esprit de l'escalier

The Night Heron

I've got another shameless plug for my friend George. He's directing a new play that's just begun, it's called The Night Heron and it's by an Englishman named Jez Butterworth. I went to see it last night with his lovely wife, Elaine. Normally I have more of a clue what to expect, because I usually have more in-depth conversations with George about the play he's ramping up to do. This time all I knew was that it was British, there was a specific accent from Cambridgeshire that I found amusing, and it was about a friendship between two men, much like Of Mice and Men, which is being played in repertory with his play. I'm really glad everything came as a surprise, well not quite everything (thanks for *not* telling me about the full frontal, Elaine). The story and suspense built really well and the acting was excellent. Steep's space is very intimate, and while sitting front row isn't usually my favorite spot (I like a buffer zone), I felt really engaged with the action and characters.

If you are in Chicago and are interested in a darkly funny play, go see The Night Heron at Steep Theatre Company. It's playing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm now through March 25. Check it out.

Another shameless plug for my friend George

I had to get myself to the suburbs this morning to take my car to the shop. On my way back to the city via the Metra, I picked up the suburbs version of the Chicago Reader and was pleasantly surprised to see my friend George's production of Catch-22 mentioned on the cover! Inside it had a Critic's Choice review, which is excellent. George and his cast do a superb job with a difficult play. Go see it. Monday-Wednesday, Steep Theatre (3902 North Sheridan Road), 8pm, through Nov. 9.

More Catch-22

Yesterday was my friend George's birthday, and opening night of his production of Catch-22. (Go see it now at the Steep Theatre, just off of the Red Line Sheridan stop! Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, now through Nov. 9 at 8pm!) I was lucky and able to go for the opening night show with his lovely wife, Elaine, and his family.

I had been looking forward to his production, because I had no idea how the hell this book would transform to the stage, especially in the small Steep space, but George and his cast did an excellent job. The play was adapted by Heller himself, and the story was streamlined a bit, with a couple of characters disappearing. All of the actors played multiple roles, save the two that played Yossarian and the Chaplain. There was a wonderful energy to the entire production. It kept the pace brisk and swirling of the story seamless.

I've been trying to think about how the book and the play were different. The play is much funnier than I realized. It's hilarious and extremely physical. Some of the issues that I found important in the book faded out in the play. Orr was gone. He faded into the subconscious of Yossarian. The actor who played Yossarian was so affable. (I left my program at the theatre.) I had thought of him being grouchier, but he was sweeter here. Anyhow, I'm still not sure all I want to say in regards to this. Except that you should go see it. And you should bring a friend.