PicksInSix Review: The Lehman Trilogy - Timeline Theatre Company | Broadway in Chicago

Searching For The Next Big Thing!
PicksInSix® Gold Review | Ed Tracy

Though it's not customarily appropriate to disclose the ending of a dramatic piece up front—and certainly one as consequential as the Chicago premiere of the 2022 Tony Award-winning “The Lehman Trilogy,” a brilliantly staged co-production of TimeLine Theatre Company and Broadway in Chicago that opened at the Broadway Playhouse on Wednesday night—there it is right in front of us all at the top of the show: A blinding frenzy of news reports cascading across multiple screens on Collete Pollard’s striking, multi-level set composed of stacks of banker’s boxes, copy machines and office furniture. Few born before 1990 will need to know much more about the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis that toppled world financial organizations and placed tremendous hardship on America’s middle class.

“The Lehman Trilogy” serves as a rich and compelling reflection of our troubling financial times and a largely fact-based interpretation of the journey that led to this unimaginable end. The story hinges on the notion that the events that we know all too well are actually a consequence of succession and not of the vision and passion of its founders.

Wisely, and with blistering speed, “The Lehman Trilogy” focuses on the burgeoning path of their family pilgrimage to America, their aspirations and legacy. We first meet Heyum ‘Henry’ Lehman (Mitchell J. Fain), the eldest brother and patriarch of the family empire, as he arrives in New York in September 1844 and establishes a storefront business in Montgomery, Alabama.  Henry is joined by Mendel ‘Emanuel’ (Anish Jethmalani) in a few years and then by younger brother Maier ‘Mayer’ (Joey Slotnick).

Stefano Massini’s script, adapted by Ben Power, introduces several dozen characters—heirs, wives and business partners—who first emerge as brokers in the cotton industry in the pre-Civil War years; expand their influence with a major move to New York City that would eventually diversify business models during the Industrial Revolution and into the emerging Stock Market and then on to investment banking operations. Along the way, the Lehman’s developed dynamic investment philosophies and successfully navigated the aftermath of the 1929 Stock Market Crash in the face of enormous challenges.

Through it all, there is a willingness by the Lehmans to constantly look for opportunity—the next big thing—by taking a simple idea and making money with it. Lots of money.

Perhaps the most important element of this epic tale is not the accomplishments of the Lehmans to perpetuate their version of the American Dream, but rather the brilliantly imaginative way the story is told: with only three extraordinarily talented actors playing all roles over the course of the three-act production, one that moves so swiftly and with such grace, humor and pathos that we feel a sense of wonder and awe at every turn.  

There is an economy of scale to the entire production that co-directors Nick Bowling and Vanessa Stalling have baked into every scene that is worthy of a Lehman investment. At one moment, the Lehman brothers are head-to-head passionately debating the next iteration of the company or one is playfully wooing a partner into marriage. In the next moment, characters shift, the stage is on fire and the story launches forward, challenging the emergence of the next generation of the family to cope with molding America’s investment infrastructure on their own. It’s all together a fascinating adventure tale.

Pollard’s towering scenic landscape is richly amplified by the collective brilliance of John Culbert’s lighting design, Anthony Churchill’s projections, André Pluess soundscape and Izumi Inaba’s period costumes.

In truth, Robert Lehman, the last of the Lehman heirs to run the company in this exuberant, fast-paced and superbly staged production, passed away in 1969. The play then races to its conclusion with mergers, buyouts and the highly questionable move to mortgage acquisitions that led to the eventual collapse with nary a Lehman in sight.

By that time in the piece, having been gloriously entertained by these gifted performers, we are left with the understanding that the founders, and their heirs, had successfully pivoted in the face of every threat to the survival of the company for the next generation.

It’s no coincidence that “The Lehman Trilogy” is indeed the next big thing to strike a chord with audiences in Chicago. The show has already been extended through November 26.

