Treasure found 'Off the Map'
Maria Gonzalez
Issue date: 11/30/09 Section: Entertainment
Anyone who has appreciated a "Best of" album from Cat Stevens can understand the appropriate choice of house music for the moving play "Off the Map."
The Purdue Theatre Company presented the play by Joan Ackermann Nov. 28 and 29, with two more shows Dec. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. in Alumni Hall.
"Off the Map" is about the adult Bo Groden (Jackie Young) reflecting back to her experiences as an 11-year-old when she lived in New Mexico. This is a unique play which brings to life realistic characters and instills a message-- to grow, one must let go of the past and grasp the new experiences lying ahead.
Throughout the play, Arlene Groden (Melissa Hayes), a dedicated wife and mother strives to cope with Charley Groden (Daniel Mitchell), a father/husband who suffers from depression. A family friend, George (Kevin Badten), makes an effort to assist the family in their hard times.
Meanwhile, William Gibbs (Matt McClure), a man from the IRS, comes into the lives of the Groden family. Bo Groden (Elly Eveland), the daughter of Arlene and Charley, is fixated on finding new experiences. To her surprise, during the summer the play takes place, plenty of new experiences fill her life.
The scenery and set used were very suitable, enhancing the setting and generating a unique vibe from the family. The costumes were proper for the cast and brought out a bit of personality. All the props were placed in such a manner it was easy for the audience to differentiate the outside of the home from the inside. The lighting was always spot-on, not missing a cue, which made focusing on the actor much easier.
The portrayals of the characters were engaging. Eveland, Hayes, Mitchell, Badten and McClure were very in touch and connected with their characters. Each actor or actress brought a sense of despair, yet at the same time projected love through his or her family unity. Despite the despair, the cast also brought a level of humor which lightened the sad situations and kept the audience laughing.
The characters depicted in this play were easy to relate to and kept the audience engaged. "Off the Map" was narrated by Young, who portrayed the adult Bo Groden. Young spoke clearly enough for the audience to understand and hear the poetic words she was saying. However, there was a level of emotion missing, which created a sense of a disconnect with her character. The lack of emotion made the profound illustrations described hard to appreciate.
"Off the Map" is a fulfilling experience and a show not to miss.
The Purdue Theatre Company presented the play by Joan Ackermann Nov. 28 and 29, with two more shows Dec. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. in Alumni Hall.
"Off the Map" is about the adult Bo Groden (Jackie Young) reflecting back to her experiences as an 11-year-old when she lived in New Mexico. This is a unique play which brings to life realistic characters and instills a message-- to grow, one must let go of the past and grasp the new experiences lying ahead.
Throughout the play, Arlene Groden (Melissa Hayes), a dedicated wife and mother strives to cope with Charley Groden (Daniel Mitchell), a father/husband who suffers from depression. A family friend, George (Kevin Badten), makes an effort to assist the family in their hard times.
Meanwhile, William Gibbs (Matt McClure), a man from the IRS, comes into the lives of the Groden family. Bo Groden (Elly Eveland), the daughter of Arlene and Charley, is fixated on finding new experiences. To her surprise, during the summer the play takes place, plenty of new experiences fill her life.
The scenery and set used were very suitable, enhancing the setting and generating a unique vibe from the family. The costumes were proper for the cast and brought out a bit of personality. All the props were placed in such a manner it was easy for the audience to differentiate the outside of the home from the inside. The lighting was always spot-on, not missing a cue, which made focusing on the actor much easier.
The portrayals of the characters were engaging. Eveland, Hayes, Mitchell, Badten and McClure were very in touch and connected with their characters. Each actor or actress brought a sense of despair, yet at the same time projected love through his or her family unity. Despite the despair, the cast also brought a level of humor which lightened the sad situations and kept the audience laughing.
The characters depicted in this play were easy to relate to and kept the audience engaged. "Off the Map" was narrated by Young, who portrayed the adult Bo Groden. Young spoke clearly enough for the audience to understand and hear the poetic words she was saying. However, there was a level of emotion missing, which created a sense of a disconnect with her character. The lack of emotion made the profound illustrations described hard to appreciate.
"Off the Map" is a fulfilling experience and a show not to miss.
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