REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11 HITS HOME

REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11 HITS HOME

 By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com

 

Do we need to be reminded of 9/11? Now that 18 years have passed since the worst terrorist attack on American soil, it seems like we do.

Of course civic groups in many cities, including Tucson, create annual events to commemorate the lives lost in the stunning surprise attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Everybody remembers where they were on Sept.9, 2001, when they learned of the devastating attacks. But now the Tucson Community Theater Company has opened its soul-peeling production of "Elevator" to make the horror seem real all over again.

With two writer/directors, a cast of six and some remarkably effective stage effects, the TCTC has opened a chilling reminder you aren't likely to forget.

Patrick J. Carson and Alan Williams are the writer/directors. Some 10 years ago, Carson wrote the original script which received a strong response in separate productions by Pima Community College and the Red Barn Theater.

The script was also optioned for a film, which was retitled "9/11" and released in 2017 featuring Charlie Sheen, Woopie Goldberg and Gina Gershin.

Now Carson and Williams have returned to the original "Elevator" script for this production. While we all remember the basics of the attack that day, Carson mainlines his message of making it personal by focusing on what happens to six people trapped in one of the WTC's 198 elevators.

Innocently stepping into that doomed cabin are six widely varied passengers with their own widely varied problems. They are suddenly united by a loud crashing noise, a sudden loss of power, a dropping sensation and a sudden stop.

As they realize they are trapped, the first act details the stripping away of their public faces one after another.

David Updegraff is a tall and starchy Jeffrey Page, a corporate power player with little time for ordinary people. His associate is Edie Collins (Elizabeth von Isser), an independent woman who sees herself as a warrior on the front lines of cultural change in a volatile society.

In sharp contrast is mildly rumpled Tony Eckstat as soft spoken Sydney Collier, who carries a cane and has a surprising secret.

Handily on hand to provide all the necessary knowledge of how elevators operate is lanky, pony-tailed Peter Bryfogle as one of the WTC's maintenance technicians, Bart Kerstin.

The designated Muslim is played by Jade Ashton as Erina Emin. Quietly courageous she speaks out to demand justice for all.

Representing the upcoming generation is young Charlize Diaz de Leon as Tina Adena. Her untrammeled personality is still to be shaped by future events.

Each person gets one big scene, speaking out in support of a generally liberal philosophy encouraging individual responsibility for contributing to a country built on compromise so nobody feels left out.

This production of "Elevator" does represent the finest aspects of community theater. A world village of well-meaning folks gathered around the camp fire, encouraging each other while facing the future and learning together.

"Elevator" is presented in a make-shift theater in the GLH Event Center behind the GLH Hotel, 1365 W. Grant Road, just west of I-10. Though the setting is unusual, there is a full bar and an offering of packaged snacks as well as hot trays with nachos, large pretzels and corn dogs.

Performances are 7 p.m.Thursdays - Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 29. Tickets are $20 evenings, $15 matinees, with additional discounts. For details and reservations, www.tucsoncommunitytheatercompany.com