Not The Right Mom, a dynamic solo show written and performed by Megan Dolan, is a heartfelt comedy about a mother raising a son on the spectrum, who feels she's falling short of expectations. With humor, warmth, and brutal honesty, Megan persists through painful playdates, bewildering support groups, and crazy making meal times– taking countless wrong turns along the way. Increasingly aware of her parental shortcomings, Megan seeks professional help only to discover that she just might be the exact right mom for her remarkable son.  

During the fifteen minute talk back after a recent performance, a young man in his early 20’s said, “I was an IEP kid and I never thought about what my mom went through while I was growing up. This show gave me more compassion for her experience.” Not the Right Mom is a hilarious and hopeful solo show which explores the power of resilience, kindness, and the value of showing up. It doesn't only appeal to moms but to anyone who's had one.

With original music composed by Jessica Hayes and Joseph Ott, sharp direction from Wendy Hammers with additional direction from Bethany Price, and perfectly timed digital images highlighting pivotal moments in a tightly honed script, NTRM is an uplifting, hilarious, transformative multi-media theatrical experience for all audiences.

Community outreach opportunities are available in the form of audience talk backs and writing workshops.

Running time 75 minutes without intermission plus a 15 minute audience talk back.

In 2015, as our reticent five year old entered kindergarten, my husband and I realized that he wasn’t just shy, he actually could not speak to other kids. At home, our son easily interacted with our immediate nuclear family (including his younger sister) and a handful of close relatives so we had mistakenly chalked up his stunted peer exchanges to extreme shyness.

 We signed him up for flag football and music classes while also scheduling painfully awkward playdates to try to break through his timidity, thinking at some point, his desire to connect would overpower his fear. Thankfully, an insightful teacher suggested we seek professional help.