PHOTO|Liz Lauren

TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY
BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
present
THE LEHMAN TRILOGY
NOW EXTENDED
through November 26, 2023

BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE
at Watertower Place

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PicksInSix Review: The Gospel at Colonus - Court Theatre

Infectious… spectacular and from the heart.
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor Ronald Keaton

There is so much to share about “The Gospel at Colonus,” the absolutely marvelous production now playing at Court Theatre through June 11, that one hardly knows where to start – or whether all the praise can fit in here.  Based on the Oedipus trilogy by Sophocles, it views the Greek tragedy – and in this case a specific tale that shows subsequent comparisons to Christian fact and legend – through the energetic prism of the Black Pentecostal Church.  It’s a fascinating adaptation that seems naturally to play into such customs and stories.

Some background: “Oedipus at Colonus” is the middle play in the trilogy.  Oedipus has already experienced what the gods say he will endure.  His father the king is killed in battle by his son’s hand.  In mourning, the son attends his mother Jocasta and, in time, they have three children together.  When that shame is discovered by the world, Oedipus then blinds himself as punishment for his sins and wanders the world for twenty years. Yes, that’s quite thumbnail in description, but it sets up the second play, where Oedipus is now cared for, by first one and then both daughters, as he is guided back to Thebes, desiring now to go home and die quietly.  And of course, nothing is quiet in Greek storytelling.

The versatile Kelvin Roston Jr. gives an Oedipus of great emotion and strength that translates into non-stop passion throughout the play.  As the two sisters, Aeriel Williams (Antigone) and Ariana Burks (Ismene) are both zealous, vulnerable guards of their father’s welfare.  Mark Spates Smith (Theseus, King of Athens) is a calming presence as his character converts to a narrator/minister of the church here. And it’s lovely to watch the wisdom in his work.  Timothy Edward Kane is a smooth, slick Creon, who is Jocasta’s brother, tempting Oedipus to return to his birthplace, so that the fortunes the gods have predicted will not come true and Creon can retain power in Thebes… And on the story goes.

There are so many high points from a talented ensemble, a most entertaining entity this writer enjoyed thoroughly.  Juwon Tyrel Perry portrays The Friend, who first tells Oedipus he cannot enter a holy place, in a stunning vocal turn. Kai A. Ealy as the evil son Polyneices offers wonderful character work, full of depth and deception.  As dual Choragos whose advice Oedipus accepts, Eric A. Lewis and Shari Addison deftly lead the citizenry in alternating moments of huge passion and quiet choral harmonies, all rooted in the Pentacostal tradition of call-and-response that is nothing if not exciting to watch here.  Everyone deserves mention – Jessica Brooke Seals as a knowing preacher of sorts, augmented by a Greek chorus (Jerica Exum, Cherise Thomas, Isaac Ray, Shantina Lynet, Eva Ruwe) who takes the captivating music to emotional heights in a totally unique take of the Court’s classic theatre mode.

“The Gospel at Colonus” is co-directed with an elegant combination of big choral strokes and intimate individual moments by Mark J.P. Hood and Charles Newell with associate director Taron Patton. A sparse scenic design by John Culbert; the colorful Raquel Adomo costuming; the wonderful, attentive shafts of sharp light in one moment and warm, enveloping light in another by Keith Parham; the complimentary sound layers designed by Sarah Ramos – all eloquent pieces to a puzzle of thick design and story.  All of these elements, expert as they are, grabbed onto the coattails of the exciting, heartfelt gospel blues from the five-piece unit led by Mahmoud Khan. Along with the audience, one could even see Production Stage Manager Kate Ocker clapping along from the stage manager’s booth. That’s how infectious it is – spectacular and from the heart.

