Review: Deaf Austin Theatre’s Tiny Beautiful Things

This world is bleak and scary. I feel dark, alone. I’m losing faith in humanity. Is there such a thing as basic decency anymore? Or is everyone as angry and suffering as I am? I don’t know if I’ll ever regain optimism. I want connection, but don’t believe there’s good in this world.There was a time, around 2010 or so, when society thrived on shared vulnerability. Things like the anonymous postcards of. The driving ethos was that being open with people, even ones you don’t know, built bridges.

While signing is first and foremost in the presentation, this production is designed for wide accessibility. Along with the four main signing cast members, there are two spoken interpreters off to the wings of the audience, played by director Dr. Brian Cheslik and Ashlea Hayes . Their voices are a perfect grounding point for hearing guests, complementing the energetic stage performances well. There’s also a central screen showing the text of the letters in email format.

The actress playing Cheryl is the only character constant onstage. Hanaumi exudes innate softness, even in her signing. Every movement telegraphs pain and compassion. She’s magnanimous while she hears the deepest trauma in the letters. It would be annoying if it wasn’t so endearing instead. Bethany Borsotti’s characters are often played for laughs, using her diminutive stature for great effect while tackling some of the raunchier bits. But she also gets to deliver some of the most heartbreaking letters with gravitas and poise. Tyler James Fortson feels like the cuddly teddy bear of the group, each of his characters exuding tenderness, even when they are struggling with fearful questions.

Bethany Borsotti Brian Cheslik Cheryl Strayed Deaf Austin Theatre Leila Hanaumi Nia Vardalos Russell Harvard Tiny Beautiful Things Tyler James Fortson

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