COMING ATTRACTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: “The God-Box, a daughter’s story” A One Woman Performance. Freehold, New Jersey Saturday May 25^th  2 PM. “A Must to Attend”   By Calvin Schwartz

When you get the rare opportunity to interact with and absorb the energies of a New York Times bestselling author, like Mary Lou Quinlan, I like to use my son’s favorite expression, “Hey Dad, it’s a no-brainer.” Ms. Quinlan’s book ‘The God Box, a daughter’s story,’ is brought to the stage in a riveting one woman performance this coming Saturday afternoon May 25th at 2 PM. Even better, Saturday afternoon becomes a chance to meet Ms. Quinlan at the ‘talk back’ and reception and book signing opportunities. For me this all becomes a personal event with the recent loss of my wife’s father. My wife’s deep connection with her father, even now a few weeks after his passing, should really hit home with Ms. Quinlan’s words and emotions. So I’m thinking this event on Saturday becomes something for many to absorb and relate with as we journey through inevitable personal familial loss.

Cal Schwartz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Mary Lou Quinlan, actress and New York Times bestselling author of The God Box is coming to Freehold to the stage of Applewood Estate’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 25, 2 pm. This professionally mounted multi- media production is being produced by Toby Shylit Mack as a fund Raiser for GIERS: Grief Information Education& Recovery Services, a 501c3 no profit that helps people of all ages survive and thrive after a loss. “When I first read The God Box I identified with Mary Lou’s profound experience in losing her mother but also with her strong mother daughter connection that defied death. After seeing her amazing one woman show, I knew immediately that I had to bring this production to our community to benefit this important local charity. The arts offer a window into our emotions and often provide uplifting and cathartic experiences,” states Toby Shylit Mack, The God Box Event Producer, and Trustee: Monmouth County Arts Council, Two River Theater and Axelrod Performing Arts Center.

After Mary Lou’s mother dies, she discovers a God Box, actually many boxes, filled with her mother’s notes to God on tiny scrapes of paper revealing her deep love, concern and spirituality relating to each member of her family and her life”, says Bernice Garfield-Szita, MS, LPC, TEP, Co-Director of GIERS. “This warm engaging one act play filled with wisdom, laughter and some tears will delight audience members whether they are mothers or family members wishing to celebrate the amazing power of the gifts a mother can bring to all she touches”, states Bob Szita, MS, LPC, TEP, Co-Director, GIERS. “After the performance, there will be an audience talk back with Mary Lou Quinlan, personal book signing and a reception with light refreshments”, adds Toby Shylit Mack. Ticket prices: $20 (General Admission), $27 (admission and book), The cost of the book is $10 on the day of the performance. To purchase tickets and book in advance, go to www.GIERS.org or call 732-577-1076