A Woman’s Right to Chose

Roe – Goodman Theatre

In 1973, the Supreme Court heard an historic, controversial case that would continue to remain a point of debate far into the twenty-first century. The Court ruled in Roe v. Wade, in a landmark decision, that the Constitution protects the rights of a pregnant woman to have an abortion, without government interference. In other words, when it comes to her own body, it was finally deemed that a woman had a right to make her own choices. Under the current, coldhearted administration, however, that Court decision could be in peril of being overturned. So it’s only right that this excellent, entertaining and educational play by Lisa Loomer be seen by as many theatergoers as possible. 

The play, which is being given an awesome Chicago production by the Goodman Theatre, brings to life all of the individuals connected with this landmark Court case, especially the women. Directed with verve and vitality by Vanessa Stalling, following her magnificent, electrifying  production of “The Wolves,” this production is another credit to her talent to make a great script spring to life. Supported by a gifted creative staff, this production features a gorgeous, adaptable scenic design by Collette Pollard, enhanced by Caite Hevner’s projections and a brilliant lighting design by Keith Parham. Mikhail Fiksel bathes the production in natural sound, while Jessica Pabst has designed an array of costumes that reflect both the time period and the characters’ economic and social status.Ms. Loomer’s highly theatrical play introduces the audience to all the main characters who play a part in this historical drama. We first meet Sarah Weddington, the young attorney, just out of law school, who would seek out a willing young, expectant woman to represent her gender, and defend her right to terminate her pregnancy. She’s played to perfection by Christina Hall, recently seen in the title role of Firebrand Theatre’s musical production of “Always…Patsy Cline.” Then we are introduced to Norma McCorvey, a 22-year-old gay woman who’s pregnant with her third child. She will eventually become known as Jane Roe, the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade. Kate Middleton makes her auspicious Goodman debut in this sometimes touching, often humorous role. We not only observe these two women during actual trial, but we also learn what happens to everyone involved. When Jay Floyd, the lawyer representing Wade, announces at the conclusion of the trial that “History ain’t over yet,” his ominous pronouncement lingers, foreshadowing the fragility of this monumental court decision.

Despite the seriousness of this story, Lisa Loomer’s script offers plenty of humor and comic relief amid the poignant moments. The fifteen-member cast, most of whom portray multiple characters, is terrific. Stephanie Diaz, is touching as Connie, Norma’s devoted lesbian lover; Ryan Kitley is both humorous and passionate as Flip, the pastor of the church that hopes to convert and save Miss Norma; Raymond Fox is competent and delightful in several roles, including the doctor at the pro-life clinic; Kirsten Fitzgerald, always a standout, is excellent as Molly, Mary and several other ensemble characters; and John Lister lends gravity and humor to Justice Blackmun, among several other characters.

This is the latest production of Lisa Loomer’s often comic historical drama, which may hopefully be headed to Broadway. In light of the critical and public approval of Heidi Schreck’s “What the Constitution Means to Me,” this inspiring new historical play should prove equally as popular. It was one of several plays commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to “shed light on moments of change in American history.” Throughout its two acts, the playwright has her pair of primary characters face off throughout the years before, during and after the case of Roe v. Wade, creating a tension equal to that of the actual Supreme Court trial. In the hands of talented director Vanessa Stalling, and enacted by such a magnificent and versatile cast, history comes to life in a drama that presents the argument that a woman certainly has the right to choose what’s best for her.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  Presented January 18-February 23 by the Goodman Theatre in the Albert, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by going to www.GoodmanTheatre.org/Roe.

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