THE MAN WHO SAVED EVERYTHING by Carol Kaufman Segal

            The Man Who Saved Everything is an original drama by Benjamin Suglia playing at Theatre West in Los Angeles.  It is about a man with a problem, a man who could not rid himself of anything that had to do with his life.

            Berry (David Mingrino) left home before his adulthood to further his education.  When his aging parents needed help, he returned to care for them.  After both passed away, Barry stayed on, and what overcame him can be a mystery.  He became obsessed with every single thing in the house, treasuring all in order to retain memories of his youth and the memories of his parents.           

            After years, what Barry considered his collection, became a clutter beyond imagination, and he is faced with a tremendous problem.  His entire neighborhood has outlived its time and is being demolished in order to be redeveloped.  Actually, Barry’s house is the only one still standing.  He is in danger of being forced out by police.

            Barry’s longtime friend from college, Chuck (James J. Cox) and his niece Darla (Ashley Victoria Robinson), concerned about his health and the fact that he will be forced out of the house, try everything they can to make him realize he has to leave.  But how can he?   We watch him facing his dilemma as he walks about looking at and touching items throughout the house, wondering what will happen to him when he no longer has his memories to keep him alive.

            Hoarding is a mental disorder as well a health problem but rarely recognized as such, therefore, rarely treated.   Suglia took on a difficult subject, but tried to give audiences an insight into the subject without offering answers to it.  Other members of the cast include Julia Silverman (Mother), Suzanne Collins sharing the role of Mother, and Alan Schack (Father),  directed by Michael VanDuzer.  

            The Man Who Saved Everything plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 PM, through September 23, at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles.  There will be talkbacks after each Sunday matinee.  Tickets are available by calling (323) 851-7977, or online at www.theatrewest.org.