© Suburban Journals of Chicago
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Village Players Theatre Oak Park's Center for Performing Arts Presents:
CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD
by Mark Medoff.
by Mark Medoff.
review by Ed Vincent
Sarah Norman, played by Gina Matzkin does a wonderful job of portraying the role of Ms. Norman. Norman and
Gina Matzkin are both deaf and mute in script and reality, each is pleased to keep it that way, too. The young teacher
who becomes her romantic interest is Mr. James Leeds,
played by the multitalented Kevin Swatek. Swatek has two
brothers who are deaf and he took the time to learn sign
language to communicate with them. Kevin Swatek is also an actor and his work in this play is exceptional.
The sets are very minimal, yet artistic, practical and well
lit. The spoken roles of the play are all projected above the
stage to assist those in the audience with hearing issues and
to help make some artistic points. When two of the female
characters are arguing a topic later in the play, their signs
are not translated --this lets everyone without knowledge of advanced signing, the privilege of being excluded from the scene, and a momentary visit into the daily world of the deaf.
The romance, the lust, the conviction, and perceptions,
make this adventure in drama filled with pathos and
more than enough to talk about after the lights dim.
A truly remarkable effort on all fronts and well worth your
visit. To get a better idea of the contrasts in the worlds of
heard and silent realities I would suggest going by the library and looking into one of the books written by Helen Keller (some 10 or so to choose from), books that she had written but never seen.
Gretchen
G. Gannon as Erin Dennis
Kevin Swatek as James Leeds
Jazmin Corona as Edna Klein
Gina Matzkin as Sarah Norman-Leeds
Regina Daniels as Lydia
Betty Scott Smith as Mrs. Norman
James Leonard as Mr. Franklin
Kevin Swatek as James Leeds
Jazmin Corona as Edna Klein
Gina Matzkin as Sarah Norman-Leeds
Regina Daniels as Lydia
Betty Scott Smith as Mrs. Norman
James Leonard as Mr. Franklin
Christine Strejc - Director
Andrew Glasenhardt - Lighting Designer
John List - Sound Designer and Technical Director
Lee Brasuell - Set Designer
Amanda Mae Scholl - Costume Designer
Breanna Smith-Sneed - Stage Manager
Maggie McGee - Production Manager
Carl Occhipinti Artistic Director
Village Players Theatre Oak Park's Center for Performing Arts Presents:
CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD
Oak Park, Il - Winner of the Tony Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for Best Play, this deeply moving, beautifully written play details the romance and marriage of a sensitive but spirited Deaf girl with the devoted (and hearing) young teacher whom she meets at a school for the deaf.
At Village Players Theatre, Christine Strejc will direct a production featuring both hearing and Deaf performers to create a most unique production of this play and a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
"What I enjoy most about this production is that everyone in show is able to bring their own experiences to the table and learn from each other," says Strejc. "Even with their differences, the cast shares the passion for bringing the story to life in a language that is beautiful to observe."
"I picked this play because of it's universal message that we all want to be heard." adds VPT Artistic Director Carl Occhipinti.
Show times are 8 PM for all Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 PM for all Sundays. Preview performances are Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2, all tickets $15. Opening is Sunday, February 3, performance and reception tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for students and seniors. Regular performances run Feb. 8 to Feb. 24, tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. There is a special matinee presentation Wednesday, February 6 at 1 PM . An interpreted performance evening will announced shortly.
Presented in the main stage space of the newly renovated Village Players Theatre located at 1010 W. Madison. Plenty of parking is available on the street. The theatre is handicap accessible; please call ahead to arrange for special seating. Tickets available at www.village-players.org or by calling 866-764-1010.
Village Players Theatre, Oak Park's Center for Performing Arts offers an eclectic mix of entertainment that empowers and inspires while exploring the human condition.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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