Magnificent. I’m still not quite sure why it’s billed for “young adults”— this is one of the subtlest and smartest productions of Tennessee Williams I’ve seen, directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov with gorgeous restraint technically and utter mastery by the superb actors, who nail every single performance as heartbreaking and uproarious simultaneously. The balance of power in the family’s relationships and the pathetic longings of each character are carried off just right, and with all the terrible force we can stand. James T. Alfred as Tom, the protagonist son and narrator of the play, eventually emerges as its anti-hero, delivering monologues and explanation with exquisite vulnerability but also the kind of clarity that every “adult” production could use. An African-American cast adds an extra element of intelligent provocation, especially when the characters challenge each other about “the difference between us and them” and the histrionic matriarch (in a truly astounding performance by Shanesia Davis) waxes nostalgic about a past life of servants and ease. (Monica Westin)
At Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted, (312)335-1650 Through November 9.
Let’s See Together: A Review of "Choir Boy" at Steppenwolf Theatre Among other compelling reasons to see "Choir Boy" is the power and musicianship on songs sung by the young men who play the students in the choir at the Black, Christian Charles R. Drew School for Boys.
Walk Beside Me: A Review of Steppenwolf's "Chlorine Sky" The moving production is author Mahogany L. Browne’s adaptation of her verse novel. Sky, is the thoughtful, athletic, resilient character at the center of this young-adult play.
Buggin’ Out: A Review of Bug at Steppenwolf Theatre The audience is the fly on the wall of a dingy Oklahoma hotel room where Agnes White is taking refuge from her recently released, abusive ex-husband Jerry.
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