"The real treat for fans of Ms. Ripley...is seeing her in such intimate confines...Trisha and — even more so — Jo feel generic. They are described in quick broad strokes that don’t get much deeper than quirky anecdotes and folksy turns of phrase. The other characters popping in and out make even less of an impression...Of course, it’s impossible not to root for Trisha. But while good intentions go a long way in real life, they are not enough to sustain this undernourished play."
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“The performance space...is a cozy attic...an aptly intimate setting...for this one-person show about a Presbyterian widow...Directed by Amy Jones...Elise Forier Edie’s script scans a bit more like a first-person short story than like a monologue to be performed. But Ripley fully inhabits the role, employing a profound command of inflection and mannerism that makes her character engrossingly genuine and conversational; she finds humor in the most unexpected little places."
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"Ripley nails the Texas accent and captures Trisha's slightly hesitant manner...At least at the performance I attended, this lack of assurance laid bare a certain weakness in the script...You should also know that this is a bare-bones production...Still, 'The Pink Unicorn' has crowd-pleaser potential and I wouldn't be surprised if it is already in much better shape. And Trisha's journey toward inclusion is a perfect one for the venue."
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“Edie has a transgender child, and her goal is a virtuous one: to show us that even the most apparently unsophisticated folks can harbor open hearts and minds...If the abundance of clichés in ‘Pink Unicorn’ threatens to overshadow fact-based elements, it’s hard not to be at least intermittently moved by the sense of urgency and compassion in Edie’s writing...Ripley deserves praise for bringing obvious commitment and contagious affection to her character."
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"Alice Ripley (Best Actress Tony Award winner for 'Next to Normal') is, in a word, astounding. Her Trisha is brimming with curiosity, honesty, humor and grace; she is inspiring to watch and simply amazing. Edie's characterization of Trisha is delicate and poignant, funny and sincere; her illuminating script is sheer writing perfection."
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"It’s a heartwarming story with a relatively happy ending, but the tight, thoughtful script mixes humor and pathos to successfully touch upon our propensity to judge others and reflexively resist change before we really know what's at stake...Alice Ripley is simultaneously radiant and real. Her struggle to accept her child without necessarily understanding her is beautifully rendered. It also feels honest."
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"This is exactly what it means to be a true actor; to have the ability to weave a story, solo and strong, regardless of the size and shape of the site specific space. Utilizing every little natural gesture and pause, 'plain as you please,' she rings a captivating tale so true and digs so deep...Directed with a subtle edge by Amy E. Jones, the tale feels authentic but needs a sharper eye and a more focused edit to be the powerhouse it sits on the edge of being."
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“Although the playwright has attempted to update the script, its present incarnation...falls short of reflecting the rich complexities of gender identity and gender expression, choosing instead a barrage of stereotypes and sometimes offensive diction. This despite an impressive performance by Ripley...One needs to accept ‘The Pink Unicorn’ for what it is: the beginning of conversation and not the conclusion of the quest.”
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