RECOMMENDED
At the risk of sounding dismissive or pat, “Winesburg, Ohio” is essentially a musical version of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” with darker elements of Willa Cather’s “My Antonia” thrown in here and there. It’s all roughly of the same era and spirit—the paradoxical comfort and claustrophobia of small-town living, before cars and TVs and world wars shoved rural Americans into the modern age. For my taste, these nostalgic recollections always seem to work better on the page than the stage, but this joint About Face-Steppenwolf production is an exception. Andy White, a strikingly natural actor whose performances are clean of affectation, plays the Writer, a guide of sorts who acts much like the Stage Manager in “Our Town.” He steers the action from one vignette to the next: A man is wrongly accused of child molestation, a woman is abandoned by her lover, a schoolteacher pines for romance, an artist makes the big move to New York City. About Face Theatre artistic director Eric Rosen, who wrote the book and lyrics, finesses a warm combination of sentimentality and palpable sadness. Under the precise, efficient direction of Jessica Thebus, the production deftly avoids those potholes labeled “quaint” and “cute.” The music (and additional lyrics) are courtesy of Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman, better known for their work as first-rate sound designers. It is the score that stays with you, a pleasing, layered wave of harmonies, like muslin gently undulating in the breeze. (Nina Metz)
“Winesburg, Ohio” plays at the Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 North Halsted, (312)335-1650, through July 18.
Related Stories
Gone Fishin’: A Review of The Gulf at About Face Theatre A slow and solitary, meditative musing on human nature. And fish.- Buried History: A Review of Time Is On Our Side at About Face Theatre About Face Theatre's latest is a heartfelt and hilarious exploration of queer history.
- Joy and Terror: A Review of Significant Other at About Face Theatre and Theater Wit A bittersweet new play from Joshua Harmon ("Bad Jews") about being single and staying strong.
- Dad Days: A Review of Dada Woof Papa Hot at About Face Theatre Duty and autonomy collide in this earnest investigation of modern parenting.
- Moment For Moment: A Review of Bright Half Life at About Face Theatre The half-life of a radioactive element is a measure of the speed of its decay. In Tanya Barfield’s “Bright Half Life,” Erica (Elizabeth Ledo) uses these words to describe a supernova of a dying star or, more likely, a satellite to her lover, Vicky (Patrese McClain), as they hover or waver, trapped or merely waiting, in a clanking, stalled gondola…
- I Believe You, Bruce: A Review of Downstate at Steppenwolf Theatre Company In this world premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Bruce Norris attempts to redress the power imbalance between the disenfranchised and those who wield influence over their livelihood, though not in the direction you might expect.
