Displaying items by tag: Kevin Viol
Review: Shattered Globe's "True West"
In a Sam Shepard play, rarely are things what they seem. His 1980 play "True West" is no exception. Under the direction of James Yost, Shattered Globe Theatre tackles this modern classic. "True West" is often considered part of a family saga by Shepard that includes his 1979 Pulitzer Prize winner "Buried Child."
Austin and Lee are two brothers who couldn't be more different. Austin (Kevin Viol) is an upstanding writerly type who we first meet hunched over a typewriter in his mother's kitchen. Lee (Joseph Wiens) is his hulking older brother with a checkered past. Austin is working on a script in his mother's house while she's on vacation. Hoping for some peace and quiet, he's interrupted by Lee whom he hasn't seen in five years. Over the course of Act I, we watch as Lee and Austin battle for superiority through frustratingly inane questions. The moment of reckoning comes when Lee highjacks Austin's meeting with an important Hollywood executive.
What the play points to in American culture is that bullies win. Bullies get what they want and being a polite makes you weak. This theme couldn't be more relevant as we look to a certain unpresidential candidate running for president this year. No matter how much evolution we have to the contrary, human nature is that the strongest eat first. Austin and Lee can be interpreted as two parts of the same mind. Shepard often opines on the perception of masculinity. "True West" explores the duality we all possess.
There's a special place in Chicago's theater community for "True West." It was one of the first out-of-town successes of a then fledgling theater company, The Steppenwolf. Gary Sinese and John Malkovich starred in the principal roles. It transferred off-Broadway in 1984 and helped establish The Steppenwolf as one of the best regional theaters in America.
Director James Yost's vision for this show is faithful. The set by Greg Pinsoneault drops us right into 1980. Sarah Jo White's costumes are also very authentic. Performances are this production's strongest asset. Kevin Viol's breakdown between Act I and II is hilarious. While Joseph Weins' character stays mostly static throughout the play, his commitment to the grossness of extreme masculinity echos Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalksi. Shattered Globe's production of "True West" shows their knack for bringing topical themes to classic works.
Through Oct 22nd. Shattered Globe Theatre. 1229 W Belmont Ave. www.theaterwit.com
Review: Joffrey Ballet's 'Midsummer Night’s Dream' at Lyric Opera House
26 April 2024 in Dance in ReviewFrolicking season is upon us once again and Joffrey Ballet welcomes summer with the return of Alexander Ekman’s “Midsummer Night’s…
Eerie, Human Mystery In Captivating ‘Jump’ by Shattered Globe Theatre
26 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewAs the audience takes its seats we are greeted by an atmosphere of foreboding, a trestle bridge girder to the…
Review: Joe Turner's Come and Gone at Goodman Theatre
25 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewDirector Chuck Smith returns to Goodman with another major August Wilson revival–“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”. This is the second…
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD TO PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO'S JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 – FEBRUARY 1, 2025
25 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce that individual tickets for the world premiere of the first ever touring production…
Cast and production team announced for BrightSide Theatre production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, June 7-23
25 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreFull cast and crew have been announced for BrightSide Theatre's upcoming production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the rock opera that…
Chicago Opera Theater presents Chicago leg of the world premiere tour of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s newest opera Before It All Goes Dark May 25 & 26 at the Studebaker Theater
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Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre announces 2024 season - celebrates local artists and two of the most significant Black female writers of the past 50 years
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Comedy & magic collide in RIDICULOUS! with David Williamson, May 16-June 30 at Rhapsody Theater
23 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewDavid Williamson, regarded as one of the top magicians in the world today, makes his Rhapsody Theater debut with Ridiculous! Known for his tours…
THE 35th ANNUAL RHINOCEROS THEATER FESTIVAL RETURNS MAY 25 – JUNE 30 AT SIX CHICAGO VENUES
23 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreCurious Theatre Branch is pleased to announce the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, May 25 - June 30 at six venues across Chicago. The…
Oh Baby, Baby: BABY the Musical at Citadel Theatre
22 April 2024 in Theatre ReviewsIt’s often said that in the workplace you should refrain from talking about politics and religion; too personal, too easy…
Ballet 5:8's 'Lost Women of Juárez' in a word - evocative!
