“It’s the language that terrifies me,” character Anna (Shanel Sparr) reveals in Baltimore Waltz, Theatre UCF’s Black Box show currently running from Thursday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 28.
In the late 1980s, Paula Vogel wrote this beautiful play in memory of her late brother who died of complications from AIDS.
“As the disease stole lives of thousands within and outside the gay community…Vogel casted herself as Anna as she and her brother embark on a healing European journey that never happened,” said assistant director and dramaturg Tara Kromer.
The show opens when the 30-year-old first grade teacher is diagnosed with “acquired toilet disease,” a terminal illness contracted from her students, and the medical jargon reminds us of the universality of sickness and the humanity behind it.
On the search for a cure for grief and illness, Anna and her loving and flamboyant brother Carl (Alexander Bair) travel through France, Germany, and Amsterdam, where she partakes in sexual activity with The 3rd Man (Ryan Sutter) to cope with her disease. All the while, Carl struggles to find medicine to smuggle from his old college friend and lover.
Although one may initially perceive the show as “heavy” in terms of plot and adult content, this 90-minute production embodies humor, sex, hope and an extra flair for the dramatic, of course- perfect for the college crowd in search of some culture!
With the exquisite style of Director Linda Listengarten and Tara Kromer along with a stellar cast, each moment showcases the profound healing process of unpopular diagnosis.
Acquired toilet disease satirizes the deadly disease of AIDS, as this illness symbolizes the dangers of unprotected sex and the outcome- children or sickness. With the utmost care, the cast of 9 respects the depth of Vogel’s work as the message is received from audiences, as the word “AIDS” is never mentioned throughout the play.
The brilliant costume design of Joanie Ming, who is in her final undergraduate semester at UCF, dressed the ensemble in scrubs as they control the pace of the show literally “draping” over Anna’s mind, symbolizing how Anna’s life now revolves around her illness. She also clothes the Third Man (Ryan Sutter) in an excellent representation of how a typical American imagines European looks. Finally, her choice of pajamas and a jacket for Carl reveals the truth behind the play’s resolution, which audiences will have to watch and see…
“In the 1980s, there was a quilt making movement in honor of those who died from AIDS. Vogel could not sew, but this play was her quilt,” Ming states. “I needed to ensure I paid the proper homage through these costumes.”
Performances were remarkable, to say the least. Shanel Sparr, who took over the role of Anna about two-and-a-half weeks before curtain, completely embodies the good, the bad and the ugly of a victim of illness and the unfairness of life. With this quick casting change, the show certainly went on as each cast member maintained the integrity of the show. Alexander Bair melted our hearts with Carl’s compassion and diligence to save his sister; and Ryan Sutter simply amazed audiences with his phenomenal range of characters and dialects, including the doctor, three foreign men, the “hope” dealer- meaning, of course, the villain.
From Kromer’s sound design and stage manager Tanesha Moody’s exquisite lighting to the intimate set and of course the acting, Theatre UCF achieved their goal in pleasing audiences and giving “a cleansing experience,” a reaction Bair hoped they would go home with.
“That was truly an emotional roller coaster,” audience member Daniel Faria said after the Friday, Sept. 19 performance.
There are still 4 more chances to see the show! Thursday, September 25th- Saturday September 27th at 8:00 PM and Sunday, September 28th at 2:00 PM.
Student tickets are $10.00, adults $20.00, and seniors are $18.00. Enjoy the show!
