Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Theatre

Review: It Is Okay to “Cry It Out” — Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble

Posted by Editor@Stay2uned on
Promotional poster for the play 'Cry It Out' by Molly Smith Metzler, featuring three women in colorful circles and shapes, with text detailing the director, performance dates, and tour information.
“Cry It Out” Poster
Photo Credit: BTE

The other day I found myself in the audience at BTE (Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble) for the opening of Season 49’s opening play – Cry It Out by playwright Molly Smith Metzler. I’ll admit I was a little hesitant going in—not because of any doubts about the ensemble – simply because the subject didn’t immediately speak to me.

At its heart, the play follows three women from very different walks of life as they navigate the early days of raising newborns. I have no children of my own, and being a proud aunt to several rugrats is as close as I come to that world. Still, I’m glad I went.

My reservations quickly evaporated.

Woman with red hair wearing a black dress and a white sheer shawl, standing in a dimly lit space with a contemplative expression.
Adrienne (Abigail Leffler) in “Cry It Out”
(Photo Credit: BTE)

It is okay to not be okay. It is okay not to have all the answers. It is okay, sometimes, to simply cry it out.

Granted, in the context of the play, “cry it out” refers to a controversial parenting approach: leaving a baby to cry rather than rushing to their aid at the first sound of distress. That title lands differently after the lights come up.

I was not expecting — and I doubt most of the audience was either — to be taken so feverishly through the full spectrum of human emotion. I am not even sure what I expected walking into the theatre.

Something more jovial, perhaps.

A woman with long dark hair gazes intently at a man, who is seated with his back to the camera, in a dimly lit setting.
Jessie (Kimie Muroya 室屋季美恵) & Mitchell (Billy Martel) in “Cry It Out”

Photo Credit: BTE

Catching me off guard was the unapologetic reality of it. Until now, I have only ever gotten glimpses of that world: from growing up, to my work in EMS, even watching some of my closest friends navigate motherhood and everything it demands.

What Cry It Out does so masterfully is hold up a mirror that also works as a portal. It reflects that reality back at us and, for a brief and carefully held moment, gives the audience permission to feel it. In a controlled environment. In a safe space.

Quite frankly, I believe this play should be studied in school — with age-appropriate audiences, of course. In my humble opinion, it is a masterful case study in some of the hardest subjects we ask people to live through without always giving them language for them.

A scene from a theatrical performance featuring three women. One woman in an orange outfit is speaking animatedly, while another woman in a blue outfit is holding a baby wrapped in a pink blanket. The third woman with red hair appears to be in deep thought, looking away from the others.
Jessie (Kimie Muroya 室屋季美恵), Lina (Amy Rene Byrne) & Adrienne (Abigail Leffler) in “Cry It Out”

Photo Credit: BTE

What makes BTE’s production of Cry It Out unique is nothing short of breathtaking. All four, brilliantly talented members of this cast — Kimie Muroya 室屋季美恵, Amy Rene Byrne, Abigail Leffler, and Billy Martel — breathe passionate life into these raw, deeply human characters.

Without spoiling too much: one scene in particulr between Adrienne (Abigail Leffler) and Jessie (Kimie Muroya 室屋季美恵) stood out with a kind of hush that still haunts me. I vividly remember my breath catching in my throat.

A woman with red hair sits at a table, looking at a tablet. She is wearing a white cardigan and has a silver belt buckle. In the background, another woman is partially visible, wearing a blue shirt. The table has a tray with grapes and a small red item, along with three bottles of sparkling water.
Jessie (Kimie Muroya 室屋季美恵) & Adrienne (Abigail Leffler) in “Cry It Out”
(Photo Credit: BTE)

And it is not only what happens onstage.

Just as inspiring is the unwavering community work of this professional, locally rooted company.

For each home performance — which runs through September 20, before this theatrical troupe takes the show on the road – BTE is partnering with several organizations to build a bridge to the public that, for some people, is not always there.

In the lobby before the show, at intermission, and afterward, partner organizations will be on hand to talk about the services they offer and answer questions about available support.

  • September 17 and 19 -The Women’s Center, Inc. of Columbia and Montour Counties — Medical Advocacy Program
  • September 18:Columbia County Family Center
  • September 20: Bloomsburg Area YMCA Community Resource Hub

Concurrently, a diaper drive is running for the full length of the production – at the Alvina Krause Theatre. Audience members are encouraged to bring diapers and other essentials for babies and new moms. For a complete list of requested items, see the end of this article.

Additionally, Q&As with the cast/creative team will be held immediately following the conclusion of each performance.

Five people sitting on chairs facing forward in a theater setting, with black seating in the background and a grass-like floor. They are engaged in conversation, each displaying different expressions and styles of clothing.
(Left to Right – BTE Resident Artists/Guest Artist)
Jessie (Kimie Muroya 室屋季美恵), Lina (Amy Rene Byrne), Adrienne (Abigail Leffler) Mitchell (Billy Martel) & Director Aaron White)
Photo By: Jennifer Phares Varvil/Stay2uned

For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://hexagon-begonia-6txb.squarespace.com/cry-it-out.

Cry It Out runs from September 10 – 20, 2026 at The Alvina Krause Theatre. Afterwards, the play will be on tour from September 24 – October 3rd, 2026.

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