An original work written and performed by Breeda Miller
Directed by Brian Cox
"Breeda was a delight to work with from our first digital introduction through to the load out of her live performance of Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home that was booked at our theatre.
The play was enjoyed on many levels. It is a wonderfully written and performed piece of theatre, but it is also a personal and true story with a vulnerability that audiences clearly connected with on a deeper level than a fictional tale or an interpreted performance of a scripted play. It was obvious that this event was as healing as it was entertaining.
Breeda has tapped into something unique that makes it a standout event for any venue. I highly recommend booking Breeda Kelly Miller."
Executive Director | New Bern Civic Theatre
A story with heart and humor
Breeda Kelly Miller brings to life a funny and often profound look at her mother's journey from her native Ireland through the end of her life, charting the type of experiences felt by generations of immigrants and adults caring for their aged parents. This is a theatrical memoir, with Breeda performing each role, introducing us to her parents, their families, and friends. Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home will keep audiences riveted from the opening line to the closing blessing. It is a moving, joyous exploration of love, roots, and family.
Upcoming Performances
Chicago, Illinois
Portland, Maine
Port Huron, Michigan
Brighton, Michigan
Northville, Michigan
Saturday, July 21 at 6PM
Sunday July 21 at 2PM
Three Rivers, Michigan
Plymouth, Michigan
7 pm (Fri) and 2 pm (Sat-Sun)
Regular seats and VIP Seating
Tickets are available now.
Penn Theater
Plymouth, Michigan
Boston, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois
CANCELEDSaturday March 16, 2024
2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Beverly Arts Center
Chicago, Illinois
New Bern, North Carolina
The New Bern Civic Theater
Plymouth, Michigan
The Penn Theatre
Dundalk, Ireland
Friday, September 22, 2023 at 8:00 pm
An Tain Arts Centre
Dundalk, Ireland
Curtis, Michigan
Muskegon, Michigan
Chicago, Illinois
Tampa, Florida
Hillsborough Community College Ybor Performing Arts Building, in Tampa Florida.
Vero Beach, Florida
Day of Hope Caregiver Conference
Trenton, Michigan
Chicago, IL
Performance at Chicago iBAM (Irish Books Art and Music Event) Sunday, October 16 at 2:00pm. Tickets: $25 each 20% of ticket sales goes to benefit the Irish Heritage Center
Traverse City, MI
Performance Friday, Sept. 16, 2022 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 at 2 pm.
Benefit performances for Grand Traverse Pavilions at the Old Town Playhouse.
Chicago, IL
Performance at Chief O'Neill's Irish Pub in Chicago, Illinois. July 29, 30, and 31.
Saline, MI
Benefit performance for EHM Michigan, Saline Senior Solutions. Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 2 pm. Sponsored by EHM Foundation and OneCareRX
Brighton, MI
A Wilde Theatre performance in Brighton, Michigan. Saturday, June 11 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, June 12 at 3:00 pm
Detroit, MI
Benefit performance for the Detroit Gaelic League. Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 4 pm.
Manchester, Michigan
Benefit performance for Manchester Community, Acorn Farmer’s Market and Cafe. Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 2:30 pm.
❝We laughed. We cried. We laughed some more.❞
“Yesterday we got to see Breeda Miller on stage, performing her one woman show, Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home. We laughed. We cried. We laughed some more. Every story she told took me into her mother’s world. Every picture she shared was on point. It was perfectly poignant and just the right medicine to cap a long week. If the show comes to your town, run and get tickets. And then prepare to feel all the feels. It’s a joyful take on aging and dementia that I am glad I got to experience.”
Feb. 17, 2023. Tampa, FL
❝Laughing and crying, sometimes simultaneously❞
"Take a window seat at this show and buckle up as you travel on this family’s journey of love, grit and learning. You will find yourself laughing and crying, sometimes simultaneously, and will end the trip forever changed."
‒ Beth Kennedy
❝Funny, touching, emotional, poignant and absolutely riveting❞
"Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home as brilliantly depicted by Breeda Kelly Miller, last night at Ann Arbor’s Arthur Miller Theatre in the one-woman play she wrote and performs, is everything you’d hope for: funny, touching, emotional, poignant and absolutely riveting."
