Williamston’s ‘Bad Books’ gives nuance to polarizing politics
As artistic director and co-founder of Williamston Theatre, Tony Caselli knows how it feels when material is met by backlash from the community. When Williamston put on an updated version of “Dial …
As artistic director and co-founder of Williamston Theatre, Tony Caselli knows how it feels when material is met by backlash from the community. When Williamston put on an updated version of “Dial M for Murder” in February, people accused the theater of “playing politics” and changing the story to “make a statement” just because it featured a relationship between two women.
“We didn’t make those changes,” Caselli explained. “That wasn’t a casting choice; that was in the script we produced. Even if we had control over it, we don’t agree with the idea that we shouldn’t present something because you don’t agree with its existence. You’re not the only one in the world.”
After that controversy, it’s fitting that Williamston’s next production is “Bad Books,” a new show by playwright and screenwriter Sharyn Rothstein, whose credits include “Suits” and “Orphan Black.” The production is part of the National New Play Network’s Rolling World Premiere, a theatrical program that gives playwrights the opportunity to workshop and debut new works in three or four different markets.
“Bad Books” centers on a confrontation between a school librarian and a concerned parent. What starts as a civil discussion regarding a book the mother doesn’t want her child to read quickly escalates into a situation that affects the whole community. It’s a situation many real-life libraries have faced in recent years. More and more parents have been leading campaigns to ban books that have themes they believe are “inappropriate” for younger readers, including racism, gender identity, LGBTQ+ issues and sexual content.
The cast consists of only two players: Molly Garner as the mother, and Alysia Kolascz as the librarian, the mother’s boss and a book editor.
“It’s one of those plays that is just bitingly funny and so spot-on with what’s going on in the world today,” Caselli said. “Like what happens so often in this country right now, nobody is listening to hear the other person. Nobody is listening to understand. Everyone is listening to interrupt.”
He praised the unique way the play covers such a divisive issue. Despite the fallout that results from the characters’ actions, neither side is completely vilified. Instead, both characters are permitted to express themselves in a way that allows the audience to sympathize with them, even if they don’t necessarily agree with the characters’ opinions.
“One of the things I think Sharyn did really well is tap into all aspects of this discussion,” Caselli said. “It’s very much balanced in all areas of the conversation. You come away caring about everybody in this show. That’s partly why it’s so great: the idea that if we stop and talk with one another, I think we’ll find that we have more in common than the polarized state of our nation now would let us believe.”
Through the Rolling World Premiere, the show has been staged at three other venues in the past year: Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland; Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota, Florida; and Curious Theatre in Denver. Williamston will be its final stop.
“After that, I’m sure it’ll be picked up,” Caselli said. “It’s already gaining a lot of attention because it’s a really great script. I think what Sharyn has done is created a very beautiful, funny piece that’s going to last for a while.”
The play’s nuanced characterizations and insightful dialogue may not be enough to keep it out of the line of fire from certain audiences. However, Caselli thinks most viewers will have open minds and use what they learn to hold more productive discussions about literature and social issues in the future.
“The play isn’t about politics; it’s about people,” he said. “I hope people leave having been moved, having laughed their butts off, but also wanting to talk with people and realizing the importance of communication, putting yourself in other people’s shoes. As long as we remember to listen to each other, we can make the world a better place.”
April and early May theater productions:
“Clue”
Tuesday, April 7-April 12
7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
2 p.m. Saturday
1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall
750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing
“1984”
April 10-12 and 17-18
7 p.m. Friday-Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday
Dart Auditorium
500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing
“Kindness”
April 10-12 and 17-19
7 p.m. Friday-Saturday
3 p.m. Sunday
Stage One at Sycamore Creek Eastwood
2200 Lake Lansing Road, Lansing
www.facebook.com/IxionEnsemble
“Jane Austen’s Persuasion”
April 14-19
7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday
Wharton Center Pasant Theatre
750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing
“A Jukebox for The Algonquin”
April 17-19 and 24-26
7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday
Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts
122 E. Main St., Owosso
“Grumpy Old Men: The Musical”
April 18-19 and 24-26
7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday
Waverly East Intermediate School
3131 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing
www.facebook.com/StarlightDinnerTheatre
“Bad Books”
April 23-May 31
Opening weekend showtimes:
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday
2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Rest of run showtimes:
2 p.m. Thursday, Saturday-Sunday
7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Williamston Theatre
122 S. Putnam St., Williamston
“Dandelion”
April 23-26
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday
Studio 60 Theatre
542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing
“The Little Mermaid Jr.”
April 24-26
7 p.m. Friday
2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Fowlerville High School
700 N. Grand St., Fowlerville
“Little Women”
April 24-26 and May 1-3
7 p.m. Friday
3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Hannah Community Center
819 Abbot Road, East Lansing
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