The lights dimmed and the sound of ringing phones, television static and other unpleasant sounds echoed throughout Tempest Theatre. As my mind tried frantically to recognize the noises, I just couldn’t focus on one. You could say I was distracted.
Elizabethtown College’s performance of  Lisa Loomer’s “Distracted” presented a comedic twist on some serious subject matter: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and how it affects the lives of those who have it. The play followed nine-year-old Jesse’s mother as she attempted to figure out what was wrong with her son. He caused trouble at school, wouldn’t follow basic direction and was overly rambunctious. Jesse’s mother looked to neighbors, teachers, psychologists, psychiatrists and the Internet for help, but couldn’t seem to find an answer.
The first scene opened with sophomore Wendy Moulton as Mama, and immediately the fourth wall was broken — the actors addressed the audience — which gave the play a more intimate feel.
Similarly, a variation on the traditional format of a play regarding staging added a comedic and original touch. Instead of  blackout scene changes, sets, props and even characters were moved by the “forces of distraction.” It tied in well with the theme of being distracted.
Some actors played two or more characters, a tradition that is rooted in Greek theater. Sophomore Taylor Luckenbill played  Mrs. Holly, Dr. Waller and a Nurse. Further breaking the fourth wall, Mama would request that she switch from the hysterical divorcee and counsellor Dr. Waller to Jesse’s grouchy teacher Mrs. Holly. The transition that was seamlessly and humorously executed by Luckenbill.
I also enjoyed how the playwright utilized the concept of time and interconnected ideas. Throughout the play, the audience was sporadically bounced from one idea or event to the next which mimics the way someone with ADD or who is distracted thinks.
The acting by the entire cast was phenomenal, but  junior Mike Wawrzyenk stole the show with his roles of Dr. Broder, Dr. Karnes and Dr. Jinks. His dramatic outbursts caused an uncanny commotion throughout the audience whenever he informally addressed them as an emotional actor on Ritalin.
The set was innovative and portrayed society’s ability to be distracted by technology. Three large screens were utilized for interchangeable driving scenes, artwork on the walls of the doctor’s offices, the television in Jesse’s house, etc. Additionally, the vibrant puzzle pieces that lined the floor were indicative of Mama’s attempts to “put the pieces together” and solve her son’s hyperactivity problem.
While the first act created belly-busting laughter, the second act took on a more serious tone. The question that was posed to the audience is what are we, as a society, focusing on most? Where do our values lie? There are so many distractions around us in a technological world that’s constantly evolving. But what really matters? Throughout the play, Mama isn’t focusing on Jesse, but rather what other people think and say about him: she doesn’t even allow him to come on-stage until the last scene of the play. Literal metaphors, like this one, are riddled throughout and add to the effectiveness of the production. The commentary on our everyday lives began with Loomer’s words, but it was the cast that executed the message beautifully.