Hookman

In this play, described by its author Lauren Yee as an ‘existential slasher comedy,’ Lexi is a college freshman returning to school after break. She is also returning after the death of her friend Jess in car accident in which Lexi was driving. Her guilt and trauma become wrapped up in a local legend of the ‘Hookman,’ a psycho killer with a hook for a hand, stalking her. I don’t want to say too much more than that since I think this is one of those stories you just need to see for yourself.

The show is mix of the horrors of an 80s slasher mixed with the horrors of being a woman in our society. When not dismissing her fears outright, the people she goes to for help dismiss her as ‘asking for it’ or ‘having it coming.’ I think sometimes those elements clash more than gel, but overall, the show successfully keeps the intensity and insanity increasing over its ninety minute run time. I particularly want to praise the set design and effects, handled by Nathan Shelton and Arthouse Asylum Productions. It was a really inventive set that used the black box space at Bramble Arts Loft to full advantage. The lighting and sound cues were all classic 80s slasher elements, and really helped cement the atmosphere of the show.

The cast is also excellent. This kind of work requires fully committing to the bit or the satire will fall flat. Valerie Martire was fantastic as Lexi. I also want to shout out the supporting cast. Elizabeth Yang as Lexi’s self-absorbed roommate Yoonji and Ava Pirie as the artificially chipper (and also self-absorbed) Chloe. Both did a great job portraying heightened versions of college students and were hilarious.

I will say that given the subject matter, this one is not for everyone, but for the horror fan in your life, this was a great time. It was creative and weird and unsettling, a truly unique theater experience.

Recommended

Reviewed by Kevin Curran

Presented through May 30th by Bump in the Night Productions at Bramble Arts Loft at 5545 N Clark, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL.

Tickets can be obtained through their website.

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