Home

Displaying items by tag: Patrick Agada

There are a few plays that focus on the love between two brothers. There are even fewer that will allow you to understand the brother’s fears, desires, and dreams throughout their heartfelt journey together. A story of two brothers who not only try to find peace between each other but peace within the gritty environment they inherited. The second installment of acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCarney’s Brother/Sisters trilogy, The Brothers Size, returns to the Steppenwolf theatre for the first time since its celebrated Chicago 2010 premiere.

The Brothers Size is the story of Oshoosi Size and his return home from prison. He lives with his tough older brother, Ogun Size, who runs an auto shop by himself. Ogun pushes Oshoosi to find work and to start rebuilding his life, but Oshoosi has bigger dreams than his older sibling and fantasizes himself in the company of a woman or driving around without a care in the world with his best friend, Elegba. The brother’s opposing views on life cause them to clash. Challenging them to find a way to understand one another. Elegba jumps in and out of Ogun and Oshoosi's life as a devoted friend who served time alongside Oshoosi. Oshoosi embraces Elegba as not only a friend but sometimes a lover, but Ogun can’t help but see Elegba as a threat.

Director Monty Cole brings this play to life with a dark, mulch covered stage that evokes the feeling of being inside an industrial environment where men work under a full moon with beads of sweat dripping off their fingertips; dreaming of better days. The stage is a reflection of the hard labor Ogun pushes upon himself to maintain. A life Oshoosi shuns away from, seeking a paradise his brother can never understand. After Oshoosi and Elegba find himself in trouble with the law again, Ogun is left with a decision that could change not only his brother’s life but his own.

McCraney's In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue was the basis for the Oscar-winning film Moonlight directed by Barry Jenkins, for which McCraney and Jenkins won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. The middle piece of his acclaimed triptych is another brilliant piece from McCraney’s catalog. The Brothers Size is written with a raw and poetic language, enriched with West African Yoruba mythology. Not only are the characters borrowed from its tales, but the play uses the mythology as a device to drive the story. In the first scene, each character enters the stage to the beat of a drum. They’re chanting and stomping the stage barefooted, side by side, connecting to their ancestors who walked around as beautiful, free men. An undeniable parallel as each character throughout the play struggles to find freedom within themselves.

In his Steppenwolf debut, Patrick Agada (Oshoosi Size) brings an electrifying energy to the stage that has to be pointed out. Manny Buckley (Ogun Size) and Rashaad Hall (Elegeba) give passionate performances that are not overshadowed by Agada’s nor superior. They weave together into a sweet harmony similar to a jazz ensemble that’s been playing together for years. When they share the stage, their performances melt together into a stunning work of art, and when its time to stand out on their own they do so in a way that seems effortless.

McCarney quoted: "The prison industrial complex as we know it...destroys families—and changes lives forever." The Brothers Size gives insight into the reality of a loved one trapped in a system that was never designed for him/her to succeed. It unveils the depth of brotherly love and how the grief caused by this complex is not a burden solely rested on those who’ve been imprisoned but shared with the loved ones they left behind.

Through October 19, 2019 at Steppenwolf Theatre.

Published in Theatre in Review

Something Clean, directed by Lauren Shouse, gives us a compelling story, very well acted, and with that touch of magic that comes from a great chemistry in the performers.

The script (by Selina Fillinger) is notable for the way it depicts real human beings who develop and change in the course of the action. Fillinger is an actor, and it shows in the dynamic, truly living characters she places onstage.

It is a story for our times, and tells of three people whose lives have been impacted by a sexual assault. One, whom we meet later in the action, is Joey (Patrick Agada), a tall, strapping, charming, perpetually upbeat counselor at a downtown assault crisis center. 

But first we meet Charlotte (Mary Cross) and Doug (Guy Massey) whose 19-year-old son Kai was involved in an assault. Gradually we learn that he was not a victim (we never meet him), but was the perpetrator. Until Kai was convicted and imprisoned, his parents lived humdrum lives, pretty much on autopilot socially and domestically. Now, they visit their son in jail each week, and their angst festers and threatens their relationship. They are unsuccessful finding couples counseling, with Doug rejecting therapists weekly after a single visit.

