Theatre of Western Springs Presents 'Distracted'

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) presents the second Forum play of its 90th season, “Distracted,” written by Lisa Loomer and directed by Amy V. Fenton. It will take place Feb. 7 – 17 at TWS, 4384 Hampton Ave. The theatre said the schedule for show is 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays – Feb. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 10, 17; 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16; and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

According to the theatre, “Distracted” is the story of a woman’s challenges in raising her son. Teachers and doctors believe the boy has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and the
mother wants desperately to help. However, she questions many of the “cures” advocated by others such as pharmaceuticals, homeopathy and meditation. She and her husband argue about how to proceed.

The theatre said even though the play’s issues are very serious, the play is a comedy.

“Actors break character and talk to the audience directly,” Director Amy Fenton said in a release.
“Furniture and props are literally thrown on and off stage, three conversations happen all at the same time - all within view of the audience, with no pretense of being ‘reality’. The reality is Mama's inner experience. It's fast-paced and funny.”

“Mama's journey toward the diagnosis for her son mirrors the struggles, absurdity, optimism, and pain of so many parents,” Fenton said. “The play illustrates the unique struggles women have with ADD. We're not supposed to struggle as mothers, and if we do so publicly, we're ‘terrible mothers.’”

The cast and crew includes Melody Jefferies of Oak Park, Kelli Kopp of Countryside, Suzy Krueckeberg of Chicago, Rob Nardini of Naperville, Gina Palmer of Lombard, Jaime Sandoval of Oak Park, Tina Shelley of Brookfield, Laura Ciresi Starr of Brookfield, and Ryan Coglianese of Western Springs, Amy V. Fenton of Oak Park, Katie McClatchey of Willowbrook, Denny Wise of Westmont, Maggie Opal of Glen Ellyn, Arlene Page of Burr Ridge, Mary Ellen Schutt of Westmont, Sue Wisthuff of LaGrange, Jennifer Price of Burr Ridge, Katie McClatchey of Willowbrook, Joe Mills of Westchester, Cassandra Johnson of Woodridge, Mary Ellen Schutt of Westmont, Arlene Page of Burr Ridge, Suzy Krueckenberg of Chicago, Ashley Kennedy of La Grange Park, Mark MacLean of Willow Springs, Ashley Kennedy of La Grange Park, Tim Feeney of Downers Grove, Tammy White of Lisle, Bob Cappetta of Clarendon Hills, Rob Cramer of La Grange Park, Mike Huth of La Grange Park, Jeffery Siddall of Oak Park, Stacy McCargo of Western Springs, Kerri Mummert of La Grange, John Mueller of Lemont and Nick Schwartz of Chicago.

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