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PicksInSix Review: Berlin-Court Theatre

 
 

“Only Two Sides In A Revolution.”
PicksInSix® Review | Ed Tracy

The world premiere of Court Theatre’s “Berlin”—adapted by Mickle Maher from the epic graphic novel by Jason Lutes and directed by Charles Newell—that opened Saturday is a searing examination of the decline of Germany’s Weimar Republic from 1928 to 1932, told through the stories of those caught up in the chaos of the inter war years and the rise of fascism.

That fragile democracy struggled within a culture that was fractionalized following World War I with dozens of conflicting political parties and organizations. The guilt and growing unrest of the post-war sentiment gave way to the Beer Hall Putzh of 1923—successfully suppressed by the military and resulting in a five-year prison sentence for Adolf Hilter for treason—a political flash point for the Nazi party. Hitler served 9 months of that sentence, wrote Mein Kampf (published in 1925) and galvanized his followers using fear, intimidation and retribution to obliterate anything standing in his way. By the elections in 1928, scores of political parties had risen up, leaving pro-left opposition vulnerable. With no clear ruling majority, it would become a perfect storm for the rise of fascism in the ensuing years, the events of which play out in “Berlin” in rapid-fire succession.

Post-war Berlin also experienced a cultural explosion with an enormous rise in population including writers, artists and musicians in a Roaring 20s climate all their own. It is in the middle of this hyper-sexualized era that director Newhall’s masterfully wrestles Maher’s broad-stroked, sweeping narrative from a May Day courtroom hearing to the ultimate chaos that would lead to the demise of democracy itself.  Central to the story is a young, upstart art student Marthe Müller (Raven Whitley) who arrives in Berlin and meets Kurt Severing (Tim Decker) a middle-aged journalist who is struggling to make a public stand in print. There is an instant attraction and a promise they will see much more of each other. Marthe then meets Anna Lenke (Mo Shipley), a queer artist who is also infatuated with her.

Kurt has also had a past relationship with a Nazi sympathizer, Margarethe von Falkensee (Kate Collins), who will do whatever she can to break up Kurt’s romance in an attempt to win his affections back. Kid Hogan (Terry Bell) is a Black American jazz musician who, with singer Pola Mosse (Molly Hernández), find love and lead an exploration through the devolving city nightlife. The Braun family—Gurun Braun (Elizabeth Laidlaw), her unemployed husband Otto (Christopher Meister) and daughter Silvia (Ellie Duffey)—represent a family struck hard by the times. Silvia ultimately sets out on her own, finding comfort and love with David Schwartz (Jack Doherty) a Jew who is publicly protesting in defiance of his family. Otto Schmidt (Guy Van Swearingen) is a communist organizer. Ever-present throughout is Theo Müller (Brandon Ruiter), Martha’s cousin and first love.  

Under Newell’s artful direction, “Berlin” moves from scene to scene at a blistering pace with scenes appearing out of thin air,. Dramatic interludes realized first as tender portrait-like tableaus evolve in a heart-rendering moment to the stark essence of evil, magnified by the illusion of a city grounded in palette of Lutes’ black and white images—fine work by scenic designer John Culbert, lighting designer Keith Parham, and, costume designer Jacqueline Firkins—and personified by Laidlaw’s sinister portrayal of Hitler. Newell expertly weaves the superb ensemble in every movement, incorporating sights and sounds in ways you will have to see and hear to believe.

In the end, we are reminded that Hitler will be appointed Chancellor of Germany nine months later, signaling the dissolution of the Weimar Republic. “Berlin” is without a doubt the most important show to see on stage right now, a stunning example of a splintered, ineffective political system overrun by the forces of hate and persecution. Court Theatre’s bold and timely message for our time is a stark reminder of how easily our personal freedoms and individual liberties can be swept away virtually overnight. It is left to history itself to tell us how impossibly difficult it is to regain what has been lost, or whether it is even possible.

PHOTO|Michael Brosilow

Court Theatre
World Premiere
BERLIN
A New Adaptation by Mickle Maher
Based on the Graphic Novel by Jason Lutes
Directed by Charles Newell
5535 S. Ellis Ave
Extended through May 18, 2025


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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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