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Gray City
by Keith Huff
Reviewed by Al Bressloff
Date Reviewed: Fenruary 26, 2007
There are many "little theaters" in the Chicago area, some can be seen from the street and others are hidden away in areas where one would never consider seeing a play. Tonight I visited the Peter Jones Gallery, an art loft located at 1806 Cuyler ( just North of Irving Park Rd and just west of the Ravenswood train tracks). You go up the stairs to the 2nd floor and there in the art gallery is a small, very intimate theater ( probably 38-40 seats, but comfy) where Premiere Theatre & Performance is presenting the world premiere of Chicago playwright Keith Huff's "Gray City", a two person play in 90 minutes without an intermission.
This is a story that takes place in Hyde Park at The University of Chicago campus. Mickey( Scott Stangland) and Katie ( Anna Carini ) have been set up by their roommates ( who are a couple) and meet in a local bar. Mickey is a farm boy from Wisconsin who has had many struggles in his life and works hard to stay in school. Katie comes from money and is very bright. Despite their differences there is some chemistry in the meeting and they kiss. He leaves and she stays behind, not being allowed back at the dorm for awhile so her roommate can have some time with her boyfriend. In the next scene we find that Katie has been raped while walking through the park at 2 a.m.. Mickey comes to visit her and they become more than just friends, they become "soul mates".
What follows in this highly dramatic story filled with lots of emotions- is a love story that does not end as we would like it to. The happiness that we see growing and the pure love between these two characters comes to a very uneasy conclusion which I will not divulge so that the element of surprise remain. Mr. Huff's title is based on the fact that everything is not black and white ( defined) and that what happens to them is filled with grayness as they experience a different type of learning and despite what appears to be a great love, their own histories, upbringing and ideals cause the ending of the story to be something other than what the audience might anticipate. Director Anna C. Bahow does a masterful job on this very small stage ( she also designed the set)and Mr. Huff's video images projected behind the actor during scene changes with some wonderful musical interludes are exceptional Chicago sights and people bringing the action together.
A two character play is never easy as the entire story relies on these two people, but in this case, Ms. Bahow has cast the roles perfectly. Ms. Carini is delightful as Katie and we do see her grow as a person during the unfolding of this story. Mr. Stangland also matures as the story progresses and we learn more about some of his secrets. They are fine actors and we can see the chemistry as they grow together and when the "incident" takes place, we can see the changes in them as well. This is pure theater as we the audience are really looking into the invisible fourth wall.
"Gray City" will run through March 31st with performances as follows:
Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 6 and 9 p.m.
There is a special benefit performance on Sunday, March 25th at 7 p.m.**
Ticket prices are $15.00
$12.00 for students with ID's
** $25 but includes refreshments.
Ticket prices are suggested donations and are very reasonable for quality theater. Since this is a small venue, I suggest you make reservations right away by calling 773-250-7055.
There is street parking in the area and the theater is easily reached by taking the Brown Line and getting off at Irving Park- walk one block North and you are there.
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