No Controversy With “Creating Claire” at Carpenter Square
“Creating Claire” is the story of Claire Buchanan, a docent at a science museum and stay-at-home mom. Trained as a teacher, she devotes most of her time to her autistic daughter, Abigail. Abigail attends public school, but needs additional help beyond that available in her special needs class. Reggie Buchanan is a devoted husband and father, and Victoria Halstead is friend and curator of the Earth and Sky Museum, where Claire is a tour guide.
The Buchanan’s are agnostic, and most of their friends are as well. One day, Claire surprises everyone by introducing the concept of intelligent design into her script as a tour guide with the museum. Claire is reminded that to do so again would be inappropriate.
Claire has apparently begun a journey of faith and this journey causes much consternation from Victoria and Reggie. The surface conflict of science versus religion has been controversial since Darwin, but “Creating Claire” is more about how this journey impacts family members and friends. Playwright, Joe DiPietro who is well known for lighthearted romance and comedies such as “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” has taken on a challenging drama with “Creating Claire” and Terry Veal as director clearly understands the importance of the subject.
Angie Duke plays Claire Buchanan in a very calm manner. Her attitude and delivery are the perfect approach to take when dealing with an autistic child. However, the consistent monotone is maintained without any passion or tonal variation in the other scenes. As a result, her motives seem suspect as she insists upon inserting faith into her short, scientifically oriented tour. Kevin Moore plays Reggie, and he also speaks in measured and calm tones when dealing with young Abigail, but as a husband unable to understand his wife, he lets his emotions show. Moore delivers a balanced performance. Mary Sue Backus plays Victoria Halstead and her passion for the scientific principles that have always guided her life is inspiring. Backus exposes Victoria’s dedication with equal inspiration. Lauren Mylin delivers a beautiful performance representing autism. In her we see the desire to communicate and the barrier that she struggles to break.
The interpretation causes some audience members to be conflicted, confusing protagonist with antagonist, but also dictates the ponderous pacing of the play. A little spice inserted randomly and a little sugar administered thoughtfully would be delightful. With this in mind, “Creating Claire” is certainly a worthwhile production.
Ben Hall painted a beautiful set for all locales in the show, much like the planetarium and perfect for the museum. The frenzy of the night sky produces quite a contrast with the oral serenity.
“Creating Claire” is showing through June 3, 2017 at Carpenter Square Theatre located at 800 West Main. While the location is downtown, parking is ample! Curtain is at 8:00 pm and for information about Carpenter Square visit www.carpentersquare.com. For the box office call 405-232-6500 or csttix@coxnet.net. The journey Claire takes is not uncommon, generating worthwhile discussion.