The Fourth Walsh

Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of YOU WILL GET SICK.    

The show starts with Amy Morton and Namir Smallwood talking on the phone to each other. A voice from offstage (Jordan Arredondo) narrates stage directions. My confusion is immediate. Is this a performance for the visually impaired? What is going on? Although I realized quickly Arredondo’s lines amplified the humor, I never quite figured out what was going on. And I fully embraced tumbling into this world of the unexpected.    

Playwright Noah Diaz pens a unique cerebral tickler. In his futuristic fantasy, giant birds are attacking, people are getting sick and every transaction costs money. A man hangs a flier asking for someone to call him. He has a secret and wants to unburden himself. A woman answers the ad and agrees to listen for $40 or $20 or $100. They form a wacky association. It’s fueled by his debilitating condition and her desire to star in a play. The weird combination is irresistibly endearing. Diaz’s script is a journey down a path with unknown twists and familiar turns. All his zig-zagging is wildly entertaining.

Director Audrey Francis orchestrates this fever dream perfectly. Her superb ensemble (Arredondo, Morton, Smallwood, Cliff Chamberlain, Sadieh Rifai) engage on all levels. Smallwood is heartbreaking as he struggles with the mysterious affliction. He is forced to interact with a cast of quirky characters in a restaurant, at a store and during a drama movement class. His suffering is beautifully countered with hilarious buffoonery. Morton plays an obsessed actor and a grieving widow. Chamberlain is hysterical as a bird insurance salesperson, an unhinged acting student and a sobbing restaurant server. Rifai crushes it as an aggressive sister, an affected drama teacher, and an obnoxious colleague.       

This show is bemusing! I found myself continually closing my gaping, smiling mouth. The experience was both mystifying and charming. The writing, directing and acting is terrific! And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, Skylar Fox Magic and Illusions Design brings their tricks and Scenic Designer Andrew Boyce flips the stage. We are definitely not in Chicago anymore! In a word, bemusing!    

Running Time: Ninety minutes with no intermission.

At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted

Written by Noah Diaz

Directed by Audrey Francis

Performances are:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 7:30 PM

Saturdays at 3 PM and 7:30 PM

Sundays at 3 PM

EXTENDED Thru July 20

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Michael Brosilow

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