An Elemental Mental
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Matthew
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By Joseph N. Feinstein
Creating harmony, love, and acceptance within the family structure is usually a challenge. In the musical, Mental, written by Fiona Hogan and Courtney Kramer and now appearing at the Edgemar Center for the Arts until August 26, you will meet the Clutterbuck family who have come to Pine Meadows mental health facility to help get their family of six back on track.
Under the creative tutelage of Dr. Gary Pointer, ably played by understudy Jeff Sumner substituting for Ryan Matthew at the performance reviewed, these six Clutterbucks will attempt to discover exactly what's wrong with their family. And you will be entertained big time as they encapsulate the problems in song, dance, and some fine acting.
Each of the members gets to perform a solo song and has a few moments to express their individual concerns and hangups. Each one sings absolutely beautifully, and the songs
help move the action along as we discover the manifold neuroses. Daughter Violet (Courtney Kramer) suffers love addiction and her latest boyfriend, Dean (Adam Simmons), is part of the group. Daughter Mona (Miranda Frigon) suffers clinical depression and has attempted suicide. Son Sport (John Brobek), sometimes called Sprot, has dyslexia, and, though named for father Harry (Michael Bryan French), doesn't have the necessary mental capacity to live up to his name. The youngest son, Jared (Rob Estes), has " phototopia", smokes pot, and gets into trouble, bringing disgrace to mother Eloise (Eileen Barnett) and father Harry, who have their own issues to confront. Can any family ever get along?
Dr. Pointer has his hands full and shows it in a variety of hilarious ways, in words, music, and gestures. His effeminate soul comes out in most delightful expressions and mannerisms as he interacts with this "impossible" family. His song, "No More Dairy", is a show-stopper!
And just when you think you've gotten to know all the members of this family, in comes Siobban, enticingly played by Christian Omari, who adds her spice to "Kiss My Ass" and "Groove Child", two of the fourteen songs which bring down the house. Speaking of the songs, they're terrific. Each one has a distinct melodic charm with lyrics that entertain and explain the inner, hidden motivations of the character singing them. Listen and you will learn.
Michelle Danner's expert direction is evident every moment. The need to give each person his due gives visual display to her talent, and she succeeds effortlessly. Juliet Klanchar's lighting is first rate as she moves the spotlight from on high to stage level. Cindi Rush has done a marvelous job in casting just the right person for each part. Producer Justin Hogan has assembled a marvelous ensemble to perform a play worth your time, effort, and money.
The statement: "We are as sick as our secrets." comes to life in Mental. That these secrets are revealed provides each character in the play a newer, fresher breath of life, giving all of us a renewed sense of hope for our failing relationships. Perhaps, as we exit the theater, we may be encouraged to reexamine our own lives and begin to repair some of the difficulties that may exist within our own families. Can any play do more?
Mental The Edgemar Center for the Arts 2437 Main St. Santa Monica 90405
Tel. 310-392-7327 Tickets $28 www.mentalthemusical.com
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