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A Life in the Theatre
By David Mamet
Directed by Robert Falls
At the Goodman Theatre
as part of the Mamet Festival
170 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL
Call 312-443-3800, tickets $20 - $65
Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Thursdays 2 & 7:30 PM
Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 2 & 7:30 PM
Running time 1 hour, 22 minutes with no intermission
Through April 9, 2006
"If there were a 'playwright laureate' for Chicago, it would be David Mamet," said Robert Falls. "His characters embody the 'no frills' straightforwardness of the urban Midwest; his themes continue to explore the moral and ethical frameworks that define his Chicago roots. The Goodman was the birthplace of A Life in the Theatre, a unique work for the stage that David wrote when he was a young man, and it has only deepened and become more poignant over time."
Mamet’s ode to the theatre is a nostalgic passing of the mantel
The Goodman Theatre, under Gregory Mosher, helped launch David Mamet as a serious playwright. Their 1977 production of A Life in the Theatre featured Mike Nussbaum and Joe Mantegna and was the second Mamet work premiered by the Goodman Theatre. This work is an apt piece to anchor the Goodman’s 2006 Mamet Festival which runs for the next seven weeks.
Director Robert Falls’ production of A Life in the Theatre is superb. This two-hander features veteran actor David Darlow as the aging method actor, Robert and Matt Schwader as the young aspiring thespian, John. This backstage comic drama has a marvelous set that reverses the stage where we see the makeup table, the kitchen and the wings with the stage, curtain and the stage lights facing us giving us a glimpse into the actors real world (set design by Mark Wendland).
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This 85 minute one act starts and ends with the two actors saying “good night” beginning with Robert, the confident savvy veteran actor briskly leaving the theatre. The show ends with a scared, defeated Robert slowly retreating to the scary real world. Mamet’s ode to the make-believe world of the theatre subtly demonstrates the passing of the mantel from the old-time actor to the young performer. Told while rehearsing and clothing changes during a season in a repertory company, A Life in the Theatre gives us a rare glimpse into the actor’s psyche as they prepare and perform.
Robert and John together go through the trials and joys (with some cute mishaps) of a season of repertory. Robert mentors the fledging John with the wisdom and techniques of the craft. John admires Robert but his determination allows him to spar with the vain Robert.
Mamet’s masterful dialogue has Robert exuding his obsession with the theatre as his life since he can’t differentiate between the make believe of the stage and the real world. David Darlow is marvelous as the old time actor who slowly comes apart. Darlow’s nuanced unraveling and perfect timing, especially in the scenes where we see him get lost in the script, was terrific.
Matt Schwader as the emerging young actor, John was effective and complimented Darlow expertly. Going from admiration to irritation, from apprentice to journeymen, Schwader demonstrates his acting skills, comic timing and his genuine warmth. The show smoothly shifts the power from Robert to John with a profound, subtle and poignant feel that reaches us deeply. This play speaks volumes to us theatre lovers. I was moved by this lovely play. Falls, Darlow and Schwader’s respect for the theatre and Mamet’s vision makes this show compelling. What a nice start to the Mamet Festival!
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed March 13, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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