Review: There Is a Happiness That Morning Is/Theater Oobleck

Colm O'Reilly, Diana Slickman/Photo: John Sisson

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This is Oobleck at their best: an unorthodox premise that oscillates between rapid-fire madcap humor and unexpected enlightenment, with playwright Mickle Maher’s rhymed verse a study in contrast between passion and wit. Bernard and Ellen, two professors at a small New England college, are moved to make love on the quad one twilight and get caught by the college president; the next day each comes to terms with what happened while lecturing on Blake’s “Songs of Innocence” and “Songs of Experience” respectively. In impeccably sequenced overlapping presentations, Bernard’s romanticism and Ellen’s prudent idealism become a study of love’s frailty in the face of the world’s inhumane forces. (Monica Westin)

Theater Oobleck at DCA Storefront Theater, 66 East Randolph, (312)742-8497. Through May 22.

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