Take English American Sign Language, a deaf actor, an award-winning play by the deaf actor’s (hearing) wife, a director that carries a super able cast, mix well and you have an enlightening glance into the life of a non-hearing man who refuses to be silent.
Adrian Blue (a deaf actor, writer and director) plays irrepressible director Jordan with an honest ability to make himself understood, while he signs his dialogue with the expressiveness of his speaking actors.
Julie Fitzpatrick adroitly plays his love interest, a woman who sometimes translates for him, toning down some of his tirades and non-diplomatic diatribes.
Cassidy Brown and Mia Tagano nimbly gallop between 20 different roles that present humor, lost and found sensitivity, and the prejudices that enter the deaf world.
Pamela Berlin originally directed this piece when it was chosen as one of the outstanding offerings of New Works Festivals in 2012 and has brought this delicate, unfamiliar material to TheatreWorks 44th season.
The “Loudest Man On earth” is completed with excellent scenic design by Jason Simms, lighting by Paul Toben, sound by Cliff Caruthers and costumes by Tanya Finkelstein. We sometimes forget that a production goes nowhere without them.
“The Loudest Man On Earth” is an exercise in understanding another world, while being entertained by a well-written story and presented by a stellar cast.
Camille Bounds is the Arts and entertainment editor for the Western Division of Sunrise Publications.
Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Through: Sunday
Tickets: $19 – $73
Details: (650) 463-1960
