April 21, 2007
Martin New York, NY
Is this what the theatre amounts to in Los Angeles? "Celebrities" playing at being theatre actors? So disappointing. Rita Wilson, while not unwatchable, was, in a word, deficient. As I witnessed (and struggled to hear) her performance, I found myself thinking of the Mark Taper Forum's missed opportunity; that there must be actors out there who would have extracted brilliance from a so-so but playable role -- but there is an insidious trend which seems to be gripping Los Angeles (and I'm sorry to say, my native New York City as well) that entails bringing in the wife of a movie star in order to put rear ends in seats. . . sad state of affairs. Notwithstanding, the subject matter is fascinating AND timely.
April 21, 2007
R.Chacon & L. Caro Los Angeles, CA
Very deep social context about modern day socieity. It has an objective viewpoint about its own absurdity and abiltiy to ultimately change anything.
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Mostly moved as a parent of a child, but most definitely moved.
April 20, 2007
LB Lee Rolling Hills, CA
Found all the video quite Distracting, but that is the point. Enjoyed the pace of the production, and think Ms Loomer did an excellent job representing the challenges associated with ADHD, from the pressures of peers, school, and medical community, balanced with a parent's concern for their child and maintaining their own sanity.
March 31, 2007
M. Jerry Los Angeles, CA
Saw the matinee at the Taper today and loved this show. Rita Wilson, onstage thru the entire production leads a wonderful ensemble. I laughed and then found myself choking up at moments as I watched this couple confront the problems and issues of dealing with their nine year old. Hats off to Lisa Loomer and the entire company for shedding lots of light on the many facets of a subject for which there is no easy answer. Don't miss it!
March 29, 2007
L. Roberts Santa Monica, CA
At best, a mediocre afterschool special which, of course, upon reflection, makes it the ideal companion piece to its equally sophomoric predecessor "13". Unfocused, glib and infuriatingly simplistic, DISTRACTED might pass for thoughtful and insightful among the well-coifed, and even better-medicated Westside crowd but we deserve better than this from the Taper. Where o where is our own Adam Rapp? Conor McPherson? Christopher Shinn?
(And shame on the Times for only permitting a So-So; how Hollywood!)
March 27, 2007
Bob Long Beach,
If I want a message, I'll go to Western Union. How about Plot? How about a good story? The acting was good but I don't go to the theatre to watch celebrity actors.
March 26, 2007
Timothy Regler Los Angeles, CA
A very powerful piece for anyone with ADHD, or a child with it. Rita Wilson is such a GREAT mom! Her performance is so very natural and believeable. Bronson Pinchot - his multi-role performance/characters impeccable, reminded me of his greatly missed talent on our local scene. Many heartfelt, introspective laughs - but, bring a tissue.
March 18, 2007
Jack Messenger Manhattan Beach, Ca
A must see for anyone with a child with ADD or who has ADD themselves. Funny, revealing, harrowing and poignant, "DISTRACTED" sends a powerful message...as much about how our society malfunctions as it is about the ADD problem itself. Is it the child's problem....or is it us? Riveting..with great performances by Rita Wilson, Johanna Day, Ray Porter, Bronson Pinchot et al.
