Sisterhood
by Marc McAleavey
Theater
Welcome to surrealism flavored with a dash of medical ethics and underwritten by the all-important issues of gender. Lisa Loomer’s The Waiting Room, on stage at Theatre on the Square, provides all the symbolism for a proper attack on the world’s view of women’s roles, spanning a history of societal norms. A traditional Asian woman, a Victorian lass and a modern Jersey gal find themselves together in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. One seeks treatment for her feet, which have been tied and bound since childhood.
Vickie Cornelius, Betsy Hamlett and Suzie Davis in Theatre on the Square’s production of ‘The Waiting Room.’
Another awaits repair of her reproductive organs due to the stress caused by her tight corset. Meanwhile, the Jersey gal inquires about the hardening of her “tits,” which have been implanted, extracted and re-implanted some three times before her visit to the waiting room. As sisterhood connects these women, their patriarchal surgeon tries to help them confront their health woes all the while struggling with his own “I am doctor, I am God” syndrome. He mingles with a businessman and an FDA official to conspire together in an attempt to find a cure for cancer. In the meantime, the women examine their relationships with the men in their lives. In the end, they arrive at a freeing but dark resolution which draws on the fragility of life and the purpose of living. TOTS’ production, under the direction of Ron Spencer, excels in breathing life into Loomer’s play. This piece provides many challenges, including a slow plot line and the difficulties in creating a dreamlike performance space. Spencer’s rendition proves successful. He beautifully managed the cast through the ups and downs of the material and gracefully capitalized on both the humor and drama contained within. The women, Forgiveness from Heaven (Vickie Cornelius), Wanda (Suzie David) and Victoria (Betsy Hamlett) seem to know each other well. Their chemistry put the cherry on top of this production and eliminated all of the playwright’s deficiencies. Altogether, the talent and the beautifully designed set (created by Spencer) made this installment of TOTS’ season an enjoyable affair. The bittersweet news comes from the role of Oliver, played by Jonathon Markanday. This is Markanday’s last performance on an Indianapolis stage before he heads to Los Angles in pursuit of furthering his acting career. Markanday is one of our finest and will be greatly missed. Best of luck, Jonathon, and thank you TOTS for a meaningful experience. The Waiting Room continues through April 24; call 637-8085 for reservations.
