One of my favorites. Would recommend

As a reader I like this, but I had hopes for it at a community theater, and I couldn't produce it there.

I had forgotten that the events of the novel have darker details than the film adaptation. If anything Parnell's adaptation draws out the darkness in the themes, emphasizing Homer's journey into becoming an abortionist, Dr. Larch's sad reasons for drug addiction, and the crueler things that happen to the orphans. I just can't see putting this version, with onstage abortions and childhood sexual exploration, in front of audiences who for better or worse mostly want happy endings and lighthearted conflicts.

A noble effort, but the stage isn't fit to capture the atmosphere, depth of character, or scope of this story, at least not in this iteration. It has to work too hard to accomplish too little.

better than the movie though I remember the movie more.

2021: Outstanding theatrical storytelling. Just a wonderful piece of theater.

2024: I concur with 2021.