Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Oscar and Tony Award-winning masterpiece AMADEUS.
I’ve been on a hot streak loving the innovative work at Steppenwolf Theatre… MR. WOLF, YOU WILL GET SICK, BOOK OF GRACE and LITTLE BEAR RIDGE ROAD. These shows had unexpected whimsy and depth. Steppenwolf appeared on a trajectory toward inventive theatre for modern audiences.
The announcement for AMADEUS was surprising. It was a more traditional choice than the recent novel ones. Still, I was game. I remembered how much I enjoyed the movie version of AMADEUS starring the effervescent and quirky Tom Hulce. I was pretty revved up to see how Steppenwolf navigated it. I anticipated a fresh take. Instead of being entertained by the wild child genius of Mozart, the play focuses more on Wolfgang’s bitter rival Antonio Salieri. AMADEUS centers on Salieri’s contemplative orations rather than Mozart’s high-energy artistry.
Playwright Peter Shaffer imagines Salieri, the Emperor’s composer (played by Ian Barford) confessing on his death bed that he is responsible for killing Mozart. Barford then serves as both narrator and star of his own story as he reflects back. Shaffer’s script is heavy with soliloquies reflecting on Salieri’s resistance and jealousy of the prodigy’s rise to fame. Barford’s idiolect makes it feel more like a lecture than a theatric performance. The history lesson is delivered in lulling tones to a group of aristocratic men. It’s not bad, it’s just familiar, tired and a little dull.
Director Robert Falls does infuse humorous moments into the series of monologues. His highly amusing Venticellos (Ora Jones and Sawyer Smith) provide sparkle, snark and wit. A colorful David Darrow (Mozart) charms with his unassuming yet confident presence. An obtuse Darrow unwittingly bests Barford at every turn. Later, he and Jaye Ladymore (Constanze) very intentionally get bawdy. The couple are hilariously naughty in their playful romp. And on the other end of the spectrum, a subtle and majestic Gregory Linington (Joseph II) nails the comedy with a single look or word.
Steppenwolf makes a conscious choice to go traditional with AMADEUS. Audience members craving the conventional will enjoy the uncomplicated melody. Others might find it a lackluster opus.
Running Time: Two hours and fifty minutes includes an intermission
At the Steppenwolf Theatre, 1646 N. Halsted
Written by Peter Shaffer
Directed by Robert Falls
Performances are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 7:30pm
Sundays at 3pm
EXTENDED Thru January 25
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Michael Brosilow
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