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Theater Review
Children of a Lesser God
BY DOTTIE HUGHES
Special to The Observer

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, February 14, 2002 - New Smyrna Beach - Actors at the Little Theatre are making lots of signs these days as they prepare for Children of a Lesser God. Not only must they memorize their speaking parts, but they also need sign language to perform this play, and have and to work twice as hard as most casts.

The award-winning drama explores the differences between the deaf and the hearing world. For the first time in its 55-year history, the Little Theatre will present two Saturday night sign-interpreted performances for the deaf.

This deeply moving play is about Sarah, a spirited young deaf woman and James, a hearing speech therapist at a school for the deaf.

He tries, with little success, to help Sarah. They fall in love and marry as they struggle to understand each other's needs and feelings.

The playwright, Mark Medoff, loosely based the female part on a deaf actress, Phyllis Frelich, who started on Broadway and won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Sarah.

LT Director, Shelly Wawrzonek, said that there were some of the special challenges in directing this play. "With the exception of the two lead actors, all the cast members had to learn sign language to some degree. We had interpreters at all the rehearsals to teach and to interpret for my daughter, Margie," said Wawrzonek.

"Besides the obvious problems with speaking and signing, the play is written from inside James' mind and things that happen on stage are his thoughts.

Where most plays are brought from auditions to opening night in six weeks, this play has required ten weeks and lots of extra rehearsals.

Margie Wawrzonek, who, like the character, Sarah, has been deaf since birth, plays Sarah.

"I know the character's emotions because I am deaf," Margie said. "All I had to do was read the script to understand."

An experienced actress, Margie studied at the National Theatre for the Deaf where all performances are in sign language with both hearing and deaf actors. At one time, she took acting classes from Phyllis Frelich.

Margie understands Sarah's frustration with people trying to get her to speak. "I also understand that Sarah's promiscuity was her only connection to the hearing world. In the bedroom she could be just like everyone else."

With a twinkle in her eye, she says, "It's been fun to watch the cast learning to sign. Sometimes they use the wrong signs or they make up signs.

I've had no problem working with a hearing cast since we always have a rehearsal interpreter and, of course, Mom can sign."

In the role of James, the deaf schoolteacher who tries to help Sarah, is local Realtor and life-long area resident, Cecil Goodrich.

"My parents were both deaf and as the oldest of five children, I felt they were special," says Goodrich. "I learned sign language at an early age and would interpret for them."

Asked how he learned sign language, he replied, "As hearing people learn to speak, that's how I learned sign language. It just happened."

Since this very difficult role is also Cecil's acting debut, he put in many hours of extra rehearsal time. He says it was especially difficult verbalizing what Sarah says nad trying to concentrate not only on lines, but sign language, as well.

"But I like challenges and feel that I'm up to it," he said. Everyone at the Little Theatre has been very supportive."

This is the first time Shelly and Margie have worked together. "It's a special moment in my life working with Mom. It's very different from working with other directors." Margie said. "Sometimes I feel a little inhibited, like when I have to kiss James on stage and I know she's watching."

Long time actress and director Shelly said that it has been wonderful working with her daughter.

"She's a fine actress. I always wanted to work with my father who was an actor and never had the opportunity. Working with Margie has fulfilled my dream," she said.

Supporting cast roles include Orin, David Jenkins; Lydia, Tara Jenkins; Mrs. Norman, Susan Wagner; Mr. Franklin, Scott Hazard; and Edna Klein, Debbi Dinkins.

The production crew staff are Stage Manager and Production Coordinator, Debbi Zill; Technical Director, Bill Roehrborn; Set Decoration, Mary Monnier; Lights and Sound, Diane Christian; Properties, Camille Dickinson; Costumes, Rose Dingas; Make-up, Karin Jenkins; Publicity, Dottie Hughes; Programs, Dottie Hughes and Nancy Linn; and Photography by Tom Wood at Beachside Photo.

Sign language interpreters and consultants are Katie Allman, Nancy Ellis, Robin Evans, Jeff Moffett and Judy Reed.

Copyright © 2002 the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach, Inc.