The Vietnamization of New Jersey

By Christopher Durang

Directed by Dave Whalley

Produced by Chemically Imbalanced Comedy

At The Cornservatory Theater

4210 N. Lincoln Ave

Chicago, IL

Call 773-865-7731, tickets $15

Thursdays & Fridays at 8 PM

Sundays at 5 PM

Running time is 1 hour, 45 minutes with intermission

Through October 8, 2006

Early Durang satire takes no prisoners

Christopher Durang is a hot commodity this fall in Chicago with four productions of his plays and the early work, The Vietnamization of New Jersey is a full-blasted parody, comedy satire of all things American---Viet  Nam war, middle class American family and the 70’s society. Set in a typical working class Piscataway, New Jersey family, where Ozzie Ann (Angela McMahon) and Harry (Matt Hendricks) (sounds familiar) await the return of their veteran son, Davey, and his native bride, Liat, the play reeks of exaggeration in a funny, over-the-top parody of American values and attitudes.

While containing dated material, this play is an example of early Christopher Durang wit, style and depth. Nothing escapes his wrath. From the crude, sex-obsessed teen Et (Matt Roberson) and Hazel (Nicola Cobb-Oliver) (the African-American maid), who actually runs the household, Durang hits us over the head with biting parody and rich satire of middle American attitudes. We see Durang’s wry dialogue, convoluted story telling and quirky characters exude their comic wit. When Davey (Chris Rehmann) arrives home from the war with his native wife (Laura Mahler), both blind (or are they?), the family’s troubles begin as adjustment becomes chaotic

Unfortunately, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy Theater’s cast tried too hard and forced too many situations. They over played their characters in an uneven production where key timing was a tad off causing the loss of much of the humor. Sometimes shouting is used to convey emotion and slapstick unfolds as awkward. Angela McMahan, Nicole Cobb-Oliver and Matt Roberson turned in fine work.

Christopher Durang is an acquired taste and The Vietnamization of New Jersey is an early indicator of his talent.

Somewhat Recommended

Tom Williams

Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments

Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast

Date Reviewed: August 31, 2006