Review by Sherri Ogden Wellington
On my drive to Dayton to see Human Race’s new musical Indigo, I was thinking that I may be driving more than I will be watching the performance. But on my way home, I kept thinking about how powerful Indigo is–and how each mile of the drive from Cincinnati is so worthwhile. This is a must see.
Source of Indigo
Indigo is based on a book written by Kait Kerrigan. This musical was conceived by Jay Kuo, Lorenzo Thiono & Scott Evan Davis with Music & Lyrics written by Scott Evan Davis. It is directed by Catie Davis. It deals with topics of making the adoption plan for your child, handling dementia of your parent, dealing with issues that are painful and embarrassing, making amends with those that you have hurt and understanding (or trying to) those that think in totally different ways than you (such as those of the Autism spectrum and dementia). Not exactly what you would call light topics.
The Plot
Husband and wife live happily together after having decided not to have children. Wife’s mom gets dementia and they decide, joyfully, to have mom live with them. However, they quickly learn that their new situation is not as easy as they thought. Then to make things even more stressful, the wife’s teen-age, autistic daughter from a previous relationship (husband never knew of this child) has to come and live with them, as well, because the biological father died.
Wow! This is going to be heavy you think.
The Performers
Beverly (Kristin Stokes) is wife of Rick (Dan Domenech) , daughter of Elaine (Sally Mayes), and mother of Emma (Madison Kopec). The other two characters are Tyler (Christian Kidd) who plays a teen helping the family out for money but who later becomes a friend to Emma and Alicia (Joy Lynn Jacobs) who plays the understanding, caring and helpful social worker.
Kopec’s voice, intensity and mannerisms draw you in…into another world, her world.
Mayes and Kidd bring humor to the play. Mayes, due to her contradictions and innocence of her own limitations and Kidd, because of his youth, vitality and naivety. Both plug along accepting the world as it presents itself to them. The acting is phenomenal and the singing, although subdued at times, flows and creates a feeling that life is doable no matter what.
The Message
In short, pain doesn’t last long because there is always hope and others to share the burdens of life.
Production Team
The first thing you notice when walking in to see the play is the stage. It depicts a modern home with a kitchen, living room, office, an upstairs and a sidewalk outside of the house. It is professional and fresh, and flexible for some other scenes, thanks to Adam Koch, Scene Designer and crew.
The next major thing you notice regarding the production is the lights and sounds when Emma (Madison Kopec), the child of Beverly (Kristin Stokes) who is on the Autism Spectrum begins to sing. In fact, the lighting and projections are extremely complex. Lighting Designer Matthew P. Benjamin and Steven Royal (Video Designer) project colors, scenery, as well as objects (such as Scrabble board pieces) onto the stage to enhance the imagery.
There are live musicians! They are Kevin Anderson, Jay Brunner, Rick Bertone, Joel Greenberg and Sam Happeny. Thanks to Music Supervisor, Arrangements, & Orchestrator, Brad Haak, and Music Director, Rick Bertone.
Bottom Line: Indigo is a Must See
This is a must see theatrical experience. You will fall in love with some, if not all, of the characters, laugh a lot, and maybe even cry…just a little (no, it wasn’t me sniffling in the back…).
Indigo is a color somewhere between blue and purple. When leaving The Loft Theatre I overheard a couple debating why the play was called Indigo and would the play have been different if another color had been chosen? Hmm… What do YOU think?
Indigo Tickets and Show Times
Give yourself a gift and go to https://humanracetheatre.org/shows/indigo/ to purchase tickets. Indigo is 1 hour 40 minutes, no intermission.
NOTE: Because Human Race Theatre is committed to accessibility, Indigo has a “Relaxed Performance.” Lights are low, strobe lights are not used, and audience members are welcome to take breaks when necessary. They also have a “Parents’ Night Out” where when parents purchase tickets to see the play, their children (4 – 12 years old), will be entertained, for free, while their parents enjoy the play.
Remaining showtimes are as follows:
- Sunday, June 11, 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, June 13, 7:00 pm
- Wednesday, June 14, 7:00 pm
- Thursday, June 15, 8:00 pm
- Friday, June 16, 8:00 pm
- Saturday, June 17, 8:00 pm
- Sunday, June 18, 2:00 pm
- Wednesday, June 21, 7:00 pm
- Thursday, June 22, 8:00 pm
- Friday, June 23, 8:00 pm
- Saturday, June 24, 8:00 pm
- Sunday, June 25, 2 pm
