Michael Dailey, Kendra Thulin and Rob Skrocki/Photo: Chris Ocken
Businessman Grant Matthews (Michael Dailey) tours the country with estranged wife Mary (Kendra Thulin), drumming up support for a possible presidential bid. His idealism sours as a politico boss (BF Helman) and Matthews’ flashy mistress Kay (Kristina Johnson) force him to compromise his beliefs.
Russel Crouse and Howard Lindsay’s 1946 Pulitzer Prize winner creaks occasionally; the exploration of political deal making is still relevant, but the Thomas Dewey jokes may be lost on the 2010 crowd. The performances are serviceable but the piece needs the urgent idealism of a “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and never quite achieves it.
Geoff Button’s direction lets the pace drag a bit; the first and second acts are in sore need of the popping satirical energy of the third. Marianna Czaszar’s set is utilitarian early American and period quaint, but Joanna Melville’s costumes commit a couple above-the-knee gaffes. The Republicans would never stand for such immodesty. (Lisa Buscani)
The Strawdog Theatre Company, 3829 North Broadway, (773)528-9696, through November 13.
Fugue State: A Review of Life After at the Goodman Theatre The brilliance of this musical about the family and circle of a self-help guru manifests from so many directions that the show sweeps one magically, whimsically, sometimes tragically, in a wonder-ride that seems to fit all of life on stage.
