Review by Ron Fassler.
The headline above referencing Thomas Ellenson’s new three-character play Thomas & Me, in which he also stars, works on two levels. Yes, this actor/playwright has an original voice (wholly original) expressed in mechanical fashion: having been born with cerebral palsy, Ellenson exclusively uses an iPad to communicate. Twenty-seven years old, Ellenson is telling his unique story with wit and insight for just five performances this weekend at the Frank Shiner Theatre at the Sheen Center in NoHo. In his power wheelchair, this determined young man commands the stage for ninety minutes in a confessional tale that pulls no punches. Handsome, charming, and adeptly utilizing humor matched with a blunt honesty, he even sings (sorta-kinda). Oh, did I not mention this is a musical?
“Reality is something you can only take so much of,” Ellenson says in a line reminiscent of one of Lily Tomlin’s arch observations from The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe—a high compliment. The title Thomas & Me derives out of a dream that Ellenson will one day star in his own sitcom (a theme song supplied graciously by the talented Douglas J. Cohen, the show’s composer/lyricist). Reminding us that “things work out in sitcoms,” his main reason for enjoying them so much, speaks volumes for someone confined to a wheelchair without the ability to use their own voice. Ellenson defines himself as an actor, studying arduously and working professionally when he can (he is a card-carrying member of SAG-AFTRA). Most assuredly a cock-eyed optimist, he envisions nothing but success for himself with a bold belief that the sun WILL come out tomorrow, in deference to his favorite song from a Broadway musical (he’s obsessed with them). Born and raised in New York City, he is an avid theatergoer and has served as a greeter at several Broadway houses. He’s also befriended several theatre veterans whom he calls his friends. In fact, one such luminary, Karen Mason, lent her still-beautiful singing voice in a guest appearance at the preview performance I attended.
“Being onstage is the only time I’m stared at for all the right reasons,” Ellenson explains, wryly stating that if his show comes off as something of a therapy session, “I should really be paying you, but that’s not how theatre works.” His passions are evident in everything he does, and he calls attention to the debt he owes CAT (Create Arts Team), which operates out of The City University of New York. It is where Ellenson initially found a place that encouraged his ambitions with CAT educators who support artists socially and emotionally via academic learning in NYC Public Schools and colleges. At his website, Ellenson uses the phrase: “Think bold. Think inclusive. Think Unforgettable.” Those sentiments perfectly encapsulate what Thomas & Me is about.
In addition to his parents and younger sister, Ellenson is also indebted to his caregivers of which there have been more than a few in his lifetime. Here, a fictionalized version of one of them is played by Tyler Austin White with crafty aplomb. While narrating his story, Ellenson takes us through tremendous ups and downs, with some of the downs truly terrifying. However, his world view prevents almost nothing from dragging this man down. Ellenson’s perseverance and attitude towards life are inspiring—full stop.
Of the seven appealing songs in the show, all but one are given to the character of Michelle, Ellenson’s girlfriend (played and sung nicely by Mairéad O’Neill). The minimalist set is by Michael Fitzgerald with appropriate lighting by Kyle Stamm.
Ellenson, credited with co-directing alongside Stephen Santa, is presenting a work still in progress. The unusual piece of theatre that it is requires additional workshopping and refinement to take it to the next level. Highly ambitious in its small way, it easily has the potential to move mountains. It’s exhilarating when something powerful comes along in the most unlikely of vehicles, and a musical starring someone who can’t sing, let alone speak, surely qualifies. Thomas & Me is the chance to spend part of an evening with a remarkable individual.
When late in the play, Ellenson’s iPad does the speak-singing for him in Cohen’s most moving ballad, “Real to Me,” you are in the presence of an actor in command of their message, even in command of their instrument, albeit a mechanical one. And guess what? To the ear, the song is just as sweet.
Thomas & Me is at the Frank Shiner Theatre at the Sheen Center, 18 Bleecker St., NYC September 24-28. For ticket information, please click here.
Photos by Douglas J. Cohen.
Headline photo: Thomas Ellenson.
