The History of Bowling is thankfully not about the history of bowling. This comedy by Mike Ervin being produced by the Know Theatre Tribe is about people with disabilities finding love, respect and acceptance as “normal” people.

        Chuck, a quadriplegic in his 30s who has decided to start college, meets Lou, an idealistic girl from his required phys ed class who is partnered with him to write a term paper about bowling. Soon Chuck falls in love with Lou, then they spend a semester dating, fighting, getting back together, etc.

        Along the way, we hear lots of stories from Chuck and Lou. Typical is Chuck's telling of having been in a condescending Bowling Buddies league where handicapped kids went bowling with “normal” kids and the games were rigged so that he never threw a gutter ball.

        “In life, there's gutter balls,” he pleads as he experiences some with Lou.

        As a play, The History of Bowling has a predictable plot and is often overwritten. The characters tell us a lot about what they are thinking and where they have been, but show us too little in the way of dramatic interaction.

        But Mr. Ervin (who is a writer and disability rights activist in Chicago) gives his subject a refreshing take with intriguing insight.

        The play is full of funny politically incorrect jokes that back up his point of not coddling disability as something too “special” to find humor in — or to connect with. And if the play is a simple boy-meets-girl story at its core, Mr. Ervin seems to be saying: So what? Why does a play about a quadriplegic guy have to be tragic or solely about his alleged limitations?

        Brian Kidd strikes the right balance as Chuck, showing both the bitterness of having been pandered to his whole life, but also the intelligent confidence of a man who insists he has never experienced suffering.

        As spunky Lou, Rochelle Halter is expressive as she reveals how her shame of how her epilepsy has shaped her life.

        Michael Heekin scores as Chuck's scheming blind and deaf roommate. Makoto I. Nikaidoh is amusing as the sadistic phys ed teacher.

        Director Jay B. Kalagayan does not use a lot of imagination in his staging, but he keeps the story focused and moving.

        The History of Bowling doesn't get a strike, but it picks up the spare.
       ×mr.,5
       The History of Bowling, through Oct. 27, Know Theatre Tribe, Gabriel's Corner, Liberty and Sycamore, (513) 871-1429.

KIESEWETTER: We love 'Lucy' 50 years later
'I Love Lucy' trivia
Film world struggles to find its role
Movies affected by Sept. 11 attacks
Ballet crew finds kindness in Russia Sept. 11
Maria replaces Clara in new 'Nutcracker'
Ballet fans will miss Russians
Jones' dance routines reveal some secrets
DEMALINE: Kids dinner theater gets second act
Bouncy 'Twelfth Night' takes unlikely dark turn
'Bowling' a funny take on love and disability
Bowlwright looks out for logs
Martial-arts belts symbolize accomplishment
DAUGHERTY: With this ring, I vow to 'discuss' and 'cuddle'
Sweet on sweet potatoes
Very best Oktoberfest is Munich's
Cyber chat continues in print
Get to it
KENDRICK: Down syndrome can mean full life
NBC's comedies survive first night of 'Survivor 3'