As we get to know these two, we sense they are estranged from each other, physically aloof, and alienated from their social circle by the shame of their son’s crime. Charlotte cleans compulsively, and Doug buries himself in his work.

Eventually, Charlotte volunteers at the sexual assault crisis center – and her process of healing commences when she meets Joey. Agada’s performance is deft, and striking. His effusive personality (he is Joey with a "Y" because "I like to end my name with a smile!") makes these two seem an unlikely pair, but they develop a completely convincing bond that seems to draw energy from their work together as actors – informing their portrayals as emotionally connected workers at the center. This relationship and performances are what sustains Something Clean. It is hard to imagine it working without this level of excellence in the roles of Charlotte and Joey. 

Under Joey's nurturance, Charlotte emerges from her protective shell to become a sweet, charming and vulnerable woman. Charlotte’s emotional recovery contributes to Doug’s healing as well – something we see in real life when one person’s therapy ends up addressing their partner’s problems, too. The neutral gray set (Arnel Sanciano) is noteworthy, as is one of the props (which are byJonathan Berg-Einhorn): a book by Jennifer Weiner, I think it was Who Do You Love, a tale that mirrors the emotional dynamics of this show. 

I have to admit I sometimes approach Rivendell Theatre Ensemble’s productions with trepidation that I will end up being more edified than entertained. Something Clean does both, and in no small part because of Mary Cross ‘s great performance – she has her craft nailed, and watching her crawl out of her shell is a delight. Produced in partnership with Sideshow Theatre, (it received funding from The Eliabeth Cheney Foundation) which commissioned the work, Something Clean played to acclaim after premiering at New York’s Roundabout Theatre last month. It runs through July 21 at Victory Gardens Theater (the old Biograph Theater building).

Published in Theatre in Review

Teatro ZinZanni's Love, Chaos, and Dinner: A Spectacular Romantic Journey of Joy and Laughter

13 December 2024 in Theatre in Review

Upon entering the beautifully decorated lobby of Teatro Zinzanni theater on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, you are…

This Charles Dickens Gets to the Heart of 'Christmas Carol' In Spectacular Performance

11 December 2024 in Theatre in Review

Just as there are many Santa’s around town, this time of year we have a wide selection of Christmas and…

HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO RETURNS TO THE HARRIS WITH A WORLD PREMIERE FOR SEASON 47 WINTER SERIES

10 December 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Today, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) unveiled the full program for the second performance series of its 2024/2025 season, Season 47: Winter Series.…

An Evening with David Sedaris: The best-selling author and humorist to appear live at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre on April 12

10 December 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

David Sedaris, author of the previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and regular…

Hell in a Handbag Productions Hosts Special Weekend of Benefit Performances During Holiday Run of Rudolph THE RED-HOSED REINDEER An Unauthorized Musical Parody

10 December 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Hell in Handbag is pleased to host a special weekend of benefit performances during its upcoming 25th anniversary edition of Rudolph the Red-Hosed…

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is Now Playing

10 December 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The Hip Hop Nutcracker has returned to Chicago by popular demand and is now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre…

Join Sweet DeLa and Spicy Jinkx in their irreverent shenanigans

10 December 2024 in Theatre in Review

[Reviewer’s Note: I’ve been reading a book whose main character is inveigled by Word of the Day; hence, I’ve striven…

Finally, A Fresh and Fitting Take on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

07 December 2024 in Theatre in Review

Like a lot of people, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has been mostly a cultural curiosity for much of my…

An AfFAIR to Remember; Joffrey's The Nutcracker A Must See This Holiday Season

06 December 2024 in Theatre Reviews

There is something magical about Chicago at Christmastime. Even if there is no snow on the ground, there is an…

Broadway in Chicago’s Production of & Juliet is a Jaw-Dropping Blast from Start to Finish

05 December 2024 in Theatre in Review

Lights come down at the top of the show. We are clearly in a rehearsal hall as the ensemble lets…

