I put my head down and listened to “Sweet Bird of Youth, ” Tennessee Williams’ ode to the ravages of time and the hope of redemption. Damn, but the man could write.
However, the writing’s only as good as the execution; thankfully, this cast stands up to the material. Wanna-be actor Chance Wayne (Josh Odor) brings faded star Princess Kosmonopolis (Kathy Scambiaterra) home to impress the locals and liberate his long-time love, Heavenly (Elizabeth Argus). He’s stymied by her father, Boss Finley (Frank Nall), who will see Chance dead first.
The Artistic Home ensemble handles Williams’ poetic bitchiness with bitter humor and poignancy. Odor’s Chance is classic Williams beefcake, grasping at heights he can’t quite reach. Scambiaterra’s faded flower has the killer timing and wistfulness that makes us loathe and root for her; Nall’s Finley is a man whose lust for power is carcinogenic. It’s a sad snapshot of dreams deferred. (Lisa Buscani)
The Artistic Home, 3914 North Clark, (866)811-4111. Through November 28.
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