Created by Lee Breuer and Bob Telson, the show had its original 1983 production at the famed Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York – after workshops at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and in London – with Morgan Freeman as the preacher and the great Blind Boys of Alabama as Oedipus, in what Mr. Breuer and Mr. Telson called a “eureka moment” in their casting. It is a fascinating adaptation of an exceedingly challenging story to tell that naturally plays into the customs and traditions of Black churches.  I would venture to say that if they saw this production in all its fullness and nuance, they would be quite happy with the result.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RONALD KEATON received an Equity Jeff Award for the performance of his one-man show CHURCHILL. www.solochicagotheatre.com  Coming soon, his new solo play “Echo Holler.” www.echoholler.com

PHOTO|Michael Brosilow

COURT THEATRE
presents
THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS
5535 S Ellis Ave.
EXTENDED through June 18, 2023

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PicksInSix Review: Arsenic and Old Lace - Court Theatre

‘Bully!’ for the Brewsters of Brooklyn.
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Scott Gryder

As the sounds of Duke Ellington and the like jazzed throughout the venue, a true mansion of elegant decadence transported last night’s audience back to 1940’s Brooklyn at Court Theatre’s 2022/23 Season opener “Arsenic and Old Lace.” The lights went down, and the packed house began to giggle with delight and anticipation as if they knew they were soon to be reminded as to why Court Theatre so-deserved their recent 2022 Regional Theatre Tony Award. And they were right!

Centered on the multi-generational home of Brewster sisters Martha and Abby, undoubtedly beloved by all Brooklynites, “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a rollercoaster of discovery. In true farcical fashion, “Arsenic and Old Lace” reveals outlandish truths, exposes unexpected identities, and packs perfectly-timed quirks and turns that trigger endless cackles of laughter. As each character is introduced, don’t be fooled! There is more than meets the eye, and the once happy home becomes a near house of horrors, brimming with hilarity.

The play rightfully focuses on the home’s current occupants, Celeste Williams’s oh-so-huggable Martha Brewster and TayLar’s strict-yet-kind Abby Brewster. The pair is so wholly lovable and frank, you truly believe they should be reprimanded with nothing more than a rap on the wrist for the atrocities they have committed. Although less criminal than the rest of the Brewster family, it’s Allen D. Edge who shows the greatest facet of acting duplicity with his quick-changing, manic Teddy Brewster, while love interests Emma Jo Boyden’s effervescent Elaine Harper reveals bold strength and Eric Gerard’s sleek Mortimer Brewster stokes the fires of self-discovery. The malicious duo of Guy Van Swearingen and A.C. Smith’s Dr. Einstein (no, not THAT Dr. Einstein) and Jonathan Brewster almost too realistically execute their scene of attack, but they expertly ease us back into the dramedy like the smooth-moving criminals that they think they are. A quarter dozen of officers sprinkle comedic tension throughout, played smartly by Norm Boucher, Matthew Lunt, Allen Gilmore, and Thomas J. Cox, with the latter’s multiple appearances so neatly crafted to be nearly indiscernible as being played by the same actor.

Court Theatre has so deftly fulfilled their mission to reimagine classic theatre for modern audiences, it’s hard to believe that Joseph Otto Kesselring’s “Arsenic and Old Lace” premiered in 1941! More of an ensemble piece, each character is so fully realized that, despite their outrageous natures, they’re never pushed beyond believability. In a cast of could-be zany caricatures, each actor stays true to their subtext and intentions, never allowing the absurdity of their circumstances to overstep reality. That’s what truly seals the deal for a masterful production!

Although categorically a period piece, beloved Chicago director Ron OJ Parson pushes the text and action to such a nearly unrecognizable contemporary energy, regifting modern audiences with this sparkling vintage. That being said, as consistently engaging as it is, the play begins to sputter post-intermission with multiple spliced scenes, marked with full blackouts. However, even the last beat before lights out continues to tickle. Scenic Designer John Culbert’s detailed Brewster mansion is an almost “I Spy” of ornamentation, so filled with photos and knicknacks (obviously hoarded over multiple generations) to such an extreme, one could not help but feel right at home. Rachel Anne Healy’s costume designs mirror Culbert’s set, with stunning works of ornamental patterns in intricate and fashionable styles of the time. Even sound designer Sarah Ramos gets a part of the action with a bombardment of doorbells and eerie ambience.

