Spoiler Alert!! Proceed with Caution!!! If you have never seen the movie or play before and you like to be surprised by plot twists, do NOT read this review beyond these words-- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Truth to tell when the superb Redtwist company members Jacqueline Grandt (as Ouisa) and Brian Parry (as Flan) begin the play by alluding to the misadventure they have just survived, they sound uncharacteristically exaggerated and false. How fun that we later get to hear these same lines again, realizing these top tier actors were using the forced gaiety and drama of their characters’ cocktail party voices telling the tale. Coupled with their false affect voices, they often stare into your eyes as though you are a guest at their soiree du jour.
The tale-- without too much elaboration of John Guare’s script in hopes of keeping the delightful plot turns a bit buried in your memory banks – was how these two White, rich and super-privileged sophisticates were conned by a smooth talking street kid (Paul, played to perfection by Redtwist Company member Donovan Session).
Nay, not just these two, but three others (Nick Dorado, Debra Rodkin, and Darryn Glass) who seem to mainly be connected to each other through their children(Grace Glasgow, Colton Adams, , David Gallo, and Zach De Nardi). These adultish children then show the many permutations of what Ivy League educated brats look and sound like. More and better, they really know how to shame their recently humiliated parental units another notch or two or ten.
But beyond the lightness of the repartee between the conned, and the over the top family dynamics, the dark side of Paul’s behavior gets revealed when he sets his con talents not on these privileged untouchables, but on others one half step more secure in the world than he.
Redtwist Theatre Picks Timely Script for Chicago
This is a great story—perhaps enriched a bit by looking at crime statistic heat maps in Chicago to be reminded of how Chicago has become two different cities where it’s likely difficult for many to imagine the six-person chain that connects them with someone just a mile away.
Six degrees of separation—the notion that we are each connected to everyone else on the planet through a chain of only six people in between-- has become a parlor game of sorts for many- perhaps fueled for some by this classic story. Nelson Mandela, Gorbachev, Queen Elizabeth, President Clinton etc.—those are the names this writer has played “six degrees of separation” with—you?
Ouisa though is a much better person—who sees in Paul, among other things, a way to look beyond her bubble. Now, for this writer, going forward it will now always be Jacqueline Grandt’s tour de force performance in this role that will color future do-you-know gab. That and Donovan Session’s ability to bring even more complexity to a complex character make this production well worth your time. The entire cast under the direction of Steve Scott absolutely shines.
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: Colton Adams (Woody), Zach De Nardi (Doug), Nick Dorado (Larkin), Elena Victoria Feliz (Elizabeth), David Gallo (Ben), Grace Glasgow (Tess), Darryn Glass (Dr. Fine), Jacqueline Grandt (Ouisa), Tom Lally (Policeman/Doorman), Jim Morley (Geoffrey), Devon Nimerfroh (Rick), Brian Parry (Flan), Bryan Renaud (Trent), Debra Rodkin (Kitty), Donovan Session (Paul), Daniel Shtivelberg (Hustler/Detective)
Production Team: Steve Scott (Director), Max Colvill (Assistant Director), Elaena Hoekstra (Stage Manager), Beth Weinstock (Assistant Stage Manager), Jessie McCarty (Production Manager), Shea Messinger (Set Designer/Scenic Charge), Adrienne Miikelle (Lighting Designer), Eric Backus (Sound Designer), Meagan Beattie (Costume Designer), Hillarie M. Shockley (Props Designer), Seph Mozes (Dramaturg), Ari Craven (Graphic Designer), Jan Ellen Graves (Photographer), E. Malcolm Martinez (Box Office Manager), Charles Bonilla & Johnny Garcia (Box Office Associates), Brennan T. Jones (Co-Producer), Michael Colucci (Co-Producer)
When:
Thru October 21
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 7:30 pm
Sundays 3:00 pm
Where:
Redtwist Theatre
1044 West Bryn Mawr
Chicago
Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago
Tickets:
$35+
For tickets and information call 773 728 7520 or visit the Redtwist Theatre website.
Photos: Jan Ellen Graves
About the Author: Amy Munice
Amy Munice is Editor-in-Chief and Co-Publisher of Picture This Post. She covers books, dance, film, theater, music, museums and travel. Prior to founding Picture This Post, Amy was a freelance writer and global PR specialist for decades—writing and ghostwriting thousands of articles and promotional communications on a wide range of technical and not-so-technical topics.
Amy hopes the magazine’s click-a-picture-to-read-a-vivid-account format will nourish those ever hunting for under-discovered cultural treasures. She especially loves writing articles about travel finds, showcasing works by cultural warriors of a progressive bent, and shining a light on bold, creative strokes by fledgling artists in all genres.
