The Chocolate Cream Soldier

Arms and the Man – ChicagoShaw Theater Company

Continuing their 25th season, which is celebrating “All Shaw, All the Time,” is this popular and charming classic. Considered to be one of the playwright’s most entertaining comedies, ShawChicago has included a new production of this play in a season that celebrates the company’s namesake. Audiences unfamiliar with this company’s superb handling of the playwright’s works are in for a real treat. The play truly is the thing, because ShawChicago’s productions consist primarily of the author’s words. Stripped of snazzy scenery, ponderous props and special effects, the actors receive all of the focus, all the while carrying scripts and portraying their roles upon a bare stage. Mary Michell, in the tradition of the company’s late founder and artistic director, Robert Scogin, guides her actors toward their discovery of the play’s dynamics and pitch. She draws their performances downstage and full front. Working from music stands, the cast focuses front, engaging the audience as their acting partners. The result is an intimate performance that truly focuses on the author’s text. 

Ms. Michell’s production goes even beyond this company’s typical theatrical brilliance, stressing Shaw’s comedic take on the hypocrisy of war, soldiers and even romance. Because interpretation and enunciation of the spoken word is paramount in the company’s staged readings, casting is everything. For this production, Ms. Michell has assembled seven talented actors who deliver their symphony of words, gestures and facial expressions directly to the audience. They breathe life into Shaw’s script and make his world come to life.

Veteran ShawChicago actress, Barbara Zahora, explodes upon the stage in every scene as Catherine, Major Petkoff’s status conscious wife. Full of fire and finesse, Ms. Zahora is nicely balanced by Callie Johnson as her spunky daughter Raina.  Understanding that a simple look can convey so much, Ms. Johnson’s passion and coquetry are rivaled only by Lydia Berger’s flirtatious Louka, Raina’s servant, a woman with her own aspirations. Charles Stransky’s Major Petkoff is every inch the blustering military aristocrat, continually confused by his wife and daughter, yet staunchly aware of his family’s Bulgarian social standing. Christian Gray’s stuffy Sergius, Raina’s handsome intended, is flawlessly funny as he mines every comic moment from Shaw’s script. Gary Alexander’s Nicola is an eloquent and very sincere servant. But it’s ShawChicago newcomer, Bryan Wakefield, portraying the sweetly endearing chocolate cream Swiss soldier, Major Bluntschli, who really brings Shaw’s dry wit and humor to life.

Once again, ShawChicago offers the savvy theatergoer, who revels in the sound of the voice and the unadorned authenticity of a playwright’s script, an opportunity to enjoy two hours of pure bliss. Mary Michell directs her gifted cast in a delightful, unpretentious production of one of Shaw’s best-loved comedies. But be warned: you may leave this performance with an unconscious yearning for chocolate creams.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 2-25 by the ShawChicago Theater Company at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Pkwy, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 312-587-7390 or by going to http://shawchicago.org.

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