Bad Books - review
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Jane Zussman
May 3, 2026, 8:46:30 PMMay 3
to Jane Zussman
Bad Books is (are?) GOOD!
Williamston Theatre is honored to be among the first theatres to present Bad Books by Sharyn Rothstein, a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere Play and also winner of David Goldman Prize for New American Plays. This delightfully twisted tale is a love letter to libraries and a kaleidoscope of viewpoints and ramifications about book banning — all served up in a witty and entertaining hour and a half (no intermission.)
Molly Garner is at first stubborn and self righteous as The Mother, and I got ready to settle in to “siding” with the charmingly sassy foul-mouthed librarian (Alysia Kolascz) but it soon became clear that things weren't that simple. As Mother activates her book-banning social media posse to protest, the plot provides backstory and surprises that turn the tables.
Actual tables and chairs were efficiently turned to transform the library to an office and back— with quick costume changes as Alysia transformed into The Manager and The Editor. (I hope to eventually see this script done in community theatre with three different actresses in these roles. The economics of professional theatre as well as the chameleon acting chops of a pro like Alysia support the triple roles.) Director Tony Caselli deftly dances these characters around to cover the in-the-round audience and build momentum into discussions/conflicts/revelations.
New Play Exchange website describes this script better than I can: “Equal parts heartbreakingly poignant and absurdly funny, Bad Books leaves audiences wondering what it truly means to care for our children. A raucous and brash debate in the quietest place in America... the library.”
Williamston Theatre is honored to be among the first theatres to present Bad Books by Sharyn Rothstein, a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere Play and also winner of David Goldman Prize for New American Plays. This delightfully twisted tale is a love letter to libraries and a kaleidoscope of viewpoints and ramifications about book banning — all served up in a witty and entertaining hour and a half (no intermission.)
Molly Garner is at first stubborn and self righteous as The Mother, and I got ready to settle in to “siding” with the charmingly sassy foul-mouthed librarian (Alysia Kolascz) but it soon became clear that things weren't that simple. As Mother activates her book-banning social media posse to protest, the plot provides backstory and surprises that turn the tables.
Actual tables and chairs were efficiently turned to transform the library to an office and back— with quick costume changes as Alysia transformed into The Manager and The Editor. (I hope to eventually see this script done in community theatre with three different actresses in these roles. The economics of professional theatre as well as the chameleon acting chops of a pro like Alysia support the triple roles.) Director Tony Caselli deftly dances these characters around to cover the in-the-round audience and build momentum into discussions/conflicts/revelations.
New Play Exchange website describes this script better than I can: “Equal parts heartbreakingly poignant and absurdly funny, Bad Books leaves audiences wondering what it truly means to care for our children. A raucous and brash debate in the quietest place in America... the library.”
Bad Books continues through May 31. It was almost full on this Sunday matinee. Remember Williamston now has Thursday matinees, as well as Saturdays and Sundays. Make your reservations soon at http://www.williamstontheatre.org
Jane Zussman
G.L.U.T. List
(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)
cell 517-930-0932
http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.
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