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Heroes and Villains
By Daniel Janoff
Directed by Anthony Moseley
Produced by Collaboraction
At the Theatre Building Chicago
1225 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-327-5252, http://collaboraction.typepad.com/
Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
Additional Saturday matinees at 3 pm Sept 13 & 20
Running time is 100 minutes with intermission
Through September 21, 2008
Slow pace and lack of focus hurts promising “Heroes and Villains”
Local Chicago playwright, Daniel Janoff’s first full-length play, “Heroes and Villains” suffers from both production flaws and writing ambiguity. Questionable casting choices also contributed to a most lack luster premiere. Somewhere hidden here is a worthy play wanting to surface. The play is billed as a romantic comedy but there were few laughs evident. “Heroes and Villains” is part mystery, part allegory and part romance that hints at the essence of a hero mystique. What I witnessed was a romance between Sunshine Merritt (the never smiling Wendy Weber) and the totally miscast Peter Defaria as the beautician Rhett Benton. There was little stage chemistry and no romantic spark between the sullen Weber and the ill-at-ease Defaria. Their romance played out as a contrivance by the playwright. Better the play deals more directly about the role and mythology of a hero.
The play is set in a beauty salon that doubles as a saloon at night. The press notes state that the story is about Chuck Benton (Danny Goldring), “a quiet, unassuming man, who has an entire town, as well as the world, convinced that he is a superhero.” But Chuck emerges as a minor fringe character more symbol than human. The play centers on the sullen and unlikable Sunshire who comes to the small town to debunk Chuck as a hero. When she encounters Rhett, Chuck’s son, the hairdresser, a romance ensues sort of. I never did buy the essence of a romance between Sunshine and Rhett. Maybe the slow pacing and the many gaps between lines of dialogue and the often moving of the sets hindered the dramatic tension. It was as if the play was in slow motion.
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The contrived plot element that has Sunshine threatening to cut off Chuck’s pension unless she sees proof that he is a hero, is a stretch in credulity. Ha? The town turns on Sunshine but Rhett is still interested in her. Ha? I also had a problem understanding what makes a beautician the hero in a small town? What magic does he attain as he looks into the eyes of his customers. Ha? I just don’t get the symbolism here. I guess everyday guys are really heroes? Ha? When Chuck does another heroic act, Sunshine should be convinced—but is she? You be the judge. This play has some fine moments.
This confusing play tries to tell multiple stories that resulted in a muddled work. The mystery element about Chuck as a hero needs to dominant and the romance should be down played. Also, the Rhett character needs to be developed more. As presented, “Heroes and Villains’ needs to be tightened, trimmed and rethought. Mysteries work better with quick paced, focused scenes that build up the dramatic tension. Once that happens, Janoff’s play could emerge as worthy.
Somewhat Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2008
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