Mitchell Bisschop in Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago. (Photo by Sarah Elizabeth Larsen)
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Mike Royko was an outspoken Chicago journalist, who in the 1960s through the ’90s railed against the political machine and championed the cause of the underdog with the same zeal he displayed toward his beloved Cubs.
Playwright and monologist Mitchell Bisschop has distilled thousands of Royko’s daily reflections of life in the Windy City to fashion a one-man show he wrote and stars in. It celebrates the person Bisschoph has dubbed, Royko: The Toughest Man in Town.
From the stage at the Chopin Theatre in Wicker Park, Royko’s written words come alive, reminding us of past political battles, every day joys and poignant personal dramas.
Royko had a sense for what was on the mind of Chicagoans. Many agreed with his observations and many did not, causing nearly everyone to say, “Did you read Royko?”
It’s safe to say that Royko disliked Richard J. Daley and his machine politics, catsup on hotdogs and deep-dish pizza, maybe as much as he appreciated Harold Washington, 16 inch softball and his favorite seat at the end of the bar at the Billy Goat Tavern near the newspapers (otherwise known as Royko’s other office).
Then of course there were the ribs. Royko loved to bar-b-que and felt his ribs were the best. This boast led to the establishment of the Royko Ribfest in 1982, a Chicago tradition that continues.
When Australian media magnate Rupert Murdoch bought the Sun-Times (the newspaper where he worked), Royko quipped that “No self-respecting fish would want to be wrapped in one of Murdoch’s publications.”
He proverbially held his nose in protest and reluctantly moved to the more conservative, right leaning Chicago Tribune.
The roughly two-hour performance at the Chopin Theatre serves as a reminiscence for those of a certain age and as an entertaining summary of our recent history for those of a younger generation who might not have first-hand familiarity with events related to the quickly fading recent past.
I tend to feel everyone has a story to tell, but we do not have a record of most of them. Indeed, there is an echo to history and lessons to be learned for those interested enough to listen.
Royko stood up for what he believed and pushed back against bullies like those who felt that they had a right to abuse him simply because he was courageous enough to share his thoughts. I guess this is why Bisschop calls him the toughest man in Chicago.
Details: “Royko: The toughest man in Chicago,” is at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street, Chicago, IL now through December 22, 2024. Running time: about 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission. Find tickets at royko.brownpapertickets.com and more information at Chopin or call (847)920-7714.
Reno Lovison
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