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Insanity
By Terry Westhoff
What happens when a commercial-minded producer commits an artistically starved director to a mental clinic? The answer is just as the title suggests; Insanity. The uproarious play delivers on its title with a solid share of madcap musical numbers, eccentric characters each with their own peculiar charm, and an insatiable wit that will leave audiences with a funny, tender feeling inside, and an amusing grin on their faces.
The story centers on a disenchanted film director, Zarek Saxton, played by Kevin Bailey, who wants to make a movie that will leave a lasting impact on the world. The problem is Saxton is supposed to be making a slasher film generated to make money. After some "artistic" differences with the film's producer, Ramsey Hawking, played by Bob Morrisey, Saxton ingests hallucinogenic drugs that cause him to see visions of an African shaman. When Hawkins, and the film's leading star, Katelyn Keenan, played by Sabrina Miller, find Saxton lying naked in an alley, they immediately commit him to a psychiatric clinic for evaluation.
Upon Saxton's arrival, Megan Goodman, played by Dana Meller, the clinic's lead psychiatrist, opposes of his commitment, thinking that he doesn't need evaluation. Hawking has a special insanity clause in Saxton's contract that would allow him to replace Saxton and finish the movie he wants to make. Through a clever song and dance, Hawking manages to convince Goodman and Dr. Hudson, played by Tara Lynn Orr, the head of the clinic, if they give him the insanity diagnosis, the studio will donate a large sum of money to the clinic. Hudson can't refuse the offer and allows Saxton to stay at the clinic for evaluation.
During his first day, Saxton meets the other patients: Peter, played by Victor Warren, a narrow-minded, bible toting prophet, Monica, played by Cat Davis, a suicidal nymphomaniac, Virginia, played by Kathryn Percival, an insecure opera singer, Raymond, played by Alex Robert Holmes, a gay musician who is forced by his father to stay in the clinic, Rex Reynolds, played by Brad Blaisdell, an amazing actor who is fearful of facing reality, and Hughie, played by Arthur Ross, a man who thinks he's carrying an alien child. Saxton can't believe these people's stories. He wants to transfer them onto the big screen and make a meaning movie out of their unusual lives.
Just as Saxton seems to be recuperating, his brother, Matt, played by Jonathan Zenz, arrives to reveal the sad truth behind Saxton and his mental disorder. Matt tells the doctors that his brother is seriously ill, and needs medication and proper treatment. Saxton refuses their help and has another hallucination, sending him overboard. Hawking and Matt know the doctors will have to commit Saxton for his latest outburst. Saxton must figure out a way to prove to everyone that he is sane or risk losing his career.
The elements that stand out the most in Insanity are by far the singing and dancing. Each song from start to finish is vibrant, colorful and easily distinguishable. Each actor is undoubtedly able to carry their own weight during the musical numbers, especially Bailey and Meller. They both shine during the "It's Time for Me to Change the World" number and clearly demonstrate their singing talents. The actors playing the patients bring their own characteristics and personal style to separate themselves as flawed, yet determined individuals trying to overcome their ill-fated troubles.
James Mellon, Scott DeTurk, and Larry Russo, the creative minds behind Insanity, deserve special regard for their efforts in combining two seemingly different subjects of mental illness and the filmmaking industry, and connecting them in a way that is seamless. The crisp writing and inspired storyline keep the play from becoming predictable as the audience tries to follow Saxton's impulsive actions and slowly learn of his tragic past.
Insanity is playing at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood through August 9.
NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., N. Hollywood.
(818) 508-7101
www.thnohoartscenter.com