A Note from Gregg Vigil, Director & Founder
It was 35 years ago that the Physically Handicapped Amateur Musical Actors League, Inc. (known today as Phamaly Theatre Company or PTC) became the first musical theatre company for actors with disabilities. Because of the grit and passion of five former students from Boettcher School, this dream became a reality and has flourished as an award-winning organization. Those five students are Gregg Vigil, Kathleen Kirkland-Traylor, Teri Westerman-Wagner, Kevin Ahl, and Richard Britton.
Today, PTC continues to expand by producing both musicals and non-musicals while also offering a broad range of opportunities for people with disabilities and our non-disabled colleagues in all facets of the theatre. Professionalism is always at the forefront of every production while creating a safe environment for everyone involved. Every actor in this company identifies as a PWD by the federal government’s description. I identify them simply as my theatre peers.
Last year, around this time, I was searching for a play to submit to Artistic Director Ben Ranaan and the board of directors for inclusion in the 2024 season. Initially, I wanted something dramatic that spoke the truth about the plight of people with disabilities. My dear friend, Mallory Nelson, told me about Rich Orloff’s Funny as a Crutch. As I began reading, I realized that this was not a drama. However, it was funny, absurd, and yet poignant in today’s political climate.
Mr. Orloff was commissioned to write a play for the National Theatre Workshop for the Handicapped. Which, coincidently, I attended twice as a student actor.
Funny as a Crutch is a collection of ten short plays depicting people with disabilities struggling to be accepted equally. Be it the physical barriers that exclude access for those who use adaptive equipment or the crude comments that have recently been spewed in the media, it also looks at family and personal relationships. Although this play is designed as a comedy, it spoke to me because I believe that laughter can level the playing field in all aspects of life. Walt Disney said it best, “Laughter is time, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.”
It is my good fortune to work with this extremely talented cast and crew. A director’s job is to steer the ship (play) while encouraging the actors to explore each character’s idiosyncrasies: physical, emotional, intellectual, and vocal qualities.
On behalf of the people in this remarkable company, I wish to thank you for your attendance and continued support. Please enjoy Funny as a Crutch.
Founder of Phamaly Theatre Company
Director of Funny As A Crutch
Gregg Vigil
DIGITAL PROGRAM NAVIGATION
