Displaying items by tag: Mary Ann Bowman
'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!
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Kimberly Akimbo a Must See at CIBC Theatre
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42 Balloons Soaring High at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fourth Annual “Elpis Dance Festival” 2025 Free and Open to the Public
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Review: Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
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Review: Iraq, But Funny at Lookingglass Theatre
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Chasing the White Rabbit into Ballet Brilliance: Joffrey Ballet’s Mesmerizing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'
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Elizabeth McGovern's AVA: The Secret Conversations to play in Chicago
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A Remarkable Story Based on Real Events: 'Six Men Dressed Like Stalin'
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THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES JULY COMEDY SHOWS
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It's Funny What Can Happen on a "Neighborhood Watch," Now Running at Jackalope Theatre
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Kokandy Productions Presents the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE
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Evanston Salt Costs Rising: Stormy souls on salted streets at First Floor Theater
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Corn Productions has a new original play premiering in June - Support Group For The End Of The World
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Review: HONEYPOT: BLACK SOUTHERN WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston
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HAMILTON returns to Chicago in 2026
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![Riots of Laughter Greet World Premiere of 'R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]'](/media/k2/items/cache/63d6788acfa364724d695afe54efe853_S.jpg)
Riots of Laughter Greet World Premiere of 'R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]'
13 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewRiots of laughter greeted the City Lit Theater world premiere of “R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]” Wait. Could this be the…
Paramount Theatre extends Million Dollar Quartet until January 4, 2026
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See Chicago Dance Announces 2025 Chicago Dance Month Performers and FREE Events
12 May 2025 in Upcoming DanceSee Chicago Dance, the dance industry's nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce organizations…
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42 Balloons Soaring High at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Written by Lauren KatzIt’s 1982 and Larry Walters approaches his lawn chair. On either side are bags and containers full of various items like Coca Cola and Miller Lite – all meant to add various levels of weight to the contraption. His girlfriend,… -
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Kimberly Akimbo a Must See at CIBC Theatre
Written by Kendall RoyzenI like to think that I am hip and with it (insert millennial Gif here). I like to think that I am knowledgeable about the latest trends even if I don’t participate in them myself; not so much fashion and… -
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fourth Annual “Elpis Dance Festival” 2025 Free and Open to the Public
Written by Buzz Center StageIDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS presents the Fourth Annual “Elpis Dance Festival” 2025, which is free and open to the public. “Elpis Dance Festival” is a marathon performance featuring 17 diverse dance companies and artists on June 14, 2025 taking place at Studio 4… -
Review: Iraq, But Funny at Lookingglass Theatre
Written by John Accrocco“Ripe material for a comedy,” chuckles Atra Asdou, writer and star of ‘Iraq, but Funny” now playing at Lookingglass Theatre. Asdou’s new madcap play is part comedy, part history, part family drama. Directed by Dalia Ashurina, this hard-to-define play feels…
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