Author: Peter Hall
THE BASICS: “The Process” is a series of skits woven together on stage at TheaterLoft, 545 Elmwood between Anderson and Utica, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm, now through November 23rd. It’s presented in collaboration with Ujima Co., Inc., by Unique Productions (UP!) whose mission is to provide “a venue where persons with disabilities can learn and express themselves through art, playwriting, and acting.” Run time 75 minutes without intermission. Handicapped accessible using the elevator.
THUMBNAIL SKETCH: As the promotional material says, this play “shows how a small group of writers, some with disabilities, come to process a full length play and how writing stories reveals what they wish would happen.” We observe a writing program, depicted on stage right by three writers and their mentor around a table, where the elements of good communication are discussed. Then, periodically, as the writers are asked to “read” their final draft the action shifts to the rest of the stage where the troupe of eleven players brings the stories to life. Some are fantasies, such as the envy of a fork and a spoon over the seeming freedom of the knife, or a family’s (and stuffed teddy bear’s) reactions to a grandfather’s gift of a shiny new robotic teddy bear. And some are just wishful thinking, as when a particularly nasty ex-girlfriend is hit by a bus and turned into “road pizza.”
THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION:
To be honest, I went because a friend asked me to attend. I had low expectations and thought that I was going to a well-disguised lecture on how I should be more understanding of persons with disabilities. I was pretty sure it was going to be a “One Buffalo” (see ratings below) night. Boy, was I wrong (again)! If we go to theater to be entertained, to laugh, to cry, to learn more about the world and about ourselves, to be moved a little out of our comfort zone, and to exit the venue thinking “wow, that was pretty cool” well, all of that happened. If you’re tired of the “same old” then this is for you.
And I learned some things at the “talk back” such as that living in a group home for the disabled can be hell, that bi-annual “ISPs” (Individual Service Plans) are also a drag, and that a law is pending so that nobody with a registered disability will be allowed to eat a hot dog that hasn’t been cut up into little pieces for them.
After years of hosting writing groups, and with support from Ujima (with over 35 years of experience), rookie director (and UP! co-founder) Beth Geyer has done a great job in working with a primarily amateur cast. And, since each actor plays multiple roles throughout the evening, there had to be multiple casting decisions, most of which seemed spot on. Perhaps the biggest challenge was taking over four hours of material and focusing it down to just seventy-five minutes. There’s no doubt about it, this show moves along!
Props (pun intended) go to Vienna Haak, one of three co-founders of UP!, who took on the thankless roles of Stage Manager as well as Costume & Prop Designer. And Aimee Levesque, as Managing Director (and one of the writers) did an enthusiastic job as MD, and wrote a really moving poem that brings the evening to a successful conclusion.
Writers Keller Vogelsang (also one of the actors), Robert Bach, Wanda Wilson, Maria Aldona Laurendi, Eric Biszantz, and Aimee Levesque, all of whom were in attendance on opening night to participate in the “talk back” seemed very pleased with how their words were brought to life. Each of them has personal experience dealing with disabilities and their honesty shone through.
We first meet the youthful Matthew Garrison as a bowl of Minestrone soup, but his true talent is later revealed as the very opinionated Benny who does one of the greatest “bending over backward to avoid finger pointing criticism” moves I’ve ever seen. Very funny.
Jessica Levesque embodies the rule “stay in character” which can be so difficult for amateurs. Very realistic portrayal.
Keller Vogelsang (also one of the playwrights) is another youthful actor with great timing.
Stephanie Edbauer could be the “poster-girl” for UP! Again, a young performer with incredible energy, whose very presence on stage makes you glad that you came.
Genevieve Blachowiak is a high school senior, but brings a stage presence that belies her tender years. She is a member of her school’s drama club and that experience informs her performance portraying one of the more conflicted writers. I found her portrayal one of the most “accessible” as far as understanding what the evening was all about.
Chelsey Braun takes on multiple roles and also brings her real-life experience to the stage. Those acting classes paid off!
Bob Aquila is an old hand on stage (Aurora, Amherst, and Towne Players) and lent some “gravitas” that can be so helpful with a primarily young cast. It’s good that he was on stage early to help settle everything down.
Nathaniel William Wilkins is a very large fellow who moves easily on stage (he credits daily yoga) and provides a number of the more realistic portrayals. That’s great acting, to seem to be just a guy who happens to be on a stage.
Marilyn Scattoreggio also provides a gravitas that glues a lot of the evening together. Her portrayal brings to life a line from a Congressional finding which she quotes in her bio: “Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society.” Well done.
Mary Moebius is a very experienced actor who has been at the Alleyway, New Phoenix, ICTC, SIDP, and is frequently in “Diva by Diva” and that experience helps ease the audience into the show.
Stacy Kowal, also experienced, rounds out a cast of mixed ability, but united by enthusiasm and a desire to bring something new to Buffalo.
*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)
ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.
TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.
THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.
FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!