Troupe applies the power of pantomime
Down Syndrome Association troupe harnesses power of pantomime for creative expression — and to rev up a crowd
The Down Syndrome Association is debuting “Greased Lightning” during a special-needs theater camp hosted by Theatre Under The Stars.
Dressed head to toe in black, the greaser struts in with a cardboard boombox, pausing to run his hand across his slicked-back hair. As a song crackles to life from the room’s actual speakers, Dillon Elrod looks to rev up a captive audience for a fuelinjected performance.
In front of a red hot-rod prop emblazoned with white lightning bolts, he is joined by fellow greasers and pink ladies. The Down Syndrome Association of Houston Pantomime Troupe is debuting “Greased Lightning” from the film version of “Grease.” The unveiling takes place at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center for The River, a special-needs theater camp that Theatre Under The Stars hosts each summer.
After the wrenches and oil rags are put away, the checkered flag is waved and Danny and Sandy hop in the “car,” applause erupts, affirming for troupe members that three months of hard work has paid off. And their leader sees
another measure of success — a River attendee says he’d like to join the troupe.
“People want to take pictures with them, they want to shake their hands, which is in their life something very new,” artistic director Julithe Garrett says. “Most of the time … people keep a distance from them when they are in their regular lives. … Society doesn’t know how to be social with them. So for me to see them, that they become the stars, as I call them, that’s a wonderful feeling.”
The DSAH Pantomime Troupe, composed of all adults, has entertained Houston audiences since 2010. The group has performed at Jones Hall, Texas Medical Center, Goodwill’s corporate offices and the association’s main fundraiser, Buddy Walk. Members share a love of music, creative movement and performing.
Like mime, pantomime uses gestures in a theatrical way, but it incorporates well-known music. Garrett says learning pantomime techniques to express emotions and actions benefits those with Down syndrome, who often have impaired speech. He touts the connections between formal versions of both disciplines and psychology.
“Mime represents human nature, happy and sad,” says Garrett, 50, who has performed since he was a teenager.
The visual and musical stimulation of pantomime fills a need, says Mary Monrreal,
DSAH executive director who is also a behavior analyst. Not only does it provide an outlet for emotional expression, “they need social skills, they need to get out in the community,” she says.
And performing boosts confidence. “He’s not afraid to be out in front of people,” Cynthia Malbrough says of her once shy 27-year-old son, Robert, a troupe member for five years.
With “Greased Lightning” — whose addition during the 40th anniversary of the film is just a happy coincidence — the group has 11 stories in its repertory. One of the most popular with audiences and the troupe is its tribute to Michael Jackson. After “Greased Lightning,” the troupe performed the Jackson medley earlier this month at Abilities Expo Houston, featuring robotic movements, a full split by Zach Hatcher, 30, and a close approximation of the King of Pop’s moonwalk by 30-year-old Kristan Bearden (Sandy in the “Grease” number).
It’s hard for many in the troupe to pick a favorite. Bobby Verdiguel, 31, an original member, prefers the Jackson routine; William Mason, 37, likes “Greased Lightning,” in which he plays Danny. But Kerry Wylie, 47, says, “I like all the songs, what’s upbeat.”
Those who do well in DSAH’s pantomime classes may join the troupe. It has grown so popular that plans are in the works to expand it, along with vocational and other offerings, to teens and children next year, according to Garrett and Nathalie Vellky, programs coordinator. If Garrett gets his way, the troupe will tour and perform at the White House because members are “ambassadors of this beautiful program.”
“I’m very blessed to be their artistic director and friend.” Then he corrects himself: “Well, they are my family. I think they are like my brothers and sisters.”
The feeling is mutual for Dale “DJ” Carlson, 26, who relishes learning from Garrett. “He’s the best friend I have.”
Before the “Greased Lightning” premiere, Garrett has applied gel to make greaser hair and helped with costumes. He is struck by how much the performers — who have an extra copy of chromosome 21 but also the ability to memorize nearly a dozen acts, make quick wardrobe changes and sometimes pantomime under a spotlight — are just like any theater troupe.
“They are not like professional performers, they are professional.”