A Most Unique Comedy

Eelpout!

Are you in the mood for a most unique comedy—a funny, fast-paced farce especially made for smart, very liberal theatergoers? How about a surreal story peppered with bizarre characters, unexpected events and filled with non-sequiturs and homely homilies offered by mild-mannered Minnesotans? Have you been hankering for a camp entertainment in which friends become lovers, fish can talk and the sweet mysteries of life can be found at the bottom of a deep, frozen lake? Well then, have I got a play for you!

First, I’d be remiss if I gave away too much about this bizarre, 90-minute one-act. I would never want to spoil the impact of experiencing this comedy for the first time. There’s too many unforeseen surprises and unexpected comic moments in store for the new theatergoer, and they shouldn’t be revealed ahead of time. Second, the playwright, Paul W. Kruse, hails from western Wisconsin, but spent a few years at the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis. Thus, Mr. Kruse’s wonderfully witty play flows from his Midwestern roots. Paul’s well-written characters feel real and their dialogue sounds especially authentic. And third, using some of his own experiences, Mr. Kruse tells realistic queer love stories. His work resounds with the voices of the LGBTQ community. Other noteworthy plays by Paul W. Kruse include HOTDISH, DADDIES, CHICKENS IN THE YARD and the one-man show called ONCE REMOVED.

Defying description, the strangely titled EELPOUT! is, to say the least, most unique. The title refers to an ugly-looking lake fish that, according to the characters, is quite delicious. All audiences need to know ahead of time is that Sven Svenson and Ole Olsen, two longtime friends, have been best buddies since elementary school. Ole is about to marry Lena, and the boys’ weird and needy friend, Lars Larsen, is throwing him an early morning stag party the day before his nuptials. Lars’ tiny fishing shanty, his ice house, is located in the middle of Lake Mille Lacs, where the beloved Midwestern sport of ice fishing is a must for every Minnesota man. Soon the guys are sharing jokes with each other, reeling in eelpout, pounding copious cans of beer and doing several shots of whiskey. But within minutes, things will change and their collective world is going to turn weird and upside down. 

Directing with a light touch and an eye and ear for commanding comedy, Jeremy Ohringer once again brings his talent to Shattered Globe in this, the final show of their 35th season. True to the Theatre’s mission, Mr. Ohringer has created yet another “visceral story in an intimate space.” This gifted cast is a hotdish casserole of talent. Cast in this starring role, Jeff Rodriguez is powerful, passionate and especially humorous as Sven. Having appeared recently as Andy at Writers Theatre, in their musical version of AS YOU LIKE IT, Jeff was also enjoyed as Barry in A Red Orchid’s 33 TO NOTHING. Portraying Ole, Carl Hallberg, makes his auspicious debut with Shattered Globe in a role that allows the young actor to show off both his excellent comic timing and his dramatic chops. Dinah Berkeley is interestingly cast as Lars. The actor, who is absolutely fantastic as the boys’ nerdy friend, desperately wants only to be a part of their group. In addition to wanting to fit in, the funny and sweet-natured young man also has a crush on Ole’s sister, Heidi. The seductive young Heidi is played with sassy and smug self-assurance by Taige Lauren. A familiar face to Shattered Globe audiences, Rebecca Jordan (BECKY NURSE OF SALEM, LONDON ROAD) returns as the hilarious Holly, but I won’t give away the surprise reason. As Lena, Ole’s lovely fiancee, Lydia Moss is razor sharp and overflowing with energy in her Shattered Globe debut. And Jesus Barajas, as the magical and mysterious Eelpout, is both delightful and graceful as a mythical creature. Jesus was enjoyed at Citadel Theatre playing Christopher Wren, another mysterious character, in THE MOUSETRAP. And Barajas was recently nominated for a Jeff Award for Lifeline Theatre’s KID PRINCE AND PABLO.

Surreal, sensational and sometimes even sensuous, Paul W. Kruse’s comedy is a lighthearted and uplifting one-act that will whisk audiences away to a Midwestern Winter wonderland. There, during an early morning stag party, theatergoers will share the boisterous company of three good ol’ boys, Sven, Ole and Lars. The guys joke, drink, fish and undergo some unexpected life changes. Enhanced by Delena Bradley’s creative costumes, Eleanor Kahn’s imaginative set that sparkles under Sierra Walker’s dazzling lighting design, Saskia Bakker’s inventive props and Christopher Kriz’s original music and sound design, Jeremy Ohringer’s hilarious production is superb. Audiences will enjoy witnessing how one’s choices can turn on a dime, how a friendship can suddenly become much more, and how a strange talking fish can bring magic and romance to a young man who’s floundering in the middle of a frozen Minnesota lake. Don’t miss this most unique comedy!         

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 17-May 30 by Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling them at 773-975-8150 or by going to www.theaterwit.org.

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

Photos by Michael Brosilow