“The Way West” (Steppenwolf Theatre): To whom it may concern

Saturday, May 10, 2014 Steppenwolf Theatre, The Fourth Walsh Permalink 0

Dear Steppenwolf,

I’ve never written a review like this in my life… but seriously WTF?  THE WAY WEST has no relevant significance in the west or contemporary times. The idea of a family grappling with economic hardship is so 2009.  And even though the economy still sucks in every direction, our surprise over loose spending by our neighbors is gone.  We no longer are in ignorant bliss about bankruptcy.  People are wasting money on get-rich-quick schemes. We know about their stupidity.  We may have been empathetic initially. Now, we are just annoyed that it continues and the aftermath affects everything and everyone. THE WAY WEST  is not thought-provoking.  It’s irritating.  And the pop-up folk tunes aren’t clever or cute.  They’re weird.  It’s like a Hee-Haw rerun stretched to 2 hours. The actors did the best they could with the material presented.  Yet, there is a problem when the only person I’m rooting for is the pizza delivery guy played with zest resignation by Ira Amyx.  Come on, Steppenwolf, you’re better than this.   Think of your reputation.  There is a reason that the Chicago storefront theatres aspire to be the next Steppenwolf.  And this show isn’t it.

Steppenwolf Theatre presents the World Premiere of THE WAY WEST.

Running Time:  Two hours includes an intermission

Written by Mona Monsour

Directed by Amy Morton

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 7:30pm

Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm

Thru June 8th

Buy Tickets at www.steppenwolftheatre.org

1 Comment
  • Guadalupe
    May 16, 2014

    This is a horrible, stupid, outdated play. Yes, there is a reason why storefront theatres aspire to be Steppenwolf, but this isn’t it. The Steppenwolf they aspire to is Steppenwolf circa 1990-95, back when they gave a damn. Obviously, everything changes. Nothing lasts forever. Steppenwolf has become the 1% of theatres. The make product, not art. They make “brand”, not evoke emotion.

    If it wasn’t for an occasional truly great play from the pen of Tracy Letts, Steppenwolf would be off the map. As it is, their earth is flat and they’re about to fall off the edge. Yuk. Just ick.