Diversity Versus Division

Admissions

Conversations about race are taking place with greater frequency and fervor everywhere in America. Written in 2019, talented playwright Joshua Harmon’s dramedy (BAD JEWS; SIGNIFICANT OTHER; PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC) is focused on looking at white liberalism. This has been a much discussed movement of late, particularly as it comes in response to what is seemingly an Era of Hatred, thanks to a openly racist Federal Government. It’s given permission to other psychopathic racist villains to spew their bile and disgusting views. For an example from fiction, think of the character of Bob Ewell, from To Kill a Mockingbird. But for the opposite view, consider Atticus Finch, from the same novel. That character remains, perhaps, the quintessence of white liberalism in literature.

But in reality, most folks aren’t simply all good, or all evil. Most people live somewhere in between the two extremes. In ADMISSIONS, Harmon wrote five intelligent Caucasian characters of various ages who are neither saints nor sinners. They all represent that gray area in society. In this exciting, exceptional and enlightening 90-minute one-act, Sherri, the main character, is the Head of Admissions at a prestigious New England prep school. She’s constantly handling issues of race. She deals with it at work, at home, in raising her son, in her marriage and in her friendships. As Sherri tries to diversify the school’s student body, she must cope with her own son being waitlisted at Yale. It’s Charlie’s dream school, but when his best friend Perry, who is biracial, gets accepted, it opens up a whole can of worms. The play turns into a tense story about diversity versus division.

Directed with wisdom and sensitivity by Beth Wolf, this is definitely one of Citadel Theatre’s finest productions in recent years. The play sizzles with an immediacy that feels like it was written just yesterday. It’s based on a situation that is, as they say, could be ripped from today’s headlines. Ms. Wolf has beautifully staged her production without a moment of dead air. Perfectly paced, the play clips along at a breakneck speed, forcing the audience lean forward and engage in this timely story, and to catch their breath whenever possible.

And what flawless casting! The talented Susie Steinmeyer (seen at Citadel in LEND ME A TENOR; GOD OF CARNAGE; VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE) crackles with emotion as Sherri. Anyone who’s ever worked in a management position anywhere, or been employed at a school, will totally appreciate and empathize with what this smart woman is handling. First while trying to explain the concept of diversity to Roberta, the editor of the school catalogue (played by talented Elaine Carlson, with the quirkiness and unintended comedy of someone who’s stuck in her ways), Sherri finds herself at her wits end. Then on the home front, the poor woman has to be the supportive and loving mother to Charlie (portrayed by a brilliantly gifted newcomer to the Citadel, Justin Jarzombek), who’s raging about how Yale has been unfair to him. At the same time, Sherri has to be the wise, levelheaded and loving wife to her husband, and the school’s headmaster, Bill (Tim Walsh, who has entertained Citadel audiences in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY; PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE; A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM). And finally, Sherri has to walk a careful balance between caution and care with her best friend and Perry’s mother, Ginnie (played with maternal pride and generosity for her friend by Tina Shelley).

Bob Knuth’s stunning scenic design is absolutely beautiful and makes economical use of the intimate Citadel stage. The two locales in this play, Sherri’s classic, Ivy League-style administrative office, and her stylish, House Beautiful-inspired home, both live in the same space. They’re delineated through Michael Trudeau’s excellent lighting design. Stefanie Senior’s sound design is true to life, and Danielle Reinhardt’s contemporary costumes give theatergoers yet another clue into the personality of each character.

This production absolutely zips by, pulling out all the stops and taking no prisoners. It’s so cleverly populated with three-dimensional characters, all armed with biting humor and sharply crafted dialogue. This sharp critique of white privilege and liberalism illustrates what can happen when hypocrisy conflicts with personal interests. It’s a thought-provoking story about diversity versus division. Crafted with intelligence by gifted playwright Joshua Harmon, this dramedy is presented by a truly talented quintet of actors who really know their craft. Brilliantly directed by Beth Wolf, this is definitely one production at the Citadel Theatre that should not be missed.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 11-March 15 by Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-735-8554, x1, or by going to www.citadeltheatre.org.

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