Counting Down the Minutes

Private Peaceful – Greenhouse Theatre

 

An English author, poet and playwright, Michael Murpurgo is best known for his novels written for young adults. In particular he’s famous for his book, War Horse. A WWI story, it’s told through the eyes of Joey, the equine friend of a young British boy named Alex. All of his works are best known for their magical storytelling and his recurring themes of relationships with nature, personal hope and survival and triumphs against unspeakable odds. Most of his books are set in England, along the Cornish coast, particularly during the early twentieth century. Like War Horse, Private Peaceful is not only a popular film it was also beautifully adapted for the stage.

This play, currently playing a limited engagement at The Greenhouse Theater Center, is a modest, but magnificent touring production from Ireland. Adapted for the stage and exquisitely directed by Simon Reade, this production comes to Chicago full of heart and inspiration. It’s a story about the horrors of war; but it’s also about each one of us. It’s the tale of Tommo Peaceful, whom we discover upon entering the theatre, lying on a cot, fast asleep. As the light changes, Tommo awakens and is clearly obsessed with his wristwatch. The reason eventually becomes clear: the young man is counting down the minutes until the end of his life.

Tommo is portrayed by an unbelievably talented, versatile and likable young Irish actor named Shane O’Regan. With a long list of impressive credits to his name, as well as a roster of much-deserved awards, Mr. O’Regan breathes life into the entire cast of characters from Murpurgo’s story. As the young soldier, Private Tommo Peaceful recalls the highlights and fond memories of his sixteen years. Through his vivid storytelling, the boy plays each person who held an important place in his world. He becomes his cherished older brother, Charlie, his Mother and Father and, the love of his brother and himself, Molly. In addition, he takes on the characters of Big Joe, a Toothless Old Woman, Sergeant Hanley, Captain Carney, Lieutenant Buckland, the Colonel and the Sergeant Major. Shane also turns into Mr. Munnings, Molly’s Mother, Miss McCallister, Jimmy Parsons, the Recruiting Officer, the Brigadier, the Doctor and Anna. And many of these characters, as well as Tommo himself, grow older throughout his memories.

Sometimes a one-man show feels limited, claustrophobic and confined. Not this theatrical piece. Directed by the playwright, Simon Reade, Mr. O’Regan’s stunning portrayal of more than two dozen characters fill the stage with their presence. Each character is as memorable as Private Peaceful, himself. The horror and agony of war, the effects of shell-shock, now called PTSD, and the agony of watching time slip away, are a part of this play. Enhanced by a stunning sound and lighting design, courtesy of Jason Barnes and Anshuman Bhatia, respectively, this is truly one of the most breathtaking and emotionally stirring productions to grace a Chicago stage in a long time. Audiences who spend 80 minutes with Tommo Peaceful will be rewarded with one magically moving theatrical experience that they’ll never forget.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

 

Presented October 17-November 11 by the Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-404-7336 or by going to www.greenhousetheater.org.

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