Chicago Theatre Review

Daily Archives: November 8, 2011

‘Maple and Vine’ at Next Theatre: Cookbooks vs MacBooks

November 8, 2011 Comments Off on ‘Maple and Vine’ at Next Theatre: Cookbooks vs MacBooks

By Devlyn Camp

Look out, Stepford. There’s a new peculiar ‘50s warp in town. But unlike those films, in which wives are transformed into docile robots, these people voluntarily submit themselves to a secluded town that lives in a permanent 1955. Katha (Molly Glynn) and Ryu (Peter Sipla) give up their city apartment and technology-based life to live in the eerie suburban town in order to fix their marriage. Between scenes, a loving couple of town executives give the audience a tutorial on how to live within this new society. These random scenes are actually the funniest bits of the show, with quirky speeches that even convince the audience that maybe giving up the era of Apple and Internet would be soothing for the soul.

Through the rest of the play, Katha and Ryu experience the normal “what happens behind closed doors” story. The self-fulfillment they seek mirrors the same difficult situations they were encountering in normal 2011 life. But all the while, the play is not completely predictable. They see the world through a different perspective and it seems to make their own view clearer.

The acting is decent and the costumes are, of course, wonderful ‘50s era pieces. And although the show runs a bit long, there’s an interesting, unexpected quality of the present-day ’55 town. The modern characters dropped into this world present a more progressive view of the era. While Stepford satirizes the role of women, Maple and Vine offers furtive, powerful women. The odd little show has some interesting ideas and amusing characters. Although more of a drama, it’s actually a fun show with good brain teasing thoughts about how we grow together in time.

MAPLE AND VINE
Next Theatre Company
Through December 4th, 2011
Tickets $25-40, available at nexttheatre.org

Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com

‘Seascape’ at Promethean Too Smart or Too Dull?

November 8, 2011 Comments Off on ‘Seascape’ at Promethean Too Smart or Too Dull?

By Devlyn Camp

Promethean Theatre Ensemble is nuzzled back in its spot at Live Bait Theater (previously The Artistic Home) for two-person play Seascape with Sharks and Dancer. The incomplex but smart piece follows a lonely writer, Ben (Nick Lake), as he tends to the rough and tough woman he rescued from drowning in the nearby tide, Tracy (Anne Korajczyk). The first act dives right in without exposition as the two play a game if wits, trying to impress one another while refusing to like each other. We probably know where this is going, right? They fall in love, problems ensue. The play itself – the writing – is a little odd in that it tries so hard to be clever. Playwright Don Nigro’s language feels contrived and awkward. But this could be the fault of weak acting. The performers, although qualified, seem uninspired. They run around in the simple living room set trying to be unique and quirky and don’t often succeed.

It seems that the piece the play is lacking is comedy. The production is not without its redeemable material. Conversations are aggressive and interesting and hold attention through the 90 minutes. But there’s a void. In brief moments we see Korajczyk smile at her own puns, which she deserves. In a play that’s so, let’s just say it, tepid, why not buff up the comedy side? Rarely does any frequent theatergoer say no way to laughter. Too many productions take a dark, harsh tone with their story in order to appear distinguished or intelligent, and those productions miss out on the point of performance: entertainment. Not to say those dramatic works aren’t, well, distinguished, intelligent or entertaining (e.g. most anything Sondheim), but more often than not they’re missing the mark.

Stepping off the soapbox, it still should be clear that this production of Seascape is still quite good. While it is enjoyable, it unintentionally hit a nerve – for me, anyway. Broadening our minds in a somewhat flat play could reveal a comedic tone that not only deepens the dramatic moments, but better entertains the audiences.

SEASCAPE WITH SHARKS AND DANCER
Promethean Theatre Ensemble
Through December 10, 2011
Tickets $20, available at prometheantheatre.org

Photobucket
Anne Korajczyk and Nick Lake. Photo courtesy Tom McGrath.

Contact critic at devlynmc@yahoo.com