Theatre Nebula opens season with 'Today, I am a Fountain Pen'
In Theatre Nebula's production of "Today, I am a Fountain Pen," Moses Yanover, father of Irving Yanover, speaks of the Jewish tradition of giving fountain pens as gifts at bar mitzvahs.
He explains protocol dictates at one point during a bar mitzvah the child states, "Today, I am a man." Yet, with so many fountain pens on his mind, one lad slips and says, "Today, I am a fountain pen."
The humorous tale becomes a lesson at the end of this thought-provoking play by award-winning playwright Israel Horovitz. The production spins from this nucleus, tip toes through family conflicts and establishes resolve.
It follows Irving, who often challenges his parents, and the family's housekeeper, Annie, who's also frequently at odds with her own parents' wishes. Palatine-based Theatre Nebula chose it to open the 2007/2008 season tonight at Cutting Hall in Palatine.
"The main impact is that parents should be careful of what they say and do, because kids pick up on everything," said J. Spencer Greene, the show's director. "The other impact is to be close, loving and caring with a child and be aware of things that are going on and take care of that."
This message is presented by a cast including Elodie Senetra, a Fremd High School senior. Senetra spent the past summer as an intern with Theatre Nebula.
"She's a brilliant, young actress," Greene said. "She beings honesty, freshness, and energy to the character. She is accomplished beyond her years."
Senetra plays the part of Annie, a young Ukrainian housekeeper. Annie's romance with a young Italian immigrant is opposed by her old-world parents.
"My favorite part about Annie is that she gets to behave like a little kid when she's with Irving," Senetra said. "He sort of reminds her of what it's like to be at that age. She builds a connection and protects Irving and I like that."
The 17-year-old Thespian, who lives in Palatine, hopes to attend The Juilliard School and become a professional actor. She admits facing a few challenges in nailing down the role of her character.
"The worst part about playing her was the complications that arise between the parents and the boyfriend," she said. "That wasn't easy to portray."
What was easy is the interaction between Senetra and Adam Brauer, who embraces the character of Irving Yanover. Irving is a precocious 10-year-old who challenges his orthodox Jewish parents.
"I like that he tries new things and he doesn't get scared of taking risks," said 11-year-old Brauer. "I'll take a risk trying new foods, but I don't take risks on dumb stuff.
"But Irving takes dumb risks. He's Jewish and shouldn't eat bacon, but when his parents go out, he cooks bacon and gets caught, so that's a dumb risk."
As conflicts resolve a family's love is left standing. It is demonstrated by the simple words of Moses to Irving, "You've grown up to be a fine fountain pen."
If you go
What: Theatre Nebula's production "Today, I am a Fountain Pen"
When: Opens at 8 p.m. tonight with $6 seat preview. Shows continue at 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Also, 8 p.m. Nov. 8-10, and 3 p.m. Nov. 10.
Where: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine
Tickets: Adults $12, seniors and students $10
Call: (847) 359-9378 or visit theatrenebula.org