The show’s brief run is over, but the production marked a memorable collaboration
INDESCRIBABLE, a co-production between Phamaly Theatre Company and The Silhouettes, can simply be described as wonderful. Recently staged at Aurora Fox Theatre, it was two splendid hours of acting, music, dance and human shadow puppets. As written and directed by Twanna LaTrice-Hill and directed and choreographed by Lynne Waggoner-Patton, INDESCRIBABLE is a heartfelt story of two friends wrapped up in a sea-worthy adventure with unique characters and talented actors filling every role.
Phamaly Theatre Company is dedicated to presenting theatrical productions that use talent comprised of people with disabilities. The Silhouettes, America’s Premier Shadow Dance Company, first came to national attention during the sixth season of “America’s Got Talent,” having earned the elusive Golden Buzzer recognition. The two groups form a cohesive theatrical bond that includes acting, music, dance, and unique human shadow opportunities.
On a sailing vessel helmed by Captain (Jacob Elledge), the story revolves around Destiny (Annie Sand) who loses her friend Amor (Lily Blessing) during rough seas that send Amor overboard. During Destiny’s search for Amor, she befriends a talking baby shark named Fin (Molly Kirkham) who happens to be afraid of the water.
Destiny and Fin travel to an array of magical lands looking for Amor where they encounter along the way Wise Old Tree (Romy Lopez) offering sage advice and encouragement. Other characters met during their travels are Shye/Harmony (Ellie Barrett) and Salty Sully/Melody (Beth Newsom). There is a potential love interest for Fin when introduced to Fin 2 (Jamie Rizzo), and sparks fly between the two. It is a happy ending for all when Destiny and Amor are reunited and join in song and dance bringing the audience to their feet in a unanimous standing ovation.
The entire Phamaly cast is exceedingly talented, with standouts including Sand as Destiny and Kirkham as Fin. Sand carries the production from start to finish with an appropriate childlike intensity, having lost her friend Amor. Sand has several songs throughout the performance, and she rises to the occasion with a strong and emotional singing voice. As Fin, Kirkham provides a high level of comedic timing providing laughs during this serious attempt to recover Amor. Both Lopez as Wise Old Tree and Elledge as Captain bring delightful and unique characterizations to the production, adding a great deal of flavor along the way.
The Silhouettes, a group of 10 youthful female human shadow puppets/dancers, is a great joy to watch throughout the performance with their unique blend of dance and human shadow puppetry. Hidden behind a scrim, The Silhouettes can create images ranging from the sea floor population to animals of all kinds to spelling out words. They are equally at home on stage when the focus is split between the two groups allowing them to shine in this theatrical production.
As co-directed by LaTrice-Hill and Waggoner-Patton, INDESCRIBABLE is two hours filled with high energy and a colorful storyline. The two groups have been flawlessly combined to create a unique theatrical experience that is family-friendly and extremely joyful. We are lucky to have both groups in Aurora to enjoy the best of what the theatre has to offer.
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