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Waukesha Freeman
November 11, 1999

'Emma's Child' is worthwhile entertainment

by JULIE McHALE

Wisconsin Lutheran college is running a very moving drama called "Emma's Child." It is about adoption and all the emotions that are evoked around this choice, both for the couple and for the biological parents, in this case just the biological mother.

We meet Henry and Jean Farrell as they are nearing the end of the adoptive process. They are both engaged in meaningful careers, but are disappointed that they seem to be unable to have a child of their own. They are both tense. Jean, among other adjustments, is trying to stop smoking, which places added stress on both of them.

The next scene shows Jean at the hospital with Emma after Emma's child is born. The child has a serious physical disability. Emma is quite sure she will not change her mind about giving up the child since she is young, already has a 2-year-old, and is on public assistance. However, Jean must now face the dilemma of choosing or refusing to adopt this particular child, considering the situation.

Jean's husband, Henry, is totally against the idea as is Jean's friend Franny, both of whom discourage her from going ahead with this dead-end plan. But the difference in their attitudes stems from the fact that Jean is visiting the baby daily and has begun to care about him. As his condition seems to be improving, Jean's hopes also soar. Two of the infant's caretakers at the hospital also seem attached to the child and care about his progress. This interesting triumvirate is his cheerleading team.

Meanwhile, as a sort of subplot, Jean's friend franny is getting a divorce from her husband, Sam. Sam and Henry go camping to hash out their individual relationship problems. The camping scene is one of the best in the play. Both M. Theodore Miglautsch as Henry, and Jonathan Lemke as Sam are terrific in their roles. The only problem is that Jonathan looks too young for a middle-aged man, but he has a mesmerizing character nonetheless. I really enjoyed this scene. The male perspecive is very interestingly revealed here.

Lawrence, the intern at the hospital, is very convincingly portrayed by Jon Baas. His candy stripe cohort, Tess, is also well-rendered, thanks to Kristy Leverenz' energy and sense of humor. One hopes that all patients really get as much tender loving care as these two characters exhibited toward this unfortunate hydrocephalic infant.

Jean Farrel, the lead role, was sensitively delineated by Rachel Leverence. She had the emotional gamut to run and did a convincing job of it. She was able to arouse the emotions of the audience several times. As I looked around, I noticed I was not the only one reaching for a Kleenex.

All the other actors did a good job with their portrayals, but those mentioned above stood out for me. All in all, the play was very worthwhile entertainment. Jan Nelson deserves a lot of the credit for unearthing this play and fitting these young actors with roles suited them. I have never been disappointed in a production sponsored by Wisconsin Lutheran College, whether is be a student production, which this one is, or a professional one performed by Stage West in the college theater. On all counts, they seem to insist on quality work.

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