Displaying items by tag: David G Zak
'Mr. Parker' at Open Space Arts: A Thoroughly Outstanding Theatrical Journey
Open Space Arts presents a premiere performance of Michael McKeever’s MR PARKER. Like everything I’ve seen at Open Space Arts (OSA), the acting was superlative: kudos to Andrew Kain Miller (Terry), Riley Capp (Justin), and Mary Ann Bowman (Cassie)! and their maneuverability in the confined space displayed expert blocking by Director/Producer/(EverythingElse-Er) David G. Zak.
The story of a widow just beginning to emerge from mourning is a familiar shared experience, bringing us immediately into rapport with Terry (Andrew Kain Miller). The complications of his journey are just as classical: his ambivalence toward accepting what the far-younger Justin (Riley Capp) is offering, and the affirmation of his doubts by Cassie (Mary Ann Bowman), his sister-in-law and sole remaining family.
It bears repetition: the cast as a whole was amazing. As usual however, I have a favorite: Riley Capp was singularly convincing as young Justin. From his first appearance Capp was compelling, maintaining Justin’s manic energy to the end – a fairly difficult bit of stagecraft, at that. Honestly, I loved his work – this isn’t simply faghag inclination toward a perfectly adorable faggot (Justin – I’ve no clue about Riley).
I have a special affection for Chicago’s small storefront theatres. I love being engulfed in the performers’ pheromone cloud. More significantly, I am consistently awestruck at the excellence of the casts and production crews in these presumably insignificant venues, rivalling – even surpassing – the large professional productions in the Loop and other glittering venues. I applaud David G. Zak for bringing his long mastery to work with the Second City’s abundance of unsung prodigies.
MR PARKER explores many universal questions and themes: how do love and sexuality interact? how, when, and for how long should grief be expressed? how does personal loss affect one’s other relationships? what are the ‘acceptable’ age boundaries for couples? And, most importantly (to me, any road), how do unspoken mandates and exigencies prevent our aging with joy?
I’m always amazed at how skillfully Open Space Arts’ production crew utilizes the restricted and compromised (6” pipe through centre stage? 6.5’ ceiling?) space. But clearly Set Designer Anna Burke and Lighting Designer Lex Newmane see these not as flaws but as creative challenges, which they most assuredly rise to. Stage Manager Lauren Littlejohn, with Assistant Kate Schnetzer, keep the company focused, despite three (three!) entrances and a ceiling that brushes heads. Open Space Arts is a classic Chicago storefront theater; one isn’t just seeing a play but enjoying a unique theatrical experience. Oh yeah! Angela Joy Baldasare managed Sound Design, and Intimacy Coordinator Greta Zandstra artfully demonstrated the complexity of emotional relationships.
It's my opinion that MR PARKER would benefit from a bit of judicious editing. Much of the script flowed evenly but some transitions were more ragged. In particular I found some of Terry’s (Andrew Kain Miller) solo scenes superfluous – though my companion was most moved by Terry’s soliloquies… de gustibus non disputandum, n’est-ce pas? Personally, I would have liked to see more of and about Cassie (Mary Ann Bowman) … or maybe I just lusted after her wardrobe! especially that luscious black blouse with pave-set rhinestones at the neckline and cuffs. Can I have it when you’re done with it, Costume Designer Benjamin Mills??
Overall, I recommend MR PARKER as an excellent theatrical experience. I think perhaps my enjoyment was enhanced by events immediately preceding and following the play – repeated instances of the kindness of strangers. Certainly, that is welcome in today’s political zeitgeist.
MR PARKER is playing at Open Space Arts through March 2nd – plenty of time to get a ticket, and a wonderful choice for Valentine’s Day!
Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'
15 April 2025 in Theatre in ReviewBrian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in…
Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'
15 April 2025 in Theatre in ReviewBrian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in…
Tickets on sale April 11 for A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness
09 April 2025 in Upcoming TheatreTickets go on sale Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. Central time for the world-premiere performances of A Night of Mellon…
TWILIGHT In Concert Comes to Chicago
09 April 2025 in Upcoming TheatreGEA Live and Broadway In Chicago in association with Lionsgate, today announced the highly-anticipated 60-city national tour of the first-ever TWILIGHT IN CONCERT ( www.twilightinconcert.com) will visit in…
Layers Unfold in “The Book of Grace” at Steppenwolf
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Theo Ubique and CPA Theatricals to co-produce SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years, August 1-10
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KIMBERLY AKIMBO On Sale
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GDC Spring Program Eloquently Distills the Vagaries and Splendor of Life Through Dance
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Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents Lively Production of Sunny Afternoon
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‘Trial of Themistocles’ Shows Off Best of the Culture of Greece, and Chicago Jurisprudence
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A Hull Lot of Laughs: Titanique Makes Waves On Stage
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MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is Now Playing
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Review: The Listeners at Lyric Opera of Chicago
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IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS: Spring Concert 2025 - 'Instinct' at Ann Barzel Theater (April 26-27)
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Dynamic South Chicago Dance Theatre at The Auditorium in one perf only, May 3
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Open Space Arts announces staged reading series and a powerful premiere for April through June
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Review: 'it's been ten years since everybody died' at Open Space Arts
26 March 2025 in Theatre in ReviewI’ve reviewed a number of shows at Open Space Arts (OSA) – I love the place – so I’m familiar…
Hell in a Handbag Productions' World Premiere of SCARY TOWN By Artistic Director David Cerda Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass April 9 – May 11, 2025 at The Clutch
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Kokandy Productions Announces Line-Up for CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL Returning April 3 – 6, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre
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Hive of Hilarity: Copley Theatre’s 'Spelling Bee' is a Buzzing Triumph!
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The Search for Truth Turns to War in Oil Lamp’s Outstanding ‘The Lifespan of a Fact’
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Disability-inclusive company brings Frankenstein to Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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Invictus Theatre Presents Enchanting Production of The Winter’s Tale
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Writers Theatre announces 2025/26 season
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About Face Theatre presents the return of Re/Generation Studio at The Alice at Goodman Theatre March 28-30, 2025
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Steppenwolf Theatre Presents Broadway's Kelli O'Hara - April 18 & 19, 2025
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Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'
Written by Bill EslerBrian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in creating a stage full of memorable characters, 10 in this case, each with depth sufficient to fuel their dramatic paths.… -
Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'
Written by Bill EslerBrian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in creating a stage full of memorable characters, 10 in this case, each with depth sufficient to fuel their dramatic paths.…
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Theo Ubique and CPA Theatricals to co-produce SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years, August 1-10
Written by Buzz Center StageCPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced a co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which imagines a secret society of women that supports and promotes each other's talents in the same way secret societies have provided powerful networks… -
KIMBERLY AKIMBO On Sale
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce individual tickets for KIMBERLY AKIMBO, winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL and the most critically acclaimed musical of its season, will go on sale starting Tuesday, April 8. KIMBERLY AKIMBO will play Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC…
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