Community Review of Bud, Not Buddy

When I originally set out to see Bud, Not Buddy my plan was to take my 13 year old son. I had heard about the play for ages 9+ and reviews had encouraged an even older audience. Come show day however, I found myself minus a teenager but with a very eager 7 year old. Not wanting to waste a ticket, I discussed with my 7 year old that this play may not be like others we had seen and he may get bored. We talked about props and that there would be a gun in the play… but it wasn’t real. I then prepared him on what my expectations were of him and figured if nothing else, he would have an opportunity to practice patience and being a good audience member. I have to say that we both thoroughly enjoyed Bud, Not Buddy. While some of the messages and underlying story line may have been advanced for younger children, it was very engaging for older children and adults on many different levels. My son has mentioned to me since then “Just like that play said, ‘When one door closes, another one opens’ ” so he too was able to take some messages from it. There was a fun and humorous element that balanced the serious story line that was taking place. There were multiple times I found myself smiling, and others when I started tearing up. While Bud was looking for his father, I think he also found that not all family is blood related. Some people become family through the experiences you share with them.

- Jocelyn