A cop & a night watchman get tangled between right & wrong in Shattered Globe's revival of Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero, January 24 through March 1 at Theater Wit

04 December 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Charm, romance and humor abound in the 2001 comedic masterpiece Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of…

Thornton Wilder’s The Long Christmas Dinner Radiant Throughout at Bramble Arts Loft

02 December 2024 in Theatre in Review

Immediately following the gastronomical excesses of Thanksgiving are the monetary investments and personal sacrifices we make for Christmas.  At the…

Review: It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! at American Blues Theater

02 December 2024 in Theatre in Review

“No man is a failure who has friends,” is to film what “God bless us everyone” is to literature. Frank…

Porchlight Hosts FUN HOME: BEHIND THE SHOW BACKSTORY, Dec. 10 at Ruth Page Center

28 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce Fun Home: Behind the Show Backstory with Artistic Director Michael Weber, Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7…

MEAN GIRLS is Now Playing

26 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce MEAN GIRLS – the record-breaking new musical comedy adapted from the hit Paramount Pictures film…

Lookingglass Welcomes Founding Ensemble Member David Schwimmer and Chicago Attorney James (Jimmy) Oh to its Board of Directors

25 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

After pausing its operations last year to reorganize and create a new business model, Chicago's Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company is proud…

Cast and production team announced for Chicago Premiere of Reina Hardy’s GLASSHEART, January 10 – February 23

25 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

City Lit Theater has announced its cast and creative team for the Chicago Premiere of GLASSHEART, by Chicago-based playwright Reina…

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's 'Season 47 Fall Series' is Sexy Romantic and Powerful

25 November 2024 in Dance in Review

Steppenwolf's cozy downstairs theater provided the ideal setting for an evening of outstanding and expressive dance by the highly acclaimed…

Goodman Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” Warms Hearts as It Rings in a Joyful Holiday Season

25 November 2024 in Theatre in Review

I arrived at the Goodman Theatre for the opening of its 47th annual production of A Christmas Carol, directed by…

Don’t Miss this Rollicking Rendition of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus”

25 November 2024 in Theatre in Review

If you’re looking for a way to entertain the children (or grandchildren) this holiday season that doesn’t involve long lines,…

A Lovely Night; Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella revives magic at Marriott Theatre

24 November 2024 in Theatre Reviews

In 1997, Disney came out with the most magnificent adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella that has ever been made.…

Throbbin’ Wood, complete with Merry Men? Count me in!

21 November 2024 in Theatre in Review

What the hell is pantomime anyway?  Will I be reviewing a game of Charades?   Google to the rescue! But I…

Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival returns January 15-26, 2025

21 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is pulling strings to raise funds this fall, offering three exclusive sneak peeks of…

Oil Lamp Theater Announces the Cast for its 2025 Season Opener: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), Jan. 24 - Feb. 16, 2025

21 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Oil Lamp Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its first production of the 2025 season, The Complete…

Half-Price Holidays return to Hot Tix as Chicago theatres get festive for the 2024 holiday season

21 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago theatres will present a wide variety of festive plays, musicals, dance, and comedy offerings this holiday season. In support,…

Steep Theatre Back Early 2025 with A Slow Air

20 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Steep Theatre will kick off the new year with the Chicago Premiere of David Harrower's A Slow Air, directed by Steep…

Announcing cast of A Nativity Tribute in Driehaus Museum's historic Murphy Auditorium, presented in partnership with African American Museum of Performing Arts

20 November 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The Driehaus Museum and the African American Museum of Performing Arts (AAMPA) announce the casting for A Nativity Tribute, an adaptation of Langston Hughes' gospel…

Delightful Send-up of 1930s Musicals, 'Dames at Sea' Nearly Sunk by Bad Sound

18 November 2024 in Theatre in Review

Overall Citadel Theatre’s ‘Dames at Sea’ has a smashingly great cast of singers and dancers, perfect for a musical comedy…

'Blue' Holds Mirror to Race in America

18 November 2024 in Theatre in Review

When Francesca Zambello, director of The Glimmerglass Festival, commissioned an opera about race in America, the country was reeling from…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 286 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.