Are you wired for this?

Octet

It is the eternal battle for our souls now streaming in 5G hi-def. Will we recognize divinity in the infinity of wonders we behold? Or will we become the greatest monsters ever created? The Raven Theatre’s production of Octet, presented by The Goodman, as directed by Kiera Fromm, is a high-energy, hysterical, and heart-opening experience for everyone who thinks about the intersections of society, technology, and the ineffable human spirit.

In some non-descript church-basement room, populated with folding chairs and a coatrack, a group of anonymous strangers gather to process their obsessions. All have been invited or directed by the mysterious ‘Saul’. Following the usual path of self-help groups everywhere, they take turns individually sharing their battles with their personal monsters. Unusually, these addicts do it all acappella.

David Malloy is the source of virtually all things Octet – music, lyrics, book, and vocal arrangement are all his creation. Malloy gives an audience anecdotes full of laughter and the Raven Theatre ensemble delivers these masterfully, interwoven with moments of gasp-inducing vulnerability. Even on the page, the work is noteworthy; Lin-Manuel Miranda is making a film version. Miranda and his creative team should see this production – it is virtually flawless, and exquisitely fully-realized.

The stories and the struggles the characters wrestle with are timely and compelling. What does our obsession with the on-line cost us? Is it ever just time we lose? As Malloy speaks through one of the addicts, each second we are not aware of the passing of time is one second we give over to death. Even just losing time is losing moments of our lives that can never be recaptured. But it is never just time: our reputations are hostage, creativity languishes, our most intimate relationships are ‘lost in the stale, pale, glow’ of a screen.

The illusion or loss of connection, the ease of dehumanizing another, the addiction to likes, and clicks, and virtual ‘accomplishments’ that create nothing, the overwhelming orthodoxy that logic and technology are all that is Truth; Octet shows us over and over again how our lives are being siphoned away by our obsessions. At best the obsession is candy, emptiness rotting our minds. At worst it is poison.

The first hour plus of Malloy’s 90-minute creation is tight, focused, and builds seamlessly. When he winds toward the end it becomes looser. The sharing takes a hilariously entertaining jump that is only tenuously connected to the monsters of the internet, but is a leap of faith that vastly expands the soul of the show. The penultimate number is a take from the opposing side; exploring how IRL isolation might be cracked by virtual connection. The finale is sweet, and heartfelt, but strives a bit too much for an upbeat, kumbayah conclusion. The direction by Fromm, and the extraordinary talent of the ensemble, keep this production together and beyond remarkable.

The cast is consistently extraordinary, with each member making the most of every moment, whether to comic effect or in deeply moving revelations – and even, exquisitely, a blend of each. With musical direction by Nick Sula, every voice excels in a way that makes it seem each score was written for that performer. Choreography by Laura Savage creates pointed but natural tableaus, physically highlighting the tensions and relationships in the stories.

There is so much to process in this enthralling production you will want to experience it more than once. It is truly one of the most engaging experiences in the wealth of Chicago theater. Whatever your on-line addiction, Octet’s message is resounding: Wake up! And don’t waste any more of your weird and precious time.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Soleil Rodrigue

Raven Theatre’s production of Octet presented by The Goodman is on an extended run through August 2, with 7:30pm evening and 2pm matinee performances available. Ticket prices vary, and can be purchased at https://www.goodmantheatre.org/show/octet/ or by contacting the box office at (312) 443-3800. All performances are at The Goodman at 170 N. Dearborn St.

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