‒ Jim McFarlin, Author, Media Critic
❝THIS PLAY DELIVERS THE MESSAGE THAT WHEN WE CAN'T FIND A CURE, WE CAN FIND THE JOY.❞
"Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home is about finding the joy. It's a play that has the ability to entertain while inspiring caregivers to cope with the daily challenges of caring for people with dementia. This play delivers the message that when we can't find a cure, we can find the joy. Using stories, characters, and humor Breeda Kelly Miller has tapped into an essential bit of wisdom that we all need to remember and to practice."
-Henry Paulson, M.D., Ph.D.
Michigan Medicine
News & Reviews
- Novel Idea: Author Breeda Kelly Miller’s Book, “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home,” Expands on the Family Immigrant Stories Shared in Her Play (Pulp.AADL.org 1/27/25) Writers know that sometimes, no matter what your intentions are when you sit down to work, the process may lead you in another direction completely. [READ MORE]
- a series of choices. (ididnthavemyglasseson.com 1/9/24) I recently wrote a post about my dear friend and author, breeda kelly miller who researched, wrote a play, performed, and presented her family’s heritage story [READ MORE]
- This Stage Show is A Tribute to Mom (HOURDetroit.com 5/8/24) Breeda Kelly Miller brings her mother’s story to the Penn Theatre in Plymouth, this Mother’s Day and for many more. [READ MORE]
- Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home' at NBCT, Feb 24th (NewBernLive.org 1/23/24) Coming to New Bern Civic Theatre on February 24th as an Encore Series special engagement, ‘Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home’...[READ MORE]
- Breeda Miller takes “Mrs. Kelly” to Plymouth 11/19 (EncoreMichigan.com 11/1/23) Breeda Miller’s Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home comes to the historic Penn Theatre here Nov. 19 for two performances...[READ MORE]
- “Mrs. Kelly” heads back to Ireland, and more! (Manchester Mirror 8/28/2023) Breeda Miller has a lot on her mind this month. First, she’s getting ready for her trip to Ireland September 18–29...[READ MORE]
- Proceeds from upcoming one-woman show in Dundalk to go to Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Dundalkdemocrat.ie 8/1/23) Award-winning play Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home comes to Dundalk in September...[READ MORE]
- Chicago Irish Radio - The O'Conner Show podcast (3/4/23) - Conversation with Breeda begins at approximately 01:20:00
- Breeda Kelly Miller turns experience caring for ailing mother into a poignant one-woman play (Detroit Metro Times 1/30/23)
No matter how old — or young — you are, there is one life event you will face as surely as that death and taxes thing: at some point you will need to care for an infirm parent or relative...[READ MORE]
- Downriver native to showcase theatrical memoir ‘Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home’ (TheNewsHerald.com 1/25/23) A one-woman show is coming to the Trenton Village Theater on Feb. 5. “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home” stars Breeda Miller, 64, who grew up Downriver after her family immigrated from Ireland to the Detroit area...[READ MORE]
- Mrs. Kelly’s Journey plays at Trenton’s Theatre Office (EncoreMichigan.com 1/6/23)
Mrs. Kelly’s Journey, a one-actor play written by and starring Breeda Kelly Miller will play at The Theatre Office here on February 5 at 7 PM. The address is 2447 West Jefferson Avenue.Tickets can be bought here... [READ MORE] - Breeda Kelly Miller is a 2021-2022 Wilde Award Winner for Best One Person Show, Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home (EncoreMichigan.com, 11/18/22)
from EncoreMichigan, Michigan’s leading theatre news organization... [READ MORE] - One Woman Show Explores a Mother's Path from Ireland to USA and into Dementia - Traverse City, Michigan (Record-Eagle, 9/16/22)
Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home was performed at the Old Town Play House on Friday, September 16 and 17, 2022. The Pavilions Foundation partnered with the Play House to bring this meaningful one-woman-play performed by Breeda Kelly Miller; author, public speaker, and now play-write, actor and advocate for caregivers. A photo album Miller put together for her mom (Mrs. Kelly), while she was her caregiver...[READ REVIEW] - Old Town Playhouse performance to support community caregivers (UpNorthLive.com, 9/7/22) To support caregivers in the Grand Traverse area, the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City, in partnership with Grand Traverse Pavilions, is hosting a fundraising performance of Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home. The playhouse describes Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home, as a moving, important, and often humorous play about life, dementia and “going home” to the care-giving and general community. ... [READ REVIEW]
