Chicago’s Violent History Come Alive

Haymarket – Den Theatre

 

Back in early May of 1886, set in the now upscale West Loop Chicago neighborhood known as Haymarket Square, a bloody riot took place. Amidst a massive protest by the city’s blue collar workers, who were gathered to plead for an eight-hour workday with fair wages, a bomb exploded. It killed eight of the city’s police officers, along with a handful of citizens. Eight of the anarchists associated with creating this movement were arrested. They were tried, imprisoned and sentenced to hang for their crime. The thing is, the men who were found guilty of the violenct murders weren’t even at the Haymarket Square that evening. In one of the most profound miscarriages of justice in American history, the men were railroaded through a prejudiced judicial system, unanimously determined to be guilty and put to death.

Two years ago, the fledgling Underscore Theatre Company introduced this original musical to Chicago audiences. Then, as now, it featured a book, music and lyrics by the talented team of Alex Higgin-Houser and David Kornfeld; however, the earlier incarnation was much more of a song cycle than this current, fleshed-out production. At the Den Theatre, audiences will find a more satisfying, much-improved folk musical, nicely directed and choreographed with spirit by Nick Thornton and beautifully musical directed by Robert Ollis. The production unfolds upon Eric Luchen’s fluid set design, lavishly lit by Erik Barry and eclectically costumed by Christina Leinicke. While Brandon Reed’s sound design adds strength to this production, sometimes the passion of the show’s musical accompaniment tends to overpower the voices. It’s in those moments that we lose the words and message, much to the theatergoer’s frustration.

The twelve-member cast is comprised of a multitalented ensemble of actor/singer/musicians who will impress and astound every audience member. Playing a wide array of instruments that includes piano, guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, accordion, harmonica and even trumpet, this cast is stellar. Heading up the company are Bridget Adams-King and Erik Pearson as Lucy and Albert Parsons, the leaders of the workers’ revolt. Their accomplished, superbly trained voices and tough, unflinching characterizations keep this production real and moving. The story is primarily told from the viewpoint of Lucy Parsons and, as such, Ms. Adams-King more than rises to demands of this role. 

Both Pearson and Joey Harbert, in the role of sullen, bomb-building enthusiast, Louis Lingg, supply expert piano accompaniment, while ringing the rafters with their terrific vocals. Another multitalented young actor/musician featured in this cast is T.J. Anderson. He plays the gentle, good-humored and very likable August Spies, a German-born editor and speech-writer, with whom the audience strongly identifies. Adolph Fisher, Spies’ typesetter, is portrayed by the affable and talented Josiah Robinson, who turns in another truly winning performance. 

Returning to the production, but this time in a new role, Mike Mazzocca is excellent as militant radical George Engel, as is Sarah Beth Tanner, who plays his stalwart wife Jane. In addition, Ms. Tanner is also seen as the Judge, as well as in several other minor parts. Proficient understudy work was provided on two nights by Elleon Dobias, who proves to be a skilled mistress of music, filling in for Amanda Giles in the role of Nina Van Zandt, and others. The ensemble is completed by the musical gifts proffered by Eric Loughlin, Kelan Smith and Melanie Vitaterna who fill out the musical accompaniment and play a variety of minor characters.

Far more complete and satisfying than in its original version, Nick Thornton and Robert Ollis have fashioned this exciting musical that makes this chapter in Chicago’s violent history come alive. Interestingly, this story often mirrors many of the horrific events of 21st century America, but Alex Higgin-Houser and David Kornfeld have wisely chosen to leave those comparisons to the audience to imagine. Resisting hitting theatergoers over the head with any similarities to our appalling,  corrupt, modern-day government, “Haymarket” feels as topical and contemporary as today’s headlines.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

 

Presented June 13-July 22 at the Den Theatre’s Heath Main Stage, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the Den box office, by calling 773-697-3830 or by going to www.underscoretheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.