Eat (It's Not About Food) @ Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory 4/15/10

Teens, their parents and teachers should go to Fairmount Performing Arts Conservatory to understand the potentially horrendous effects of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating. 'EAT (IT'S NOT ABOUT FOOD)' is a production that should tour the junior and senior high circuit and be force-fed to audiences, both males and females. I say this as a crisis and school counselor who has dealt with those who are the victims of these eating disorders.

'EAT' was written by Linda Daugherty, playwright in residence at Dallas Children's Theatre.

As the author states, "'EAT (IT'S NOT ABOUT FOOD)' examines the dangerous and baffling world of eating disorders in girls and boys. Using interwoven vignettes, ranging from realistic to satirical to humorous, EAT candidly explores causes and warning signs, takes a hard look at the influences of society and the media, and tells individual stories of young people struggling with this epidemic and too often tragic problem."

Published comments about the script state, "EAT inspires as much laughter as it does tears. ... The emotional impact is raw and unapologetic ... awe-inspiring ... It is a difficult hour to spend in the theater. But it is also one of the most revelatory plays I've seen. It makes the inevitable pain one will feel well worth it, especially if it means a deeper understanding."

In an attempt to alert the general public to the problems of eating disorders, the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders (CCED) is the lead sponsor of the theatrical production. Dr. Mark Warren, CCED's co-founder and medical director states, "We value the opportunity to support this influential performance that addresses the issues surrounding eating disorders We aim to create an open dialogue and help give a voice to those suffering in silence."

CCED, in conjunction with University Hospitals' (UH) Geauga Medical Center and local physicians, will lead 30-minute open discussions immediately following each performance to interact with the audience on the topics presented.

Director Fred Sternfeld and his large cast of adults and teens do a very credible job of developing the play's ideas. The staging is creative and meaningful. Especially strong performances are given by Amy Pawlukiewicz, Dylan White, Meghan Grover and Alexis Floyd.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: If you are a teenager, the parent of a teenager, or an educator of teens, 'EAT IT'S NOT ABUT FOOD' is required viewing. Shut off the tv, stop the texting, and go---if you are teen, it could save your life or, if you are a parent, it could save the life of your child.

Eat (It's Not About Food) is on stage through Sun 5/2 at Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, OH 44072 http://www.fairmountcenter.org/news.html

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko. Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2009, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info. His reviews can also be found on NeOHIOpal and CoolCleveland.com.

Roy Berko, who is a life-long Clevelander, is a Renaissance man. Believing the line in Robert Frost’s poem “Road Not Taken,” each time he comes to a fork in the road, he has taken the path less traveled. He holds degrees, thought the doctorate from Kent State, Univeristy of Michigan and The Pennsylvania State University. His present roles, besides husband and grandfather, are professor, crisis counselor, author and entertainment reviewer... Read Roy Berko's complete bio here