'So what should I see this weekend?' A primer on the best shows of the year so far
"A Twist of Water," a.k.a. the Rahm Emanuel show, is by the Route 66 Theatre Company at Theater Wit.
So many shows have opened in Chicago — I've been in the theater every night for weeks — that it's easy to lose track of the good stuff. And in many cases, that good stuff disappears almost as fast as it arrives. Time, then, to take one of our occasional looks at the current state of plays. So far this year, most of the must-see shows have been at smaller theaters. No surprise there. But it's good to be reminded that fine, new work often springs from institutions without the financial resources to hand out commissions or literary departments to help massage scripts.
You could do a lot worse this weekend than to schedule a doubleheader of four-star shows: Caitlin Montanye Parrish's “A Twist of Water” by the Route 66 Theatre Company at Theater Wit (otherwise known as the Chicago show Rahm Emanuel went to see) and Dan LeFranc's “The Big Meal” at American Theater Company (a play about how one romantic relationship defines many generations). In fact, this weekend is probably the last time you'll be able to get a ticket for either show. Both have blown out their respective box offices and become the fastest sellers in the history of their respective companies, and both have added a few extra performances. But both are hemmed in. “A Twist of Water” must close March 26 to make room for other shows slated for its shared venue at Theater Wit, while “The Big Meal” must clear away March 27 for American Theater Company's exploration of the original Chicago version of “Grease.”
These two shows are quite different — “Twist” mostly ponders issues of civic definition and our place therein, while “The Big Meal” is more preoccupied by existential matters that aren't glued to place. But both moved me greatly. And they send you out with a spring in your step, albeit choosing where you walk with a little more care.
The third new play of note is Annie Baker's lovely “Circle Mirror Transformation,” which, remarkably, shares a director, Dexter Bullard, with “The Big Meal.” This sweet play, in a Chicago premiere from the Victory Gardens Theater Company, is about a drama class in a small Vermont town — and, on a deeper level, probes the relationship between creative expression and self-knowledge. This show also has been extended — through April 17 — and it's also selling fast. Be aware that the prices have gone up a little for the extension week in all three cases.
If your tastes run to edgier fare, you should open yourself up to “The Three Faces of Doctor Crippen,” the deliciously sardonic Victorian-style melodrama about the famous murderous doctor. Part of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Garage Rep, this is actually the work of the feverish creative minds at the Strange Tree Group. As with all three of the plays above, it's the work of a very promising new theatrical voice — in this case the exciting young Chicago writer Emily Schwartz. It's also a return to form for director Jimmy McDermott, whose early storefront work was hugely promising but who (to my mind) hasn't always been working on the right projects of late. He does here. And the result is thrilling.
If, on the other hand, you're looking for a safer date-night play — you know, the kind of shortish, easily accessible, contemporary play that has some laughs, moves you a little and offers a few wry observations on the state of modern relationships to get you talking in the bar afterward — then Melissa James Gibson's “This” is a fine choice (it's also at Theater Wit in a separate space). “This” is a wise piece about urban life and the emotional perils that afflict its denizens.
If you have out-of-town guests in the next few weeks and want to offer them something that really reflects the soul of your town, then the new commercial production of the Studs Terkel musical “Working” at the Broadway Playhouse is far and away your best bet. Although it's a long way from “Jersey Boys” and not suitable for children, “Working” is warm, inspiring and celebratory of ordinary Americans. It's the kind of thoughtful, well-crafted, top-tier production that one fervently hopes Chicago will support. And it's fine for older teenagers — especially any you are hoping might one day get a job.
There is excitement to come in the next few weeks, including Tina Landau's much-anticipated revival of “The Hot L Baltimore” at Steppenwolf, the arrival in Edgewater of the National Theatre of Scotland with the Iraq War-themed drama “Black Watch” and, a little later, “Stage Kiss,” the new Sarah Ruhl play at the Goodman Theatre. Reason, then, to keep abreast of the doings of this theater town.
Aren't we lucky to have so many wonderful theater productions here right now! I've seen The Big Meal and This so far and see A Twist of Water and Circle Mirror Transformation next week. Looking forward to some other openings in the next month too (i.e. Sense and Sensibility, The Goad of Carnage and The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia)
Posted by: Nancy McDaniel | March 10, 2011 at 02:20 PM
Chris, when are you reviewing "God of Carnage" at the Goodman?
Posted by: Josh C | March 10, 2011 at 03:02 PM
Don't forget the amazing Travels With My Aunt is still playing up at Writers'...
Posted by: nick | March 10, 2011 at 03:25 PM
Many thank you's to Chicago Shakespeare Theater for bringing BLACK WATCH to Chicago.
Posted by: Sylvia | March 10, 2011 at 11:46 PM
God of Carnage opens on Monday; he'll probably post his review on Tuesday.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 11, 2011 at 10:08 AM