Amy Herzog's "Mary Jane" at NY Theater Workshop-Powerfully Written and Acted; Unforgettable

Contemporary Amer playwright, Amy Herzog, is a brilliant & forceful writer.  Her previous plays have earned Pulitzer & Whiting Award nominations.  Her new production "Mary Jane" at the NY Theater Workshop was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.  A simple summation of the plot is a single mother contending with a severely handicapped son.  Disarmingly, there's nothing simple or light about the oppressive struggles caring for a bedridden child with constant needs who is  unable to communicate or fend for himself.  Mary Jane (MJ) will regale anyone willing to listen to her, the pre-mature birth of her son Alex & the never ending administrations necessary to keep him alive.  Mary Jane (an excellent Carrie Coon) seems unflappable & irrepressible.  But, MJ is no saint.  There are clever, layered  themes interwoven throughout this provocative, thoughtful play.  MJ has mastered the art of passive aggressive manipulation in order to obtain anything that will in anyway benefit her son.  Amelia, the niece of MJ's reliable care giver calls MJ out for mirroring her every expression as they converse.  Although, MJ denies it, it's clear she's masterful in eliciting empathy for manipulative gains.  Dr. Toros, Alex's hospital physician is patient as MJ voices her  concerns.  Dr. Toros (a superb Liza Colon-Zayas) commends MJ for the balance she has drawn between advocating for her son & listening to the medical staff.  MJ succeeds in making small strides on behalf of her son but there is little to be won.   The virtues of listening & empathy are the crux of  the play.  MJ is forthcoming with advice to another parent seeking help for her child with disabilities.  The Hasidic woman with a sick child in the same ward & the Buddhist priest provide solace to MJ. They both provide a sympathetic ear & exemplify the miraculous healing of human compassion.  Religious beliefs of faith & perdition prove irrelevant.  This stirring play magnifies the essence of empathy & communal support.  Herzog's brilliant play is both uncomfortable & rewarding.  The ensemble cast take on multiple roles and they all give staggering performances.  I recommend Herzog's outstanding play.   It's a compelling examination of the indefatigable human spirit & normal tendency towards kindness.