The art of mime speaks endless words in silence. However, don’t be surprised to also hear music and more dialogue than expected. Bill Bowers, a student of the great Marcel Marceau, is a renowned expert in this art and was inspired to write this play when he found the poem ‘What Is a Boy?” while cleaning out his Mom’s house after her death. It was originally pinned to his baby blanket when he was taken home from the hospital when he was born in 1959 in Missoula, Montana.
Bowers’ story, “Beyond Words,” is touching, filled with humor and poetic truths. It’s his life and experiences from boyhood on his way to manhood, growing up in a small town while lip-syncing to Karen Carpenter as he sang into a hair brush. As his body, hands and expressions convey every emotional nuance, he journeys in a world he lovingly shares from Salad Bar Boy to floating balloon man at the Country Fair to mean old Uncle Davey. Soundless movements communicate the story of Wing Bittlebaum, whose restless hands spoke volumes back in Wineburg, Ohio, 1919; his life tortured when driven out of a Pennsylvania town 20 years prior when, as a teacher, he was accused of fondling young boys. Bowers sensitively tells the tale in graceful silence.
Stories turn sadder as one grows older and life becomes more physically demanding.
Bowers’ stories reveal his life as a gay person, heart-warming stories of teaching and performing in small towns like Choteau, Montana, and hidden secrets that include pink ballet slippers.
The backdrop setting of small town America reveals its own realities about the human condition as Bowers attempts to paint unspoken pictures in broad colorful strokes. Although Bowers’ presentation has its uniqueness, one has the feeling that a more in-depth exploration is needed to clarify some of the vignettes.
He is directed by Scott Illingworth, with set design by Roman Tatarowicz, lighting design by Lee Terry and the varying musical songs and sounds are brought to life by David Margolin Lawson. The Artistic Director at Urban Stages is Frances Hill.
Urban Stages 259 West 30th Street 212 868-4444 www.urbanstages.org thru October 30.
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