|
The House of Blue Leaves
By John Guare
Directed by Ann Filmer
Produced by Shattered Globe Theatre
At Victory Gardens Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL
Call 773-871-3000, tickets $26 - $35
Thursdays & Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 8 PM
Sundays at 3 PM
Running time is 2 hrs, 10 min with intermission
Through March 5, 2006
“I chose farce because it’s the most abrasive, anxious form and I’m trying to extend its boundaries…the chaotic state of the world demands it.” -- John Guare
The House of Blue Leaves is a hilarious, manic farce with three stunning performances.
Shattered Globe Theatre Company, one of Chicago’s premiere Equity troupes, has mounted a fantastic rendition of Guare’s dark comedy, The House of Blue Leaves. John Guare is a brilliant playwright whose stunning language, stated in exquisite monologues, timely asides and stinging dialogue propels his wacky characters through his satirical farce that attacks American values, particularly our obsession with celebrity and the quest for fame.
 |
Guare loves to push the envelope in theatre with zany freewheeling and unpredictable action that produces many hilarious moments among the chaos that goes from biting satire to slapstick to bizarre exaggeration. Guare attacks the standard “kitchen sink” naturalism of 20th Century American theatre. With The House of Blue Leaves, Guare is at the top of his craft blending comedy, tragedy with poignant moments, songs, physicality and a touch of mayhem. He even has his characters talk to the audience in an effort to complete the connection he strives for between characters and audience.
 |
Director Ann Filmer has her players oozing every terrific moment in a highly theatrical production that quickly engages us into the wild world of 1965 when Pope Paul VI arrives in NYC to speak at the UN in an effort to end the Viet Nam war. The action occurs in the Shaughnessy apartment (meticulous 60’s set design by Kevin Hagan). We meet Artie Shaughnessy (Doug McDade in an emotionally wrenching comic/pathos performance), as wannabe song writer (and zoo worker) who dreams of finding fame as a Hollywood move song writer. On this day, Artie has to deal with his mistress Bonnie (Eileen Niccolai in a terrific comic turn) who will not cook for him until they marry; Artie’s mentally ill wife Bananas (Linda Reiter in a tour de force amazingly comic and moving performance) is acting particularly eccentric; his AWOL son Ronnie (Kevin Viol in full vehemence) arrives and plots to assassinate the Pope, three nuns barge in demanding beer and a TV to watch the Pope. Add a B-movie starlet Corrinna Stroller (Jacquelyn Flaherty) (and girlfriend of his old buddy the film producer) drops in on her way Australia for a hearing operation, and the mayhem ensues.
Filled with many over-the-top moments, crazy door-slamming farcical actions, corny songs, with some violence, The House of Blue Leaves is outlandishly entertaining as it effectively deals with the bleakness of dashed hope and dreams denied. The desperation of Artie is summed up when he utters: “I’m too old to be a young talent.” He further states:
“Why do my dreams, which should be the best part of me, why do my dreams, my wants, constantly humiliate me? Why don’t I get the breaks? Hey dreams, I dreamed you. I’m not something you curb a dog for…” Guare goes on: “Everyone in the play is constantly being humiliated by their dreams, their loves, their wants, their best parts.”
The shows gets crazy and builds nicely to a plausible surprise ending, then again the entire show is filled with unpredictable action. The outstanding work from Doug McDade (Artie), Eileen Niccolai (Bunny) and Linda Reiter (Bananas) anchor this marvelous show. Kevin Viol as Ronnie Shaughnessy and Peter DeFara as Bill Einhorn contribute to the fine ensemble.
The House of Blue Leaves is funny, heartbreaking with vivid language, wild farce and three award caliber performances. Shattered Globe has set the bar quite high with this fabulous production. What a wonderful night of theatre!
Not To Be Missed
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
This show is eligible for a C.S.T. Equity Theatre Award
Talk Theatre In Chicago Radio Show
January 8, 2006
|
