BWW Reviews: Fountain Theatre's ON THE SPECTRUM Is Engrossing Theatre

On the Spectrum/by Ken LaZebnik/directed by Jacqueline Schultz/Fountain Theatre/through April 28

Ken LaZebnik's west coast premiere play On the Spectrum at the Fountain Theatre is a life-affirming work that explores the power of love between two autistic people, and the repercussions on those around them. Thanks to LaZebnik, a trio of fine actors and splendid direction from Jacqueline Schultz, we make contact with a drastically different world, experiencing what may surely change the way we think and live. Could one wish for anything greater from a night in the theate?

The term on the spectrum refers to the range of autistic disabilities including asperber's. If one is on the spectrum, he (she) suffers from some degree of autism. Somehow, LaZebnik's beautiful play makes a so-called normal person feel more comfortable with one that is autistic by allowing him (her) to see that autism is not retardation. Hardly! Autistic people are actually quite brilliant, their brains storing factoids and specific info like a computer. Cormac "Mac" Sheridan (Dan Shaked) is studying law. Some are fiercely creative like Iris (Virginia Newcomb) and Mac, who takes a job designing graphics for Iris' website. The problem is that autistic individuals do not handle anger very well and need extensive OT (occupational therapy) to help them convert anti-social behavior to the norm. Mac has learned to adapt to the real world, as he has received therapy through the years, thanks to his mother Elisabeth (Jeanie Hackett). Iris' mother all but abandoned her, except for controlling the purse strings, and forced to live alone, Iris has almost completely retreated into her own world of fantasy, letting a computer generated voice speak for her and never leaving her apartment in Queens. Mac becomes her savior, and we see powerfully miraculous changes occur in both their lives.

My only fault with the play is that the ending seems a bit ready made, pat, as Iris ventures into the real world so abruptly. Elisabeth, who is out of work and desperate for Mac's contributions to maintain their New York apartment, is not in favor of Iris as a dependable boss for Mac, let alone as a girlfriend, and when she meets her, she refuses flat out to accept the relationship. Again, her acceptance of the two minutes later comes too quickly, forcing a happy ending. But...the power of love is at stake here, and if we believe that Iris cannot live without Mac, she will do anything to get him, and if Mom cares enough about Mac's future, she will accept Iris as his mate. We are so overcome by emotion at this point, that we cannot help but applaud the bond.

It's OK to be manipulated emotionally when the intent is constructive, with a definite purpose, and the cast of actors are as sublime as this one. Shaked is bright, terribly funny and loveable as Mac; Newcomb's Iris is such a mess psychologically that we cannot help but feel pity for her. Newcomb's performance of this girl trapped in a make-believe world is astounding. As an actress she has internalized not only the physical but also the emotional pain and is totally convincing with every unpredictable move or gesture. Hackett as Mac's mother is so sincere and endearing about every minute detail that she as well gives a stunning performance. Her character, in spite of the intense vulnerable state in which she finds herself, serves as a strong buffer/support for the other two. Schultz directs with a meticulous eye to all three, never letting any behavior cross the line of credibility. John Iacovelli again shines with his set design of cramped New York apartments, and Jeff Teeter's video design steals the spotlight, as it runs the spectrum from the realistic representation of Mac and Iris boarding and riding a moving subway to fantastical images of medieval royalty on Iris' OtherWorld website. It's like being on a different plane, with the images taking on a meaning all their own.

Despite a few minor shortcomings, On the Spectrum is engrossing theatre that should be experienced by everyone. The more I listened to lesser known characteristics of autistic people, the more I was convinced that I may be autistic. LaZebnik may want us to realize that their world is not that different from our own and that their superior contributions to it will only make it a better place to live. In a loving world, there's room for everybody.

http://www.fountaintheatre.com/perform.html