Who doesn’t wax nostalgic for those halcyon days of summer camp? Even if there are snakes in the lake or bug juice or pit toilets, there is nothing that connotes summer vacation like a stint at a summer camp, replete with singalongs, poison ivy, and mosquito bites. New Village Arts’ Samantha Ginn, Education Manager, and director takes us back to those emblazoned memories with The Mechanicals, written by Aleta Barthell, and performed by a multitalented neurodiverse cast.
Last year I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Stellaluna. Many of these same actors appeared in that sweet play. The theme of acceptance and appreciation for each other is echoed in The Mechanicals as campers are asked to perform a scene from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Not every camper is enthused about the project, and one of them wants only the lead role. In the end, they find the companionship and camaraderie that blossoms out of the shared experience. The campers support each other with rehearsing lines and truly being an ensemble, where every actor is essential and uniquely valued. To this end, Barthell drew from her breadth of personal connection with each cast member to write his/her character authentically. There was quite a bit of humor as the campers took on the “400-year-old dead guy’s play” and gave it a beat, taking a page from Hamilton.
When a near crisis occurred, Vincent (Reid Moriarty) developed laryngitis, Matthew (Max Lecanu-Fayet) leaped into the breach and became his Cyrano. The result was hilarious! Adam (Paul Eddy) and Lily (Piper Haskett) helped the campers explore the language of the Bard, but infused each character’s role with his own energy. Melissa (Stephanie Monis) was a wonderful wall, between which the “lovers” Pyramus (Moriarty) and Thisby (Alfredo Verde) whispered. Kate (Rachel Ford) shimmered as Moonlight and had some very funny lines as well. Puck (Liam Porter) enjoyed his mischievous role. Ray the Rapper (Kenton Makings) leant some levity as did Jonathan (Brendan Kerr) and Jeff (Ethan Marr). The entire cast cheered for Connor (Corbin Barrows) and Kyle (Jacob Brown) with “Go Fairies, Go Fairies.”
Many of the actors have taken Improv classes with Ginn and Barthell since before the pandemic, and their trust in their teachers is apparent and well-deserved. Ginn continues to be an integral part of the NVA staff and crew and will be stepping into the role of director of education in a few months!
The production contained some uniquely sensitive features to make it safe and comfortable for all attendees and actors. The audience was asked to hold the hand clapping until the final curtain. Instead, theatergoers were encouraged to use the ASL silent applause to convey approval. Additionally, before any announcements were issued from the PA system, three notes chimed in soothing alert tones to signal the upcoming message. These considerations enabled the neurodiverse cast and audience members to enjoy the show without distraction or anxiety.
Teaming up with NVA for this delightful production were AbleARTSWork and Groundworks Theater. Canvases, painted by the cast and audience members were available for purchase and on display close to the stage. “Merch” was available as well. I did not score a Camp Bobindaweeds tee shirt, regrettably. They were designed by Annie Tykwinski and printed in a handful of colors.
Many of Groundworks’ actors graced the audience and a few attended the talkback following the show. As Groundworks had recently performed this very play, they were eager to meet their NVA counterparts. Ginn noted that it was beautiful to see actors from one company come out and show their support for another company.