BWW Reviews: Finding Your Spring In THE POINT OF IT ALL

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." - Rudyard Kipling

Kipling's musing on what it means to be a writer could not be truer. Broom Street Theater's latest original production, The Point of It All, tackles the sensitive subject of living with a drug addiction. Writer and Director Dan Myers drew from his own experiences to tell the stories of those who could not or cannot find their own words.

What Myers has created is a poignant snapshot of what it is to lose the ability to live for your self.

Alissa Taylor plays the heart wrenching Amanda, a young woman who was raised in privilege and has fallen far from the watchful eyes of her parents. With Luke Kokinos by her side as Red, the two bask in the darkness of the space. Kokinos' depth as Red is incredible and the pitfalls of the struggle are palpably damaging. Taylor too slides through the transitions with ease and with BST'S cozy arena, audience members can see every one of her glistening tears.

Myers also pulled out the stops by casting three veterans of the Madison theatrical community in the production as well. With Sara Beth Hahner as Amanda's mother Joan, Bob Moore as John, and John Jajewski as 'Chainsaw' - there is not a character that does not stand out in this production. These three are far more than secondary characters. Their all-to-real impact on the lives of the young addicts is what makes the show so cathartic. Particularly when Hahner's fearful eyes take in her daughter's new 'home' or when Chainsaw mutters the words "I'm not his friend - I'm his dealer."

There was one aspect that could be reconfigured: the transitional music. Though the lyrics are profoundly connected to the goings on of the particular scene that the show is transitioning from, the melodies often seemed too up beat and distracted from the atmosphere of the show itself. A show like The Point of it All only suffers when any of its dismal energy is depleted. Some productions aren't meant to have additional bright spots outside of the text - and that's perfectly okay.

Once again, it is Myers' intuitive voice that drills this production into place. His truth and understanding of the world molds itself into a play that does likewise. With so many campy shows in the world, it can be difficult to justify a production that goes in the opposite direction. People often do not want to be confronted by the uncomfortable reality, but they can never understand someone else's struggle without an honest retelling. Films like Requiem for a Dream can tell a part of the story. However, it is in the pain one can see in a live performance that can make the biggest difference - there are no do overs in theatre.

To be frank - the show is distressing.

It is also moving, heart warming, and eye opening.

Backtracking to the quote by Kipling, words are indescribably powerful. They have the ability to build, destroy, help, and harm. In the case of The Point of It All, they stitch together the stories of those that are often swept, like ashes, into a fireplace.

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