Port Washington Public Library play stars those with developmental disabilities

One week before opening night, Rebecca Soller was in costume and ready to take center stage. But first, Soller, 54, spotted an opportunity.

Elise May, director of “Worst Date Ever,” a play being put on by local adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, had her back turned.

“Boo!” Soller said, embracing May from behind.

“Don’t do that to me!” May said, laughing.

There will be more laughs, and perhaps some tears, May said in an interview, at the Port Washington Public Library on Tuesday night when Soller and the rest of the cast take the stage.

May, a teaching artist who has been working with individuals with IDD since she was in high school, said the "arts are a fabulous way to allow people to shine in their own way." For a population that is often overlooked, she added, acting provides an opportunity for community, and to do something "stimulating."

“The people that you see bagging your groceries in the supermarket, you’re now seeing on the stage,” May said. “The audience last year was in tears.”

Soller is part of the group Theater for Dessert, an offshoot of the library's "Books for Dessert" program, which was founded more than 20 years ago by Nancy Comer to provide adults with IDD, like her son, an opportunity to bond over reading. 

Theater for Dessert, which is in its fourth year, has similar goals, May said. 

"The definition of success is very different," May said of working with adults with IDD. "It's not school-pressured success. It's discovery."

Power of the arts

She noted that one participant she has worked with, in his 70s, "didn't speak. He only rocked," she said. "By his second year, he was doing a romantic lead and even getting some nuance in the words he was saying." 

Port Washington has become something of a hub for adults with IDD. Last year, The Nicholas Center, a nonprofit that provides supported employment and vocational training for adults with autism, opened the TNC Chocolate Lab, which is staffed with Nicholas Center participants, on Manorhaven Boulevard.

May first discovered the power of the arts on neurodivergent people at Bethpage High School, where she worked with a fellow student who was autistic and noncommunicative and showed little interest in anything other than repeatedly riding an undersized tricycle in circles. Then, one day, May brought in her guitar.

"I strummed it, and she stopped riding," May said. "She came over and felt the vibrations on the guitar, started humming."

Based on a novel

In previous years, the troupe has put on "Crime Club," "The Italian Cure" and "The Museum of Oddities." This year, May wrote the screenplay for "Worst Date Ever" based on Melodie Campbell's novel of the same name. For the past 10 weeks, Soller and the rest have gathered every Tuesday for rehearsals.

"I like the fact that I get to act along my fellow residents," Soller, who lives in a Community Mainstreaming Associates group home, said. "I can't help but laugh with all the stuff that goes on."

Soller plays the main character, Jenny, who is trying to find her "prince charming." Adam Robbins, 62, who lives in a CMA apartment, plays the coffee shop owner in the play. 

Robbins said in an interview it was "an honor" to act onstage.

"I like getting new parts, and making a good impression on the audience," he said. "I enjoy it."

During the final rehearsal, Soller sat on the stage in a makeshift coffee shop, wearing a floral dress. The bright lights were on, and Robbins was at the cash register. One of Jenny's potential suitors walked in, but Jenny quickly realized he wasn't a good fit. He was "stoned," Robbins' character observed.

"Help!" she screamed, and Robbins escorted the man to the exit, ending the scene — and once more, the room filled with laughter.

The play runs for just one night. Curtains will rise Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the library's Lapham Meeting Room. There is no cost for entry. 

By Joshua Needelman

joshua.needelman@newsday.com

Joshua Needelman covers the Town of North Hempstead for Newsday. A Long Island native and University of Maryland graduate, his work has appeared in publications including The New York Times and The Washington Post.