Review: Stray Dog Theatre's Provocative Production of DISTRACTED

As technology races ever forward, we find ourselves continually bombarded with requests for our time. Personal assistants are no longer actual people, but handheld devices that have become our lifeline to our work and families. So, it's not surprising that we've all become a little preoccupied. Then, when you factor in how ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) has been reclassified as ADHD, with a much broader and wider-reaching list of symptoms, it's easy to see why so many people, especially children, are falling under the umbrella of a positive diagnosis. That's the world examined by playwright Lisa Loomer's brilliant comedy/drama Distracted, and Stray Dog Theatre has mounted a terrific production that's required viewing, not only for parents, but for anyone struggling to deal with the demands of modern life.

Jesse is a bundle of energy, even for a nine year old, and his behavior has started to affect his fellow classmates, at least as far as his teachers are concerned. The only feedback his parents are receiving about his condition from teachers and clinicians points to his having ADHD, but neither is willing to settle for this explanation because neither feels comfortable medicating their little boy. Besides, both parents are struggling with their own problems making time and concentrating on the tasks at hand. Eventually, Jesse is put on Ritalin, but the side effects cause them to seek alternatives. Just like in real life, there are no easy answers here.

Michelle Hand gives an exceptional performance as Jesse's mother as she deals with Jesse's "condition" while trying to maintain her job and other familial obligations. Hand is a wonderful actress, and she really makes this role come alive. John Reidy also does fine work as her husband, who's having a hard time coming to grips with the diagnosis that has been placed on his son. He was a self-described wild child himself, and he doesn't understand why circumstances have changed to the point where he would have been diagnosed with ADHD himself as a youth. Garrett Ramshaw, who's an offstage voice for much of the performance is strong delivering his combative lines from the wings, and when he finally does make an appearance you realize that despite everything we've heard to this point, he's just an unimposing little boy.

The supporting cast is very good, and includes: Adam Thenhaus, who takes on the roles of several doctors, and in a particularly funny moment, reveals his own dependence on amphetamines to combat his issues with ADHD; Colleen Backer as Dr. Zavala, who guides the family toward a psychiatric solution, and also as a waitress unable to focus on her customers; Melissa Harris as a teacher named Mrs. Holly, who won't tolerate Jesse's behavior, as well as a neurologist named Dr. Waller; Jenni Ryan and Katie Puglisi as neighbors who's children are taking meds to treat their ADHD; and Berklea Going as a babysitter who cuts herself to deal with her own stress and problems.

Director Justin Been has his cast focused and assured as he guides them through the inventive staging, which includes video projections that neatly illustrate how the characters are being constantly besieged by information. Been's sound design and set design both complement the action, with the set offering a number of different levels for the actors to play off of. Tyler Duenow's lighting scheme helps to keep the action clear and distinct.

Lisa Loomer's play, and this production by Stray Dog Theatre, easily meets my criteria for excellent theatre, making the audience laugh, cry and think. Loomer not only addresses a number of issues, but does so in unconventional fashion, with the actors breaking the fourth wall to directly address the audience on more than one occasion.

Stray Dog Theatre's thought-provoking, hilarious, and touching production of Distracted continues through February 19, 2011 at the Tower Grove Abbey.

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