After two-and-a-half hours of exceptional mirth and amusement, I was nearly too exhausted to cross the University of Chicago campus to return to the nearby parking garage in order to drive home. In short, if you’re looking for a show with such excellent comic timing that you’ll find yourself reacting in the most merrily and embarrassing manner in public that you can remember, make your way to Court Theatre’s “Arsenic and Old Lace” running now through Oct 2. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I suddenly have a taste for homemade elderberry wine. #IYKYK

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | SCOTT GRYDER received a Non-Equity Jeff Award for his performance in the one-man show BUYER & CELLAR. www.thescottgryder.com 

PHOTO | Michael Brosilow

COURT THEATRE
presents
Arsenic and Old Lace
through October 2, 2022

5535 S. Ellis Ave. (map)
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 753-4472
info@courttheatre.org

WEBSITE

PROGRAM

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PicksInSix Review: Othello - Court Theatre

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A SINGULAR KIND OF OTHELLO
Guest Contributor | Ronald Keaton

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare. It is a long title for what is generally a longer play. At over 3600 lines, it’s among the Bard’s longer pieces and would generally take around three hours to perform. Not so with the production currently playing at Court Theatre. It is compact, judiciously and smartly edited, and fits admirably into the hands of co-directors Charles Newell and Gabrielle Randle-Bent in a challenging and engaging 100 minutes or so. A real and unusual feast for all one’s senses. The presentation, a world of balletic physical battle, where few people touch each other (a marvelous response to the COVID battle we currently wage), is a uniquely timeless setting that also gives pointed contemporary commentary. It is accompanied by a complimentary soundscape created by the fine sound designer Andre Pluess. This writer admits that, at first, this use of an original body-expression language to help further the action was, in a word, unusual. It does take a little time to adapt to the way this Othello is offered. But in time, the audience is eventually taken into this new reality, and the new language itself becomes a character to understand and appreciate.

There is no “place”, per se, for all the action.  Indeed, the physical set makeup enacted by designer John Culbert and Court scenic artists has five separate seating areas of roughly 50 patrons onstage along with a small section of the traditional gallery offering another 50 seats or so.  The cast works in the bordered aisles among the audience, resplendent in costumes by Rachel Adorno and Gregory Graham in the stark hues of Keith Parham’s lighting design.  Additionally, canvased scaffolding and platforms hover over the main playing areas, all further comments on the continuing transition of time in this production and our present pandemic war. Whether or not it’s intended—and I give the Court folks all due for intent whenever I see a play there—it’s an effective theatrical contour.

The story itself is one of extreme jealousies—of power, of property, of love.  The script editing by Mr. Newell and Ms. Randle-Bent changes the focus of the story from one dominated by Iago’s treachery to one that shapes Othello’s foibles and weaknesses more succinctly.  And Kelvin Roston, Jr.’s visceral, physical Othello spares no quarter in his difficult transformation from arrogant leader to suspicious lover to murderous husband and, finally, to his own demise.  Mr. Roston shows us, in deep and short bursts, how the mind is deceived and how quickly he accepts such manipulation until he finally recognizes what he’s done, and what has happened to him.

Iago.  One of the great villains in Shakespeare, whose motivations are constantly characterized (and rightly so) as true evil.   But here, the wonderful Timothy Edward Kane—whose stunning turn in An Iliad at Court remains alive in this writer—actually makes Iago seem almost vulnerable.  It doesn’t last long, of course, because of all the control that Iago exerts throughout the story.  Mr. Kane imbues Iago with an almost touching, I-am-forced-to-do-so aura that is quite unique from other portrayals. Amanda Drinkall’s Desdemona was, at once, delicate and strong in standing up to Roston’s Moor.  A refreshing presence and relief from the intensity of the plot, even as she has her own to proffer to her husband and is unfortunately rejected. A striking and articulate presence, she is.

Two nice surprises in the evening. One was Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel as Emilia, Iago’s wife.  It’s a role that could be hugely difficult, as Emilia seems to accept much of what Iago says and wants with no explanation to her, until she realizes her husband’s truth.  Ms. Gonzalez-Cadel’s death scene, being murdered by her husband, capped a far-ranging portrait from an actor new to me.  More, please. Then there was Court stalwart Erik Hellman’s intense Roderigo, who combines with Iago in the manipulations to wound Cassio, gets wounded himself, and then ultimately is betrayed and killed by the very man he works with.

