Love, Loss and a Sweet Little Bulldog

Gorgeous

Jenny is a nurse who has provided home care to an older man named Bill. We’re led to believe that through the mutual concern, tenderness and trust that flowed between Bill and Jenny, a fondness, perhaps even love, evolved. But Bill has recently passed away and Jenny has understood that his house will now be hers. While sorting through a lifetime of Bill’s accumulated treasures that have been stored away in the garage, Jenny is startled by the sudden, unexpected arrival of a loud, outgoing older woman named Bernie. And that’s when the fun begins.

One of Bill’s most beloved treasures was Gorgeous, his sweet little bulldog. Over time, Jenny has also fallen in love with the playful pooch and has now devoted her energy to showing Gorgeous at various dog shows around Atlanta. The cuddly canine has even become somewhat of a local celebrity. The pup has earned the Best of Breed championship and is on her way to winning the coveted Best in Show. But Bernie has arrived with some shocking news for Jenny, as well as some unreasonable demands and a bottle of cheap wine. Throughout a week of unexpected visits, including sharing the stage at Bill’s funeral, the two women journey from embittered enemies to bosom buddies.

This production is unique for several of reasons. First, it’s the World Premiere of just one of Keiko Green’s latest plays. This talented, prolific and award-winning playwright and performer actually has four new plays in world premieres around the country. Second, the play is a co-production by two of Chicago’s finest midsized theaters: Raven Theatre and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. Raven, of course, is known for their history of championing and producing new works, while Rivendell’s commitment is in amplifying the voices of women. And third, this comedy/drama was directed by A Red Orchid Theatre’s gifted Artistic Director and Ensemble Member, Kirsten Fitzgerald. The result is an incredible amalgamation of talent and collaborative teamwork to make this presentation happen. It’s also a tribute to the continued strength of Girl Power in today’s theatre scene.

Ms. Fitzgerald has Directed this 90-minute one-act with a nice balance of wisdom and wonder. She’s skillfully guided this poignant, often funny, character-driven play that begins in sorrow and ends in unbridled joy—a celebration of love and friendship shared by the audience with the characters. Ishihara Zinky’s Scenic Design primarily depicts a cluttered garage that’s attached to a house. The set overflows with an eclectic array of artifacts that represent one man’s lifetime. It also houses an old couch, a washer and drier and a lovely, expressionistic portrait of Gorgeous. The set extends a bit to the audience right and far stage left, which can be somewhat difficult for certain theatergoers to see clearly. Seojung Jang’s Lighting Design works well with the various locales and times of day, as does Connor Wang’s thoughtful Sound Design.

Two of my favorite Chicago actresses share the stage in this story. The wonderfully talented Stephanie Shum portrays Jenny. Her energetic presence and sober line delivery often evokes both laughter and sympathy. It’s the perfect role for this young actress. In Jenny, Ms. Shum creates an honest character who earns the audience’s greatest respect. Our empathy for the character’s loss, and then, all alone, having to tend to his funeral arrangements while redistributing of Bill’s possessions, may be a moment that’s familiar to many of us. Jenny’s redirected her love for Bill toward her deep devotion to Gorgeous. When it seems that she might lose her prizewinning pup our hearts go out to Jenny. Stephanie most recently dazzled audiences in First Floor’s ONE PARTY CONSENT, but she may also be remembered for REVOLUTION at A Red Orchid, THE CRUCIBLE at Steppenwolf and MEN IN BOATS at American Theater Company.

Gifted and multitalented Tara Mallen is a revelation as Bernie. This lovely founder and Artistic Director of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble takes on a role that, among so many memorable parts that Tara’s undertaken, seems like a role she was born to play. Ms. Mallen’s colorful portrayal of Bernie will certainly be remembered for years to come. Tara will also be remembered for her Jeff nominated appearance in Raven Theatre’s THE LUCKIEST and her Jeff Award-winning performance in THE CAKE. Additional credits include Rivendell’s smash hit, MOTHERHOUSE, as well as in RASHEEDA SPEAKING, THE WALLS and THE SPAY.

Amid the packed boxes and crates that fill up the garage, Jenny begins her grieving process. Her work is interrupted by Bernie. And it seems as first that they’re totally at odds with each other, that there’s no common ground for the two women. But eventually, through their mutual love of Gorgeous, the wonder-pooch, Keiko Green’s story of love, loss and a sweet little bulldog will warm every theatergoer’s heart and stir their soul. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 1-June 7 in a Co-Production with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-338-2177 or by going to www.raventheatre.com.

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