Theater Review: All of the Above

by Jenni Stewart

Risk Theater Initiative, known for bringing the metroplex innovative, thought-provoking theatre, opened All of the Above this weekend by local playwright, Tom Sime.

The play opens with Edward, a young man who has had both hands chopped off in punishment for stealing. While in the hospital he is approached by two women- Helene who is blind, deaf, and mute, and Charlotte who is her translator. These women whisk Edward to their country and as part of a foundation supply him with transplant hands. From here, they explore the meaning of sex, love, forgiveness, and spirituality.

From start to finish the play was funny, funny, funny. The kooky love triangle was in sync throughout the entire performance and each brought their own brand of comedy to the mix. Edward (Mike Schraeder) acted as stand up comic of the group, delivering raunchy jokes and plenty of puns about his hands ... or lack there of. Helene (Shannon Kearns- Smith), while staying believably deaf, blind, and mute, portrayed her comedy through her movement and facial expressions. She put so much meaning into her pseudo-sign language (unique to her and Charlotte) that I felt I could have understood without translation. Charlotte’s (Susan Sargeant) humor was more subtle and much drier than the other two, which added a nice balance. Another standout performance was given by Scott Milligan, who portrayed Edward’s mother, Eleanor, as well as Charlotte’s assistant, Gaston. Both were so extraordinary that they stole every scene they were in.

The play seemed voyeuristic. I felt as if I walked in on these characters in the middle of a life event and followed them through it, staying engaged and becoming enlightened. The play takes a spiritual turn towards the middle when Edward has a vision of God. The deity herself is channeled after intermission -- as a loud, southern woman who refers to everyone as “hunny” and who’s main line is forgiveness. Ya know, because she has no time for details.

The shows technical aspects were limited at best, in large part because the performance took place in their new black box space. I would recommend trying to get a seat on the front row since I lost a lot of the action (but did see a lot of the lady in front of me’s nice hairdo). One cool effect they had was a landscape of oblivion that nicely highlighted the show’s spiritual aspects.

Director Marianne Galloway has truly put together a fantastic ensemble show. Risk Theater Initiative has succeeded in bringing us another entertaining, engaging, and thought-provoking show.

All of the Above runs Thursday to Sunday until Aug. 12 at the Risk Arts Complex Second Stage (3603 Ross Avenue). For more information or ticket reservations call 214-223-7483 or purchase online.

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