The Fourth Walsh

Steppenwolf Theatre presents the World Premiere of WINDFALL.

Mr. Mano has lost a child. Although the City offers no explanation, apology or condolences, they are prepared to pay a settlement. As Mr. Mano continues to resist, his son Marcus forcefully advocates for taking the money. Marcus even tries to rally the audience to his side. His argument rooted in capitalism and power is persuasive. Mr. Mano’s response seems to be steeped in guilt. He doesn’t want to give up on another child. And also he doesn’t seem swayed by a dead person’s advice.

Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney pens a contemporary tale of justice, identity and forgiveness. The heart of his story is a father grappling with loss. The soul of the story is a movement to stop oppression. McCraney beautifully weaves together the intimacy and the enormity of the heart and soul. The tale unravels with humor and passion. McCraney’s script is cuttingly astute. He starts loud, unifying the room in an interactive concert-like atmosphere. He concludes the play with a singular person humming in the darkness. In between, McCraney builds the case for prosperity, change and hope.

Director Awoye Timpo masterfully orchestrates a true WINDFALL. Timpo works with her stellar ensemble to deliver authentic realism. They are in complete sync, listening and responding in real time. A fierce Esco Jouley (Eli) is the inspirational prophet. Jouley first unites their pack, Jon Michael Hill and Namir Smallwood and then the audience in a captivating opening scene. Jouley, Hill and Smallwood band together as musicians, activists and ‘we.’ They have a playful yet tight bond.    

The trio continually loom in the theatre rafters as Michael Potts (Mr. Mano) agonizes over picking up the pieces of his fractured family. The convincing Glenn Davis (Marcus) circles the porch almost heckling his dad. They argue with matching exasperation. Davis sees a logical solution to his dad’s economic struggles. Potts is annoyed at Marcus for leaving and also doesn’t want to repeat paternal mistakes. Into this family dysfunction walks the formidable Alana Arenas three different times as three different people. She delivers the angst and the laughs with equal fervor.

McCraney provides plenty of thought-provoking content. He also gets cheeky with it. Jouley encourages everyone to turn on their phones while making fun of audience members for keeping their phones on. Davis continually goads theatre goers to side with him on the settlement. And Potts tells Arenas that she looks like the woman that he met with earlier. McCraney does a great job of balancing the drama and comedy while never losing the importance of the underlying message.          

This WINDFALL is substantial! Writing, directing and acting is provocative and entertaining.

Running Time: Two and a half hours includes an intermission and a late start

At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1646 N. Halsted

Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney

Directed by Awoye Timpo

Performances are:

Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm

Tuesdays, WednesdaysThursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm

Thru May 31

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Michael Brosilow

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