Such Small Hands

Written by 2011 Resident Playwright Adam Szymkowicz
Directed by Matthew McCray

Awards and Recognition

  • OCTG Recommended
  • Stage Scene LA WOW!
  • Fanboy Nation 5 out of 5 Stars
  • WORLD PREMIERE

Reviewer Quotes

“ an extraordinary, perceptive and profoundly important work. ”

The Show Report

“ humor, compassion, and perception [...] a powerful Chance Theater World Premiere. ”

StageSceneLA

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Executive Producer

David & Judy Joss

Associate Producer

David & Danice Limberg

Executive Season Producer

Bette & Wylie Aitken

Corporate Sponsor

Associate Season Producer

The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar


EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND THRU APRIL 6th!

On the Fyda-Mar Stage… 

Morning light filters through the kitchen window.

Marie brews the coffee—black. Paul asks for sugar. Marie says the sugar is out of reach. So they drink it black.

Paul wonders, “Do we drink it black because the sugar is out of reach or because we like it that way?”

For Paul and Marie, a lifetime of love is woven into these small rituals, their days filled with playful quibbles, knowing glances, and the gentle rhythm of routine. But lately, those routines are shifting. Paul is forgetting things—small things, at first. A name, a place, the way home.

And yet, through the confusion and the loss, there is still love. There is still laughter. There is still Marie, holding Paul’s hands in hers, reminding him of the life they built together.

From Chance Theater’s 2011 Resident Playwright Adam Szymkowicz, this world premiere is a heart-wrenching and unexpectedly humorous meditation on memory, devotion, and what it truly means to hold on – to the past, to each other, and to the fleeting beauty of now.

Such Small Hands celebrates love, sacrifice, and the beauty of a long marriage while also exploring the complexities of dementia and aging. For more info, visit this page.

“There are plays that knock you over with intensity. And there are those that seep in, settle under your skin, and stay there long after the lights come up. Adam Szymkowicz’s Such Small Hands falls firmly in the latter category….There was a moment toward the end of the play when I began to cry. Not the showy sobs that occasionally interrupt more manipulative dramas, but the soft, involuntary tears of recognition.”Stage and Cinema

“Certain to resonate with anyone who has known, dealt with, or loved someone in the process of losing their very self, Such Small Hands is a play (and its Chance Theater World Premiere production) you won’t soon forget.”StageSceneLA

“Here, we are gifted with a veteran playwright’s talent for weaving together his characters’ naturalistic conversations with seemingly invisible plotting.”Orange County Register

“Matthew McCray directs with sensitivity, imbuing the play with a poetic quality often attempted but rarely achieved. The actors’ fine performances are further enhanced by inventive scenic design.”Jordan R. Young

“because the story was told with such emotional truth, each audience member was able to connect in their own personal way, from laughter to tears to the understanding nods that silently said, ‘Yeah, that’s… me, too.'”The Show Report


Community Partner


Show artwork designed by KC Wilkerson, kcwdigital.com.


 

Such Small Hands celebrates love, sacrifice, and the beauty of a long marriage while exploring the complexities of dementia and aging. The play deals with mature and challenging themes, so we encourage you to consider them before attending. ­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ι­ For those who prefer full disclosure (spoiler warning), please check this page.

Special Events:

  • Community Spotlight

  • Pride Night

  • Wine Night


COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Join us before and after the performance for a happy hour and get to know our community partners. Schedule is subject to change. Saturday, March 15, 2025 starting at 2:00PM.
  • 2:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks. Be sure to meet our Community Partners!
  • 3:00 PM - Such Small Hands begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
  • 4:45 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and our Community Partner.
  • 5:00 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
  • 6:00 PM - Last call! The event comes to an end.

PRIDE NIGHT

Join us for our Pride Night, where theater lovers who share an identity can connect over refreshments and conversation before enjoying a performance. Schedule is subject to change. Saturday, March 15, 2025 starting at 7:00 PM.
  • 7:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks.
  • 8:00 PM - Such Small Hands begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
  • 9:45 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and each other.
  • 10:00 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
  • 11:00 PM - Last call! The event comes to an end.
Find more information on Pride Nights HERE.

WINE NIGHT

Back by popular demand, Wine Night features a signature wine for the first 50 patrons in the door. Members and their guests receive priority access. Schedule is subject to change. Friday, March 14, 2025 starting at 7:00PM.
  • 6:45 PM - Check-In Starts
  • 7:00 PM - Wine Night starts. Enjoy free exclusive wines!
  • 7:45 PM - Wine Night ends. Get prepared for the show!
  • 8:00 PM - Show starts, feel free to bring in your cup!

Are you part of a Community Organization? Contact us at shinshin@chancetheater.com for information on special discounts and fundraising opportunities.
 

IN PERFORMANCE

IN REHEARSAL

Articles & Reviews

Read More on the Blog

Audience Buzz

    1. Extremely realistic and relatable

      — Anonymous
    2. Your enthusiasm is such a joy to be around. This performance was so enthralling on such a sensitive topic. Once again, a job well done!!!

      — Ray Ward
    3. A subject we all must be aware of

      — Marsha Lindsey
    4. The high quality of the story and the excellent performance of the actors.

      — Henry Cohen
    5. This play evokes empathy for caregivers and those at the end of their lives. It is a reminder to celebrate good days and treasure those we love. The play is beautifully written and staged.

      — Anonymous
    6. Very well written and preformed.

      — Anonymous
    7. Loved the show. Actors were outstanding, great set and intimate theater. Always a great evening at the chance theater. Thank you!

      — Kathy Reddel
    8. Always enjoy coming to the Chance theater. I have never been disappointed.

      — Anonymous
    9. The story is very real and the telling makes us think about how we would handle the situation. It was very intense and brought important life decisions to the forefront. Discussing the story allows for very healthy personal preparations.

      — Anonymous
    10. Excellent production and acting.

      — Anonymous

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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