Stern, Jaeger Photo by Michael Lamont

It just doesn't seem possible! Deaf West Theatre in North Hollywood is presenting a 30th Anniversary Production of the revolutionary classic Children of a Lesser God by Mark Medoff. I vividly remember being in that press opening night audience at the Mark Taper Forum in 1979. Not only was I knocked back in my seat by the ferocity of Medoff's writing and the intensity of the leading performances by John Rubinstein and Phyllis Frelich, I was also on the edge of my seat wondering how this perfectly mis-matched and star-crossed pair of lovers, one hearing, one not, would solve their problems and give us a happy ending. Ah, but the playwright knew happy endings weren't so easy to come by in real life and the play leaves us hanging as to the fate of its characters. The show itself did have a happier life, enjoying an 887 performance run on Broadway, winning 3 of the 4 1980 Tony Awards is was nominated for--Medoff for Best Play and Rubinstein and Frelich for leading performances. In 1986, the film version won Marlee Matlin a well deserved Oscar but should also have won one for William Hurt.

The new production, expertly and simply directed by Jonathan Barlow Lee, who served as Stage Manager of the original production, feels like it was written today, not 30 years ago. Medoff's dialogue and moral dilemmas frustrate and invigorate at the same time. James Leeds (Matthew Jaeger) is a new teacher at a school for the deaf and hard of hearing. His boss (Time Winters) assigns him Sarah (Shoshannah Stern), an older troubled student who steadfastly refuses to learn to speak or even lip read. Although 26, she is content to stay on at the school, working as a maid, rather than go out in the real world. James is fascinated by the challenge Sarah presents but he soon loses his heart to her also. Both come from very troubled family situations and these two wounded souls find a kindred spirit to bond with, at least for a while. Even marriage doesn't quiet the rebel in Sarah, although it does humanize her, even re-opening her relationship with her estranged mother (a lovely turn by Marilyn McIntyre).

Jaeger gives a tour-de-force performance, signing and speaking for both James and Sarah. His love, his devotion, his dedication, his frustration is keenly shown. Stern is by turns fiery and coquettish, and when she finally does speak in the gut-wrenching finale, she rips your heart out. Brian Cole as the firebrand Orin, Tami Lee Santimyer as the vixenish Lydia and Rebecca Ann Johnson as the helpful but hapless lawyer Edna lend strong support to the leading players. This gem of a play is rarely performed. Don't miss this amazing production of a truly groundbreaking piece of theater.

Children of a Lesser God continues at Deaf West Theatre - 5112 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood until October 11. Show times are at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. For tickets 866-811-4111 or online at www.deafwest.org