Shyness

Les Drew (The Dingles) has created another winner in this lighthearted look at "shyness," which uses the model of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to humorously explore valid psychological treatments. When a mad doctor and his diminutive, vaguely misshapen helper Trevor turn the familiar assemblage of body parts into a living, breathing man, they discover--to the doctor's horror--that he "won't make eye contact," has butterflies in his stomach, and is taking shallow breaths. In a word, he's stressed from the social contact. While Trevor--the callow, practical sort--suggests replacing the monster's brain, the doctor takes a kinder, gentler route: sock puppets. Through sock puppets, the monster is able to tell the doctor his concerns (I'm too tall...my feet are big...I'm ugly), while the doctor offers various treatment ideas (join a club, find a significant other, etc.) A funny look at a common human condition. Recommended. Aud: E, I, J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)