Audience praise for CATERPILLAR SOUP and Lyena Strelkoff

“A beautiful performer.  A masterful writer.  [Lyena’s] show is a revelation and a masterpiece… It's one of the best pieces I've seen.”
Aliza Murrieta, Founder, Bang Studios

“Caterpillar Soup is a moving testimonial to the endurance and optimism of the human spirit.  With soaring honesty and profound self-awareness, Lyena conveys a journey of loss and recovery in its deepest sense-- a spiritual journey…. To witness her telling of the story, we ourselves are moved, changed and awakened.”
 Jane E. Lingua, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs, Mount St. Mary's College

“I just wanted to let you know how deeply your show affected me… [Caterpillar Soup] has brought me closer to the life I am to live.”
Melinda Mattox

“I had to put in writing how blown away I was by your remarkable piece of theatre... Thank you… for your courage, wisdom, heart, humanity, eloquence and grace.”
Nikki Dubin

“[Caterpillar Soup] is elegant, moving, humorous & inspirational, a gift to all of us who have struggled with loss of any kind, and certainly to those of us courageous enough to use even our darkest moments as a source of our creative & spiritual life.”
Nancy Bacal, Writer and Educator

“I saw your play today for the second time… Your performance is so genuine, so visceral, so heartfelt. It helps people live your experience.”
Philip Shapiro, Counseling student, Cal State Northridge

“Lyena is amazing in her ability to convey her experience, and very brave at sharing her life with others. I think a play like this is important as service to the community, for people with various disabilities and for the lucky ones who are physically and mentally well, but are enriched by a window to a more complex and difficult way to live one's life.”
Rachel

“[Caterpillar Soup] was the most touching, moving and inspiring piece of theatre I've ever seen. It was raw and authentic and funny and intensely personal. [Lyena] commanded the stage and the moment and took us all inside the journey of her transformation.”
Tina

“Your story is fascinating, but your telling it so boldly is inspirational.  I know that after your performance, there are at least 4 women in this world (and I suspect many people in addition to us) who are now more committed to nurturing honesty, courage and faith in their lives.”
Dawn Ostlund, Producer

"Lyena Strelkoff was witty, intelligent, inspiring and so much more! Her story made us remember what a blessing every single moment in our life can and should be - despite the odds."
Michele Lewis, Director of Learning Center & ISAE, Mt. St. Mary’s College

“I loved the performance! [Lyena] puts her whole soul into making her audience grateful to be alive and walking.”
Alexis Cosko

“What an amazing show!  Lyena has written / performed a fantastic piece of work.  We were enthralled the whole way through.”
Jay Cipriani, Writer

“When Lyena left the stage we all remained in our seats, frozen.  We were all so moved and wanted more.  Her spirit is so captivating.”
Judi