Steppenwolf presents the U.S. premiere of THE HERD.
In the home Scenic Designer Walt Spangler built, a family loves and fights with equal intensity. Spangler sets the tone for this family. His walls are white-washed with decorative glass trim. The staircase is almost whimsical as it curves up and around three landings. The kitchen has a charming functionality with a brick oven, colorful tiles and wooden cupboards. And within this lived-in-loved-in welcoming look, the walls are covered with oversized, gaudy paintings. The art is a surprising addition to this London suburban home. Yet, as we meet the family, it all starts to make sense. This HERD is loud, colorful and tumultuous. They go together even when they don’t want to.
According to the program, THE HERD is Playwright Rory Kinnear’s debut. And the Olivier Award-winning actor makes his playwright premiere with clever panache. His story tugs at the heart strings and yanks the funny bone. At the very soul of this family is Andy, a severely disabled son turning 21. Kinnear establishes Andy’s strong presence without him ever appearing. We know where he sleeps, who his caretaker is, what happens when he gets too excited and most important we understand his role in this family. We recognize the family’s sacrifices, failures and disappointments in the loving care of Andy. This all may sound like a downer but this play is just the opposite. Kinnear balances the toll of a deteriorating disability with the uplifting endurance of flawed humans unified in support. This is what family looks like loud, colorful and tumultuous.
Under the masterful direction of Frank Galati, the talented cast become family. The dialogue feels organic. The interactions spontaneous. And the communication is continuous both verbally and nonverbally. We see the intimacy of the relationships. Molly Regan (Carol-mom) and Audrey Francis (Claire-daughter) showcase the complexity of their mother-daughter relationship. The tirelessly frenzied Regan is consumed with ensuring Andy’s quality of life. We understand how the now 33 year old Francis has supported her mother and brother while carving out a separate life of her very own. When the passionate and confident Francis blurts out her secret, the impact is gasp-worthy. The family and the audience hear it, see it and feel it. And the resulting spat between Regan and Francis releases decades of pent-up frustration. The squabble has familiarity and honesty from both a parent and adult-child’s perspectives.
The wondrous part of THE HERD is continually experiencing the intimacy of these characters. The outstanding Lois Smith (Patricia) is the blunt grandmother. She delivers the humor with targeted precision. Whether it’s nailing Francis Guinan (Ian) with a deliciously wicked zinger or plopping down on the couch to interrogate Cliff Chamberlain (Mark). John Mahoney (Brian-grandpa) smooths out the sharp Smith with his light-hearted teasing. Mahoney and Smith amusingly play it with the casualness of old folk spectators. And then at pivotal points, they each deliberately interfere with the seasoned wisdom of parents and grandparents.
This HERD is top notch. The superb ensemble bring the comedy and the drama. In Kinnear’s story, each character gets opportunities to peel back layers and reveal breadth and depth. Chamberlain recites a sweet poem. Guinan sings a playful song. Francis’ reaction to both is tender and touching. The show has a beauty in its darkness like looking at something that is black and realizing it’s a deep, rich purple. I loved Kinnear’s loud, colorful and tumultuous play. And I found myself transfixed from the initial disturbing phone call to the final haunting phone call. Wow! Well done, Steppenwolf!
Running Time: One hundred and forty-five minutes with no intermission
At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted
Written by Rory Kinnear
Directed by Frank Galati
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays* and Sundays** at 7:30pm
Saturdays* and Sundays at 3pm
Additional 2pm matinees on May 13th, 20th, 27th
*No performances on May 9th
**No 7:30 performance on May 17th, 24th, 31st and June 7th
Thru June 7th
Buy Tickets at www.steppenwolf.org
Production photo by Michael Brosilow
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