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Try To Imagine A Life Without Sight

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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 23, 2008

Updated: 02/21/2008 06:44 pm

TEMPLE TERRACE - Everyone is entitled to independence: That is the theme of the play "Butterflies Are Free."

It also is the theme of Masque Community Theatre director April Stanley's life. Stanley, like the lead character in "Butterflies," is legally blind.

"When I read the play, I fell in love with it," she said. "I can identify with the story. There are all these stereotypes - like all blind people live with their parents and don't work - that just aren't true."

"Butterflies" tells the story of Don Baker, a blind man who moves into an apartment alone despite his overprotective mother's wishes. Soon after, Don meets his neighbor Jill, and love blossoms. The two teach each other about life and independence.

The play by Leonard Gershe opens Feb. 29 at Masque. The cast includes Patrick Bulger as Don, Kayleigh Mollycheck as Jill Tanner, Mike Knapp as Ralph Austin and Ruth Kegel as meddling mother Mrs. Baker.

Stanley and Kegel are the directors. Stanley won't make it to opening night. Midway through rehearsals, she was diagnosed with acute leukemia. When the play opens, she will be in treatment at Shands at the University of Florida hospital.

The diagnosis hasn't changed her positive outlook on life.

"When I was a little girl, I asked my mom why I was blind, and she told me it was just how God made me," Stanley said. "I look at this diagnosis that way. God has something for me to do. I have a strong faith that will get me through."

Stanley asked that "Butterflies" continue without her. So, the cast and crew are working extra hard to make their director proud.
Bulger said his performance will greatly reflect Stanley's direction.

"She taught me how a blind person copes and finds ways around things," Bulger said. "It's challenging to see, or technically not see, things from the character's perspective."

Stanley instructed Bulger to imagine a life without sight. She encouraged him to use a cane to learn how touch helps guide the blind. Many visually impaired people live alone, she explained.

Like Don in the play, Stanley moved out on her own as a young adult. With the help of a Labrador guide dog named Ventura, she lives a full and independent life. She is married and works as a senior rehabilitation specialist at the Division of Blind Services in South Tampa. In 2003, she became a member of Masque.

"I love Masque," she said. "It's like a family. The members are supportive of me. When I was first diagnosed with leukemia and I was in the hospital, they all visited and brought cards. They bought me a stuffed dog since Ventura can't come with me to treatment."

Kegel, who acted as Stanley's eyes throughout the directing process, is constantly amazed by her friend's determination.

"April is one of the most positive and kind people I've ever known," she said. "She always has a smile on her face."

During rehearsals, Stanley encouraged the "Butterflies" cast to let loose and have fun. She kept everyone upbeat and on task. She reminded them of the story behind the play's title: In one scene, Don tells his mother that if butterflies were made to be free, God would want him to be free, too.

"'Butterflies' is a story about not letting anything keep you down," Kegel said.

Other cast members agreed.

"The play is fun," Mollycheck said. "It takes you back to a different time."

Stanley considered Mollycheck the perfect person to play Jill, a care-free hippie looking for love.

"She has a childlike quality like Jill," Stanley said. "At the auditions, she really got into character."

To make the transformation complete, Mollycheck will wear long blond hair extensions and 1960s-era clothes.

Masque costumer Virginia Grissom worked with the cast to make the clothes look authentic. Bulger will wear funky, bright-colored shirts. Kegel will wear clothes representative of conservative 1960s style.

The play's set, created by Tim O'Halloran and Mike Knapp, also reflects the free-love era. Colorful furniture and artworks set the scene for Don's apartment. An authentic retro stove makes the setting complete.

"This play's a blast from the past," Bulger said.

The cast and crew are hoping for a big turnout opening night.

"This show is for April," Kegel said. "We want people to see what she put her heart and soul into."

Stanley is confident her actors will light up the stage. While at treatment, she expects to receive phone calls letting her know how things go. She plans on keeping her stuffed dog close by, as a reminder of the cast and crew.

"I'm strong on my own, and Jesus will be with me," she said. "I've been telling people the best thing they can do for me is to go see the show."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "Butterflies Are Free"

WHERE: Masque Community Theatre, 8825 N. 56th St.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 29 through March 16

COST: $14 for ages 13 to 54; $12 for ages 55 and older, students and members of the military; and $10 for ages 12 and

younger

INFORMATION: Call (813) 980-3321.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell @tampatrib.com.

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