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The Piano Tuner
Based on the novel by Daniel Mason
Adapted by James E. Grote
Directed by Jonathan Berry
At Lifeline Theatre
6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-761-4477, tickets $24 - $26
Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 4 & 8 pm
Sundays at 5:30 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission
Through March 25, 2007
Sprawling sage beautifully presented by Lifeline Theatre
James E. Grote and Lifeline Theatre have mounted an impressive production of Daniel Mason’s novel, The Piano Tuner. Scenic designer Alan Donahue together with Joshua Horvath’s sound design and Kevin D. Gawley’s lighting made The Piano Tuner into a sprawling saga of one man’s journey toward enlightenment and self-fulfillment. Lifeline Theatre specializes in adapting novels into terrific stage plays and this superb show is a most compelling exemplar the talents and dedication of the ensemble at Lifeline Theatre. They have this niche down pat.
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Patrick Blashill is outstanding as Edgar Drake, the piano tuner. He is the timid Victorian Londoner who is recruited by the British War Office to travel to Burma to tune a piano owner by an influential British Army officer instrumental in establishing peace in a lawless section of Burma where England is determined to control as an edition to their Empire. Drake’s journey (both physically and metaphorically) is a vast journey that takes him from England to the continent through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea toward India and onto Burma. Lifeline’s vivid set and the amazingly talented ensemble made Drake’s journey an engrossing pleasure to experience.
Shole Milos, Fawzia Mirza, Yosh Hayashi, Eric Martig, and Danny Bernardo were all marvelous in multiple roles that necessitate an assortment of accents including British, Indian and Burmese among others. This quick-changing ensemble deftly took Drake (and the audience) into the exotic world of the Far East in 1866. This mysterious journey finds Drake emerging from the shy mechanic to an idealistic self-fulfilled adventurer. This tale has Drake meeting the charismatic British doctor/soldier Anthony Carroll who runs a medical clinic that helps unite the warring tribes in rural Burma. Kurt Ehrmann is commanding as the mysterious British officer. Carroll uses the piano as peace symbol to impress the natives. Drake becomes intoxicated with the charms and customs of the Far East. He realizes that the only chance for peace in the jungle lies in the power of music. We see Drake emerge into a most confident and idealistic person. We enjoy his adventures as this ambitious production grabs us at the start and carries us vicariously into Drake’s journey.
Patrick Blashill and Kurt Ehrmann anchor the saga with their nuanced performances. I enjoyed this show and my friend observed that Grote’s adaptation was true to Mason’s novel. This is a strong dramatic work with excellent ensemble performances on an innovative set. A wonderful time awaits.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2007
Jeff Recommended
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