Directed by John Hightower and Assisted by Bob Baker
Featuring: Criss Ashwell, George Kobler, Alma Houston and Gena Jones.
Lights and sound by Loren Bacon.
Catherine, a young and promising poet affected with schizophrenia, returns home to her cluttered apartment after a stay in the hospital. Urged on by her publisher she struggles to pursue her art, but the very intensity of thought which this demands brings on her attacks, and the imaginary voices which bedevil her. At a party she meets Robert, a young stockbroker, and as their relationship deepens she relies ever more heavily on Thorazine pills to control her illness and maintain a semblance of normalcy. Ironically, while the pills block her "voices" they also stifle her creative impulses and the talent which has brought her the most joy. Trying to handle both her relationship with Robert and her needs as an artist she cuts down on the Thorazine doses, but as her illness again becomes apparent Robert backs away. In the end Catherine, in a shattering scene, scatters the pills on the floor, and facing the inevitable truth that she can be only one person and not two, slips inexorably back into madness.
A powerful, provocative and affecting study of a gifted poet struggling to come to terms with the schizophrenia which is undermining her art and her life. If she remains ill, she can write and continue to be published! If she remains well, the cost is her creativity.
"It is a beautiful and hopeful play..." —Variety.
"...an extremely disquieting but always absorbing evening." —NY Daily News.
It's no secret that I prefer musicals and comedies to dramas. I always think of myself as silently kicking and screaming inside when I have to go review a drama. I don't know why I have this attitude. I almost always enjoy the message and slice of life that a good drama brings. "Standing On My Knees" was no exception. In fact, maybe it hit a little to close to home since Catherine, the main character, is a writer like me. In fact, I had to wrestle my own demons in writing this review...which made the show even more poignant to me. I'm sure all creative people end up talking to themselves and questioning their sanity at times.
It is great to see Ashwell in a show onstage again after a three year absence. She has been busy directing, working as Artistic Producer of the Alpha Stage at The Renaissance Theatre, and doing other behind-the-scenes duties. I have to admit, Criss Ashwell, as Catherine, makes a very believable schizophrenic--not overplaying the part and subtly drawing the audience into her inner world. I was musing about how the show got its name and then it became clear to me. Sometimes, just facing the day is more than we can cope with and all we can accomplish that day is "standing on our knees" and not reaching our full height or capabilities.
This play was a little confusing to me at first because the other characters in the show talk to Catherine from different locations on the stage and she answers them and joins in the conversation from her apartment at center stage. By the end of the first act, however, I was totally comfortable with this and actually enjoying it.
George Kobler plays Catherine's love interest, Robert. George was last seen in The Renaissance Theatre's Taming of the Shrew. He fits the bill for a good-looking, financial advisor and matches Ashwell's outstanding performance in the closing scene.
Two talented actresses round out the cast for this riveting play. Alma Houston as Alice, friend and co-worker of Catherine's, is making her Renaissance Theatre performance debut in this show. She is, however, a veteran actress to other theatres in Huntsville. Gena Wilhite as Joanne, Catherine's psychiatrist, helps to bring a little bit of sanity to Catherine's confused world.
I'm really glad I saw this show. Unlike comedies--which I always thought I preferred--this drama had me thinking about it long after I left the theatre. In fact, the ending of the show was well worth the wait and the acting in the closing scenes is exceptional.
"Standing On My Knees" contains a lot of costume changes--often right on stage. Please be aware that this show is made for adult audiences and contains strong language. If you've ever thought about selling your soul for your craft or you like thought-provoking theatre, then you'll love this show.
Performance Dates:
Two Weekends Only!
August 20-21 and 27-28 at 8 p.m.
Tickets $14
Get tickets to Alpha Stage shows by calling 256-536-3117 from Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, or by emailing Alpha Stage Information
Renaissance Theatre
1216B Meridian Street
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-536-3117
256-536-3434
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