Steppenwolf Presents the World Premiere Production of "The Doppelgänger (an international farce)". Fans of the TV comedy "The Office" get their Dwight Shrute fix in Steppenwolf's latest show. Rainn Wilson plays a wealthy British businessman, an American doofus and then the doofus pretending to be the Brit business guy. The Doppelgänger sounds like an ideal sitcom plot ...
The Fourth Walsh
Theatre with a side of life
Category Steppenwolf Theatre
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Review “The Crucible” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Uncomfortably Reflects a Modern Day Insensibility
Steppenwolf Theatre for Young Adults presents THE CRUCIBLE. Playwright Arthur Miller's ode to the 1692 Salem witch trials has eery hints to contemporary issues. Although Miller debuted his play in 1953, loud whispers to 2017 madness are present. The story boils down to using religion to justify killing non-christians. In this case, it's a group of ...
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Review “The Rembrandt” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Imitation of Art and Life
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of THE REMBRANDT. A Rembrandt painting is the focal point of Playwright Jessica Dickey's tale. It's the portrait of Aristotle with his hand on a bust of Homer's head. Dickey attempts to connect life to art and art to life over centuries. She draws parallels between the admirers of the ...
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Review “Pass Over” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Didn’t Passover, Impaled Me!
POST PUBLICATION NOTE: I want to take this moment to apologize. In my original review of "Pass Over", I used a word in my review that I should have never used. I never meant to be insensitive or disrespectful. It was a reaction to the poetry of a play that profoundly touched me. Please don't ...
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Review “Linda Vista” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Let(ts) Down
Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the world premiere production of LINDA VISTA. Scheduling conflicts postponed me from seeing the newest Tracy Letts' play until last night. I entered the theatre with heightened excitement. I'm a huge fan of Letts. Plus, this show has gotten terrific buzz! I was ready to enjoy Letts latest sardonic Americana dissection. The first act ...
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Review “Monster” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Stellar Acting
Steppenwolf for Young Adults presents the world premiere adaptation of MONSTER. A teenager wrestles with his conscience about his participation in a crime. Daniel Kyri (Steve) is engaging as the young man. Kyri narrates the tale as if he's writing a screenplay. He describes the incidents with mechanical logistics using words like 'exterior,' 'close-up,' and 'camera pans.' The ...
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Review “Straight White Men” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Oh, Brothers!
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere production of STRAIGHT WHITE MEN. Playwright and director Young Jean Lee takes us home for the holidays. A widower (played by Alan Wilder) hosts his three adult sons Madison Dirks (Jake), Ryan Hallahan (Drew) and Brian Slaten (Matt) for Christmas. The anticipated traditions like matching pajamas, Chinese take-out and movie night ...
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Review “The Christians” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Authentic Church Experience
Steppenwolf Theatre presents THE CHRISTIANS. I attended the Church of Steppenwolf this weekend. I was greeted with the choir singing their souls out. They were praising the Lord with joyous voices, rhythmic clapping and broad smiles. This was a united congregation assembled for spiritual guidance. The pastor, his wife and church leadership arrived into this Sunday-induced ...
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Review “The Fundamentals” (Steppenwolf Theatre): Enjoyable Yet Basic
Steppenwolf Theatre presents THE FUNDAMENTALS. The show starts out with a slick video montage. This commercial by Projection Designer Stephan Mazurek promotes a luxury hotel. We are instantly sold on this elegant retreat from real life. Then, the branding spot finishes. The wall screen lifts and the reality is revealed. Ta-Da, the beauty and the ...