LICH
Program for the "Total Child"
Itís no fun having to go to the hospital, and itís
even worse if youíre a child. But children at Long
Island College Hospital (LICH) last Wednesday had
their spirits lifted by House, a 30-minute opera with
characters dressed in zany, colorful costumes, fun
effects and talented performers.
Children of all ages - many with IVs attached, some
wearing masks - and their caring adults who filled
the childrenís therapeutic playroom on the pediatric
ward, were entranced by the opera about a magic house
and the mischief it caused. Produced by the Remarkable
Theater Brigade, composed of Monica Harte, executive
director; Christian McLeer, artistic director; and
Dan Jeselsohn, technical director, House features
six young dancers and singers who play a scientist,
a football player, a table-lamp, door, mailbox and
other characters. The rag-style electronic music complemented
the playersí pure, operatic voices which wowed the
children and adults on the ward.
House was composed by McLeer while he was finishing
his degree at Manhattan School of Music. "We
get young professional singers and dancers and tour
around to special needs and at-risk kids for free,"
McLeer said after the show. "We've toured the
Ronald McDonald House, the Leukemia Society ... But
we want to expose them to opera and dance. We slip
it in with all the electronic sounds theyíre used
to in commercial music, like electronic guitar and
distorted bass. We make sure you can hear the singers
over the music; itís important to us that the words
be heard."
According to Jerilyn Kaplan, Director of LICH's Child-Life
Program, the Remarkable Theater Brigade volunteered
their production as part of LICHís program to provide
total emotional and physical care to sick children.
ìWeíre trying to help the total child,î she said.
Kaplan is a former teacher who now runs the playroom,
stocked with toys and activities for children of all
ages, and coordinates the volunteer entertainers who
give their time to the kids.
"Kids come in here with their IV's, or I go
bedside and play games. Some are wearing masks, they
are having chemo ... After the show the players go
bedside to interact with kids who are not ambulating,
kids isolated with AIDs. We go in there with gloves,
gowns and masks," Kaplan said.
She explained that a clown visits the children once a week,
and that this Wednesday the entertainer Loonie Louie will
volunteer his services. In addition to entertainment and play,
the hospital provides a teacher for students whose studies are
interrupted by their stay.
The playroom could use donations, Kaplan said. To learn
more, call 718-780-4740. For more information about the
Remarkable Theater Brigade, call 718-582-7372.
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2004
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