Six Characters in Search of Themselves

Small Mouth Sounds – Red Orchid

 

Six diverse urbanites have signed on for a weeklong retreat, near a lake in the woods. The secluded hideaway offers simplicity for it’s participants. It’s a refuge for peace, meditation, reflection and communing with nature. The program is run by the Teacher, a character the audience never sees, but hears, from time-to-time, over a loudspeaker. In each theatergoer’s program he’ll find a detailed map of the camp area, a schedule of times and daily events, along with a long list of survival tips for those attending their first retreat.

The group of individuals attending this particular week initially congregate in the Meeting Hall. They’re asked to remove their shoes, refrain from talking and begin their experience by writing a simple statement of their intentions and expectations during the retreat. Because cell phone usage is forbidden, the attendants are advised to bring along a wristwatch. Yoga or other forms of exercise is strongly encouraged, journaling is advised and clothing is optional, especially at the lake. Participants are warned about the presence of bears and other wild animals that may be prowling the premises. But it’s the multitude of interpersonal dynamics playing out during this one-act that mesmerize.

Shade Murray has skillfully directed Bess Wohl’s exquisite, adult drama with loving care. Kurtis Boetcher’s multipurpose, rustic, wood-hewn scenic design, not only serves as the Meeting Hall, but adapts to every other location with ease. Jeffrey Levin’s sound design is appropriately peppered with the call of the wild and, along with Heather Gilbert’s fine lighting, keeps the audience tuned into each locale.

The cast is, as always, perfection. Each character portrayed brings his own personal agenda and needs; and, likewise, every audience member will take away from the play a different impression of these characters and his own, unique message. Jan, played with  taciturn reserve and dignity by Lawrence Grimm, is the first to arrive. He’s one of the participants most comfortable refraining from talking. Later in the play, the audience learns the reason. Grimm brings recurring comedy to the play as he seems to be the only attendant being plagued by mosquitos. Next to arrive is Rodney, played by Travis A. Knight. He’s a handsome, macho young man who appears to be the participant most at home with introspection, yoga and crystals. The audience learns that he’s a self-help guru who’s produced of a series of meditation and exercise videos. They also learn that Rodney isn’t exactly the person he appears to be.

Portrayed by a heavily-bearded Levi Holloway, Ned is the next to arrive in the Meeting Hall. This young man appears to be the most uptight and uncomfortable member of the group. He wears a crocheted cap and is dressed for outdoor, hiking activities. Later, when given the opportunity to ask a question, Ned opens up completely. During a powerfully moving monologue, the audience learns Ned’s tragic Job-like backstory that has motivated him to attend this retreat. Alicia, portrayed by Heather Chrisler, is a pretty, young Millennial who thinks the rules are for everyone else. Told not to talk, Alicia simply can’t keep her thoughts to herself. Asked not to use cell phones, the girl can’t resist. Ignoring the request to avoid bringing food back to the cabins, Alicia has brought a backpack filled with snack foods and is constantly noshing. We eventually put the pieces together and figure out that she’s been dumped by someone back home and is on the rebound at the retreat. It doesn’t end well.

Joan, portrayed by talented company member Jennifer Engstrom, and her partner Judy, played by the capable Cynthia Hines, are a couple who need this time together to rebuild their relationship. When Judy discovers Joan’s discarded statement of her expectations for the retreat, she feels betrayed. While Joan is communing with nature, Judy forges a special, unspoken friendship with Jan in one of the most moving scenes of the play. We learn, through fragments of dialogue, as well as what we witness, that Judy is suffering from a serious health issue. The women eventually come together to greater understand each partner’s needs and wants. And, although unseen, Meighan Gerachis creates a realistic, flesh-and-blood character in The Teacher, by meerly using just her voice.

Red Orchid Theatre’s 26th season opens with this  Chicago premiere of Bess Wohl’s brilliant, thought-provoking new play. The drama, which is liberally laced with many moments of comedy, is presented with intelligence, grace and dignity, thanks to the fine direction of Shade Murray. Unlike most plays, the production turns into a uniquely individual experience for each audience member. Within the self-reflective, meditation that the six characters experience, each theatergoer will see themselves. And as each character completes his journey the audience accompanies him. The retreat, we’re told, is “a vacation from your habits. You will never go back to who you were.” Neither will we, and clothing is optional.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas       

   

Presented October 18-December 9 by Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-943-8722 or by going to www.aredorchidtheatre.org.

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