Struggling to Survive

Landladies – Northlight Theatre

Marti is an resourceful woman who decided to leave her job as a nurse’s aide to develop her power as a strong businesswoman. She purchases a couple run-down apartment buildings, in sketchy neighborhoods and becomes an enterprising landlady. In Sharyn Rothstein’s world premiere, commissioned by Northlight Theatre, the story opens as Marti is about to seal the deal in renting an apartment to Christine, a young, single mother, struggling to survive.

The play is inspired by Evicted, Matthew Desmond’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, that examines the realities of living in poverty. It’s a stirring 90 minutes of drama during which the audience discovers more and more of the truth concerning both women. The apartment that Marti is showing to Christine seems uninhabitable to the average theatergoer. It’s dirty, probably contains mold and asbestos, has a hole in the floor, is missing a sink and all kitchen appliances, except for an abandoned toaster oven. The place looks like it should be condemned. But, as we learn more about Christine, it’s clear that this young woman is desperate for housing and is willing to accept anything available. And Marti knows this.

Christine claims to be a single, 20-something woman, looking for a place to call home for herself. Soon Marti, as well as the audience, learns that Christine’s story isn’t completely true. She’s hidden the fact that she has a young daughter, Zella, and a sketchy boyfriend, who calls himself Poet. But a strange bond develops between the two women. Struggling to keep afloat working a dead-end job at a fast food taco joint, Marti recognizes a potential in Christine. She’s lured by her landlady into taking some real estate classes to empower and improve herself, and that’s when the story becomes complicated.

Expertly directed by Jess McLeod, the resident director of Chicago’s production of “Hamilton,” this drama is laced with moments of both comedy and heartbreak. Shanesia Davis, who was so terrific in Porchlight Music Theatre’s recent production of “Billy Elliot,” is excellent as Marti. Sassy and dynamic, she makes a great contrast with pretty Leah Karpel’s Christine.  Ms. Karpel, last seen at Northlight in “The Commons of Pensacola,” is likable and admirable as a single mother devoted to trying to make the best of a discouraging life. The chemistry between these two talented actresses is what makes this play sizzle. Julian Parker, so wonderful in Northlight’s “Charm,” does a fine job as the laid-back Poet. He provides the necessary dramatic tension that results in conflict between Marti and Christine.

Jess McLeod’s production of Sharyn Rothstein’s world premiere comes to life on an amazingly flexible scenic design, by Arnel Sancianco. His cleverly creative set transforms into two other apartments, right before our eyes. Lit by Sarah Hughey, with class-appropriate costumes, designed by Christine Pascual, and a sound design by Stephen Ptacek, this is a fascinating, empathetic play that sheds light on those Americans who continually struggle to earn a living wage with which to feed their families and put a roof over their heads.

Recommended 

Reviewed by Colin Douglas     

Presented March 14-April 20 by Northlight Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-673-6300 or by going to www.northlight.org.

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