|
Be More Chill
Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini
Adapted for the stage by William Massolia
Directed by Jonathan Berry
Produced by Griffin Theatre Company
At The Theatre Building Chicago
1225 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-327-5252, tickets $24
Thursdays thru Saturdays at 7:45 pm
Sundays at 2:45 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes with intermission
Through July 6, 2008
Strong main character makes “Be More Chill’ enjoyable
If it wasn’t for the terrific, empathetic performance from 20 year old Jake Cohen, a Northwestern University junior, “Be More Chill” could be just another teen angst play. However, Jake Cohen’s Jeremy Heere becomes such a lovable, boy-next-door teen that we quietly cheer for him to become ‘cool.’ Cohen’s deeply truthful performance reaches into the soul of Jeremy as he mixes teen angst with honest, self-deprecating humor. This role is a fine career launching for Jake Cohen.
 |
William Massolia’s adaptation of Ned Vizzini’s novel is noteworthy for its frankness about sex and drug use of today’s teens as well as the power of peer group pressure and the struggle to fit in and be ‘cool’ in high school. We see Jeremy as the nerd who lusts for Christine (Rani Waterman). He isn’t cool, so the in group rejects him. He is devastated yet determined to be ‘in.’ His fellow nerd friend Michael (Charles Fiipov) tells him about a miniature computer chip that, when swallowed, can train your brain to act ‘cool.’ When Rich, one of the cool guys, offers him the Squip chip, Jeremy gathers the $600 needed and swallows the Squip—which becomes a Keanu Reeves type person (Edward Paul)—offering advice and commands that allow Jeremy to ‘Be More Chill.’ Quickly, with cool clothing and dirty language and a confident body posture, Jeremy is on his way to being one of the cool guys. Maybe now he can get Christine’s love?
 |
What I liked most about the script is how it contains surprising plot twists—it shows honestly how today’s kids behave. The story doesn’t fall into predictable cliché plot twists like an afternoon TV special. We see Jeremy learning that ‘coolness’ must come from within in a series of brutally human mistakes. There are lessons here for teens that play hard due to this show’s blunt reality. Sex, drugs and the pursuit of acceptance are important to high school students. “Be More Chill” is a funny yet spot-on cautionary tale.
The cast of mostly youthful actors conveys the attitudes and foibles of contemporary teens nicely. Jake Cohen, nerd-in-all, still keeps our attention as the nicest un-cool guy. Younger audiences will enjoy this show—teens will have strong reactions to the show.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date reviewed: May 23, 2008
Jeff Recommended
|
