funny as a crutch
nine short comedies about disability
by Rich Orloff
directed by Jeffrey C. Wolf
produced at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre in New York City
November 2008
with Mary Theresa Archbold, Shannon DeVido, Stephen Jutras,
Gregg Mozgala and Frank Senger
In November 2008, the Foolish Theatre Company presented the world premiere of FUNNY AS A CRUTCH, a collection of nine short plays skewering stereotypes, archetypes, prejudices and assumptions both towards and within the disabled community. Beginning with the unlikely story of the first disabled settlers at Plymouth Rock and ending with the fractured fairy tale of Cripperella, FUNNY AS A CRUTCH finds humor in everything from representations of disabled in popular culture to the challenges of personal relationships.
“Many, many pleasures! Rich Orloff’s witty, unpredictable script fends off pity and preachiness with a daffy sense of humor.”
The New York Times (Critic's Pick)
“A unique theatrical experience. This delightful program packs in about a dozen laughs per square foot, and raises your consciousness at the same time.”
nytheatre.com (Pick of the Week)
“Rich Orloff packs a lot of agile humor into FUNNY AS A CRUTCH. The show resonates with meaningful authenticity while generating its laughs.”
Back Stage (Critic’s Pick)
FUNNY AS A CRUTCH is scheduled to be published and licensed by Playscripts, Inc. To read excerpts, order books, or obtain performance rights, visit Rich's page at Playscripts.com.
You can also learn more about the play at www.richorloff.com.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
choreography – Lisa Harvie
sets – Craig Napoliello
lights – David A. Sexton
costumes – Anne E. Grosz
sound – Jeffrey C. Wolf
puppets – Barry Weil
production stage manager – Emilee Buchheit
company manager – Christopher Imbrosciano
technical director – Courtenay Drakos
asst. costumes – Cynthia P. Johnson
musical accompaniment – Robert Rokicki
graphic design – Philip Emeott
photos – Jason Specland
executive producing artistic director – Rick Tormone