The Beginning of the End

The Doctor’s Dilemma – ShawChicago

In May of 1994, Robert Scogin, a lifelong devotee of the works of George Bernard Shaw, had the great idea to produce and star in the playwright’s 1906 black comedy, as a pilot production for a prospective new theatrical comedy. The gifted Mr. Scogin knew exactly what he was doing and understood that there was an audience out there waiting to see and hear Shaw’s works brought to glorious life. Well, it turns out that the comedy would be the illustrious beginning of a company called ShawChicago. Therefore, it’s only fitting that, as expenses have grown and audience attendance has dwindled, “The Doctor’s Dilemma,” sadly, will be the company’s final production.

This magnificent, rare jewel in Chicago’s glittering crown of theatre companies is unique. Instead of presenting lavishly costumed period plays, produced upon stage settings dripping with historical detail, ShawChicago has always focused on the playwright’s words. Bob Scogin knew that, in Shaw, as well as his turn-of-the-century contemporaries, their greatest skill was in creating memorable characters speaking thought-provoking ideas through rich dialogue. Everything that the thinking theatergoer needs for a few hours of entertainment and enlightenment lay in what the characters are saying, as well as their reactions to the plot and each other. Thus, the great plays of Shaw, Barrie, Ibsen, Wilde and Chekov come to life through ShawChicago’s modestly produced bare bones readers theatre presentations. These concert readings, presented by skillful and talented Equity actors and guided by gifted directors, would bring these classic comedies and dramas to Chicago audiences.

So, as in many wonderful past productions, theatergoers can once again revel in a delicious symphony of voices. A talented cast of ten professional actors, under the wise and wonderful direction of Gary Alexander, are treating audiences to the wit and wisdom of George Bernard Shaw’s biting comedy, perhaps for the last time. There’s a strong movement afoot for the company to regroup and emerge at a different location, like the Phoenix rising from the fire, under the new name of the Misalliance Repertory Theatre.

The play’s plot concerns a newly knighted doctor, Sir Colenso Ridgeon, who’s been honored for his discovery in the cure of tuberculosis. With limited staff and resources, Ridgeon must decide whether to administer to his longtime friend and fellow physician, the kindly Doctor Blenkinsop; or to Louis Dubedat, a talented, young artist, whose passionately persuasive wife, Jennifer, is pleading Ridgeon for his help. Blenkinsop is a gentle, caring elderly medical man, while Louis, a gifted artist, is a young money-grubbing, womanizing bigamist. Ridgeon’s dilemma in upholding his Hippocratic Oath is deciding whose life he should save. His decision is complicated by Ridgeon’s abiding friendship with Blenkinsop contrasted with his fierce attraction to Jennifer Dubedat, who would be free to marry again, should Louis die.

As with all ShawChicago productions, Gary Alexander adds his expertise to a production that celebrates the music of the spoken word. He’s assembled and directed a gifted cast of actors, all of whom understand the beauty and power they wield in a concert reading. In only his first appearance with this company, Timothy W. Hull holds the audience in the palm of his hand, as Ridgeon. He creates an character whose every moment is steeped in honesty. Eloquent, erudite and emotionally-driven, Mr. Hull’s performance is everything the playwright might’ve imagined when writing this play. 

Lovely Monica Orozco returns to ShawChicago, after her delightful performance in “Hay Fever,” to portray Jennifer Dubedat. Ms. Orozco plays this headstrong young woman, with devout passion, a strong hand and articulate delivery. She makes this play sing, especially in her final scenes with Mr. Hull.

A brilliant supporting cast matches the prowess and proficiency of these two fine actors. Daniel Millhouse is mesmerizing as the amoral artist, Louis Dubedat. A ShawChicago veteran of many productions, Jack Hickey brings his experience, smooth-spoken skill and quiet dignity to the role of Dr. Blenkinsop. Richard Henzel is powerful and authoritarian as Sir Patrick Cullen. Dan Rodden and Mark Richard are both extremely funny as Ridgeon’s friends, fellow doctors Cutler Walpole and Sir Ralph Bloomfield. Allison Selby Cook captivates, as both Minnie Tinwell and Miss Danby. The always charming Jacqueline Jones provides her comic talent to bring the supporting role of Emmy to life. As Ridgeon’s no-nonsense housekeeper, Ms. Jones is hilarioius. And Erik Dohner, seen often in many area musicals and operas, amuses as both Mr. Redpenny and the Newspaperman.

Sadly, this will be the final production from this respected, always entertaining, theatre company. The late Bob Scogin’s dream was to create, and offer to the theatergoing public, concert readings by his favorite playwright, George Bernard Shaw. In expanding his scope to include Shaw’s contemporaries, the company filled a necessary void. ShawChicago gave audiences the exposure to and enjoyment of a wealth of dramatic literature that most theatres have been reluctant to produce. But, as with this current production of Shaw’s delightful comedy, the play that launched this terrific theatre company, the thinking theatergoer may have to find their entertainment elsewhere. Theatergoers who love the plays of Shaw, Ibsen, Wilde, Chekov, Barrie and other classic playwrights, will, hopefully, lend their support to ensure that Bob Scogin’s dream continues to live.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas             

Presented March 23-April 15 by ShawChicago at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.

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

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