The audiences raved:

 

"...a lively and moving production of such an intelligent and literate new script.  I forgot my handkerchiefs, so I was wiping away tears with my forearms and sniffling as quietly as possible...Bravo to the playwright, artistic team, actors and all at the Desert Rose."

 

"A wonderful experience!  A must see!"

 

"Still moved hours after today's matinee; superb performances!"

 

"LOVELOVELOVED this show!  Powerful, relevant, and important!  BRAVO cast and company!"

 

"I was moved and entertained by this play.  It's an intelligent and lively script, very relevant to today.  Well staged!"

 

"The best play Desert Rose has ever done!"

 

"Beautiful.  Lyrical.  Wonderful.  I was overwhelmed."

 

The critics were moved, as well:

 

Broadway World

 

" 'Message Plays' are a difficult breed.  When they hammer you with their themes, they are more painful than an over-long sermon on a hot Sunday morning.  However, when they click, as Desert Rose's production of Dare does on all cyclinders, they deliver one of the highest functions of theatre:  entertainment that educates.  An outstanding company of actors...bring Texas playwright Allan Baker's new script to life, and our 'lessons' are eagerly lapped up!...It's interesting that this production immediately follows Desert Rose's excellent production of Suddenly, Last Summer, in that Baker's script certainly has a healthy dose of poetry about it, as William's script does."

 

Coachella Valley Independent

 

"A 'Dare' you should take:  Desert Rose's world-premiere production is a well-acted, terrific piece of theater!"

 

"But the clear standout is Richard Marlow as Jack.  This character is a huge part for any actor, including several long monologues and a wide range of emotion...There is not one false note.  It is truly an acting tour de force; if Marlow does not win an award for this performance, there is no justice in the world."