The God Box: a one woman, one act play.

In this engaging one woman, one act play based on her New York Times bestselling book, Mary Lou explores the laughter and tears of the story of a family in love, in loss and in triumph. "The God Box: A Daughter's Story," performed by Mary Lou and co-written with director Martha Wollner of New York City's critically acclaimed LAByrinth Theater Company, runs 70 minutes. 

The production features the work of some of New York theater's best and brightest sound, lighting and visual designers. The play travels the country to raise dollars for charities related to health, family and community causes. 

What audience members are saying: 

"'The God Box' gives a vibrant voice to the experience of patients and families - shining bright light on the quiet heroism of caregivers and the strength that exists in us all."

"Indelibly etched upon my soul -so incredibly honest, heart-opening, poignant, funny- Unforgetable!"

"A great opportunity to reflect on making each day count with a loved one...truly an inspiration."

"You touched so many chords...such a blend of courage and sensitivity. Your performances everywhere must give a great sense of healing to many people who have endured traumatic loss and not yet found a way to cope."

• "Mary Lou Quinlan shares her mother’s handmade and heartfelt gift of how to persist, believe and move forward with joy."
  – LEE WOODRUFF, AUTHOR OF "IN AN INSTANT"
• "Mary Lou Quinlan has told the story of her mother in a way that entertains, moves and inspires. The thoughts about life and values will stick with you forever."
  – JIM LEHRER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR OF PBS NEWSHOUR
• "A wonderful legacy…Keeping a God Box is an incredibly moving and hopeful ritual that we should all consider adding into our daily lives."
  – REBA, MUSICIAN, AUTHOR, ACTRESS
• "What a beautiful and profoundly human book....I will keep The God Box in my heart for a long, long time."
  – LAURA SCHROFF, AUTHOR OF "THE INVISIBLE THREAD"
• "A beautiful story of love, faith and family. It reads like an intimate, familiar prayer."
  – ELIZABETH GILBERT, AUTHOR OF "EAT, PRAY, LOVE"
• "In the slips of paper that carry this sweet story forward, we can see the love in our own families and the great possibilities of simple faith."
  – JEFFREY ZASLOW, COAUTHOR OF "THE LAST LECTURE"
• "The courage and wisdom from the messages left in her mother’s God Box will inspire you to create a God Box of your own."
  – GAIL SHEEHY, AUTHOR OF "PASSAGES IN CAREGIVING"

May 25, 2013
by Mary Lou Quinlan

Today, the love of my life, Joe Quinlan receives his Masters degree in Irish and Irish American Studies from NYU. Joe likes to joke that he is the Bluto Blutarski of NYU...his Animal House laugh about his five years in school. But I feel serious today.  Seriously proud. I have watched Joe as he researched and read, studied and wrote. Joe was a sponge for everything Irish. He loved the learning, the faculty, the sessions of music and poetry, politics and thought. Joe found his greatest joy in the stories behind the stories...the family of ...