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Daughters, Sisters, Mothers
Four one acts by David Mamet
Almost Done
Directed by Ann Filmer
Reunion
Directed by Ann Filmer
Jolly
Directed by Rick Snyder
Dark Pony
Directed by Ann Filmer
At the Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL
Call 312-443-3800
In repertory as part of the David Mamet Festival
Through April 22, 2006
More mature Mamet one acts enjoyable
The Daughters, Sisters, Mothers segment of Mamet one acts were indicative of the wit and biting sting of Mamet’s dialogue.
In Almost Done, Bethany Caputo relays s childhood memory of a long hike through the snow that turns into a meditation on the learned lesson of aging. This optimistic 10 minute piece was engagingly presented with sparkle by Caputo.
Reunion, directed by Ann Filmer, is a 50 minute tense encounter between an aging drunk, Bernie (Danny Goldring in a marvelous performance) and his estranged daughter, Carol (Bethany Caputo). This subtle reunion is filled with terrific indirection that demonstrates the pain associated with a father and daughter as they try to establish a bond after too many years apart. There is a strong unspoken chemistry between Goldring and Caputo that makes this play worthy.
Jolly, directed with gusto by Rick Snyder, is Mamet taking a shot at family angst as two siblings and a husband get drunk lambasting their departed mother. Bobby (Joe Dempsey) and his sister Jolly (Rengin Altay) still feel the negative influence of their hated dead mother. Filled with bittersweet Mamet-speak, the work is a bleak story of how family bonds can haunt the children long after the parents are gone. This 35 minute piece was strongly played by Rengin Altay as the not so jolly, Jolly.
Dark Pony, directed by Ann Filmer, finds Danny Goldring wonderfully, in full storytelling mode, trying to comfort his young daughter with a cute telling of a legend of the fearless Dark Pony. Goldring uses an American Indian tone complete with sound effects to effectively tell his yarn. Mamet demonstrates his talent for creating compelling legends in this charming piece.
This group of Mamet short plays works well and is wonderfully acted to produce another terrific part of the Mamet Festival.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago Podcast
Date reviewed April 7, 2006
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