Puppets, Blood, and More
BY: GRETA MCGLAWN
Staff Writer
The Meramec Theater performance of “Hand to God” on Feb. 21, 22 and 23, was a result of weeks of rehearsal, snow days and setbacks that led to the reward of a “hilariously unhinged” production, according to TJ Shay, stage manager. The production of Robert Askins’s “Hand to God” was delayed with the Feb. 20 snow day, but the performances continued with the community’s support.
Director Rick Wilmore, who is in his 40th year at STLCC, said he wanted viewers to leave hopeful and to have an experience more impactful than just a clear, happy ending. “Even through the play’s vulgar humor, the messages were clear with help from the impressive acting,” he said.
“Hand to God” examines grief and community through the lens of a middle school child, Jason, (David Brooks) and a heartbroken mother, Margery, (Daphne Kelley) who have both been struggling after the passing of the father. The only thing keeping them sane is the puppet club at their church.
Two other kids in the club, Jessica (Jordyn Maserang) and Tim (Brandon Noel Ortiz-Avila), and the Pastor (Adam Wells) requested they put on a performance for the church on Sunday. With the deadline fast approaching, the puppet club starts to fall apart. The stress of the performance is the last straw that pushes Margery and Jason to break.
With the help of the puppets, they wrestle with their emotions in a witty, yet serious 2nd act. Even with a sentient puppet, the show navigates complex feelings with a sense of childish familiarity that makes it easy to comprehend- even after the laughter stops.
Abby Pastorello, Chloe Ortiz-Avila, and Lena Westerbeck who usually just do costumes for STLCC-Meramec productions, stepped up to help with on stage set changes and prop upkeep and assembly- as well as their usual duties. Food-based special effect squibs also led to laundry duty after each night’s performance. The original Sound Op, Alex Palme, was unable to make it so Teressa Millering, the previous Light Op, stepped in to do sound and Donny Dischert became the new light boy.
For the cast and crew, the community and people make the experience a rewarding one.
