Stained Glass excels in production of 'Pap's Place'

Those who don’t know about Stained Glass Theatre are missing out on some quality local entertainment. Though staffed entirely by volunteers, the production values are top-notch. As a professed movie lover, I admit that my depth of experience in live theater is somewhat limited. But quality is quality, and it is readily apparent in every aspect of the Stained Glass production now playing, “Pap’s Place.”

The theater was founded in 1983 by playwright Ron Boutwell and has as its mission statement, “Serving Christ through the arts.” For many years the theater was located on Benton Avenue in Springfield, but in 2003 it moved to 1996 W. Evangel in Ozark. The theater itself is comfortable, and besides the fine lighting, audio and other technical amenities it features The Blend, a high-class coffee and baked goods shop. Intermission is as good as the performance.

“Pap’s Place” will resonate with a lot of people. Alzheimer’s disease is nothing short of an epidemic, and as modern medicine keeps us alive longer and longer, it will be increasingly so.

Steve Jenkins first played the role of Pap at Stained Glass Theatre West in Joplin in 1998. It’s obvious that he knows the role, which is a hard one to play without going overboard.

The play opens at Pap’s house on his 80th birthday. Coming for a visit are Pap’s son Frank, daughter-in-law Colleen and grandson Greg.

Oh, and Minnie. We can’t forget Minnie. She’s Pap’s sister-in-law and, as played by Pat Shoemake, is one of the many treats of the play. She’s a voice of hilarious reason.

Frank has decided that Pap needs to sell his house and go to a “convalescence home.” Pap insists there is nothing wrong with him, except he is, after all, 80 years old. Colleen wants Pap to come live with the family, but no one else is very open to that idea.

The problems with Pap are the main focus throughout, but there are other subplots that intertwine. Frank is about to lose his job, and Greg has decided not to go to college. The relationship between Frank and Greg is an extension of the one between Pap and Frank, and playwright Paul McCusker has developed that plot device very well.

After an intermission (and a brownie or scone) the play steps ahead one year. It’s Pap’s 81st birthday and he is in a home. He’s well taken care of by the staff, especially Dave the orderly. Patrons of the downtown YMCA will recognize Dave as Chip Burns of the Y staff. He plays Dave with a believable affability and the caring required of people who choose to work with the elderly. It takes a big heart and steady soul.

The ending of “Pap’s Place” is sad. But there is redemption. Death, after all, is part of life. As Bob Newhart said, “Yeah. The last part.”

While Stained Glass Theatre, by its very nature, is never going to offer anything offensive, I think this play might not be entirely suitable for younger kids. That’s not a complaint, just a thought. On the other hand, if you’re the kind of parent who actually explains things to your children, it could be a life lesson.

“Pap’s Place” runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through July 2. For ticket information, call Stained Glass Theatre at (417) 581-9192 or visit www.sgtheatre.com

Jim Wunderle owns Wunderle Sound Services and is a Springfield free-lance writer and musician.