A Life-Affirming Sensation

Lottery Day – Goodman Theatre

In Ike Holter’s final chapter of his Rightlynd Saga, the seventh of a series of plays set in contemporary Chicago’ 51st ward, several characters from the playwright’s previous six dramas reunite for a raucous celebration. It’s a big, bawdy bash for many of Mallory’s best friends, held in her tastefully landscaped backyard, one of the last single-family homes in the quickly gentrifying Rightlynd neighborhood. This evening will be a chance for everyone to come together, perhaps for one final time. Mallory has planned an evening of barbecue, booze and boogieing on down; but she also has a secret which will inspire a legendary treasure hunt, along with some soul searching revelations, all for her besties.

Ike Holter is a talented, nationally known playwright, who also just happens to be one of our own. He’s a Chicagoan by choice, if not by birth, and Mr. Holter has earned his well-deserved fame by telling stories about the Second City, through his plays. This gifted wordsmith first came to national attention when “Hit the Wall,” his riveting drama about gay history and the Stonewall riots, moved from the Steppenwolf Garage Theatre to Off-Broadway. But within just a few short years, Mr. Holter has added a number of additional tough, tenacious dramas to his repertoire. The 2017 winner of the prestigious Windham-Campbell Prize for playwrighting, these are genuine, gritty tales of the (Windy) city. His Saga, begun in 2014, includes “Exit Strategy,” “Sender,” “Prowess,” “The Wolf at the End of the Block,” “Red Rex,” “Rightlynd” and culminating here in “Lottery Day.” They’ve been presented in theatres all over Chicago, and his work has rightly been compared to August Wilson’s ten play series, “The Pittsburgh Cycle.”

Working closely with Lili-Anne Brown, one of Chicago’s finest, most talented and spirited young directors, Holter’s captivating play is a roller coaster of comedy and drama, partying and pathos. Set in a fictional sector of Chicago, this emotional final chapter of the saga continues exploring the private and political corruption that’s resulted from the almost thoughtless takeover of Rightlynd.

Ten terrific Chicago actors take the Owen stage for this magnificent production. Never leaving the stage for very long, the play even continues happening while the audience is taking a 15-minute intermission. J. Nicole Brooks, so mesmerizing in Lookingglass Theatre’s “Beyond Caring” and “Death Tax,” along with so many other Chicagoland productions, brings her infectious smile and powerful way with words to the leading role of Mallory. This gifted actress holds this play in the palm of her hand. She fully inhabits this earth mother character, from the very first moments of the play, from when she scurries around burying treasure in the backyard, to her final, riveting moments with Avery, played by the always magnificent James Vincent Meredith, another one of Chicago’s finest dramatic actors. 

Under Lili-Anne Brown’s “aerial point of view” and guidance, her supporting cast are each shining stars, in their own right. Each character has appeared in at least one of Holter’s six previous chapters of the Righlynd Saga. They include the wonderful, hilarious Aurora Adachi-Winter, as Red Rex Theatre’s new Artistic Director, Tori; the always magnetic powerhouse performer, Sydney Charles, as the tough, no-holds-barred Zora; the lovely and gracious McKenzie Chinn, as new mother, Cassandra; and, known for her portrayal of Mrs. Cratchit in Goodman’s “A Christmas Carol,” Michele Vazquez, as Vivien, Mallory’s uptight, affluent, often humorous neighbor from the condo next door.

Pat Whalen is terrific, funny and so moving as fast-talking, former schoolteacher, Ricky; Robert Cornelius has dazzled audiences all over Chicago with his accomplished performances, including here as Robinson, the Cadillac salesman, a man who’s seen the writing on the wall; Tony Santiago is another talented veteran of Holter’s previous works, and returns here as likable Nunley; and the charismatic Tommy Rivera-Vega is simultaneously lovable and heartbreaking as Ezekiel, the young amateur rapping, hip-hop artist, who was recently adored in Goodman’s “Support Group for Men.”

Staged with punch and passion, Ms. Brown’s production lives in and around the gorgeous, meticulously detailed scenic design, created by Arnel Sancianco. The show is lushly lit by Jason Lynch, with a nicely integrated sound design by Andre Pluess. Samantha C. Jones has created for her cast a wonderful wardrobe that’s an extension of each character, especially Mallory’s magnificent, colorful party ensemble.

It must be said that theatergoers need not have attended all, or any, of Ike Holter’s previous plays in order to fully understand and appreciate Lottery Day.” The play stands on its own and will make every audience member fall in love with this group of individuals who’ve come to par-tay with Mallory. It’s a celebration of life, seasoned with determination, fortitude, grit and guts. This is a production that both brings Holter’s work all together in one final chapter and inspires theatergoers to want to see his other plays. It’s simply one of those life-affirming sensations that will stay with you always.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas           

Presented April 7-28 by the Goodman Theatre in the Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by gong to www.GoodmanTheatre.org/LotteryDay.

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