Caldwell Theatre Company Presents Lisa Loomer's 'Distracted'

Caldwell's "Distracted" Looks to Land the Triple E:

Entertainment, Emotion and Education

Caldwell Theatre Company completes their season with the timely production of Lisa Loomer's "Distracted."  Fresh from its triumphant production at Roundabout Theatre in New York, "Distracted" is a comedic look at the Cara family, coping with their nine year old son diagnosed with ADHD.

"It is astounding how Ms. Loomer has blended the humor of "Distracted" without sacrificing the poignancy, said Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director of Caldwell Theatre Company and director for "Distracted," "you are literally laughing hysterically at one moment then finding your eyes well up with tears a moment later. What sets "Distracted" apart however, is the extent to which the Cara family is essentially used as a metaphor for our modern-day, wired society."

Taking advantage of the educational opportunities associated with "Distracted" Caldwell has scheduled a series of Talk Back events utilizing a diverse choice of professionals with ADHD expertise. "We wanted to represent the various disciplines: psychology, psychiatry, homeopathy, and public education, which are presented in the play," said Cholerton. "The script begs discussion after the fact, and we were thrilled to have a forum where we could facilitate that dialogue."

The cast is spearheaded by South Florida's premier leading lady, Laura Turnbull in the central role of Mama. "As a mother of two, myself, I was instantly drawn to the character," stated Turnbull. "Her combination of staunch parental advocate juxtaposed with flighty suburban housewife, is a challenge to revel in." Joining Ms. Turnbull is Stephen G. Anthony, back in South Florida after an extended run of "Hank Williams', Lost Highway" in New York and on tour, inhabiting the role of Dad. Rounding out the cast are Kim Cozort, Kim Ostrenko, Lela Elam, Nikki Bromberg, Michael McKeever and Brian Inerfield in the pivotal role of Jessie, the nine year afflicted with ADHD.

The design team for "Distracted" includes: Tim Bennett-scenic design, Chris Hill-lighting design, Deborah Veres-property design, Alberto Arroyo-costume design and Sean Lawson-projection design. "This is far and away the most sophisticated projection design we've taken on at Caldwell," said Lawson. "This play demanded that we represent this 24/7 information and data world and project it in a way that both enhanced the action but at times almost competes with it. Other times we just wanted to get inside the head of Jessie and give some insight into an ADHD mind."

"This is one of the most timely and relevant productions that we've done at Caldwell," continued Cholerton. "Quite frankly, I don't know anyone that doesn't know at least one person coping with ADHD. Oddly enough though, while it is talked about a lot, there is little consensus as to treatment. Fortunately for us, this leads to great theater in the portrayal of the conflicting points of view."

April 11 - May 16, 2010

Tuesday through Saturday at 8PM

Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM

Prices $34 to $55 depending upon seating and date of performance

Students $10.00  

Lunch and Learn April 29, 2010 11:30AM

Price $20.00

An informal talk about Distracted with the director, cast and crew.  If you have not seen the performance, come find out what it is all about and if you have seen the performance, we will give you more insight about what you saw.  This is an interactive discussion about the play and all the people involved.  

Talk Back Dates   

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 2:00p.m.                                                   

Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 8:00p.m.                

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 8:00p.m. 

Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 8:00p.m. 

 Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 2:00p.m. 

 Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 2:00p.m. 

 Friday, May 14, 2010 at 8:00p.m.  

**Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 11:30 in conjunction with Lunch and Learn.  No performance.  

Participants and contributors to Talk Backs and Resource:

Dr. Holly Katz, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, Dr. Judith Aronson-Ramos, Dr. Leslie Rourder, Dr. Alberto Gamarra, Dr. Roy Gradin EdD, Nancy Polin M.A., Susan Tannen M.A., Center for Group Counseling, Mental Mastery, Educational Excellence, Space of Mind, Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, Books-A-Million, CHADD Palm Beach Chapter, CHADD North Broward Chapter, and CHADD Miami Dade Chapter.

For tickets phone 561-241-7432 or 877-245-7432 or visit www.caldwelltheatre.com.

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