The porch where folk music reconnects a family

 

The Porch on Windy Hill, Morgan Morse, Lisa Helmi Johanson, David M. Lutken. (Photo courtesy of Northlight)
The Porch on Windy Hill,
Morgan Morse, Lisa Helmi Johanson, David M. Lutken. (Photo courtesy of Northlight)

4 Stars

 Maybe I’m a sucker for how folk music tells stories of other cultures while also leading to life changing experiences.

I loved “Once” since seeing it downtown Chicago years ago and just recently at Writers Theatre in Glencoe.

Steeped in Irish folk music and movement, the play brings an Irish musician/songwriter back from the brink of self-destruction as “Girl” whom he meets, convinces him his music is listening-worthy.

Then, this weekend, I fell in love with “The Porch on Windy Hill,” a bluegrass musical presented by Northlight Theatre in Skokie.

The play reunites Mira, a classical violinist, with Edgar, her Appalachian grandfather, a noted blue-grass musician living in the North Carolina mountains.

Ostensibly, the reason they see each other again is because Mira’s partner Beckett’s doctoral dissertation is on folk music cultures and they needed a break from their Brooklyn apartment where they were cooped up during the pandemic.

Lisa Helmi Johanson, David M. Lutken, Morgan Morse in The Porch on Windy Hill
Lisa Helmi Johanson, David M. Lutken, Morgan Morse in The Porch on Windy Hill

All three characters are really fine musicians and Mira, played by Lisa Heimi Johanson, has a terrific voice. So basically, audiences are treated to an exceptional “wingding” or “hootenanny.” But there is a backstory.

Beckett, portrayed by Morgan Morse, keeps trying to get Mira to explain why there appears to be a disconnect between her and her grandfather, called “Gar,” played by David M. Lutken.

Clues are dropped along the way by Mira who is biracial as she notices some changes around the old homestead. When Gar mentions that new families are moving into the area, she wonders if and how they are accepted.

When pressed again by Beckett, Mira, whose mom is from Appalachia and whose father is Korean, finally said, “It’s complicated.” Later, she admitted she felt her grandfather didn’t approve of the union because of his behavior towards her and her family.

Conceived and directed by Sherry Lutken, “The Porch on Windy Hill,” was written by Sherry Lutken and its actors: Lisa Heimi Johanson, Morgan Morse and David M. Lutken.

Set designer Mara, Ishihara Zinky, came up with the perfect porch and housefront for the play’s joyful music and serious discussion. 

Details: “The Porch on Windy Hill” continues through May 14, 2023, at Northlight Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Running time: 2 hrs., 10 min. with one intermission. For tickets and other information visit Northlight Theatre.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Marriott show hits it out of the ballpark

Daniella Dalli and Ron E. Rains as Meg and Joe Boyde in Damn Yankees at Marriott Theatre (Photos by Liz Lauren)
Daniella Dalli and Ron E. Rains as Meg and Joe Boyde in Damn Yankees at Marriott Theatre (Photos by Liz Lauren)

Highly Recommended

The choreography and dancers in Marriott Theatre’s “Damn Yankees” were so amazing opening night (April 19, 2023) I could have sworn that Rachel Rockwell, an extraordinary director and choreographer who died in 2018, had somehow returned.

Instead, we are now lucky to have Broadway and TV choreographer/actor/dancer Tyler Hanes and film/ theater/actor/director James Vasquez taking on a Marriott production.

In their hands, “Damn Yankees,” a musical comedy from 1955, still connects with baseball fans who love their team and hate the umpires’ calls. It also brings to life the dreamers who want a chance to hit it out of the ballpark. 

With a clever book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop and memorable music and lyrics (You’ve gotta have “Heart”) by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, the show’s timing is so right for baseball’s spring season when anything can happen including the Chicago Cubs’ winning streak as of opening night.

Sean Fortunato. as Applegate in Damn Yankees
Sean Fortunato. as Applegate in Damn Yankees

And that true but improbable fact is without the help (we believe) of the show’s Faust-like character of Applegate played with perfection by long time TV, film, regional and Marriott actor Sean Fortunato.

He makes a deal with avid Washington Senators fan Joe Boyd, well portrayed by TV, Marriott and regional theater performer Ron E. Rains, to be transformed into the Senators’ savior.

Enter the new Boyd who is now young baseball phenom, Joe Hardy, brilliantly interpreted by Andrew Alstat, (Papermill, MUNY, et al), in his Marriott debut.

The kicker for Applegate and the connecting cord that makes Joe Hardy totally believable is love of Joe Boyd’s wife, Meg, played by Daniella Dalli.

Anyone who saw Marriott’s 2022 Jeff Award winning “The Sound of Music” will remember Dalli’s powerful voice as the Mother Abbess.

, Andrew Alstat as JJoe Hardy tries to back off from Lola played by Michelle Aravena.
,Andrew Alstat as Joe Hardy tries to back off from Lola played by Michelle Aravena.

The other notable part is Lola as in the song, “Whatever Lola wants.” Brought on board by Applegate to diffuse Joe Hardy’s love for Meg, the plan backfires as Lola, played by Broadway and National Tour star Michelle Aravena, changes from sexy vamp to an understanding girl who has fallen for Hardy.

The production has a large (more than 20 members), experienced supporting cast that includes Porchlight Music Theater and Drury Lane Theatre regulars Lorenzo Rush, Jr as Van Buren, the team’s manager, and Erica Stephan as the persistent reporter, Gloria Thorpe.

The Washington Senators in Mariott theatre's Damn Yankees
The Washington Senators in Mariott Theatre’s Damn Yankees

It’s easy to get caught up in the action on stage. But audiences should pay attention to the really fine music produced by conductor/keyboardist Noah Landis and his orchestra.

In addition, costume designer Theresa Ham nailed the period and baseball uniforms.

Details: “Damn Yankees” is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, now through June 4, 2023. Running time: about 2 hours, 15 minutes with one intermission. For tickets and other information visit Damn Yankees | Show (marriotttheatre.com) or call (847) 634-0200.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

 

Masterful ‘Cherry Orchard’ at Goodman Theatre

 

(L-R) Francis Guinan, Kate Fry and Christopher Donahue in Anton Chekhov’s 'The Cherry Orchard' Photos by Liz Lauren
:(L-R) Francis Guinan, Kate Fry and Christopher Donahue in Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Cherry Orchard’ Photos by Liz Lauren

Highly Recommended

Rich and masterful, “The Cherry Orchard” serves as a triumphant curtain for Robert Falls’ Goodman Theatre tenure.

If one had to choose a perfect ending for Robert Falls’ three-decade career as Artistic Director at the Goodman Theatre, his production of “The Cherry Orchard” would be it.

Anton Chekhov is Falls’ favorite playwright next to Shakespeare, and he purposely chose this play to close out his illustrious career.

“The Cherry Orchard” is Chekhov’s final play, written before his death in 1904. It deals with a failing Russian aristocracy, love, loss, and issues of class in society.

Make no mistake, “The Cherry Orchard” is billed as a comedy through witty dialogue, fall-down laughing antics, and squeaky boots.

Yet the audience is consumed with sadness throughout the production due to memories of painful loss from the generations who lived and died on that estate.

L-R) Matt DeCaro, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Kate Fry, Alejandra Escalante and Kareem Bandealy in Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard
L-R) Matt DeCaro, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Kate Fry, Alejandra Escalante and Kareem Bandealy in Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard

The plot revolves around widow Madame Lubov Ranevskaya who has just returned to her crumbling estate right before its auction to pay off her debts. She is lamenting the loss of her precious cherry orchard.

Her family surrounds her in support, yet they all have issues of their own.  

Chekhov’s strategic use of foreshadowing is evident in many places,  letting the viewers know that something bad is about to happen.

The ending is somewhat shocking, but enriches the story and its deeper meaning.

Kate Fry as Lubov Ranyevskaya is the perfect matriarch, showcasing a variety of emotions from frivolity and joy to deep melancholy and despair as to what the future holds.  She is exuberant.

Standouts also include Janet Ulrich Brooks as Carlotta, the governess who also has a few magic tricks up her sleeve, and Stephen Cefalu as perpetual student Petya Trofimov who represents the play’s moral compass of social justice.

Note the off-stage music played by the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band led by Alex Koffman, in their first collaboration with The Goodman. Their arrangements lend 19th-century authenticity and warmth to the production. 

Kudos to set designer Todd Rosenthal for his exquisite settings that move about the stage in absolute precision. Ana Kuzmanic’s costumes are gorgeous, colorful when need be with themes of red, black, and ivory. Memories of these costumes will stay with you long after the show.

For more background, attend Behind the Curtain (April 22 at 4:30pm)—led by Goodman’s resident dramaturg Neena Arndt. She will lead a conversation with former Goodman artistic director Robert Falls about his fresh take on the last of Chekhov’s four major plays. 

Details: The Cherry Orchard” is at Goodman Theatre through April 30, 2023 in the Albert Theatre.  Running Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. For tickets and more information, go to GoodmanTheatre.org/Cherry or call (312) 443-3800.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

 

Rumors abound at a Neil Simon party

 

'Rumors' cast at Skokie Theatre. (Photo by MadKap Productions)
‘Rumors’ cast at Skokie Theatre. (Photo by MadKap Productions)

Highly Recommended

 The “Rumors” Are True…Skokie Theatre’s Neil Simon Farce is a Smash Hit!

In the years before social media was a “thing,” local gossip was the way to go. How else could people gauge the real social order? Who was cheating on whom?  What was true and what was just a rumor?

Add in that when several people are also politically involved with something to lose if the truth gets out you’ve got real mayhem – or “Rumors,” a hilarious farce from the master of American comedy, Neil Simon.

Welcome to an upscale dinner party hosted by a wealthy New York couple who are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, the party goes terribly wrong.

Guests arrive to discover the host has been shot, the hostess is missing, and the servants have quit.

Produced in 1988, “Rumors” still holds the same caustic bite as when it first came out. The brilliant, fast-paced dialog gives all the actors a chance to shine.

The play stars Erin Renee Baumrucker, Landon Cally, Luke Coleman, Peter Goldsmith, Julie Peterson, Maddy Shilts, Nathan Dale Short, SarahAnn Sutter, Katherine Wettermann, and Lee Wichman.

Ken and_Chris: played by Nathan Sale Short and Erin Renee Baumrucker in Rumors. (Photo by Madcap Productions)
Ken and Chris: played by Nathan Sale Short and Erin Renee Baumrucker in Rumors. (Photo by MadKap Productions)

Standouts include Peterson as Claire Ganz who recently appeared as Ethel Merman in the “Book of Merman” at Skokie Theatre. She is a bubblehead with lots of great lines that keep the audience in stitches

Cally as Lenny Ganz plays a range of emotions. In his final monologue. he makes up an entire story of what really happened to the hosts, Charley and Myra and his performance is stellar.

Kudos to Police Officer Welch, played by Shilts, as no-nonsense in law enforcement as they come.

Directed by Wayne Mell and produced by Wendy Kaplan of MadKap Productions, “Rumors” takes the audience on a hysterical romp through a case of mistaken identity, the constant opening and closing of doors, and a little bit of slapstick thrown in. 

The women’s costumes, headed by custom designer Wendy Kaplan and wardrobe mistress Patti Halajian, are exquisite and elegant. How lucky, the actresses get to wear them all night long.

Details:  Rumors is playing at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Avenue in Downtown Skokie through April 23. Running time: 2 and a half hours with one 15-minute intermission. For tickets, go to skokietheatre.org or call 847-677-7761. The 2023-24 season starts in June with “Hair.”

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Voices make this Carmen shine

 

Carmen at Lyric Opera now through April 7. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg)
Carmen at Lyric Opera now through April 7. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg)

3 stars

Carmen, George Bizet’s brazen break with opera traditions when it debuted in Paris in 1875, is the perfect vehicle to introduce high school students to the genre. Indeed, I saw two student groups when at the Wednesday matinee March 15.

An opera that portrays a colorful, independent female who makes her own life and lover choices and that is filled with beautiful duets, solos and powerful musical themes, Carmen changed minds from its originally negative reviews to become among the most popular operas of all time.

Few listeners, even non-opera goers could disagree that Act 1’s “Habanera” “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle “ (Love is a rebellious bird), a song with a Cuban beat explaining Carmen’s temperament, and Act 2’s “Toreador Song” sung by the bullfighter Escamillo who would become Carmen’s lover, are easily identifiable as from Carmen.

In addition, the voices are superb. Lyric’s former Ryan Opera Center star, mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, is the sultry Carmen. Famed tenor Charles Castronovo is Don José who drops his home-town girlfriend, Micaëla, and his regiment when seduced by Carmen.

Although audiences are familiar with most of Act 1’s music, the duet of Castronovo and soprano Golda Schultz as Micaëla about a letter and kiss from his mother (“Parle-moi de ma mère!”), drew applause from those listeners who appreciated Schultz’s voice. (She was definitely appreciated in Act 3 when singing her aria, “Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante” as she gathered courage to try to pull José away).  

Baritone Andrei Kymach is fine and appropriately confident as bullfighter Escamillo.

The set design nicely evoked a Spanish square and I still liked the mountains and moon I saw in an earlier Carmen at the Lyric. Of course, Bizet’s music dramatically tells the story. So why did the production feel that something was missing?

The voices were excellent, but except with Schultz, there seemed to be a gauze screen between the singers. I remember when years ago they stood still to sing their arias. Now, opera stars are expected to act their roles so I was looking for more intensity.

Maybe it was the music’s tempo. It’s not supposed to overpower the singers but it wasn’t strong enough in parts.

Or maybe Bridges, who is gorgeous, could up the sultry moves and maybe Castronovo could seem reluctant to leave Micaëla as Carmen tries to pull him in with her teasing.

I definitely recommend this Carmen because the voices are excellent but I left feeling something was missing.

Details:  Carmen is at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., now through April 7, 2023. It’s in French with projected English titles. Running Time: 3 hours 25 minutes with 2 intermissions. For more information call (312) 827-5600 or visit lyricopera.org/carmen.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Charlie Brown stands the test of time

 

Charlie Brown at Marriott Theatre. (Photo by Liz Lauren)
Charlie Brown at Marriott Theatre. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Highly Recommended

A perfect introduction to children’s theatre, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” is a one-hour production in the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences series.

It’s amazing how timeless this musical, written in 1967, continues to be as it highlights the anxieties and insecurities of children in every generation.

Based on the characters created by cartoonist Charles M. Schultz in his comic strip, Peanuts, the play remains delightful in its simplicity and poignancy.

Charlie Brown and his rag-tag group of friends create a series of vignettes that explore life’s great questions and their relationships with one another. Through it, they play baseball, struggle with sibling rivalry, sing and celebrate their own happiness.  

The production stars Patrick Michael Tierney who is a perfect Charlie Brown. Tafadzwa Diener is Lucy who is not only bossy but delivers wonderful vocals as well. Matthew Bettencourt plays Schroeder. Jackson Evans is Linus and Amanda Walker is Sally.

The star of the show really is Andres Enriquez who, as Snoopy, must convey a variety of “doggie” emotions. Hysterical.

 One of the lyrics to the final song, “Happiness,” is “Happiness Is anyone or anything that is loved by you.” Could there be anything sweeter?

This production is directed and choreographed by Linda Fortunatowith musical director/conductor Rick Bertone and musical supervisor Ryan T. Nelson.

The show includes additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and dialogue by Michael Mayer from the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival.

This is the first show in the 2023 Young Audience season. Next up is “Elephant and Piggies: We Are in a Play” from July 14 to August 1.

Details: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, through April 1. For tickets and more information visit Marriott Theatre Charlie Brown and Marriott Theatre.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

A show to see more than ‘Once’

 

Dana Saleh Omar and Matt Mueller in Once at Writers Theatre. (Photo by Michael Brosilow)
Dana Saleh Omar and Matt Mueller in Once at Writers Theatre. (Photo by Michael Brosilow)

3/1/2 Stars

I fell in love with “Once,” a musical based on a John Carney 2007 film, when it first played in Chicago in 2013 and again in 2015.

But the word, “musical,” may erroneously bring images to mind of such full-stage touring shows as “Chicago and “Les Miserable.”

Appearing now at Writers Theatre where it can intimately be performed almost in-the-round, the audience’s focus is on its main characters beautifully portrayed by two popular regional theater actors: Dana Saleh Omar (national tour of “The Band’s Visit) as Girl, and Matt Mueller (“The Play that Goes Wrong” tour) as Guy.

Girl is a sympathetic but stubborn musician who pulls Irish musician/song writer Guy away from severe mental despondency when the person he wrote and sang about leaves him for New York City.

Her vehicle to getting through to him is, surprisingly enough, a Hoover Vac that he can fix for her in his father’s shop where he lives above the store and works when not writing and performing.

The dialogue, a creative play on words often infused in the script, is something like: “It (the Hoover) doesn’t suck,” she tells him. “Are you serious,” he asks. “I’m always serious. I’m Czech,” she says.

On the way to bringing Guy back to a mental state where he wants to live and perform, the audience meets her Czech family, Guy’s father, Da, the Irish bartender and band members.

They all make up the show’s musician/performing cast. And they all, including Girl’s 8-year-old daughter, Ivonka, played by Kajsa Allen, are terrific. (She alternates with 11-year old Viva Boresi.)

As with the national tour production, they also (except for Ivonka) stay on stage, usually seated when not performing. The staging is simple. 

The main differences I found were that the focal point is an upright piano instead of a stocked bar and the musicians/performers had more choreographed stage time that included pre-curtain Irish music.

Kudos to the talented supporting cast: Elisa Carlson (Reza), Yuchi Chiu (Bank Manager), Matt Deitchman (Band music director/ Eamon), Elleon Dobiaa (Ex Girlfriend), Matt Edmonds (Billy), Jordan Golding (Emcee), Lucas Looch Johnson (Svec), Liam Oh (Andre), Ron E Rains (Da) and Bethany Thomas (Baruska).

The show is well directed and choreographed by Katie Spelman with excellent music direction by Deitchman.

 Music and lyrics are by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova with book by Enda Walsh.

“Once” picked up 11 Tony Award nominations in 2012, winning eight awards that included Best Actor, Book and Musical. It had also won the Academy Award for best song “Falling Slowly.”

Details: “Once is at Writers theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe now through April 2, 2023. Running time 2 hrs, 20 min. with one intermission. For more information and tickets visit. Writers Theatre

Jodie Jacobs

 For more shows visit Theatre In Chicago

 

Two Mormans plus one Merman equal total mayhem in ‘Book of Merman’

 

L to R: Danny Ferenczi as Elder Shumway, Julie Peterson as Ethel Merman and. Alex Iacobucci as Elder Braithwaite. (Photo courtesy of MadKap Productions
L to R: Danny Ferenczi as Elder Shumway, Julie Peterson as Ethel Merman and. Alex Iacobucci as Elder Braithwaite. (Photo courtesy of MadKap Productions

 

3 1/2 Stars 

Fans of the late, great Ms. Ethel Merman will love this spoof on the Broadway Diva as it comes to life at Skokie Theatre. The show has everything – memorable music, high-energy dancing, gorgeous costumes, and a heartfelt message about being true to yourself. It’s no wonder the performance was sold out the night we went.

Two Mormon missionaries who are down on their luck in selling souls ring the doorbell of the brash and brassy Ethel Merman. Misunderstandings of all kinds take place and hilarity ensues.

The audience gets the benefits of fabulous show-stopping numbers belted out by the trio. But listen carefully as the lively songs with music and lyrics by Leo Schwartz and book by DC Cathro play off Merman’s greatest hits; some subtle, others not so subtle, because you’ll recognize this legend’s most beloved music among Broadway’s best.

The two Mormon missionaries are played by Alex Iacobucci as Elder Braithwaite and Danny Ferenczi as Elder Shumway who are funny and talented. They will sing and dance their way into your heart. Perhaps if start singing as soon as they ring the doorbell they will get better results!

Julie Peterson is the soul of the show as Ethel Merman. She has the same loud, booming belter voice that was Merman’s trademark.

No wonder. Peterson was the understudy and performer in the role when it launched off-Broadway in 2018. She perfectly captures the mannerisms, intonations, and sassiness of the star.

Produced by Wendy Kaplan of MadKap Productions with Wayne Mell as associate producer, the show is directed and choreographed by Ty Perry. Musical direction is by pianist Jeremy Ramey and percussionist Craig Buckner who sit behind the stage.

Set design is by Scott Richardson, lighting design is by Pat Henderson and kudos once again, to costume designer Patti Halajian whose dresses for Ethel are simply dazzling.  

In Act 2, the show changes and real identities step forward giving the audience new appreciation for the characters and the show.

Concluding the season for Skokie Theatre is Neil Simon’s hilarious farce, “Rumors,” March 31 to April 25, 2023.

Details: “Book of Merman” is at Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in downtown Skokie, IL through Feb 26, 2023. Run time: 2 hours with one intermission. For information and tickets visit SkokieTheatre.org or call (847) 677-7761.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

 

Profound Citadel play tackles religious divides

 

L-R (far back) Ellen Phelps,(front left) Abby Chafe), Scott Phelps and Manny Sevilla in 'The Christians' at Citadel Theatre. (Photo by North Shore Camera Club)
L-R (far back) Ellen Phelps, (front left) Abby Chafe), Scott Phelps and Manny Sevilla in ‘The Christians’ at Citadel Theatre. (Photo by North Shore Camera Club)

4 Stars

No matter what the religion espoused at home, “The Christians,” an Obie Award winning drama by Lucas Hnath, is bound to provoke discussion on the way home.

A remarkable production in both acting and set design, the play does not advocate a specific organized religion but raises theological questions about heaven, hell, G..d, the bible, sin and why members attend – all in an approximately 80 minutes of action and debate.

The setting is primarily Pastor Paul’s mega-church, enhanced by Pangaea Technology’s grid of 90 two-foot-square, state of the art digital video monitors to crate the church’s large interior. Also creating the right look are Intelligent Lighting Creations, BI (background Images), cinematographer Ian Merrin and scenic designer Johnathan Berg-Einhorn.

Audience members immediately become part of the congregation as Pastor Paul, played by Scott Phelps, walks in through the same door they used to enter, and welcomes the people he passes to the service.

Phelps then proceeds to mesmerize the audience with the first part of Hnath’s viewpoints in his sermon followed by theological disagreements argued by Associate Pastor Joshua, well portrayed Manny Sevilla.

Adding to the interplay are temperate thoughts from Church Elder Jay, quietly presented by actor Frank Nall, and agitated disagreement from Pastor Paul’s wife, Elizabeth, played by Scott Phelps wife, Ellen Phelps. (Both the Phelps are also production managers.)

 In addition, Jenny, a congregant played with just the right emotional intensity by Abby Chafe, relays the problems she is facing from people who agree with the now former Pastor Joshua.

Members of Forte Chicago singers are in the choir who seem to be seated behind a screen at the back of the stage.

Tying it all together to create an atmosphere about to explode atmosphere is Director Scott Westerman who explains in the program how important the particular technical aspects used by Citadel are to a production on stage in the age of Zoom and selfies.

His note also raises meaningful questions about being good and doing good, rightness and righteousness and the source of people’s beliefs.  

Hnath certainly deserves the Obie and Citadel and its excellent actors and crew deserve the standing ovation they received opening night.

Details: “The Christians” is at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL, now through March 12, 2023.

For tickets and more information visit Citadel Theatre

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

 

Imagine what can happen in a Cooney Farce

(Top l-r) Aimee Kleiman, Debra Rodkin, Declan Poll bottom David Whitlock and Tim Walsh) Photo by North Shore Camera Club

Recommended

Instead of going the Dickens or Christmas Story route, Citadel Theatre is doing “It Runs in the Family,” a classic British farce by comedic playwright Ray Cooney of “Run For Your Wife” and “Funny Money” fame. 

Its setting is a London hospital right before Christmas where presents for children are hidden like a body beneath a covered gurney and references to a Christmas Panto (a nutty pantomime) give it the requisite holiday note.

But anyone familiar with farces know that what really is important is a fast-paced rhythm of entrances and exits, revelations, mistaken (or not) identities and flow of ribald, fat fanny and rear-end gags.

The Citadel cast is excellent but on the Sunday I went, the first half of the first act felt slow and the audience didn’t pick up the gags until later.

Timing and pace is everything in a farce. It finally picked up speed and the characters threw their lines out with gusto during the second half of the first act which the audience appreciated with loud snickers, guffaws and applause. 

All the action takes place in the doctors’ common room where Dr.  David Mortimore is trying to prepare for his important, possibly career-making, speech to a conference of neurologists- when.

The not-so-morally-good doctor, played by Tim Walsh, had lots of reasons to be overly anxious. Walsh is believable as Mortimore if this were a regular play and not a farce. It’s actually OK to overplay anxiety.  

Former nurse Jane Tate (Aimee Kleiman who also played her role as if it were a regular play) confronts Dr. Mortimore with the reason she had to quit 18 years and 9 months ago. Their illegitimate son, Leslie, is downstairs with a policeman because he drove drunk but wants to meet his father.

Mortimore’s wife, Rosemary Mortimore, portrayed by the consummate actress Ellen Phelps, shows up, is not supposed to know about the nurse or Leslie but sympathizes with all the tall tales her husband tells to cover up everything that is going on.

Matron, a terrific foil for all the goings on is perfectly played by Debra Rodkin as she is in and out with the gurney, holds a needle to subdue Leslie who has made his way upstairs to the doctors’ room, and she is yelling outside the window that she can’t hold on any longer while stopping Leslie from falling, entering or leaving.

Dr. Hubert Bonney, a good friend of Dr. Mortimore, well-portrayed by David Whitlock is also an excellent foil for the shenanigans and agrees to temporarily pretend he is Leslie’s father.

Leslie, the misbegotten reason for the action, is done by Declan Poll as a punk-rocker-style teenager who elicits sympathy because he just wants to meet his Dad.

Pompous Sir Willoughby Drake who wants to go over Dr. Mortimore’s speech, is well-handled by Ed Kufferft and elicits a fine chuckle when he sees Leslie bending in front of Mortimore.

Dr. Mike Connolly whom we meet early on when he tries on a tutu and other costume items for the Panto is delightfully portrayed by Philip J. Macaluso.

Police Sergeant. Don’t most farces need a policeman? Chris Bruzzini takes on that role but he could be played as more befuddled or with more personality than shown.

Scenic designer Eric Luchen makes full use of the small Citadel stage with two hospital-like doors, two regular doors and a window that is just right for some hilarious scenes.

Costume designer Elizabeth Monti had us believing we were in a hospital and Leslie was a nutty punk rocker.

Directed by Pat Murphy, the show is a nice change from the tear inducing Christmas dramas trying to make a statement this time of year.

DETAILS: “It Runs in the Family” is at Citadel Theatre, 300 South Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL., through Dec. 18, 2022. For tickets and more information visit Citadel Theatre. Citadel Theatre or call (847) 735-8554.

Jodie Jacobs

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago