Lisa Loomer’s play about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) is a comedy. Go figure. This is a play about a
distraught mom that wants to do the right thing for her son.
Lisa Loomer’s play about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a comedy. Go figure.
This is a play about a distraught mom that wants to do the right thing for her son.
She will go to any length, any doctor that might help she will even go to another state. All this goes on with a dialogue of sharp, intelligent wit, poignant humor and a determination to try to keep her beloved, hyper foul-mouthed kid out of Special Ed and drugs.
In this case the drug of choice Ritalin. Where does ADHD come from? Heredity, drugs, hormones, diet? Each doctor each clinic each neighbor has their own take on the subject and the outcome is a combination of funny, comical heart tugging moments with Mama and her husband trying to solve the challenge without damaging themselves while trying to find a cure for their son in the process.
The set is a computer operated syncopated background that covers the stage in staccato blinks of the world as we see it – it is fascinating and amazing. At times it sets the mood and there are moments it interacts with the players.
Glorious Rebecca Dines dives into the part of Mama with her usual amazing way of becoming the character. Mama is sensitive, loving and sensible but she is ever inch a mother that just wants her son to be normal.
This role has to be played with a humorous delicate touch that could become heavy if not handled properly. Dines delivers a believable performance that keeps a depressing subject entertaining and enjoyable.
Dena Martinez handles three roles but her waitress turn opening a bottle of wine is a small work of maim art.
Cassidy Brown does a multi group of doctors and covers the range of each that makes anyone that has been to more than one doctor for the same ailment nostalgic.
Jesse the energetic nine-year-old is heard off stage for most of the play. Gabriel Hoffman holds his own with this strong cast.
Smoothly directed by Armando Molina the production moves with a fast well timed pace that holds attention.
For a deep humorous look at a profound, relevant subject that touches so many around us “Distracted” is a well done piece of work that is also successfully running off Broadway at this time.
As usual TheatreWorks gives us quality theatre.
Camille Bounds is the arts and
entertainment editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publications.
