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girl, 20
By Ellen Fairey
Directed by Matt Miller
Produced by Serendipity Theatre Company
In association with Terrapin Theatre
At the Athenaeum Theatre
2936 N. Southport
Chicago, IL
Call 773-296-0163, tickets $15
Thursdays & Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 5 & 8 PM
Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission
Through February 18, 2006
girl, 20 is a riveting psychological drama
Serendipity Theatre wants to “provide a forum for social dialogue” and its latest world premiere, girl, 20, tightly written by Ellen Fairey, certainly will stimulate dialogue from audiences members after the show. This is a well-crafted psychological drama that creeps up on you as it delves into complicated world of obsession, voyeurism and the human need to connect through self expression. I was immensely impressed with this world premiere.
Ellen Fairey has an accurate understanding of the college male as she adroitly creates Marty (the talented Rob Belushi), the nonchalant, hedonistic undergrad AV student and film buff who tries to bond with the wound-too-tight grad student, Sam (Walter Thon in a nicely inner-directed turn). Set in the Psychology Department’s observation room armed with a video camera, students come for counseling and agree to have their cessions observed and taped for research.
As Marty tried to loosen-up Sam, we learn much about each and we quickly realize that Sam is obsessed with a female student he observes and later identified as Jade (Rachel Sondag in a quite believable performance). Director Matt Miller smoothly builds the dramatic tension toward a plausible yet unexpected turn that has been well crafted and foreshadowed throughout the show’s development.
Without giving away the plot, let me say that Fairey demonstrates a keen understanding of the dynamics of young adults as she weaves the character development into a smart, provocative conclusion that works on several levels. The underlying themes of observation, trust, bonding and betrayal are cleverly delivered by the three actors. The chemistry between Belushi and Thon is ripe with enough tension to pack a wallop. Ellen Fairey is a playwright to watch as she is deft at characterization. The 20-30something crowd will love this play. I enjoy a tense psychological drama nicely mounted like girl, 20. This show will stimulate spirited debate. And that’s a good thing.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
This show eligible for a Non-Equity C.S.T. Theatre Award
Talk Theatre in Chicago Radio Show
January 8, 2006
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