RECOMMENDED
Seeing a Pinter play on stage is, for me, a somewhat trepidatious enterprise: like Chekhov or Shakespeare, there is fragility in Pinter’s savage poetry that can easily become leaden, impenetrable in performance. How surprising then that Mary-Arrchie’s “Caretaker” feels rather light, goofy even, with little sense of the menace or danger that hangs thick in this play on the page. But director Hans Fleischmann’s “slapstick” approach is surprisingly effective for the most part, inducing an (unexpected) steady stream of laugh-out-loud moments throughout. Some excessive mugging does slow down the inherent clip of Pinter’s dialogue at times, and the dialects falter during some of the lengthier speeches, but Richard Cotovsky (Davies), Dan Kuhlman (Mick) and Todd Lahrman (Aston) navigate the idiosyncrasies of Pinter’s world (made fantastically claustrophobic by scenic designer John Wilson) with an almost grimy glee—delivering a genuinely fun and disarming production of a play that could otherwise take itself much too seriously. (Valerie Jean Johnson)
At Angel Island, 731 W. Sheridan, (773)871-0442. This production is now closed.
Related Stories
Become the Manster: A Review of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at Lookingglass Theatre The unofficial "Year of Frankenstein" concludes with this world premiere adaptation that features Mary Shelley not just as author but player.- Simpler Times: A Review of Mary’s Wedding at First Folio Theatre First Folio Theatre's latest channels its Canadian setting and spirit by being faultlessly amenable.
- A Long Time Coming: A Review of Caroline, Or Change at Firebrand Theatre & TimeLine Theatre Company Firebrand Theatre and TimeLine Theatre Company co-produce this stirring revival with book and lyrics by Tony Kushner and music by Jeanine Tesori.
- Good History: A Review of A Home on the Lake at Piven Theatre Workshop and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre Piven Theatre Workshop and Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre co-produce this place-based world premiere about Evanston's racially-charged history.
- Them/Us/All: A Review of Self-Accusation at Theatre Y Beyond the window, the show is happening.
- Once Again And Better Than Ever: A Review of Once at Paramount Theatre The Tony Award-winning musical gets its regional premiere at Paramount Theatre in Aurora.
