Matt Farabee and Mary Winn Heider/Photo: Liz Lauren
RECOMMENDED
With the numerous struggling-to-move-forward “new economy” stories littering the cultural landscape currently, from HBO’s “Girls” to Tom Hanks in “Larry Crowne, ” Theater Wit’s latest might have proved to be a teeth-clenching endurance exercise. But Kim Rosenstock’s off-kilter tale of people struggling to heal avoids clichés and displays true heart.
Sherry (Mary Winn Heider) returns home post-college with an art-therapy diploma and a case of deep depression. She’s joined by sister Grace (Kasey Foster), who endures a breakup by watching “Top Gun” on constant loop, and a mother who never leaves her bedroom. Fortune changes when Sherry begins teaching art at Joseph’s (Guy Massey) school and treating his grieving son Zack (Matt Farabee).
The ensemble creates richly drawn characters invested with love and pain and supported by killer timing. Jeremy Wechsler’s direction keeps the bittersweet action light. It’s a testimony to hope that avoids corny words like “testimony.” (Lisa Buscani)
Theater Wit, 1229 West Belmont, (773)975-8150. Through June 3.
Related Stories
Behind The Scenes: A Review of 10 Out of 12 at Theater Wit The title of Anne Washburn's new play, currently receiving its very Chicago-y Chicago premiere at Theater Wit, refers to the number of working hours that Actors Equity Association allows for a company to rehearse during each of the seven days prior to an initial public performance. In the parlance of theater artists this is simply known as "Tech." Anyone who's had the…
White Blight: A Review of Admissions at Theater Wit Is Joshua Harmon's new play a deliberate provocation to progressives or a hypocritical use of his platform? Yes.
Horse Of A Different Color: A Review of The Antelope Party at Theater Wit This world premiere at Theater Wit explores the intersection of fandom and fanaticism.
Joy and Terror: A Review of Significant Other at About Face Theatre and Theater Wit A bittersweet new play from Joshua Harmon ("Bad Jews") about being single and staying strong.
Can't Keep Up: A Review of The Realistic Joneses at Shattered Globe Theatre and Theater Wit The latest from wordsmith Will Eno concerns the limitations of language.
Outrage and Arugula: A Review of Women Laughing Alone With Salad at Theater Wit An internet meme turned first rate feminist farce gets its Chicago premiere at Theater Wit.
