was a heartbreaking truthful enactment of society today. Kudos to Drayton for putting this on.

Gina H, Waterloo

I wasn't sure what to expect but it was amazing. My mother and daughter and I continued to talk about it on our way home. Thank you for bringing this to the stage.

Bonita Dua, Cambridge

American Son is a timely and powerful story of the uncomfortable and the completely human entanglement and dance of white and black, right and wrong, love and hate, and all the shades of the in between. Brought to life by the acting genius of Oyin Oladeyo and Mike Shara, and beautifully supported by Miles and Bogert-O-Brien, the play digs deep into the often hidden obstacles in our institutions, our relationships, and our own minds that prevent us from understanding the truth in each other's realities. As an audience, we are led to the threshold of our own unconscious biases, and to our shared humanity where pain, injustice and loss exist. Best theatre experience I have had in many years. Thank you!

Linda Watt, KITCHENER

I cried, I laughed and gasped at the power of the situation of this family. My husband and I left wishing everyone would come and see this very powerful show... I would rate this a 10 plus!!

Barbra Plytas, Kitchener

The venue and the environment created on the stage made me feel like I was bystander in the station. The actors were fabulous and brought their skills with para verbal language and emoting to through to each person in the audience. As I sat, I noticed several audience members were crying towards the end. As the actors came for the curtain call, I was shocked that the audience was so quiet. I believe there was power in that silence! There was a standing ovation. Never have I left a play in such emotional intrinsic thought.

Trena Barnes, Kitchener

American Son was a powerful, thought provoking production. Oyin Oladejo delivered an overwhelming and emotional performance as Kendra. We were still processing the show this morning.

Bill Allen, Rockwood

American Son is a must see!

Pat P, Kitchener

A powerful piece of theatre that examines a number of contemporary issues which are relevant to Canadian as well as American society. Brilliant performances by all members of the cast. Go see it!

Bill M, London

Powerful moving and unexpected. This show quickly bounced from reflective to humor to tears and back. An amazing performance by all actors with a tough storyline many audience members might not want to face.

Ken S, Waterloo

So thankful to have such high calibre talent so close to home. This play is 90 minutes on the edge of your seat that leaves everyone feeling the need to talk about what they just witnessed. Go see it while you still can!

Marie Roemer, Conestogo

It has been a long time since [we] have been so moved by a production... How often can a cast of 4 and a 1 room setting be so mesmerizing that 90 minutes just flies by?! Highly, highly recommend this show!

Judy M, Kitchener

We felt the performance was excellent on all accounts. The actors, especially the woman who had the lead, were remarkable and made the story totally believable. Haven't been to such a moving play in a very long time.

Ken R, Stratford

The audience was spell bound from the time the "mother" began her opening monologue. Excellent set! We have attended Drayton productions since the early years and Drayton continues to amaze.

Betty Dyck, Elmira

This was a great play! It provided a catalyst for students to engage in difficult conversations and critical thought.

Lindsay C., Kitchener

What a show! A must see for everyone!

Carolyn Carr, St. Jacobs

Such a powerful show about a really important topic. It held me right to the last minute and when it ended I had a tear or two.

Elaine L., Kitchener

Such a powerful and moving presentation.

Don & Lois F, St. Catharines

One of the best tense, thought provoking shows we have seen.

Margaret K, Waterloo

Oyin Oladejo was spectacular and flawless.

Sherrie Hyde, Waterloo

Fantastic....Drayton never fails to amaze me....productions are second to none!

Deborah G, Niagara Falls

This was an INCREDIBLE, must-see performance!

Jose d, Cambridge

It's the most emotional play I have ever seen.

Linda S, Listowel

Probably one of the most powerful pieces of drama that I've seen in several years. Run, don't walk to get your tickets to this phenomenal production.

John W, Guelph

A very strong, multi-layered script. Solid cast. Powerful show. Worth seeing. St Jacobs is a great venue.

Bonnie Hartley, Woodstock

Highly recommend that everyone see this play. The actors were excellent and their story was very emotional. We see a lot of plays and this was the best. Well worth the drive from Port Dover.

Linda B, Port Dover

Amazing talent. Very thought provoking. Unexpected ending. I would highly recommend this show.

Judy Shaw, Kitchener

Very different from any other performance I have attended in the past. Acting was good, relatable story for our times. I left the theatre with lots to think about. Overall I enjoyed my evening. Susan H

Susan Harnock, Kitchener

It was very well done. The actors are fantastic. They draw you into their story. It really made you think

Kerry L, Kitchener

A very moving, tense theatrical experience. Excellent acting. Bravo!

Susan A, Guelph

I thought provoking play. The cast was excellent for the parts they played.

Nancy S, Hamilton

I thought the mother, particularly, and the father, were excellent... I found it very emotional, tearing up occasionally with the mother. I left the Playhouse with much to think about. It is a play we all should see.

Helene Stevens, Waterloo

Wow, what a powerhouse performance! A must see!

J C, Waterloo

The emotion felt so real, I believed that I was watching this happen in real life! The actors did an incredible job bringing the characters to life and into the story! Definitely worth it! The set was amazing as well, really looked like a police station!

Abigail T, Kitchener