An affecting journey

While many (if not most) plays strive to generate a reaction from its audience, none has been so affecting in recent memory as Kickshaw Theatre’s season opener, “Milvotchkee, Visconsin.” And for many, I suspect, it will hit way too close to home for comfort.

That was certainly case for my friend who accompanied me to the performance.

The oddly titled “Milvotchkee, Visconsin” (which will make total sense as the plot unfolds) tells the story of a woman’s descent into dementia (likely Alzheimer’s disease) vividly told from her point of view. A mother and long-time tour guide, Molly finds that she can no longer remember the detailed facts behind the rather unusual park at which she’s worked for many years. And as her story unfolds, that’s not all she doesn’t remember.

Anyone who’s ever watched as a family member, loved one or friend slipped away as a result of a dementia-related disease will likely nod their heads in quiet acknowledgement as Molly’s world slowly slips away. It’s a frustrating experience, not just for her daughter, son and others with whom she must interact, but also for Molly herself. Especially for Molly.

Michael Hays, Nancy Elizabeth Kammer

And that’s what playwright Laura Jacqmin’s unorthodox approach to the subject matter excels at revealing. Subtitled “a comedy about a tragedy,” Jacqmin presents her story as seen through the eyes and deteriorating mental state of Molly herself. As such, the audience observes what transpires in Molly’s life as interpreted by a brain no longer anchored in reality. Hence, her mental state becomes the result of a hole in her head caused by lightning, while her children interact with her in rather unflattering ways.

It’s the disease, then, that is telling the story, not Molly. And it’s not a happy or hopeful one.

Luckily, though, it’s a rather well staged and acted one. In conceiving her production, director Lynn Lammers embraced the odd-ball nature of the script, yet maintained within her concept a sense of realism to the world inside Molly’s head.

As such, you almost want to smack her son and daughter (played so well by Aral Gribble and Sonja Marquis) for how poorly they seem to treat their mother. And you begin to wonder why the family would allow such a quack of a doctor (brilliantly played by Dave Davies) to treat their mother. But then you remember: That’s how Molly interprets their actions and behavior; we’re not privy to what was really said and done.

Although additional fine character work is provided by Michael Hays and Brenda Lane, the focal point of the show is Molly. If you don’t believe she’s experiencing a breakdown in her mental faculties, the show falls apart. Simply put: Nancy Elizabeth Kammer nails it.

And I think that’s what disturbed my friend most on opening night. What Molly revealed through Kammer’s spot-on facial expressions, tone of voice and behavior mirrored those of his parent who’s been living with dementia for a handful of years. It’s been tough for him, and this night at the theater was not what he expected. (I knew he was troubled by the show when he didn’t want to stay after and visit with one of his favorite actresses.)

However, I think he’d agree that Kickshaw’s season opener is a powerful one. Just come prepared for an experience all of us – especially those of us getting up in years – may face in the not-so-distant future. It just won’t be as humorous or well executed.

The bottom line: I went in to the show knowing nothing about it – I didn’t read the press release beforehand – and left impressed by the care and creativity the author, director, technicians and actors put into presenting this most difficult subject.

“Milvotchkee, Visconsin,” which runs through Oct. 7, is presented through the generous support of Glacier Hills Senior Living Community and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Also participating are Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center and Alzheimer’s Association. For complete show details, CLICK HERE!

Brenda Lane, Dave Davies, Nancy Elizabeth Kammer

All photos by Sean Carter Photography