A Hidden Agenda

Four Places – The Den Theatre

Theatergoers who prefer their dramas as real and affecting as everyday life should run to see this extraordinary production, now in its final performances at the Den Theatre. Joel Drake  Johnson’s 80-minute one-act, which plays out in real time, speaks to every member of the audience, particularly those between the ages of 40 and 65 years. Smartly and perceptively directed by Lia Mortensen, a fine actor, herself, this production confirms that this artist’s talents extend both on and off the stage. She’s expertly guided her gifted, four member ensemble to breathe life into these characters, absolutely avoiding any false moves or artificial schmaltz. This, the Den Theatre’s return to producing their own plays and musicals, is a must-see.

Eleven years ago Johnson’s heartbreaking, emotionally stunning play premiered at Chicago’s Victory Gardens. This revival production is every bit as poignant and passionate as the original. What makes the play particularly powerful is the intimacy of the Den’s upstairs 2B Studio venue. The actors are never more than a few feet from the audience, allowing this compelling, sometimes caustic, characters to reach into the hearts of its audience.

The story is, quite simply, about a bitter confrontation and intervention between a mother and her two middle-aged children. Peggy and her widowed daughter Ellen have a standing, weekly lunch date at the same local eatery. They’re always seated in Barb’s section, a chatty waitress, who has a special, protective fondness for Peggy. On this particular day, the dynamics change when Peggy’s 40-year-old son, Warren, unexpectedly joins them. From the beginning of the play, something unspoken between the two siblings creates a tension that you can cut with a knife. As the hour unfolds, the audience gradually discovers the secrets and lies that these family members have kept hidden, and what they learn what this mediation is all about. 

The four places of the title are the car, the restaurant, the waiting room of the eatery and diner’s restroom, all wonderfully and modestly created by scenic designer Jeffrey D. Kmiec, assisted by Milo Bue. Melissa Schlesinger’s detailed sound design, which, along with Josh Prisching’s area lighting, perfectly help delineate each of the four locales.

The cast is absolutely magnificent. Every actor in this ensemble production is a class act, as well as a proud member of Actor’s Equity. Affiliation in this professional guild often guarantees a stellar production, and this staging is no exception. Each of these  actors has been enjoyed in productions at every major theatre all over Chicago. 

Meg Thalken, the senior member of this brilliant ensemble, is sheer perfection as Peggy. With her upswept hair and her handbag clutched in a death grip, Ms. Thalken is completely believable as this complicated, conflicted mother. At first Peggy seems innocent, although she’s suspicious as to why Warren is suddenly joining Ellen and herself for lunch. It’s a weekday and her son should be in school teaching, but, for some vague reason, Warren has invited himself along. As information unfolds and emotions are peeled away, Peggy remains a sympathetic character, an aging woman fiercely trying to hang on to her dignity and independence.

As Ellen, Amy Montgomery is superb. Together with the always masterful Bruch Thomas Reed, as Warren, these two siblings plot, palter, bitterly plead and run the gamut of emotions, from guilt to indignation, as they pry information from their mother and attempt to sensitively reveal their plans for her future. The bumpy road to their hidden agenda digs deeply, exposing buried secrets dealing with aging, disease, alcoholism, pent-up resentments and coping with the inevitable. One of the highlights of this production is the long car ride, during which very little is said, but the faces of these three actors speak volumes. And as Barb, the busybody waitress, who’s just a little too familiar with her customers, Rebekah Ward is both clever and comical.

The Den Theatre’s excellent revival of Joel Drake Johnson’s poignant one-act drama is sometimes searing, often humorous and ultimately heartbreaking. Theatergoers of a certain age will identify with the situation and these characters. As Baby Boomers approach their twilight years when, more often than not, their care and well-being is in the hands of their children, this dark drama, wisely directed by Lia Mortensen, is meaningful. The production quietly works its way under the skin, leaving nerves raw and exposed and its complex emotional journey traveled back home.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

Presented May 30-June 30 by the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the theatre box office, by calling 773-697-3830 or by going to www.thedentheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.