Categories
Reviews

‘Hot ‘n’ Throbbing’ brings much needed message to Missoula

Domestic violence is an epidemic that has impacted our country in many ways.  According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.  Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.  In particular, 72% of all murder-suicides involve an intimate partner, and 92% of the time, the victim is female.

Playwright Paula Vogel has written a very powerful and moving play, Hot ‘n’ Throbbing, to bring these numbers to life.  Skillfully directed by Jillian Campana, and produced by the University of Montana School of Theatre & Dance in the Masquer Theatre, the show pulls out all the stops and presents these facts in an undeniable and unforgettable way that makes a lasting impression on the   Feataudience.

Working with Scenic Designer Mike Monsos, Costume Designer Bayne Tilton, Lighting Designer Megan Nishida and Audio Designer Cole Milligan, Campana has directed a masterpiece of theater that does what theater and art in general should do – shed light on a social issue.

The amazing cast features Jourdan Nokleby in the lead role of Charlene, living with her kids Calvin (Treyson Sherk) and Leslie Ann (Jenna Lockman), after leaving her husband Clyde (Kurtis Hassinger).  Charlene is a screenwriter of adult entertainment catered to women, and her screenplays are visualized and acted out in the form of two actors – Voice-Over (Alyssa Berdahl) and The Voice (Jake Bender).  This is a true ensemble cast, and every performer is worthy of recognition.

Without giving away the story, Charlene works hard to make a living for her family, while discovering the painful truth of trying to be an effective single parent to teenagers.  Her fateful mistake is allowing her drunken husband inside the house “to talk.”

Regardless of your stance on the issue of domestic violence, this play will give you something to think about, and this reviewer highly recommends it for its sheer power in storytelling.

The show continues at the University March 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 5 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available at the UMArts Box Office or online at umt.edu/theatredance.