Sean Fortunato is his stylish, confident self in dual roles of Brabantio and Montano. Sheldon Brown, whom I’ve seen at About Face Theatre in the city, is energetic and clear-eyed as Cassio, one of Iago’s lieutenants and victims in the charade of evil. Darren Patin aka Chicago Drag Queen Ari Gato is simply invigorating as Bianca, Cassio’s lover. And starting at the top of the production, Karissa Murrell Myers’ Duke presents proper authority and wisdom, clear and concise.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RONALD KEATON received an Equity Jeff Award for the performance of his one-man show CHURCHILL www.solochicagotheatre.com

PHOTO|Michael Brosilow

COURT THEATRE
presents
The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice
through December 5, 2020

5535 S. Ellis Ave. (map)
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 753-4472
info@courttheatre.org

WEBSITE

TICKETS

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PICKSINSIX Review: HAVING OUR SAY

COLLECTIVE MEMORY OF JOY AND SORROW

Sweeping narrative ... In the opening moments of Emily Mann's Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years, Bessie and Sadie Delany gather us up in the living room of the Mount Vernon, New York home they have lived in since 1957 and begin a conversation that takes us on the fantastic journey of their lives together. There are powerful resonant truths, sadness, and abundant humor in director Chuck Smith’s inspiring production, now playing at the Goodman Theatre. The consummate performances by Ella Joyce and Marie Thomas tell a sweeping narrative about racial inequality in America and overcoming adversity with grace and dignity.

A beehive of people … The year is 1993. The Delany Sisters - Bessie(Joyce), at 101 and Sadie(Thomas), at 103  - were 19 and 21 when Haley’s Comet streaked by in 1910. They saw it again in 1986. The two are delightfully entertaining together, finishing sentences and picking playfully at each other as siblings do. Sadie, who used a sort of beguiling charm to make her way through life, is balanced by the speak-your-mind activist that Bessie came to be. They learned discipline, manners, economics and the importance of education from their parents, and were surprised that their beloved father - who was born a slave and became the first African American Episcopal bishop - left out key parts of the Bible when he read it to them. Moving to New York City together in 1917, the sisters settled into ground-breaking professional careers and the pace and excitement of “a beehive of people” in Harlem. Nights were spent at Small’s Paradise associating with the likes of Ethel Waters, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Paul Robeson and others.

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Smith’s 25th season …  Following a 1991 New York Times article by Amy Hill Hearth, the Delany story emerged in a book published in 1994. A year earlier, director Chuck Smith began a long and distinguished career with Goodman Theatre. Smith's unique and powerful storytelling vision allows Joyce and Thomas the full range to revel in the depth of the material, gliding through the fascinating dialogue as they prepare a special celebration to honor their father’s birthday. The Delany home feels richly intimate and familiar with Linda Buchanan’s magnificent turntable set design, striking costumes by Birgit Rattenborg Wise, Mike Tutaj’s stunning projection, and, sound and lights by John Culbert and Ray Nardelli.

Collective memory … Our lives are measured in milestones – birthdays, anniversaries, professional accomplishments – and yet it is our collective memory of joy and sorrow and the people who influenced and sustained us through those times, that truly matter. Lucky for us that the right questions were asked all those years ago and that someone was listening. If you are fortunate to have had a conversation already about family legacy and cultural heritage, you know how important that gift is from one generation to the next. If not, remember the Delanys had their say after turning 100, so it is never too late.

Help somebody … We will never know whether their presidential predictions for the future truly fell short, or what influence the 1991 article, book, play and film may have had on the course of events that followed. Either way, the secret to a long and satisfying life might best be summed up by Sadie’s advice that “your mission is to help somebody”... and to be sure your diet includes seven different vegetables a day, vitamins, yoga, a big meal at lunch, milkshakes ... and a lot of love.

PHOTOS|LIZ LAUREN

GOODMAN THEATRE
Presents
HAVING OUR SAY
THE DELANY SISTERS' FIRST 100 YEARS
through June 10th
170 North Dearborn
312.443.3800

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