It's not easy to write a play, let alone a musical, that not only entertains but has a meaningful and powerful message that impacts society as a whole but writer and director Peter Quince does a fine job with his "Divine Lunacy". Along with the beautifully composed songs by David Gabriel, the delightful production is a masterpiece that strikes a deeper and more meaningful chord than that of "normal theatre". Peter Quince and David Gabriel write just as the people that they are, honest, pure, real souls whose emotions are ever present and live a life of "what you see is what you get". And that's just what Divine Lunacy, the musical comedy, truly is; blending musical theatre with truthful "straight" theatre that brings to light the issues behind mental illness, human suffering, and survival.
In truth, general audiences and theatre-goers may find the storyline hard to comprehend. But to suspend that judgment, knowing that what they're seeing is truly not the normal theatrical experience, but something more truthful, more profound, more necessary. This is truly the reason theatre began in the first place to impact viewers with a life-changing message that alters society as a whole.
Each of the four actors, David Gabriel, Nathan Monks, Rose Passione, and Kaitie Warner, give inspiring and truthful performances. Not only do they look like they are enjoying themselves but they really believe in the story and the message. As Monks character says, its "not to sell, but to tell". Furthermore, Gabriel and Warner give scene-stealing performances. Rose Passione's beautiful voice and truthful acting is a powerful force throughout the play. Nathan Monks gives a compelling performance as Davy/Joey, the protagonist who spirals between mania, psychosis, and depression. The set, designed by Gabriel Ash, assists this in detailing the flashes between reality and delusion. The songs add to the story by continuing this thread of the story-telling with compassion, honesty, and the effect of mental illness on all involved.
It is then the audiences who are familiar with mental illness, either personally or as a loved one who will be the most profoundly affected by Divine Lunacy. It is a story that should be told, a message that is greatly needed to bring light to the suffering of those with mental illnesses and their loved ones and to help bring about awareness for better resources, advocacy, and, most importantly, healing.
Even with no diagnosis, one can find pause to see themselves in the journey of Joey or Davy. As one of the characters quips, "Everyone is sane until you get to know them."
Tickets for Divine Lunacy can be purchased here: http://www.divinelunacy.org/#div3
Like Divine Lunacy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lunacydivine?fref=ts
Divine Lunacy is written by Peter Quince, with a musical score composed by David Gabriel. The show stars Nathan Monks, Rose Passione, David Gabriel, and Kaitie Warner. The show runs through October 25th at the Temple Emek Shalom in Ashland, Oregon.
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