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Toys in the Attic
By Lillian Hellman
Music by Marc Blitzstein
Directed by Nicolas Minas
Produced by Blindfaith Theatre Company
At the Viaduct Theatre
3111 N. Western ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-250-7130, tickets $18 - $20
Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 4 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission
Through April 15, 2007
Hellman’s 1959 hit comes alive at the Viaduct Theatre
Blindfaith Theatre uses the large main stage at Viaduct Theatre nicely with Dan Tamarkin and Nicolas Minas’ set design that gives hints of the bleak New Orleans house of the Berniers’ sisters. Lillian Hellman’s last hit play, the 1959 Toys in the Attic is a glum affair where the two spinster sisters, Carrie (Pedra O Rourke) and Anna (Lisa May Simpson) are obsessed and over possessive of their charming but weak brother Julian (Jeremy van Meter). Sacrificing their own happiness, the sisters decide to put their lives on hold to assure Julian live the good life.
When he arrives home with his crazy and equally obsessive wife, Lily (Annie Whittington), Julian does, indeed, have loads of cash as he demonstrates that he has finally become successful. The two sisters doubt the veracity of Julian’s story. Lily’ s mother, Albertine Prine (Christine Rosencrans) visits to check up on her daughter since she realizes that Lily has strange behaviors.
Hellman’s themes of unfulfilled dreams, obsessive relationship and evil deeds that lead to tragic events are applied in this compelling drama. The melodrama and directness of Hellman’s dialogue gives the show enough punch to make us hate most of the woman depicted here. The acting was terrific here and if only Pedra O Rourke would slow down her speaking pace a tad, we’d understand her since her rich authentic New Orleans accent that demands a slower pace. Kudos to Blindfaith Theatre for tackling a dense and tough play and delivering a enjoyable show. Hellman fans need to see this play.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2007
Jeff Recommended
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