Comrades Presents THE LAYOVER Review – Mysterious Love Thriller

The Comrades Show Two Strangers

 Two strangers, Shellie and Dex, meet on this plane as they continuously get delayed. As they start chatting and finding comfortable grounds to flirt, we watch as they seem to be drawn to each other. Fate seems to bring them together again for drinks after their flight is cancelled. Their connection deepens as they ask each other more and more personal questions. There’s an undeniable connection between the two, and we soon see it play out during their night together at the Marriott next to O’Hare airport.

After that one night, we slowly unravel who these people are in real life. They think about each other constantly, and we wonder if they’ll ever see each other again.

Drawing Us in Deeper

The actors playing Shellie and Dex, Allison Plott and Michael Vizzi, draw us in with their pacing of this relationship. Though awkward at first, as they continue getting to know each other at the bar, they have us believe there’s a definitely a reason they were supposed to meet on that plane.

Then as we get more and more pieces of their lives, we’re again drawn into the drama that surrounds them. They’re complemented by their fellow actors Jim Morley, Joshua J. Volkers, and Emma Jo Boyden. We see Shellie and Dex can’t just leave their lives behind as these additional folks show the complications that would bring.

Touches of a Thriller

Though this show is billed as a “sexy psychological thriller,” for this writer it seemed like only the ending was the thriller part. The first three quarters of the show seemed more like a rom-com where we find out more and more about these characters actual lives and wonder if the two will ever see each other again.

 THE LAYOVER is an interesting mix of romance and mystery. For those that want a clear-cut thriller from start to finish, this might not be the best fit for you. However, if you’re interested in a story that slowly unravels and has a dramatic finish, this might be a good fit for you.

Cast:

Emma Jo Boyden (HAMLET at Chicago Shakespeare and CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF at Drury Lane), Charlotte Hensley (AN INSPECTOR CALLS at Chicago Shakespeare), Jim Morley (SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION and INCIDENT AT VICHY at Redtwist and AS YOU LIKE IT at First Folio), and Joshua J. Volkers (THROUGH THE ELEVATED LINE at Silk Road Rising). Understudies include Sarah-Lucy Hill and Peter Surma.

Production Team:

Jenna Houck (Scenic Designer), Megan Beattie (Costume Designer), Derek Bertelsen (Props Designer), Lana Whittington (Intimacy/Violence Director), William Mobley (Composer/Sound Designer), Melanie Kulas (Production Stage Manager), and Kamren Smith (Assistant Director). Derek Bertelsen is The Comrades’ Artistic Director.

When:

Thru March 22,  2020

Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm

Runtime: 100 minutes, no intermission

Where

Greenhouse Theater Center
2257 N Lincoln Ave.
Chicago

Tickets

$20+

For full price tickets and ticket availability visit Greenhouse Theater website or by calling 773-404-7336.

Photos by Paul Goyette

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by 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