2009 Oct 13
For Immediate Release
Scottsdale Community College Theatre Arts Presents the Arizona Premiere of DISTRACTED
a new play by Lisa Loomer
A psychiatrist prescribes Ritalin for Jesse, but Mama wonders how a pill can solve all of his problems. In the meantime, her husband, who has formed a close bond with his television, thinks Jesse is just 'being a boy'. Is Jesse dysfunctional or just exuberant? Aren't we all a little distracted from time to time?
Distracted is a fast-paced and disarmingly funny look at parenting in the age of the Internet and Ritalin. In this Arizona premiere by the Los Angeles-based playwright of Living Out and The Waiting Room, a contemporary American mom tries everything she can to figure out if ADD is the root of her son's problems.
"The play addresses some provocative issues in our culture right now," said Randy Messersmith, SCC's Theatre Arts Director. "The first being the speed in which we medicate our problems. Also, how technology dehumanizes our relationships, giving us the illusion of being connected."
Throughout the play -- between text messages, cell phone calls, TiVo, video games, internet surfing, work demands – and his parent's frantic quest to determine what's wrong with him, Jesse's behavior persists. Loomer's unusual and innovative approach makes for a hilarious and poignant telling of a very topical story.
"It's about a mother's journey," said Messersmith. "Parents will certainly relate to her journey, her struggle to cope with the demands of an ADD world and do right by her son. Parents will definitely identify with that struggle and decision."
The audience may be surprised by what Mama decides to do in the end. Distracted is a provocative look at the question: Are we distracted from what really matters in life?
DISTRACTED
Company
Scottsdale Community College Theatre Arts and ImageMakers Theatre Club
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service
Venue
Performed at Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Road, Suite 406 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 - (East of Tatum Blvd. and North of Cactus)Performance
Dates & Times >/p>
Ticket Prices
Box Office
Call (480) 423-6359 to reserve tickets in advance or for more information. Seating is extremely limited. Reservations are highly recommended. Box office opens 1 hour before curtain.
Genre
Comedy.
**Contains strong language and mature content. Not recommended for students under 16.