An Homage to Caryl Churchill

Pot Girls

Raven Theatre has two plays running simultaneously this winter, “in creative conversation” with each other. Interestingly, they happen to be very similar to each other. Of the two, prolific playwright Caryl Churchill’s TOP GIRLS is, of course, the more well known. But similar in construction and theme, actor, playwright and Story Theatre’s Governing Ensemble Member, Paul Michael Thomson (BROTHER SISTER CYBORG SPACE at Raven) is presenting his World Premiere. The play is a kind of homage to Ms. Churchill’s dramatic classic of a similar name.

First of all, the main character in POT GIRLS is named Caryl… as in Churchill. Secondly, the young woman also happens to be a struggling British playwright. And, much like her namesake, this Caryl also resides in London during 1980’s, when Maggie Thatcher held a tight reign as Conservative British Prime Minister. And while we never actually see Caryl’s play being performed, we do steal a peek during a rehearsal. 

In Thomson’s very clever POT GIRLS, we learn the exciting news in Act I that Caryl’s first play is about to premiere in London’s West End. We also learn that, like many of Churchill’s acclaimed dramas, this character’s play focuses on feminist themes and sexual politics. As in TOP GIRLS, Thomson’s POT GIRLS includes nonrealistic elements in its first act, during a similar gathering of notable women from history. The playwright has his contemporary characters, Caryl and her partner Edith, mixing and mingling at a kiki with several important figures from history. Oh! and in Paul Michael Thomson’s play, most of his characters enjoy imbibing mixed drinks and marijuana—hence the play’s title. As the party starts to break up, Caryl is given some critical advice about her play from her guests. And this advice will be echoed throughout the remainder of the play.

The sensational ensemble cast is led by an absolutely captivating performance by talented Brenna Distasio, as Caryl. She’s been wowing audiences in Story Theatre productions for many seasons, like MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES, FIRES and LEAVE ME ALONE! Ms. Distasio totally carries this show and truly holds her own against an array of other excellent actors. Gifted newcomer, Ireon Roach, makes her auspicious Story Theatre debut as Caryl’s partner, Edith. And she is excellent in this role. 

Making her Chicago theatre debut, Myah Bridgewater stands out as 18th century slave and poet, Phillis Wheatley, along with playing young, bold literary apprentice Naomi. She also portrays the show’s director, Ayanna, during the play’s epilogue. Heralding from Kalamazoo, Michigan, talented Chicago actress Tamsen Glaser is terrific as both Sappho and Annie; then she returns at the end of the play to portray Brenna, the show’s leading actress, Lovely Emily Marso, whose work has been enjoyed all over Chicago, portrays a comical Lady Murasaki Shikibu, as well as Mei-Lin, the lead actor in Caryl’s play-with-the-play. The thrilling Laney Rodriguez also makes her Story Theatre debut as the often hilarious nun, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. In addition, she delights in playing British Literary Manager Christine in Act II. Recently seen in Redtwist Theatre’s THE NORMAL HEART, Peter Ferneding is the lone male in this play. He portrays gay Victorian English poet, Edward Carpenter, as well as Max and even Paul Michael, the play’s author. 

The play begins at a party in Caryl’s modest flat, filled with a myriad of furnishings and properties. Then the story moves back and forth between the backstage at a London theatre, the Literary Manager’s office and back again to Caryl’s place. Brava to director Ayanna Bria Bakari, both for nicely guiding her gifted actors and keeping the production moving. A good deal of credit for the pacing must go to Katelyn Montgomery for her easily-adaptable scenic design. The set’s flexibility allows cast and crew to change locales in minutes. Kudos also go to Racquel Postilgione for her dazzlingly detailed costumes that are not only gorgeous, but allow the actors to quickly transform from one character to another. And credit goes to two more tech theatre magicians: Gina Montalvo’s evocative pre-show and intermission music was period perfect, and her sound design also helped cover during the scene changes, which were augmented by Seojung Jang’s thoughtful lighting design.

Paul Michael Thomson’s new play is really clever and often both funny and thought-provoking. It’s filled with witty dialogue and fascinating characters, all portrayed by a multitalented cast. Many of the actors play multiple roles, which pose unique challenges, but this talented cast is certainly up to the task. 

The biggest problem is the play’s length. It begins to lose steam in Act II, particularly during the last dramatic scene, and especially during the final fifteen-minute epilogue. I’d have preferred if Thomson had left POT GIRLS with Caryl enjoying the success of her first play and the decision to move on with her personal life. The arbitrary editorial ending only put a damper on the interesting story we had all just enjoyed. The audience already understood the play’s theme without being hit over the head with it in an epilogue. With a bit of editing and a few rewrites, Thomson’s homage to Caryl Churchill could easily find its way to other theaters around the country.  

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 12-March 1 by The Story Theatre at 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.