Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009

Untraditional 'Sweeney' all about story

What could be a greater miracle than a blind person gaining sight?

The benefits of accessing the world of color and light would be enormous. Or would it?

Based on a true story, "Molly Sweeney" reveals the steep costs of eliminating disabilities.

Written by renowned Irish playwright Brian Friel, the 1994 drama is a fascinating look at a blind woman's challenges after undergoing operations to restore her vision.

Director Michael Caine's production at Prospect Theater Project in Modesto is more about storytelling than theatrics. It's told in a series of monologues and has the feeling of a live performance of a book on tape.

Audience members expecting detailed sets and dramatically played scenes will be disappointed. The three characters sit on chairs on a bare stage, offering their recollections without interacting with each other.

While this format can seem tedious at times, the story is so interesting that it's worth sticking it out.

The play was inspired by the writings of neurologist Oliver Sacks, the author of "Awakenings," which is about comatose patients who suddenly awaken (made into a 1990 movie starring Robin Williams).

Molly Sweeney (Kathleen Ennis) is a 41-year-old woman who has been blind since she was 10 months old but has built a full, independent life for herself with a job as a massage therapist and lots of friends.

Molly has been married two years to Frank (Andrew Burkum), who is unemployed and has lots of ideas for get-rich-quick schemes that never seem to pan out. It's he who urges her to get the operation from the talented local surgeon Mr. Rice.

An alcoholic who is depressed because of the failure of his marriage, the doctor (Jim Johnson) views Molly as a way to resurrect his ailing career.

Ennis' Sweeney is smart, perceptive and opinionated, but quickly overwhelmed by the immense changes after the restoration of her sight. While she was quite comfortable navigating the world through touch and sound, she finds it tiring to interpret the confusing movement of the visual world.

Burkum's Frank reminded me a lot of Cliff on the old sitcom "Cheers." He is interested in a million subjects and always ready to show off his knowledge of trivia.

As the doctor, Johnson conveys a world weariness and a fatherly concern for his patient and her husband. While Frank complains that the surgeon is conceited, Johnson seems more interested in healing his pain than showing off.

Each performer is lit with a spotlight during monologues and sometimes stands up or walks around during key moments. Occasional violin music adds to the emotion of the scenes.

"Molly Sweeney" is an intriguing reminder that we all have our own way of making it through the world and that what is best for most is not best for all.

Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan can be reached at 578-2313 or lmillegan@modbee.com.