Kylie and Esther are Mike’s patients, a gifted physical therapist. He is assisted by Randy, who wants to be a P.T. himself. Mike mentors Randy, and they’re friends. Kylie is an extraordinary ballet dancer. Her career is jeopardized when a last minute substitute fails to catch her. She is looking to Mike to achieve miracles. Esther is receiving rehabilitation from knee surgery. She is a Holocaust survivor. Hoping the two will have a healing effect on each other, Mike schedules their sessions at the same time. Perhaps Esther’s fortitude and gratitude, in the face of adversity, might inspire Kylie?
The title of Marilyn Millstone’s drama: Proprioception, means the way your body moves through the world. Millstone tacitly asks, is our mien, our demeanor, a response to internal struggles or in spite of them? Each character has a hidden side, and unresolved issues lurking deeper than personality would suggest. Each character has been deprived of something cherished. Something precious to any of us. Through no fault of their own. Proprioception addresses anti-semitism, racism, the arrogance of privilege, though not in ways we might expect. Millstone reveals painful details of Mike, Esther and Kylie’s lives. Aspects that have kept them from moving forward.
Director Carol Rice has brought a sure hand to this complex narrative. The pacing is spot on and the tone, pitch perfect. Ms. Rice never avoids complicated plays, or involved projects. Show after show exhibits her subtle, bravura expertise. Mike (Jason R. Davis) Esther (Sue Doty-Goodner) Randy (Bennett Frohock) Kylie (Jill Lightfoot) deliver nuanced, heartfelt performances, that are touching and entertaining. This is a demanding script, but you’d never guess from the confidence and precision of these gifted actors. Davis is self-assured, but down-to-earth and accessible. Doty-Goodner carries her burdens with humor and dignity. Lightfoot gradually moves from ahubris, to warmth and vulnerability. Brohock brings an avid congeniality yet pensive undercurrent to the story.
Rover Dramawerks presents the world premiere of Marilyn Millstone’s Proprioception: winner of the 2020 AACT NewPlayFest Award. Playing September 9th-18th, 2021. Cox Playhouse: 1517 H Avenue, Plano, Texas 75074. 972-849-0358. www.roverdramawerks.com