With a long record of success off-Broadway (starring Alan Alda), in regional theatre, and dinner theatre, Mama, Say 'I Do' has received nothing but glowing praise from audiences and critics. "It's rewarding when a superior cast is given the opportuntiy to dramatize a superior script, as is the case at the Garland Dinner Theatre where an all-star ensemble brings Samuel Birnkrant's 'Mama, Say 'I Do' to life."—Towson, Md., Jeffersonian. "Delightful! Birnkrant has a good ear for dialogue."—New York World-Telegram.

Mama, Say 'I Do' (under the title A Whisper in God's Ear) premiered at the prestigious Circle Theatre in Los Angeles where it ran for 60 weeks (a record) and then moved to off-Broadway. Later it was revived in Los Angeles for a second and a third production. The story revolves around the efforts of Howard Mayer, a 27-year-old fledgling writer, to marry off his widowed mother, whose possessiveness is about to ruin his own hopes for marriage. A local marriage-broker produces Joseph Goldman, a real diamond in the rough. Mama loves to dance; Goldman thinks dancing is for 16-year-olds. "He and mama find the road back to romance a rocky one and Mr. Birnkrant finds it a perfect pretext for some zestful dialogue," said the Times reviewer.

"The principal charm in this warm, tender, and very funny comedy lies in Birnkrant's exceptional ear for pungent, often hilarious dialogue,"—the Citizen-News reporter wrote. "It is alive with observations of human nature, with delicious quirks of the human mind. There is not a superfluous line of dialogue, not a moment of obvious contrivance," said the Examiner reviewer. "Birnkrant has written a fast-moving and enjoyable play," wrote the reviewer for Theatre News. "Glancing at the audience during the play's performance, it was apparent that the turns of phrases and the social attitudes expressed were striking a responsive note. People can laugh at themselves, and it is to author Birnkrant's credit that he has held up such a highly polished mirror into which they can look."

"Heartwarming!"—New Yorker. "A warm, shrewd, mirth-ridden comedy"—Los Angeles Examiner. "A thoroughly happy evening...solid entertainment." —Hollywood Citizen-News. The New York production at the off-Broadway Cricket Theatre received similar raves: "I'm still laughing"—Journal-American. "Warm-hearted... amusing"—New York Times. "A very funny piece of professional work. Mr. Boroff has announced his intention to take it to New York—where it ought to be a natural—after the run ends here. However, judging from the audience reactions, the trip will be delayed a while." —Los Angeles Times.

Recommended for professional and non-professional theatre, including high schools and colleges. A real money-maker for community and dinner theatres. For family audiences. Three acts; one interior set; modern costumes.

See also: Plays for Senior Theatre