November

10-25 2017

 

Spotlight Organization:

Kids-Act

 

"Falling" boldly explores the dynamic and complicated reality of a family with a son with autism. When a relative comes to visit, the entire family is thrown out of equilibrium, with everyone trying to balance what is best for the family and what is best for them. The play bravely speaks about love and family and hopes and dreams. It asks, "What choice do you make that can effect the ones you love most?"

Directed by Samantha Ginn

 

Design & Support Team: Carla Nell and Kym Pappas (Producers), Jerry Burke (Assistant Director), Steve Schmitz (Fight Choreographer), Alondra Velez (Scenic Designer), James Michael McCullock (Lighting Designer), Alanna Serrano (Costume Designer), Alex Guzman (Sound Designer), Jennie Olson Six (Dramaturg) and Colleen Keith (Stage Manager).

 

Cast: Robert Malave as Josh, a young man with autism, D. Candis Paul as his mother Tami, Steve Schmitz as his father Bill, Alanna Serrano as his sister Lisa, and Kathi Copeland as Sue, his grandmother.

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What comes through beautifully in director Samantha Ginn’s sensitive but unstinting production, though, is the fierce love that keeps Josh’s parents — and especially his mother — fighting to find a place for him in the family. And eventually, though they have no idea how to manage it, the wider world.  James Hebert -San Diego Union Tribune

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The situations are so raw and real, and the theater so close and intimate, you find yourself holding your breath, or gasping for it. Pat Launer- Times of San Diego

 

One of the many strengths of InnerMission Theatre’s always arresting production lies between the words: the body language is eloquent. Unspoken concerns, frustrations, and fears break through forced smiles. Jeff Smith- San Diego Reader

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“Falling” continues InnerMission’s string of plays about important issues. Artistic director Carla Nell and this fine cast have come through with an excellent production yet again. Jean Lowerison -SDGLN

 

Tautly directed by actress Samantha Ginn, who also works with autistic children and young adults, Falling is unsettling and uncomfortable to watch at times. Tension and uncertainty relentlessly accompany every interaction between Josh and his family, no matter how seemingly routine. But the unselfish love exuded in Schmitz’s and especially Paule’s performances, along with Malave’s fearless commitment as autistic Josh, make for an indelible impression. David L. Coddon -San Diego Citybeat

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“Falling” is much more than a story about autism and yours truly cannot do it justice buy throwing out a few tidbits of impressions. I urge you to hasten it to InnerMission soon. It’s an all around excellent albeit different toned play than many have come to expect and that's not a bad thing. Carol Davis

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