THE ARTS ETC
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New Century TheatrePresents
Distracted
by Lisa Loomer
Directed by Sam Rush
Smith College
Theater 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts
122 Green Street, Northampton, MA
June 30, 7:30pm; July 1 and 2, 8:pm; July 3, 2:pm and 7:30pm
July 5-7*, 7:30pm; July 8 and 9, 8:pm
*Post Show Talk-back with Cast and Director
Distracted is a hilarious treatment for what ails you.
REVIEWED BY B. K. GRANT
Meditation is the path to attaining inner peace. One must also have the time and the proper atmosphere to encourage the process. As Act One opens, Mama, at an early morning hour, is desperately attempting, with the help of candlelight and prayer, to get "in the zone." Frustration mounts as she is repeatedly interrupted by the telephone and the awakening of her obnoxious nine-year-old.
Mama is a somewhat successful decorator, but success is lacking in the disciplinary department when it comes to her son. Cate Damon* is wonderful as Mama, overworked (as far as parenting is concerned), underappreciated for her talent, and in denial when it comes to discussing Jesse’s behavior. Mama doesn’t think Jesse has an ADD problem. As an aside to the audience, she does confide that she won’t let him on stage due to his disruptive antics. We as listeners are provided with an accurate portrait of his personality, given his nasty language, shouting and disdain for obedience. Well-meaning friends and neighbors offer encouragement and information on various drugs, prompting Mama to research his symptoms.
Dad, on the other hand, is convinced Jesse (a great portrayal by fourth-grader Henry Jeremiah Pryor Stordeur) has no ‘symptoms’;rather, he is a nine-year-old acting like a nine-year-old. Brian Joseph Smith* convincingly plays this Type A (maybe A+), animated, rough-around-the-edges character who himself occasionally exhibits some rather erratic behavior. Dad has more control over their rambunctious son and sees his actions as perfectly normal. When discussing the possibility of talking to someone about Jesse, he challenges Mama to “name one person who is a good listener”; she gestures toward the audience, saying, “They listen to me, that’s why I talk to them”.
Among the professionals consulted is Dr. Zavala, a young woman, sure of herself to the point of being a bit pushy. Lynn Vesely excels in this roll (and also in those of the Waitress and Carolyn), embracing three very different personalities.
Jeannine Haas* is superb in a trio of characters (Dr. Waller, Mrs. Holly and Nurse). Inviting Mama and Dad to “…step into my office”, she wheels out a chair, adjusts a small table, and all three, hovering in a near "chair pose", stare at the office artwork, sitting back only after it changes appropriately. The audience roars with laughter!
Individual personas are also portrayed by Sam Samuels*, who nails Dr. Broder, Dr. Jinks and Dr. Karnes perfectly. Thanks to Loomer’s distinctive style, he loses composure, screaming “I’m on Ritalin! Do you think I could memorize lines for four different parts without Ritalin?”
Sherry is one of Mama’s friendly neighbors. Sue Dziura is perfect as Sherry, the mother trying to keep it together while her two children with ‘issues’ run the pharmaceutical gamut. (Sue was most recently enjoyed as Mother in the Opera House Players’ Ragtime.)
Lindsay Griffin (a senior at Northampton High School) in macabre attire is great as Sherry’s troubled teen daughter Natalie, who cuts because she feels so much better after she’s done.
Stephanie Carlson* is outstanding as Vera, a hyper, well-meaning friend with a severe case of OCD. She is Vera in mannerisms, speech and posture, toting the contents of her purse neatly in separate zip-lock bags.
It is evident that this cast and crew work well together under the direction of Sam Rush. The minimally set stage is subjected to frequent scene changes that are easily effected by cast members walking on and off, fast moving action credited to stage manager Anna Burnham. The Projection artistry of David Wiggall added a unique touch to the production unlike any this reviewer has seen before. With the costuming of Barbara Blackwood and Daniel Rist’s lighting rounding out the picture, this show needs to be on your must see list.
ADD(ADHD) is a complicated, often misunderstood condition; Distracted explores the subject, albeit with tongue in cheek. Definitely for mature audiences, Lisa Loomer has written a great play with a unique work-in-progress quality to it. Nine brilliant actors fill the shoes of fifteen fascinating characters who collectively offer opinions, gentle arguments and sympathy. After all, says Mama, “…famous people had ADD: Einstein, Huck Finn, Samuel Clemens…”.
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors
and Stage Managers in the United States
Distracted is sponsored by Florence Savings Bank
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.