” A Jukebox for the Algonquin”

The play is called ” A Jukebox for the Algonquin”, written by Paul Stroili ( who was at tonight’s opening, and whom I had the pleasure of meeting). The story is quite simple. It is the summer of  2003 and we are in the Algonquin Room, the rec room at Placid Pines Senior Care Center in New York State. Over the past few years, many of my freinds have had to be placed in circumstances such as these and I have made it a point to visit whenever possible. In this scenario we get to meet several residents of this place who are seeking to get rid of a huge fish tank ( or perhaps we can say aquarium) and replace it with a Juke Box. The man who truly wants this and is leading the cause is Johnny ( a dynamite performance by Kenneth Johnson).

Johnny and his friends, Dennis ( deftly handled by Bob Sanders) who is in a wheel chair, Annie ( an amazing character study by Ellen Phelps) and newcomer Peg ( played to perfection by Elizabeth Rude) bond together in an attempt to get their dream. As it turns out, Peg is quite the baker and what she bakes is what the lady in charge, Josefine ( Karla Corona)  makes them an offer they can’t refuse. There is more, but in order to get the answers, you might just want to see for yourself.

Under the direction of Scott Westerman on a set designed by Catalina Nino, each scene is like a short story as we learn about each of our principal characters along with Tyler ( Joshua Thomas) and Chuck ( Patrick Thornton) who are not residents, but employees and each of them has their own story. As someone who has visited and will continue to do so, homes such as this, I know that those residing there are still alive and want to be recognized as humans, not just room 245 or apartment 5J. They have names, they have memories, they have hopes and dreams. The characters created by Strolil reminded me of some that I have met as I have visited my friends. They are real and they are alive!

It turns out that the cookies baked by Peg are pure delights and change the lifestyle of the residents of  Placid Pines. As the play continues, and they eat more cookies, they seem to be livelier and more alert. While this is a tale of sex, drugs and rocking chairs, I found it to be a play about the inner self of each of our characters. They may not recall their entire history and they do not know what their future will bring, but as long as they wake each morning, they are going to enjoy the day and make the most of what they have been given!

I am often reminded of a line from “The Fantastiks” where the old actor says “there are no small parts, only small players”. This show has no small parts and I can tell you that this cast has no small players. Each role is important to the story and makes the story complete. I will tell you that there is a sad part, but you can wipe that tear off your eye, because the dream that was had becomes reality and what we count as a memory lives far beyond what is reality. If you are looking for a fun evening with lots of wonderful characters, look no further that the Citadel Theatre and by the way, just south of the theater located at 300 S. Waukegan Road is a wonderful spot for dinner, Everett Farm (www.everettfarm.com) at 840 S. Waukegan Rd. 847-604-3795.