Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of GRAND CONCOURSE.
Upon arrival, Scenic Designer Joey Wade places us smack dab in the middle of a soup kitchen. His intricate set is impressive from the industrial sinks with working faucets to the Virgin Mary statue perched on the windowsill. And behind this realistic microcosm, Wade has formidable cathedral-styled arches with stained glass windows. The clean but shabby soup kitchen is tucked into this imposing church setting. From the visual contrast, I already sense the religion and social justice debate coming my way.
And Playwright Heidi Schreck goes there and farther. She has the anticipated faith-testing of a hard-working do-gooder played with remarkable humanity by Mariann Mayberry (Shelley). Yet, Schreck doesn’t stop there. She gives us three more lost souls struggling with their own demons. Brittany Uomoleale (Emma) is a millennial zestfully looking for a connection. Victor Almanzar (Oscar) is the happy-go-lucky handyman with relational woes. And Tim Hopper (Frog) is the crazy sage homeless guy.
At first glance, the show seems simplistic and straightforward. As it goes on, Schreck gives her characters unexpected flaws. A couple of the screw ups are stunningly epic. Both times, when I realized what was being revealed, I gasped. These damaged lives are complicated and intertwined together. And within their makeshift family of misfits, they each grapple with forgiveness and acceptance and trust…over and over.
Under the skillful direction of Yasen Peyankov, the talented ensemble showcases plenty of humor and heart. Uomoleale’s arrival brings energetic freshness to Mayberry’s weary routine. While Uomoleale is ready to shake things up, Mayberry wants to just get through serving lunch. Their odd couple pairing is at the core of the show. I won’t disclose too much so not to ruin the evolving theatrical experience. I will say Mayberry continually transforms throughout the show. When she is heading on a trip, she is like a giddy school girl. And later, she gives this unforgettable, stone-cold soliloquy. The contrast and her words are disconcerting.
GRAND CONCOURSE is about the reality of people helping people helping people. It’s rewarding and frustrating. And it can give you hope and makes you hurt. Although the show has a little tedium with the time-to-make-the-soup frequency, I thoroughly enjoyed it despite the ongoing whisperings of guests all around me. (Steppenwolf audiences are some of the worst behaved theatre goers.) Schreck wittingly dissects these lives. And after exposing everyone’s weaknesses, she gives us a poignant ending that I continue to noodle on.
Running Time: One hour and forty-five minutes with no intermission
At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted
Written by Heidi Schreck
Directed by Yasen Peyankov
Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 7:30pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm
Additional performances at 2pm on August 12, 19, 26
Thru August 30th
Buy Tickets at www.steppenwolf.org
For more reviews and information on Chicago theatre, visit Theatre in Chicago.