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Nelson Algren: For Keeps and A Single Day
The Words of Nelson Algren with Film and Original Music
Direction and Films by John Musial
Original Music by David Pavkovic
Produced by Lookingglass Theatre & the Museum of Contemporary Art
At the Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E.Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL
Call 312-398-4010, tickets $25 - $55
Tuesdays-thru Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 3 & 7:30 pm
Running time is 75 minutes without intermission
Through June 29, 2008
Multimedia ode to Chicago’s essence is stimulating
In a co-production between Lookingglass Theatre and the Museum of Contemporary Art, the poems of Nelson Algren vividly come to life through the combination of photos by Art Shay, the films of John Musial, and the music and sound effects by David Pavkovic. This performance art piece is an adventurous ode to the Chicago Nelson Algren (1909- 1981) knew. Algren chronicled Chicago’s neighborhoods, its bowery and its beauty through apt depictions of the common man. The production uses selections from Algren’s City on the Make and The Last Carousel. He loved the grit and rawness of the Chicago. This multimedia event features Thomas J. Cox reciting Algren’s poetry with gusto. He is aided by terrific video and photography. Kevin O’Donnell on percussion together with Bob Lovecchio on bass aid unique jazz music underscoring to the piece.
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I must admit that I am not familiar with Nelson Algren’s writing and I had trouble following his dense and verbally challenging poetry that, at times, seemed to ramble on. Some of the autobiographical items together with the writings about pick-up baseball games did stir me. Unfortunately the combination of the poetry with the sound effects and the unique music utterly overwhelmed me. I lost the meanings and I got caught up in the look of the piece. I guess there was just too much stimulus at work here for me.
Thomas J. Cox was marvelous as a presenter of Algren’s work. He personalizes the work as he connects the audience to Algren’s ode to Chicago. I believe fans of both Nelson Algren and multimedia performance art will enjoy this work better than I did. The poetry didn’t reach me and the multimedia only further distracted me. But that is on me—you may enjoy this work that is a “love it or hate it” piece. The production qualities are superb.
Somewhat Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Jeff Recommended
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