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"Marvin's Room" to tickle funny bone, tug at heart stings

Posted November 11, 2009 10:00 pm

By Justin Kmitch

Brian Dunckel is Marvin and Brittany Knapp is Ruth in "Marvin's Room" at Neuqua Valley High School. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Just in time for the holidays, the Neuqua Valley theater department presents a touching performance students hope will make you laugh, think and reach for a box of tissue all the same time.

English teacher and first-time director Ryan Leist selected "Marvin's Room" for the fall play because of its realism and small cast that would allow him to help students focus on their acting for a more mature performance

"I'd really classify 'Marvin's Room' as a 'dramedy' because it sets a serious tone by forcing you to think about real family issues," Leist said. "But it's got its humorous moments too, so there's something for everyone. It really stresses the importance of family and what family means, so I thought that also (would be) appropriate with Thanksgiving being here."

Senior Rachel Pierson plays Bessie, one of two female leads, who has watched over her sick father for 20 years before being struck with leukemia herself and needing some help from family.

In her time of need, she connects with her sister, Lee, who is everything the nurturing Bessie is not, including a terrible mother.

"This is a very mature show with mature issues and some of the most realistic characters I've ever seen," Pierson said. "It's new for Neuqua to attempt a show that hits home like this, so I'm very happy to be a part of it."

Leist said casting the two sisters was difficult because he almost needed to find two real best friends to get the chemistry he sought.

"These girls needed to jell and almost finish each others thoughts. I really needed two girls to really fit together," he said. "Rachel and Sara (Porch) ended up being the last two characters cast because we had callbacks and everything else just trying to make sure we had the perfect chemistry of sisters."

In one of the production's more memorable scenes, Lee and Bessie reminisce about growing up and reflect on their childhood and the current time period.

"Right around that time the audience will be looking for a Kleenex," Pierson said, "The sisters chat and everything works itself out."

Leist said it shows that although families drift apart, there's always a connection that transcends time.

"I truly hope people leave the show able to learn to appreciate their family a little more and give thanks for what they have," he said. "Life is precious and short."

Cast List

Bessie: Rachel Pierson

Dr. Wally: Connor O'Leary

Ruth: Brittany Knapp

Bob: Mark Yacullo

Lee: Sara Porch

Dr. Charlotte: Vicki Price

Hank: Elliott Litherland

Charlie: Joey Amaro

Retirement home director: Amelia Getachew

Marvin: Brian Dunckel

Student directors

Emily D'Ambrose

Kira Rysiewicz

Sara Porch, second from left, and Rachel Pierson play estranged sisters in a family crisis in Neuqua Valley's "Marvin's Room," which also includes Elliott Litherland, left, and Joey Adams. Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

As Lee, Sara Porch, left, is called into an unfamiliar role and meets with Vicki Price as Dr. Charlotte in "Marvin's Room." Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

Brian Dunckel, from left, Brittany Knapp and Rachel Pierson are part of a small cast aiming to deliver adult performances in Neuqua Valley High School's "Marvin's Room." Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

After being a caregiver for years, Rachel Pierson's Bessie must turn to others - including Brittany Knapp as Ruth - when she becomes ill in "Marvin's Room." Bev Horne | Staff Photographer

If you go What: "Marvin's Room" When: 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 Where: Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville Tickets: $11 for adults, $5 for students and seniors Info: (630) 428-6000 or <a href="http://www.nvhs.ipsd.org" target="new">www.nvhs.ipsd.org</a> Director's cut English teacher and first-time director Ryan Leist shares his thoughts on Neuqua Valley High School's production of "Marvin's Room." "Marvin's Room" is a dark and ironically funny comedy about two sisters, Lee and Bessie, and their commitment to caring for their family even in the face of personal tragedy. The sisters try to set their familial differences aside in order to make amends with one another. The play deals with the themes of love, death, duty and care; these themes are frugally intertwined to create a play of considerable emotional resonance.

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