Tom Williams Only Aaron knows what Katie really wants. As the story unfolds, we see how Aaron reacts and comments on all the family dynamics with complete and ofter perceptive candor. During the fast-paced direction by Scott Weinstein, we witness the awakening of each family member as ultimately the underlying love carries the family through their struggles.
It begs questions that no family wants , but needs to address: how do you stop a violent mind? What should you do when all the warning signs are there that your emotionally troubled and apparently sociopath son may express his internal rage outwardly on society. Can anyone stop him before it is too late? Is his play fiction or does it foretell his plan?
Bedroom Farce is filled with exaggerated and improbable situations, crazy plots and much hilarious physical comedy. Ayckbourn has created an empathetic group of characters who are manically played by an inspired cast Wordplay, clever physical movements, absurdity, and extremely over-played characterizations mark this entertaining farce.
Over the 90 minute one act played out in one week , the unique bond formed by a precocious teen and her middle aged uncle reaches into their souls as each face their realities allowing them to get on with their lives. William Petersen nicely lets Rae Gray command the stage as he patiently waits for her to get her daemons out before reacting.
I was pleasantly surprised at the innovative work from the talented young choreographers assembled by Thodos Dance Chicago under the leadership of Melissa Thodos. I’m discovering that Chicago, indeed, has a thriving dance community and that Thodos Dance sure as a group of creatively gifted dancers and choreographers
With all the above, still the music and the band carry us through Rooms: A Rock Romance. Lovers of punk rock music will enjoy this show. The folks at Broken Nose Theatre have mounted a passable show that was a near miss hit. If only…
There is dignity to this story as we empathize and learn to love Aaron; respect Happy and grieve with Elizabeth. The depth the Meyer’s Aaron, Garcia’s Happy and Thulin’s Elizabeth reach through their lives makes Fallow a compelling drama. The themes of hope, total acceptance and the search for one’s place in life are effectively presented. Aaron and Happy put faces on hopeful individuality that seem to emerge despite the ugliness of society. Fallow is heartfelt, well written, and nicely staged and acted play that will leave you glad you meet Aaron and Happy
The Casuals could use a clearer timeline earlier on but eventually if you stay with the story, the payoff is there. We see how the conformity and basic trust folks had in the 50’s allowed families to hide shameful events and allowed government to hide dangerous activities. Bone and Swanson’s script is subtle, insightful, and accurate in depicting the values of American society in post-war era. Their story is a precursor to the radical changes that happened in the 60’s
Simpatico is a darkly comic and full of eccentric characters each suffering from the scars of past encounters. Each have been shaped by the actions taken years ago; each still haunted by their choices. Sam Shepard’s characters are usually extreme, flawed and self-destructive
Clifford Odets’ revolutionary work first produced by the Group Theatre using “agit-prop” theatre techniques. This work utilizes actor surrounding the audience to arouse responses and to break the ‘fourth walk.’ While a tad dated, Waiting For Lefty is still a classic warning to big corporations not to continue to oppress the American working class. In the 1930′s the play was a huge success and it was mounted all over the country even in union halls. It ignited a strong reaction and it aided union recruiting.