Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of MR. WOLF.
A fifteen year old girl believes she is a prophet.
MR. WOLF is engrossing! Upon arrival, the stage is set for mystery. Projection Designer Rasean Davonte’ Johnson overlays the image of a farmhouse in front of a darkened interior with lamp lights providing a glimpse into life inside. The look is quiet and ethereal. The curtain rises to reveal a well-stocked library and Emilie Maureen Hanson (Theresa) sprawled on the floor drawing. When Tim Hopper (Mr. Wolf) arrives, an animated- almost manic Hanson begins spewing out a litany of musings. It’s a mishmash of astronomy, physics and conceptual thinking. A delighted and scared Hopper calls her a prophet and tells her The World is coming for her.
Is this girl a prophet? Playwright Rajiv Joseph drops us into the rabbit hole, throws extra dirt on top and leaves us to dig ourselves out to see the full picture.
Director K. Todd Freeman amplifies the intrigue with celestial inspired scene transitions (Johnson, Walt Spangler-scenic, Keith Parham-lighting) and a sublime ensemble. A commanding Kate Arrington (Hana) bursts into the story with a pragmatic approach. The dynamic between her and a subtly fierce Caroline Neff (Julie) brings hilarity to the dark comedy. An overwhelmed and reserved Namir Smallwood struggles to express himself. These adults are all flawed and so very human in contrast to the self-proclaimed deity in their midst. Hanson’s surprising and sudden appearance into their lives has them all scrambling to understand both her past and her destiny.
My intention is to leave this review vague. I loved the experience of puzzling together this story. MR. WOLF is what I enjoy most about theatre. A smart script, masterful direction, poignant acting, evocative designs colliding together to provide a one-of-a-kind live experience. MR. WOLF left me both marred and hopeful about humanity.
Running Time: 100 minutes with no intermission includes a delayed start.
At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted
Written by Rajiv Joseph
Directed by K. Todd Freeman
Performances are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays,Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM
Thru November 2
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Michael Brosilow
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago
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