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Northlight Theatre’s BROOKLYN LAUNDRY Highlights Solid Acting and Thought-Provoking Script
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Babes with Blades triumph over time and space in THE S PARADOX!
20 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI would absolutely bomb out of jury selection cos I have a very definite bias: I’ve been a fan(atic) of…
No Trouble with Marriott Theatre’s Music Man
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Alvin Ailey in Transition: A Poignant Performance at the Auditorium Theatre
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Emile Zola Adaptation 'Nana' Is a Triumph at Magical Trap Door Theater
15 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewFor the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit…
Auditorium Theatre Announces vibrant 2024-25 Season
15 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago’s National Landmark Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly announces its 2024-25 performance season presenting a vibrant mix of…
Chicago Writers' Bloc Announces 2024 New Play Festival May 5 - 19 at Theater Wit
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Hershey Felder Brilliant as Monsieur Chopin
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Jackalope Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for the World Premiere of THE SINGULARITY PLAY, May 19 - June 22
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Spanish Language Magic Shows at Rhapsody Theater to celebrate Cinco de Mayo
11 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBorn and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, Chicago’s own Physician Magician, will celebrate the festive Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend by…
Court Theatre’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Features Fabulous Ensemble with Striking Design
09 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe Player (Lorenze Rush Jr) has just run into Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with his troupe of players. As he explains…
'COCK' is f***king amazing!
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Enchanting Feats: A glowing review of ‘Look Closer with Joshua Jay’
07 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIf you’re a magic enthusiast, Joshua Jay’s captivating new show, Look Closer, is currently enchanting audiences at the Rhapsody Theater. But even…
Welcome to The Jungle: The Choir of Man Rocks Chicago
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About Face Theatre announces casting for Midwest Premiere of Lavender Men
04 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreAbout Face Theatre announces casting for the Midwest Premiere production of Lavender Men by Roger Q. Mason, directed by Lucky Stiff, running May 9 -June 8,…
CUT TO THE CHASE festival of one-act plays returns May 2-5 with theme "Face-to-Face" at The Den Theatre
04 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Artistic Home Studio will present the 2024 edition of its CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one act…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents the World Premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical
02 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 22nd season with the world premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical, an…
'American Fiction' Oscar Boosts Percival Everett's Latest Work, 'James,' at 'Authors on Tap'
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The Physical Theater Festival Chicago Returns July 13 - 21 with its 11th Annual Edition
31 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatrePhysical Theater Festival Chicago is proud to announce the complete lineup for its 11th anniversary celebration, July 13 - 21. The Festival begins…
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Review: Joffrey Ballet's 'Midsummer Night’s Dream' at Lyric Opera House
Written by John AccroccoFrolicking season is upon us once again and Joffrey Ballet welcomes summer with the return of Alexander Ekman’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. This production was last seen in Chicago in 2018. Told through a mix of ballet and modern dance, this… -
Review: Joe Turner's Come and Gone at Goodman Theatre
Written by John AccroccoDirector Chuck Smith returns to Goodman with another major August Wilson revival–“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”. This is the second play in Wilson’s 10-play “American Century Cycle”. Goodman produced the first play in the series, “Gem of the Ocean” in…
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Eerie, Human Mystery In Captivating ‘Jump’ by Shattered Globe Theatre
Written by Bill EslerAs the audience takes its seats we are greeted by an atmosphere of foreboding, a trestle bridge girder to the left, and in the evening air, foggy wisps drift about the stage. Already something is up, but we don’t know… -
THE 35th ANNUAL RHINOCEROS THEATER FESTIVAL RETURNS MAY 25 – JUNE 30 AT SIX CHICAGO VENUES
Written by Buzz Center StageCurious Theatre Branch is pleased to announce the 35th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, May 25 - June 30 at six venues across Chicago. The month-long festival of shows will kick off with a special Full Moon Vaudeville concert event on Saturday, May 25 at…
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