Recommended
When a widowed father is informed that his child has been killed during a protest, he’s forced to consider whether a cash settlement can possibly soothe his grief — causing us to witness how public institutions and
policies, in an attempt to remain impartial, reduce tragedy to a transaction that ignores emotional needs of individuals.
This somewhat mystical world premiere production by Tarell Alvin McCraney has Mr. Mano (Michael Potts) receiving advice from his dead son Marcus (Glenn Davis) who wants him to take the money and run.
In the meantime, Mr. Mano is under intense pressure from three government representatives — each played amusingly with varied personas by Alana Arenas — to accept their settlement offer.
While processing all of this, the father reviews his relationship with his now lost child who has transitioned from adored daughter Elizabeth to young adult activist Eli (Esco Jouley). It apparently has caused some previous conflict between them which Mano has worked diligently to resolve and now must reconcile.
Directed by Awoye Timpo each member of this talented Steppenwolf ensemble put in strong performances led by Potts who sets the emotional tone and rhythm of the story that revolves around his struggle.
The playful banter of Davis as Marcus, and Arenas as the three bumbling bureaucrats combined with the youthful exuberance of Eli’s companions (John Michael Hill and Namir Smallwood) lighten the mood in what could devolve into a particularly oppressive topic.
Details: “Windfall” is at Steppenwolf, 1646 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, through May 31, 2026. Runtime is about 2 hours with a 10-minute intermission. Visit Steppenwolf.org for tickets and information.
Review by Reno Lovison