Providing news to the Central New York Theater Community

December 13, 2004

City Edition

Page 3

by Erin Smith

What is the most fundamental need in order for a relationship to survive? Communication would initially seem to be the answer in the most recent production at the Atonement Stage. In the conclusion, however, the answer seems to be communication and understanding because relationships have little hope without both.

Appleseed Productions, a non-profit subsidiary of the Atonement Lutheran Church, is presenting its fourth play of the season, "Children of a Lesser God," written by Mark Medoff. "Children of a Lesser God" opened Dec. 3 at the Atonement Stage and is scheduled to run through Dec. 18.

The entire play occurs in the mind of the main character, James Leeds (Joe Pierce). In his head, Leeds is at the institution for the hearing impaired, where he worked as a speech teacher and where he met his wife, Sarah Norman (Sarah Dadey). Sarah, unable to hear or speak, was a resident of the school.

The story focuses on the connection between Sarah and James as they struggle with their relationship. James wants Sarah to be comfortable in the "hearing world," while Sarah wants James to understand she doesn't feel the need to fit into any world but her own. Feeling like they are failing to connect, James continuously stresses the importance of teamwork, yet both seem to disregard the efforts made by the other.

Other members of the cast portray characters from the hearing impaired institution, including Orin Dennis (Tom Ciancaglini), an animated advocate for the hearing impaired, Mr. Franklin (Doug Walls), an administrator, and Lydia (Natalie Galvin), a student who ha a crush on Mr. Leeds. Pat Stone plays Mrs. Norman, Sarah's mother, and Blair Dawson plays Edna Klein, a lawyer that Orin recruits to fight the institution for not recruiting hearing impaired teachers.

The stage is cleverly designed to resemble the inside of Leeds head. It has several divided entrances for the performers to enter center stage, as though they were memories emerging from catacombs to become focused within the brain's consciousness. The lighting contributes greatly to show which thought Leeds is focusing on.

Joe Pierce deserves notable recognition for his non-stop performance and his humorous and lively portrayal of James Leeds.

Atonement Stage is located at 116 West Glen Ave., off South Salina Street in Syracuse. It offers a cozy atmosphere and delightful experience through an intimate setting between the performers and the audience. "Children of a Lesser God" is an intriguing play which, on a smaller scale, attempts to expose the daily struggle of the hearing impaired.

Erin Smith is a member of the Scotsman Press editorial team.