Our Town

This has been a great week of theatre. Monday I saw my friends ham it up in Haywire. Tuesday I saw Amadeus at Chicago Shakes and thought it was great, the actors playing Salieri and Mozart were particularly good and some of the themes in that show really jumped out and grabbed me. Wednesday I chaperoned a high school trip to Caroline or Change which was also excellent, although I think it was over-hyped for me. I thought every aspect of that show was spotless and delightful and moving and the performances were wonderful...I just wasn't as drawn in as everyone else seemed to be. Perhaps it was the 100 sleeping teenagers sitting around me continually asking, "Are we going to McDonalds after this?" Go see it, I believe that it is really moving and amazing...it just wasn't talking directly to me. 

Tonight I saw The Hypocrites "Our Town" and I truly don't even know what to say. This was one of the best productions I have seen in Chicago. This is everything that I want a play to be when I walk in the doors. I suppose because I write, I am constantly trying to weed through the other elements of theatre to really be able to listen to how language is being used, how the story is being told. This production let's the author's voice be heard loud and clear. It also stylishly draws you in, slowly, until by the end of the play I was literally sitting straight up on the edge of my chair. During OUR TOWN...you guys. It was one of the most thoughtful and beautiful and simple and earnest productions I have ever seen. Even though we saw an understudy as the Stage Manager...he was completely capable and engaging. 

The third act of this play broke my heart into a million pieces, I can count on one hand the number of times I have cried, not just teared up but cried, during a play, and this one had me hook line and sinker. It also made me think instead of just being, entertaining at me. And best of all, I took the play home with me afterwards...something that rarely happens. 

I think I'm having the reaction I was supposed to have for Caroline or Change for Our Town instead. This show has given me a new hope that theatre can still be innovative and thoughtful and tell a great story, especially small theatre. 

If you are in Chicago and there is any possible way you can get to this show, go. We need more shows like this. 

God, doesn't it sound like I'm totally screwing someone at The Hypocrites? I'm being so gushy. Truth be told, I actually grow a little tired sometimes of the ultra hip-ocrites...but it's clear that someone involved really deeply loved this show and put everything they had into it. Bravo.