- “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home” is a gift of a story (Encore Michigan, 7/5/22)
When you see that Breeda Miller is performing her one-woman show, “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home,” make a point of seeing it. A poignant and well-written memory piece ... [READ REVIEW] - One-woman show tells story of being an immigrant, dementia, and finding home (Detroit News, 5/30/22)
Mary Kelly never wanted to leave her native Ireland and relocate to Detroit in the late 1950s, but her husband did and she didn't have a choice. So she went. ... [READ ARTICLE] - ‘Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home’ charms and delights' (Manchester Mirror, 5/16/22)
“Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home“ is a performance that is perfect for the current climate, providing healthy perspective and reminding us of the importance of remaining positive when all may seem lost. It also speaks to the importance of being resilient for those we care about, and being able to recognize when that person is us. ... [READ REVIEW] - Mrs. Kelly's Journey brings her to Manchester (Manchester Mirror, 3/28/22)
Breeda Miller is just “a little bit” excited. She’s not resting on her laurels after getting rave reviews of her world premiere of “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home” last fall in Ann Arbor. In fact, she’s busy working on finding new ways to share the word about her one-woman show and spread the joy she has found in performing for a live audience. ... [READ ARTICLE] - A ‘Journey Home’ for Breeda Miller (Manchester Mirror, 6/14/21)
Breeda Miller has held a lot of titles over the years. Daughter. Wife. Mother. Instructor. Caregiver. Speaker. Author. Now she can add a couple of new ones: Actor and Playwright. ... [READ ARTICLE]
Featured Interviews & Podcasts
- Finding Joy and Legacy in Caregiving: A Conversation with Breeda Miller In this episode of Life in Michigan, we sat down with Breeda Miller – storyteller, author, performer, and, as she calls herself, “a recovering caregiver.” [LISTEN TO INTERVIEW ON SUBSTACK]
- Breeda Miller speaks with Pat Byrne on Town Talk Radio on Dundalk FM in Dundalk, Ireland - Breeda's interview begins at the 40:15 mark [LISTEN TO INTERVIEW ON MIXCLOUD.COM]
- Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home Fading Memories: Alzheimer's/Dementia Support (Fading Memories Podcast 9/27/2022)
Breeda Miller, caregiver, author & playright. Breeda Miller was an accidental caregiver. Like most of us, she had no training or medical background. She didn't know what she didn't know. ... [LISTEN TO PODCAST] - From Caregiver to One Woman Show with Breeda Miller (Live Like Your Nail Color Podcast 8/19/2022)
Are you currently a caregiver for an aging parent or loved one? If so, you will especially appreciate today’s episode. If not, there’s something here for you, too. Because even though today’s gal pal has an amazing story about caring for her Mom at the end of her life ... [LISTEN TO PODCAST]
- Island Treasures Visits a Caregiving Treasure in Ireland:
- The Unplanned Journey:
- Island Treasures Mini Podcast: The Unplanned Journey (with Mrs. Kelly):
❝Go. Just go. You’ll be glad you did.❞
"I have known Breeda Miller as long as I’ve known Detroit. She’s a former media professional turned caregiver, author, public speaker and most recently, playwright and actor.
Go. Just go. You’ll be glad you did.
Breeda’s story, revolving around caring for her aging mother, is universal...You’ll laugh, you’ll weep, you’ll be moved."
‒ Jim McFarlin
❝We could not stop talking about it❞
“Breeda Miller had the audience in the palm of her hand from the first moments of the play to its last. She not only played all the characters herself but brought them convincingly and fully to life without even any costume changes. The story she told was specific yet universal and very relatable. Although dementia is an important part of the play, Ms. Miller's well crafted script never became sentimental or maudlin due to her skills in blending pathos with humor. Driving home with my friend after the show, we could not stop talking about the many ways in which the play impacted and delighted us.”
