Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere ofRUSSIAN TRANSPORT.
Playwright Erika Sheffer tells a family story from the inside out. The audience is immediately at home as a mom forces her daughter to vacate her bedroom for company. The teenager protests. The mom ignores her. The scenario is familiar. The dialogue is authentic. Their obvious routine communication is loud and barbed. This could be any typical American family sans Russian accents. The ordinariness gradually wears away as the out-of-country uncle overstays his welcome. Sheffer masterfully tells her story by dumping the puzzle pieces on the table. At first, the game is playful. Pieces interlock leisurely. Later, as the big picture starts to reveal itself, a dark urgency drives the pace home. RUSSIAN TRANSPORT has plenty of comedic elements but the overall plot is darker than dark.
Under the skillful direction of Yasen Peyankov, the talented ensemble explores generational, cultural and familial differences. The play opens with a fiery Mariann Mayberry (Diana) and saucy Melanie Neilan (Mira and multiple roles) quarreling. The genuine Mayberry screams at Neilan to wear a bra. The crassness is heart-wrenchingly contrasted later in the play. Playing someone else’s mother, Mayberry gently dresses a nervous Neilan (girl). At this point, the audience is in on the mysterious comings and goings. The tender exchange is brief yet unforgettable. The versatile Neilan is outstanding playing multiple parts. She transforms from a lippy 14-year old to a sexy Russian. Neilan is so distinct in her different parts that it seems like different actors.
The expressive Aaron Himelstein (Alex) draws us into his ongoing conflict. He and Neilan perfectly resemble a tight brother-sister bond. There is the merciless taunting. And then there is the overarching concern. Both come across in the teasing dialogue and intimate gestures. The charming Tim Hopper (Boris) and insensitive Alan Wilder (Misha) continually play with the audience’s perception. The polished Hopper and hysterical Wilder reveal twisted personas. Peyankov takes Sheffer’s script and wrings out every comedic and dramatic element.
In the end, what would you do or not do to preserve the family? RUSSIAN TRANSPORTgenerates ongoing reactions. It’s all laugh-out-loud funny until it’s upset-stomach unsettling.
Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission
At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted
Written by Erika Sheffer
Directed by Yasen Peyankov
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays at 7:30pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm
Thru May 11th
Buy Tickets at www.steppenwolf.org