It takes a village to raise a child. Ever true. But to raise a child with high needs in the 21st century? That requires far more – an entire ecosystem of support that includes friends and neighbours, workplaces, hospitals and, in the United States, where this play is set, medical insurance companies.

Written by Amy Herzog, Mary Jane brings us into close contact with a single mom living in a Queens apartment with her toddler-aged son, Alex. Born very prematurely, Alex lives with cerebral palsy, paralysed vocal cords and lung disease. In recent weeks, he has been suffering worsening seizures and Mary Jane (played by Eloise Snape) has been taking a lot of time off work to look after him and her boss is starting to apply to some pressure. Alex’s health insurance cover depends on Mary Jane keeping that job, so it’s little wonder that she suffers from regular and incapacitating migraines.

She does have help: Ruthie (Di Adams), a gruff but understanding building super; an indefatigably optimistic and capable sister, Sherry (Janine Watson), and a roster of visiting nurses. We don’t see Alex (we only hear the bleeping and gasping of various machines), but his presence is constant in...