Peter Wilde and Emilie Modaff/Photo: Ray Goldberg
RECOMMENDED
In a play where every character is destined to screw up, Janey Bell’s script offers insight into how young, burgeoning artists tackle (literally, in one instance) the people and obstacles they invite into their lives, whether intentional or not.
I still have questions about whether the production is meant to be a farce or a drama, as it teeters between the genres from one scene to the next. The banter between characters in the first half of the show is strong. Though still entertaining and witty, the final scenes could be revisited to relate more to the established chaos and friendship between title characters Ana (Grace Hutchings) and Bree (Emilie Modaff).
Regardless, director Ben Kaye finesses the script and performers to create an entertaining glimpse into one wild evening of misunderstandings, mishaps and misadventures. The movement through each scene—be it an experimental dance, a fight scene or a frantic freak out around the couch—works well within the staging of this site-specific work.
Hutchings and Modaff have excellent camaraderie though at times it feels as though Hutchings was performing for a black box or traditional stage audience and not one sitting inches from her. Enthusiasm suits her character, but it could be a little jarring.
Modaff was able to find the middle ground. They brought us into the world of the “Bobby Pin Girls” with sharp wit, subtle dramatization and expertly timed reactions. Their rapport with Peter Wilde, who plays Bree’s ex, was palpable and strong, their physical dialogue playing an equally important part to their verbal dialogue. The intensity of their banter is juxtaposed with Modaff’s more casual and humorous scenes with Hutchings and Debo Balogun (Tim). Modaff is able to move between these mindsets effortlessly.
With a strong production team and cast, this show was able to unpack important topics on relationships and discovery. While the script’s overall message can be elaborated, the team’s work paid off to produce a witty, relevant and enjoyable production. (Danielle Levsky)
Nothing Without A Company at The Chicago Mosaic School, 1101 West Granville, nothingwithoutacompany.org, $20-$25. Through December 3.
Related Stories
Lonely at the Top: A Review of Top Girls at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company This production of Caryl Churchill's 1982 play attempts to examine the present by looking to the past.- The Mean Of Girls: A Review of The Burn at Steppenwolf for Young Adults The world premiere of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Young Adult production of Philip Dawkins’ play about bullying and victimhood may be about young people though it is not necessarily written for them.
- I’m a Musical, Duh: A Review of Mean Girls at Broadway In Chicago This big-budget musical adaptation of the beloved film written by Tina Fey is less than fetching.
- Intercontinental Collaboration: Bringing Together Chicago's Red Clay Dance Company with Uganda's Keiga Dance Company Club and street dance styles, experimental dance and a response to surveillance, race and cultural violence all happen this fall.
- Wolves and Wasps: A Review of Cornerstone at Nothing Without a Company This immersive and site-specific work from Nothing Without a Company explores the persuasive, cultish appeal of corporate branding.
- Let "X" Equal... : A Review of X at Sideshow Theatre Company In space, no one knows what time it is.
