The Naples Players Presented “Distracted”

Top: Mama (Ellice McCoy) and Dr. Zavala (Aricka Shuck) in a tender
moment comforting one another.
Bottom: Mama (Ellice McCoy) and Dad (Byron Wigfall) argue over
use of drugs for their son Jesse (Ethan Brendel).

The Naples Players will present Distracted by Lisa Loomer March 26 through April 19 in the Tobye Studio at Sugden Community Theatre.

When it is recommended that nine year-old Jesse be moved to a special education classroom, his Mama is on a mission to find out what is going on with her son. After scouring the internet for answers and consulting numerous doctors and psychiatrists the probable diagnosis is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

Mama doesn’t want to medicate her  son and Jesse’s Dad just thinks that boys will be boys. Distracted begs the question of how we expect today’s children to not be hyperactive in this hectic, computerized and distracting world where multi-tasking is considered a prerequisite for success.

Ethan Brendel, a Naples Players’ KidzAct veteran, will star as nine-year old Jesse with Ellice McCoy as Mama, and Byron Wigfall as Dad. Carol Clarke takes on the role of Vera, the hyper, well-meaning friend of Mama’s and Kathleen Peace performs as Sherry, one of Mama’s friendly neighbors whose troubled daughters run the gamut of pharmaceutical abuses.

Sherry’s daughter Natalie will be played by Kaitlyn Caplette. Aricka Shuck performs multiple roles as Dr. Zavala, Carolyn and the Waitress. Denise Villarreal likewise plays the multiple roles of Dr. Waller, Mrs. Holly and the Nurse, as does Stan Zawatsky as Dr. Broder, Dr. Jinks and Dr. Karnes.

Distracted will be directed by Charles Kolmann and performed Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. This show contains strong, adult language and may not be suitable for children. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students, 21 and under, and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 239.263.7990239.263.7990 with credit card information, or by visiting naplesplayers.org.

Sugden Community Theatre is located at 701 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples.