Thunderous and ominous music pounds out of the speakers as the curtain rises.
Three children run throughout the misty streets of the fictitious England town of Brumley.
Through the fog, one raises her arm and points to the house rising above the ground.
Inside, though the walls are closed off, we see glimpses of a family and hear snippets of a conversation. Out of the shadows a figure appears, stands on the street, and looks up at the home. It can only be the titular character of AN INSPECTOR CALLS, about to disrupt this family for some questioning.
Chicago Shakespeare Performs a Theatre Classic
After winning multiple awards at the National Theatre in London, Stephan Daldry’s production of AN INSPECTOR CALLS is brought to us here in Chicago. The Brimley family is celebrating the engagement of their daughter when Inspector Goole calls upon them. Disgruntled by the interruption of their festivities, the family is each in turn questioned by Goole in regards to their individual relationships with a recently deceased woman.
One by one they each find themselves perhaps more entwined with this woman than they originally thought leaving us only to wonder how this will pan out for them.
Eye-Catching Design
Throughout AN INSPECTOR CALLS, the set, designed by Ian MacNeil, has a bearing presence overlooking the stage in all its grandeur. With its first reveal, aided by the dramatic soundtrack, our eyes travel upwards growing larger as we take in the sheer size of this house and how they’ve managed to realistically capture not only the house, but also the dreary streets of this English town.
It feels like this set slowly comes to life as it changes with the moving plot. Doors open and we get a glimpse into the home just as the inspector arrives. But as we continue through this story, more and more of the house gradually becomes revealed, mirroring the plot itself.
Jaw-Dropping Moments
One of the best parts about AN INSPECTOR CALLS is it’s slowly unraveling plot as it evolves into a thriller. As Inspector Goole keeps digging deeper and deeper in his questions to the family, more and more is revealed about their characters and their family.
And even when you think we might have reached the end, more twists and turns are still ahead of us, causing our jaws to drop and stay open in disbelief. The cast themselves give nothing away, but keep our attention with their fierce acting chops and well-defined characters.
AN INSPECTOR CALLS might not be the best fit for those looking for a comedy or a light-hearted show. It would be a good fit for anyone who loves a slow-building plot to a huge reveal at the end and for those who have an affinity for 20th century thrillers.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
CAST
Liam Brennan Inspector Goole
Christine Kavanagh Sybil Birling
Jeff Harmer Arthur Birling
Andrew Macklin Gerald Croft
Lianne Harvey Sheila Birling
Hamish Riddle Eric Birling
Diana Payne-Myers Edna
Chris Barritt Ensemble
Beth Tuckey Ensemble
Chloe Orrock Ensemble
Adam Collier Ensemble
Trent A. Davis Older Boy
Sophie Kaegi Girl
Judah Abner Paul Younger Boy
CREATIVE
Stephen Daldry Director
Julian Webber Associate Director
Ian MacNeil Costume & Scenic Designer
Rick Fisher Lighting Designer
Stephen Warbeck Composer
When
Now through March 10, 2019
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7:30p
Wednesdays at 1:30p and 7:30p
Saturdays at 3:00p and 8:00p
Sundays at 2:00p
Where
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
800 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL
Tickets
$46-$98
Tickets can be purchased through the Chicago Shakespeare website or by calling the box office at 312.595.5600
Photos
Mark Douet
Note: Excerpts of Picture this Post reviews appear in Theatre in Chicago.
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
