FALLING ...Los Angeles

 

This moving and fascinating play is inspired by brave author Deanna Jent’s life with her own autistic son. From the moment it starts, we are witnesses to the bravery and dedicated love of an often overwhelmed mother and father. There is a charming madness to the ritual touching, sounds and movements of the young man onstage, yet in seconds he can turn into a threatening force. Although the Martins have managed to achieve a semblance of normalcy, when his grandmother comes to visit, with her religious faith and parental advice, the entire family dynamic is threatened.

Under Elina de Santos’ brilliantly realized direction, Matt Little is unforgettable as the erratic but loveable Josh; as his mother, Anna Khaja passionately conveys a love that will not accept defeat; as his father, Matthew Elkins subtly shows the impatience anyone might feel when their life is out of control; as the grandmother, Karen Landry is bewildered by the changes in her once-sweet grandson, and as the second child, Tara Windley displays the anger and confusion of one whose peace of mind is constantly under siege.

 

 The serene family setting is designed by Stephanie Kerley Schwartz, with illumination by Leigh Allen and comforting sound by Christopher Moscatiello. Costumes are by Elizabeth A. Cox. Plaudits to fight director Joe Sofranko for the riveting scenes of sporadic violence that kept us all in a constant state of preparedness.

At The Rogue Machine Theatre, 5041 Pico Blvd., LA, through December 1. Reservations: 855-585-5185 or www.roguemachinetheatre.com

 Reviewed in the November issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY, available in Public Libraries and Senior Centers throughout the Los Angeles area.