Adoption can be a messy and difficult process, with tons of legalities swirling around deeply emotional issues. It is a process that thousands enter into each year, and yet, it is not exactly a commonly discussed subject. So it is refreshing to see the production of The Baby Dance presented by Silhouette Theatre Company, who's inaugural production of The Shape of Things proved that this was a company to be watching.
The Baby Dance is quite appropriately titled. It deals with the symbolic dance that the expectant parents and the soon to be adoptive parents must do, as they arrange the legalities involved with the adoption process. A poor trailer-park-dwelling couple finds themselves expecting a child, when they can not even afford the four children they already have. A well-off couple from Los Angeles find themselves unable to conceive. Through a lawyer, the two couples meet and the adoption process begins.
The difficulty with the show lies in the script, in that it isn't all too certain what it wants to be. Written by Jane Anderson (who is probably best known for her screenplay of the 1994 Nicolas Cage flick, It Could Happen to You,) it is comedic at times, harshly political at others, and heart-wrenchingly dramatic at its core. The first act deals with primarily setting up the drastic opposite of the two couples. One is poor white trash, the other upperclass. The second act takes a few drastic turns, again unsure of what it really wants to be. The script makes many statements and brings up many issues. In addition to the adoption process, it also attempts to address the issues of economics, racism, class, and abuse. However, the only issue that gets full attention is adoption. The others are brought up quickly, given a powerful start, and then never looked at again.
However, the difficulties in the script are easy to ignore, due to the tender and careful direction of Paul Jacquith, and a very strong ensemble cast. In fact, this production does most everything right. The cast comes together beautifully, creating a strong and powerful statement that is a true emotional journey.
The cast is powerfully lead by Michelle Y. Hurtubise and Johanna Jaquith as Rachel and Wanda, the two women that bond over the unborn child. Both women give fully committed and very moving performances, that are sure to stay with you long after you've left the theatre. The men in the production give equally effective and emotional performances as well. Matt Maxwell, David Trudeau and Ryan Wuestewald all do an effective job presenting the other side of this complicated issue.
Despite the confusing addition of the political and socioeconomic issues that plague the script, this is a production that is completely moving and compassionately performed. The entire cast and crew deserve to be commended for telling a difficult story with such strength and conviction. Truly, this is another excellent showing for Silhouette Theatre Company.
Silhouette Theatre Company Presents:
The Baby Dance
Playing Through February 5th
Thursdays at 7:30
Saturday and Sunday at 2:00
At the John Hand Theater
7653 E. 1st Place
Denver, CO 80230
Tickets are $15
www.silhouettetheatrecompany.org
Comments