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Do not be fooled by the play’s synopsis – for a drama about mathematics and mental illness, NoHo Arts Center's Proof is shockingly intriguing, proof positive that when great writing and acting combine, no topic is too difficult to tackle.
The play stars wheelchair-bound actress Teal Sherer (Catherine), whose disability  immediately evaporates once the drama begins. Catherine is a Northwestern University drop-out who has given up her academic dreams in favor of caring for her mentally instable father. Sherer’s range as an actress is tremendous, from her disinterested father-daughter banter to her powerful emotional breakdowns and hot-tempered outbursts.
For anyone out there who thinks it might be boring to watch a performer who is confined to her wheelchair, let me assure you that Sherer has more physicality and presence on stage than most able-bodied actors I’ve seen. It’s inspiring to watch her confront her co-stars, particularly Ryan Douglas (Hal), who, at twice the size of Sherer, is in danger of being run over by the speed of her chair and the force of her emotions. If the scene changes are half a minute longer than usual to accommodate for Sherer’s costume changes, it just makes the audience anticipate the scene to come with even greater intensity.
Catherine’s father Robert, played by Brad Blaisdell, is a superb mathematician whose contributions to the field far exceed those of most college professors. However, he suffers from a debilitating mental illness that transforms his genius into madness. It takes a special kind of actor to deliver the lines of a mentally ill man with depth and honesty. Blaisdell’s performance is 100% believable to those of us who have watched loved ones similarly deteriorate. His frustration and confusion are so sincere that even Blaisdell’s daughter was sniffling at his performance from her seat.
Robert’s academic advisee and Catherine’s love interest, Hal, is a mathematics graduate  student at the University of Chicago. Ryan Douglas plays this 28-year old character with adoring innocence. Like a puppy trying to get his tired owner to play, he works so hard to win Catherine’s affection that you instantly root for him, even though you’re not sure why, since Catherine is such an impetuous handful.
Last but not least in this quartet is Colleen Foy as Claire, Catherine’s overbearing and somewhat emotionally detached older sister. Successful in her career and living a perfectly-planned out life, Claire is the complete opposite of Catherine. Director Bob Morrisey gets an A+ for casting, as Foy and Sherer could be sisters in real life based on resemblance alone. Foy plays her protective role so genuinely there is little to say except to recommend that you witness her talent yourself.
Proof is so exceptionally well-written that any cast could likely pull it off, but these four are the cast you should run out to see. Their unbelievable chemistry envelops the audience and transports them from a 40-seat theatre in North Hollywood to the dog-eared Chicago porch where the story is set. This ensemble could perform at the Steppenwolf Theatre or even the Pantages and no one would feel that their abilities were lacking in any manner.
Proof is a timeless play that could be performed hundreds of years from now with the same resonating effect. With witty moments and a focus on character relationships, the story does not exclude those whose worst nightmares involve math – trust me, I know.
It gives you a rush to watch such great theatre in a small North Hollywood venue. The opening night performance received a standing ovation and I expect no less of the show’s entire run. Proof runs Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons through February 21st at the NoHo Arts Center. For more information or to make reservations, call 323-960-7863.
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