PRESS

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“It’s testament to Jenny Stafford’s polished writing that in such a short space of time we quickly understand so much about Ashley (Caitlin Hilzer) and Jacob’s (Ben Hilzer) relationship; a loving couple but both seemingly obsessed with anything but the right now.  It shows how much can be portrayed in such a brief space of time when the writing is crisp and sharp. Alive really does live up to its name. By the end you feel a sense of renewed life, of being, yes, alive, of wanting to jump up and down on your sofa in celebration of what we have in the right now.”
-Rob Warren, Everything Theatre

“The seamlessness of the trajectory of the play is thanks to the quick-witted dialogue between the characters and its excellent delivery by Ben and Caitlin Hilzer (who are a married couple in real life). Considering its premise is so morbid, the script, written by Jenny Stafford, is unexpectedly hilarious.

It’s a timeless question; what does it mean to be truly alive? In just under 15 minutes, Alive by Flying Solo! Presents offers us a humorous yet poignant answer. The storyline is simple, but its themes – death, freedom, life choices, dreams, and happiness – are universal and profound.”
-Reem Ahmed, the Indiependent

“Rifling through a series of Hallmark cards that don’t (but really should) exist, Some Kind of Weasel looks at the irritations of life’s expectations – particularly for women. From inopportune baby showers and disappointments in relationships to the treasure trove of insults and indignation that is a career in theatre, this show hits home for many but hits harder with laughs. 

Relentless, Some Kind of Weasel moves at an incredible pace: even when slowing for emphasis there’s an onslaught of sentiment or humour. Splicing in segments of failed dates, the humour ripples throughout the production that attests to writer and performer Jenny Stafford’s control and timing. By the end of the 35 minute run, audiences will find themselves desperately trying to catch their breath.”
-Dominic Corr, The Wee Review (Scotland)

“Stafford tells her story through dialogue and song, is consistently funny and has a good rapport with the audience.  Acting out parts of her story, she draws the audience in…An emotional, compelling, and comic piece, not to be missed.”
-Rachel Louise Martin, West End Best Friend

“Stafford takes a rueful approach, describing events that never quite went as anticipated. The low-key and laid-back tone lulls the audience into a relaxed frame of mind, leaving them vulnerable to the most powerful emotional moment. Stafford builds to what seems to be a perfect conclusion, carefully imparting the positive life lessons learned only to reveal it is a fantasy that precedes a tragedy. Stafford’s willingness to avoid the obvious and introduce dramatic, even shocking, elements makes Color Inside the Lines a memorable experience.

Stafford is a witty, self-aware host constantly admitting to her own limitations.  Color Inside the Lines is a poignant play, full of recognisable situations and with plenty of dry humour delivered by a host to whom it is easy to relate.”
-David Cunningham, British Theatre Guide

“This is the second Flying Solo Presents! show I’m seeing at this year’s fringe, and I can see why it was so popular at the Denver Fringe where it was filmed. Not just clever, observational comedy, but also an inspirational piece which songs which push forward the narrative. Color Inside the Lines is a valuable one-woman musical which leaves you guessing where the story is going, and recognising how the hierarchies we navigate through life have a knack of influencing the choices we make.”
-Louise Penn, Lou Reviews

…blurring the line between standup and theatre…Stafford is able to draw together apparently disparate stories to illustrate her theme of how we might have more in common than anticipated. Stafford sees the choices made by the people she meets—whether knitting sex toys or limited by circumstances—as a cause for celebration. This eccentric but very funny monologue makes viewers conclude Jenny Stafford is far more than just a weasel.
–David Cunningham, British Theatre Guide 

“Extended Stay has a fascinating premise—strangers meet at a rundown Midwest extended-stay hotel—and intriguing characters. Three young adults, each broken in some way, come together.  But will they help each other or harm each other? The music was tuneful, and the show was surprisingly funny for a plot that has some deeper material at its core.  Creators Jenny Stafford and Scotty Arnold…have some memorable songs—especially “The Crossroads of America,” opener, and a clever tune about the joys of a well-worn bathrobe. (Really!)”
–Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel

“For theatregoers who like to laugh and think, Beating a Dead Horse is a winner...the audience is roaring.”
-Connie Shakalis, Herald Times

"It's rare that you come across such a nonstop funny show. From beginning to end, it's just flat-out hilarious. The characters are fun, and the show is a great escape from pretty much everything right now."
-Chad Rabinovitz, Herald Times

“Jenny Stafford’s book is an actor’s delight: in spare, taut scenes, she creates interesting, multi-layered individuals, wrestling with their own vulnerabilities as they cautiously fumble towards connection. By smartly keeping the text emotionally restrained, she allows the actors to find deep wells of feeling. She is also a lyricist in command of her craft — in one highlight, she deftly sketches out the agony of an art-house-cinema date (the kind of disastrous evening that you are pretty sure unfolds at the Angelika on a regular basis.)”
–Rob Hartmann, Stagebuzz.com

“Lyricist Jenny Stafford was featured in William Finn’s Songs By Ridiculously Talented Composers and Lyricists You Probably Don’t Know, But Should — and forgive me for being presumptuous, but I think we can all agree that the guy knows what he’s talking about? Her work has been performed in every major NMT venue in New York, from Joe’s Pub to Don’t Tell Mama, and this spring, the Broadway’s Future Songbook Series gave her her own spotlight concert.”
–Keurim Hurr, newmusicaltheatre.com

”Inventive and deeply moving…the show is smart, witty, funny, and deeply emotional — with great empathy for all its characters.”
–Rob Hartmann, Stagebuzz.com

“A highly ambitious and complex new musical…musically, the show moves in an arc that is in sync with the book…as the show progresses, the songs become richer and more lushly romantic”
–Howard Miller, Talkin’ Broadway

“…this show is hysterically fun and dramatically beautiful. “
–Donna Scumaci, Patch.com

”Touching, humorous, bold, and poignant, each piece brought something new to the table…the level of talent was unmistakable.”
–Berkshireplaywrightslab.org

“Two Bugs are Better Than One,” is a prime example of this goal. After conducting much research on the topic, they found that many pre-schoolers experience difficulties connecting with others in school settings. Thus, “Two Bugs are Better Than One” addresses these issues by showing the benefit of two strong individual bugs working together as a team.
–Nora Fried, Newyorkfamily.com

INTERVIEWS