CLARKSVILLE, TN – With the world at our fingertips through our cellphones and other electronic devices, and an app for every imaginable purpose, we have allowed distractions to invade and rule our lives — but at what price?
The upcoming production of Lisa Loomer’s insightful comedy-drama Distracted at the Roxy Regional Theatre explores the multitasking madness of modern life for a limited run beginning Friday, November 5, at 8:00pm. In keeping with the theatre’s pay-what-you-can opening night tradition, all tickets not pre-sold at the regular price will go on sale at 7:30pm that evening for a $5 minimum donation.
A satirical commentary on modern parenting and the dangers of getting hooked on 24/7 stimuli, Distracted revolves around precocious nine-year-old Jesse and his parents’ struggle to raise a strong-willed, hyperactive child in the modern world of quick fixes and pill-popping.
Jesse can’t sit still, he curses, he raps, and you can’t get him into — or out of — pajamas. His teacher thinks it’s attention deficit disorder. His dad says, “He’s just a boy!” And Mama’s on a quest for answers. Is Jesse dysfunctional, or just different? Don’t we all have ADD, to some degree?
Mama consults a psychologist, a homeopath, a neuropsychologist, and an environmental physician. She talks to neighbors, whose kids have their own diagnoses. A psychiatrist prescribes Ritalin for Jesse, but surely a pill can’t solve all his problems.
Directed by Ryan Bowie, Distracted stars Bennet Hubbell as Jesse and Sara Anderson and Stephen Shore as his parents. The cast also features Natalie Bellar, Jama Bowen, Matthew Combs, Adriane Hatfield, Kelsey McCollaum and Yarissa Tiara Millan.
Performances run November 5 through November 13 on Thursday at 7:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, with a 2:00pm matinee on Saturday, November 13.
Please note: This production contains strong language which may not be suitable for all audiences.
Tickets are $30 (adults) and $15 (10 and under) and may be reserved online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at 931-645-7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain). Facial coverings are required.
The Roxy Regional Theatre is located at 100 Franklin Street in Historic Downtown Clarksville. For more information, visit www.roxyregionaltheatre.org.