Kitty Dubin, Playwright
Lecturer in Playwriting, Oakland University
❝Intimate shared experience❞
"Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home is more than a show. It’s an intimate shared experience that lends humor and compassion to private journeys. Brava!"
‒ Dr. Margarita Gurri, PhD, CSP
❝unforgettable portrait of a woman of indomitable spirit❞
"Mary Kelly, an Irish mother and US immigrant, comes alive with heart and humor in Breeda Miller’s one act play. As Mary’s journey takes her from young mother to spirited senior coping with dementia, you will laugh, cry, wonder and applaud the amazing woman she was. Breeda skillfully and with great passion delivers an unforgettable portrait of a woman of indomitable spirit."
‒ Suzanne McGill-Anderson and Barbara Wilson
❝If you have the chance, go see this play❞
"I laughed. I cried and felt so many different emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this experience. Breeda is a fantastic storyteller. Please, if you have the chance, go see this play. I can’t say enough about it."
‒ Darcel Swekel Demyanovich
Book a Performance
Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home Performance Options
Full length Professional Production - Available for limited theatrical engagements, fundraising events and conferences. Run time: 100 minutes including a 15 minute intermission
Adapted Performance - Suitable for fundraising and conference events. Production in informal spaces, not a full theatrical production.
Conference/Event Performance - Two options:
- The Immigrant Journey - Hilarious and heart warming memoir of a family emigrating to America and becoming Americans (45 minutes)
- The Caregiver Journey - Entertaining and educational trip through caring for an elderly parent with dementia. Lessons learned and powerful stories that teach with humor and love. (30 minutes)
The Ultimate Caregiver Retreat Day
Imagine a room filled with caregivers who are taking a break from their daily roles and simply enjoying a play filled with laughs, heart-warming stories, and lessons to live by. That's what Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home will provide.
The Caregiver Retreat is a full-day event centered around Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home, the award-winning play written and performed by Breeda Kelly Miller. The retreat is an innovative and creative way to engage, entertain and teach family caregivers about self-care without hitting them over the head and making them feel guilty about what they are not doing.
Learn more and see a sample agenda
Fundraising Events
If your organization is looking for a compelling and different sort of event to raise money - you can book a performance of Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home. It’s a fabulous way to offer a memorable experience to your donors and along with a VIP reception a complete night out.
Contact Breeda
For more information about Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home or to speak with Breeda about booking a performance:
Email: breeda@breedamiller.com
Tel: (734) 428-0847
Notes from Breeda
Writing a play for the first time was not unlike my caregiving experience. I didn't know what I didn't know and I needed to find help. Fortune shined down upon me in the person of Brian Cox. Brian encouraged me and helped me develop this story and these characters. I am forever grateful.
I grew up south of Detroit and now live in a small town just west of Ann Arbor with my family including our two dogs and two ginormous cats. Calling myself a "recovering caregiver," I speak to organizations who help professional and family caregivers take better care of themselves so they may care better for others. After two books and years of professional speaking events, "Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home" was exactly what I needed to create.
This play honors my mother, Mary Kelly. While my mom's story is highly personal to me, its themes of family, struggle, faith and illness are universal. I wrote this play to offer much-needed light, goodness and hope during this difficult time. It's raw and real as well as funny and relatable.
My hope is that Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home will inspire others to think about their own stories and the impact everyday decisions have on their life and the lives of others. Ordinary experiences can make for extraordinary stories. That's what this play means to me.
Notes from Brian Cox
Director, Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home
Artistic Director, PencilPoint TheatreWorks
“Ever since I saw Spaulding Gray in Swimming to Cambodia and Hal Holbrook perform Mark Twain, I have been fascinated by the simplicity and complexity of a one-person show. It has been on my bucket list to direct an original one for many years, and I have kept my eye out for the right person and the right story. Well, I found the right person in Breeda Kelly Miller and the right story in her mother Mary Kelly's journey from Ireland to America as a young woman and then in her later years her struggle with dementia. I've worked with the indefatigable Breeda for several months as she wrote the script and developed the characters, and now I am ecstatic to announce that Mrs. Kelly's Journey Home will be performed Oct. 22-24 at Arthur Miller Theatre in Ann Arbor. I'd love for you all to come see it. Breeda is terrific and you'll fall in love with her mom.”
