Interrobang Theatre Project’s The Amish Project Review – Unrelenting and Chilling

Sarah Gise in Interrobang Theatre Project’s production of THE AMISH PROJECT by Jessica Dickey Gregg Gilman

Interrobang Theatre Raw Series

Interrobang Theatre Project’s unflinching look at the aftermath of a tragedy in Jessica Dickey’s play, The Amish Project, is one of those shows that leaves you with a mixture of both horror at the subject matter and sheer pleasure at the theatrical experience you just witnessed.
The show is part of what Interrobang has titled The Raw Series, which strips down the basic trimmings of theatre and focuses on the story.  The Amish Project absolutely delivers in this department.  There is no set; you only have the script, an actor and a chair.  Yet, somehow, you get an entire cast of characters and compelling story out of it.  If that sounds dull, it is not.  The intimate setting at The Athanaeum Theatre forces each audience member to take in each word as if they are in direct conversation with each character.

The Amish Project is a Story of a Gun Rampage

The average audience member will most likely recall the news story of a gunman entering an Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania on October 2, 2006, and opening fire on a group of Amish schoolgirls.  The Amish Project focuses on those directly involved, as well as those impacted by the event and its aftermath.  As with any of these types of events, the news is quick to move on to whatever happens elsewhere once the main event has unfolded, so the truth of how a community deals with things afterwards, will be unfamiliar to most.

Sarah Gise Flawless Acting

Sarah Gise moves from character to character with flawless transition.
The one thing that could absolutely kill a show like this is a bad actor.  Sarah Gise, however, exceeds any kind of praise she has already received in her many times performing this piece around the world.  She disappears into each character she portrays so seamlessly, you may often forget you are only watching one actor perform each part.  The range of characters includes a very young Amish girl, a college professor, a pregnant teenager and, perhaps the most chilling performance, the widow of the man responsible for the murders.  Aspiring actors should view this as a master class.
This is unfortunately a very limited engagement, so if you plan to see it, as I recommend you definitely should, be sure to get tickets now.  It is not to be missed.

Sarah Gise in Interrobang Theatre Project’s production of THE AMISH PROJECT by Jessica Dickey Gregg Gilman

Highly Recommended

Top Pick For: Those who crave drama and aspiring actors

Not recommended for:  Those seeking a light-hearted night at the theatre

When:

Runs through December 4, 2016
Thursday, December 1, 2016 8:00PM
Friday, December 2, 2016 8:00PM
Saturday, December 3, 2016 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sunday, December 4, 2016 2:00PM

Where:

The Athenaeum Theatre
2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago

Tickets:

Adult: $14-$17
Student: $12
www.interrobangtheatre.org or call 773-935-6875 for tickets

Photo:

Gregg Gilman

Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago.

Share this:

Make a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *