What would you do if you discovered your 10 year-old son could see dead people? Playwright Julia Barry Bell had the experience about which she writes. A podcast, novel, and now the 90-minute one-act followed. Whatever you believe, Barry’s goal “to spark conversations about faith, family, and the phenomenon of psychic children” is successful.
This is not an ooooweee piece. A modern mother (Jenny Strassburg) who loves 10 year-old son, Lincoln Cohen, and 15 year-old daughter, Frenie Acoba – irritatingly no names are used – encounters a situation out of paranormal books and film.
Jenny Strassburg (Mom), Nicky Torchia (Spirit Child), Lincoln Cohen (The Boy), Brenda Braxton (The Mystic)
At the hairdresser’s one day, she comments that alone time is respite. “We’re never alone,” the stylist (Brenda Braxton) offhandedly responds. It turns out she’s a mystic who sees “spirits, angels, and deceased relatives.” In fact, an older gentleman is observed hovering near mom. Conversation is casual. No money is solicited or paid.
Several more revelations are offhandedly shared, the most startling of which is that the mystic sees mom with three children. She has only two…still, there was a miscarriage. At dinner that night, mom shares the unsettling experience with her neglectful husband, played by Brandon Jones, and the family. His dismissive response is that Catholicism/the Bible “unites” them i.e. she’s talking nonsense.
Nicky Torchia (Spirit Child), Jenny Strassburg (Mom) Frenie Acoba (The Daughter) Lincoln Cohen (The Son( Brandon Jones (Dad)
A tall teenager nicks a roll off the table undetected. Later, her son tells mom that he has several times seen a boy in his room – that boy. She’s disconcerted but feels the child is not lying. Present in most scenes, the ostensibly invisible teen is masterfully acted (Nicky Torchia) and directed, subtly, helplessly reacting to situations that deeply affect him.
In a 2024 survey conducted with over 400 participants, a striking 76 percent said they believe in psychic abilities. While mainstream science doesn’t currently support the phenomena as proven, many parents, educators, and spiritual practitioners claim to observe unique traits in certain children.
The kids are intuitive, empathetic, have precognitive dreams, communicate with unseen people and/or have past life memories. Contemporary vernacular calls them Indigo, Crystal or Rainbow Children. Psychological advice after discounting neurological issues is to encourage open, nonjudgmental dialogue, to support creativity and emotional expression.
Jenny Strassburg (Mom) Lincoln Cohen (her Son)
Until the moment her otherwise perfectly normal, adjusted son shares with his mom, awareness of psychic anomalies were nonexistent in her life. She takes him to the mystic who immediately senses his abilities. He opens up about additional visions, but really just wants to be left alone to play.
Among “orbs,” as opposed to full visible figures, that visit the boy, her son is fearful of one. We see colored lights outside his window. In full lioness mode, mom (oddly in sunglasses) screams them away. She’s fully invested now, researching, questioning. Her husband is oblivious to family dynamics, critical of his wife’s involvement. They argue. A foretold incident carries mom firmly over the line to belief, changing everyone’s life.
The piece is neither spooky nor over dramatic. Images of translucent spirits are wisely not manifest. Mom’s struggle is well written; dialogue between mother and son realistic. This is an unexpected situation dealt with by practical show of support.
Jenny Strassburg (Mom) and Brenda Braxton (the Mystic)
Jenny Strassburg’s mom is marvelously relatable. Brenda Braxton makes a splendid mystic, exuding grace and calm, eschewing self aggrandizement. Lincoln Cohen’s boy is aptly innocent, reticent, and unselfconscious. Nicky Torchia’s “Spirit Child”= the teen, is as previously noted, beautifully realized. Frenie Acoba (Sis) is fine; Brandon Jones’ Dad the weak link presenting only vague portrayal.
The piece is intriguing. It holds attention without exaggeration and raises questions.
Acting is wonderfully naturalistic. Director Joey Brenneman, who shows skill with characterization and use of the small staging area, adds particularly nuanced presence with the positioning and emotional reactions of the “Spirit Child.”
Photos by Hunter Canning
Opening: Lincoln Cohen – the Boy
Recommended: The film Hereafter – An American factory worker (Matt Damon) born with psychic ability, a French journalist and a London school boy set out on a spiritual journey involving life after death.
Mystic Conversations by Julia Barry Bell
Directed by Joey Brenneman
Through May 17, 2025
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd Street
Julia Barry Bell’s first book, Conversations with a Mystic Hairdresser: Boy on the Bed, is based on the true story that inspired her play. Told from The Mom’s point of view, it follows her journey of discovery, healing, and acceptance when her young son reveals he can see and speak with his miscarried brother. The book is currently undergoing revision, with a fresh version set for release in Fall 2025.
