The Fourth Walsh

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents HYMN.     

Two men meet. Each is grieving. Their childhoods have led to very different adult outcomes. They are both searching for something missing. Can they find it in each other? Playwright Lolita Chakrabarti tells the tale of two strangers in their fifties. When their paths cross accidentally, they share their stories and lives in an attempt to build a lifelong connection. Benny and Gil find a common melody in favorite songs across the decades. Chakrabarti composes this play with notes of hope and unexpected harmonies.       

Music is a third character in HYMN. It’s always present. Children named for Jazz greats. An impromptu karaoke pop-up. Benny and Gil gettin’ jiggy with it. Chakrabarti cleverly sets the tone and Director Ron OJ Parson perfects the tempo. Scene transitions are dynamic Chicago film clips by Rasean Davonte Johnson (scenic and projection design). And the footage is matched with relevant music to the moment by Willow James (sound design and composition). These mini music videos accentuate the drama and comedy with flair.    

At the heart and soul of the show, Chiké Johnson (Benny) and James Vincent Meredith (Gil) become friends. In the beginning, a resentful Johnson is suspicious and a gregarious Meredith has to coax him into the relationship. The whirlwind bromance ignites with a particularly hilarious work-out session. Johnson’s exercising is impressively effortless. Meredith’s struggle is comically relatable. In another scene, the guys are rummaging through a junk room and find ‘vinyls.’ Through these kind of ordinary encounters,  Chakrabarti’s interactions showcase the evolving relationship. Snippets here and there about the kids, wives and dreams indicate the progression of two men learning to jam out together.

HYMN is playful and poignant! Chakrabarti and Parson keep it upbeat and ever-moving. And these actors make it their own! Johnson and Meredith beautifully transform together and individually to a surprising crescendo followed by a tender, familia refrain. This HYMN is a one-of-a-kind opus!     

Running Time: Eighty-five minutes with no intermission.

At Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier

Written by Lolita Chakrabarti

Directed by Ron OJ Parson

Performances are:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM

Wednesdays at 1pm

Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 PM

Thru May 25

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Vashon Jordan Jr.

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