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‘night, Mother
By Marsha Norman
Directed by John Hancock
Produced by Hancock Productions
At The Theatre Building Chicago
1225 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL
Call 773-327-5252, tickets $30
Fridays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 7 pm
Running time is 80 minutes with no intermission
Through November 18, 2007
Will Jessie commit suicide or not?
Marsha Norman is a major playwright and her unique two-hander, ‘night, Mother is a provocative drama about a failed mother and daughter relationship. Filled with emotionally wrenching tension and unexpected humor. ‘night, Mother engages and holds us as we wonder if Jessie (a compelling Elaine Rivkin) will actually kill herself as announced? Stay tuned….
The interplay between Thelma, the mother (a terrific turn from Dorothy Tristan) and Jessie unfolds gradually as Thelma eventually believes and understands why Jessie wants to end her miserable, unfulfilled life. Mother’s isn’t much better yet she clings to the world. This wordy, yet intriguing premise has wonderful possibilities that Norman mostly delivers. Slowly we start to empathize and understand Jessie’s motivation. Mother relentlessly questions and shows Jessie how much is loved, needed and wanted. Jessie makes a valid case that nothing matters to her as she has finally comes to grips with the folly of living. She has no motivation to live and we come close to agreeing with her hopelessness. Can mother convince Jessie to live? Come see this play to find out. Here the journey toward the ending sets up the reasonable conclusion. This vexing drama will get you thinking about what really constitute living or just existing.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2007
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