The Queen of Cabrini Green

Her Honor Jane Byrne – Lookingglass Theatre

Jane Byrne, the 50th Mayor of Chicago, left behind a large, impressive legacy of accomplishments. Despite her mayoral predecessor, Michael Bilandic, proclaiming in a memorandum that she was “a shrill, charging, vindictive person,” Jane Byrne won the Democratic bid to become the first female to hold that office. The Chicago Blizzard of 1979 that paralyzed the city only fueled the fire that Bilandic was an ineffective leader and helped elect Byrne. Labeling herself as a reformer, Jane Byrne became Mayor with 82% of the vote, the largest margin in Chicago history.

Byrne’s accomplishments for the Windy City were many. She hired Ruth Love, the first female and African-American Superintendent of Schools; she effectively banned unregistered handgun possession; formally recognized the city’s LGBTQ community; dealt with massive labor union strikes by transit workers, CPS teachers and  firefighters; welcomed Pope John Paul II’s papal visit to Chicago; revitalized Navy Pier and the downtown Theatre District, among her many achievements and high points during her term of office.

But one of Jane Byrne’s most unorthodox and controversial decisions was her reaction to the 37 shootings and 11 murders that occurred during a three-month time span at one of Chicago’s housing projects. The Cabrini-Green Homes were just one of several low income accommodations in the city, but it soon became the National face of all the problems rampant in public housing. So in early 1981, the Mayor made the shocking decision to move into the crumbling, crime-ridden dwelling, where she and her husband resided for three, eye-opening weeks. 

During that time the Mayor shut down the neighboring businesses that had become hangouts for criminals. Mayor Byrne also ordered the Chicago Housing Authority to evict any tenants who they suspected were harboring criminals and gang members. Then the CPD raided the building and arrested 11 gang members who were planning a shootout near Byrne’s apartment. While the Mayor only lived at Cabrini Green for a short time, leaving after an Easter Festival celebration that turned violent, she managed to bring national attention to the infrastructure, poverty and criminal problems in public housing.

Written and directed by Lookingglass Ensemble Member, J. Nicole Brooks, this a rough, unflinching look at the strong character and myriad of controversies attributed to one of Chicago’s greatest heroes. Especially during Women’s History Month, Ms. Brooks’ play is a great reminder of the important part Jane Byrne played in this city’s history. The production is passionate and gripping, with its multiple urban characters all revolving around, and returning to, Mayor Byrne. This chapter in Chicago’s history is told in a series of fragmented, chronological scenes, staged all over a sprawling, two-level, environmental scenic design by U Shibagaki. The production is mightily enhanced by Rasean Davonte Johnson’s incredibly frenetic projections, along with Chistine A. Binder’s atmospheric lighting and Christopher M. LaPorte’s palette of sound, that utilizes both recorded hits from the 80’s and Michael Huey’s original musical compositions. 

The play is perfectly cast. It’s filled with powerful, passionate performances, many from actors making their Lookingglass Theatre debut, and everyone except the leading actress playing multiple roles. Ensemble member Christine Mary Dunford, remembered for her captivating performances in “Blood Wedding,” “Trust” and “Our Town,” brings strength, humanity and a touch of sexiness to Jane Byrne. Ms. Dunford has the kind of expressive face that’s an open book, illuminating everything that the late Mayor is thinking and feeling, regardless of the words emanating from her lips. And, costumed and coiffed authentically by the gifted Mieka Van der Ploeg, theatergoers familiar with Jane Byrne’s signature look will believe the late Mayor has been resurrected for this production.

Three actors setting foot upon the Lookingglass stage for the first time leave their mark with astounding performances. Robert Cornelius, as Black Che, may be remembered for his performance in the Goodman Theatre’s “Lottery Day,” among his many other fine performances. His convincing entrepreneurial skills give this persuasive urban character a humorous touch. Renee Lockett is a force of nature as Mabel Foley, a woman that most theatergoers will wish was their neighbor. She’s a caring Christian and a concerned mother whose enthusiasm and strength can’t be contained. And Taron Patton returns to the stage as Marion Stamps, the activist matron who refuses to accept what’s going down. She makes this character, and everyone she plays, as real as anyone you’ll ever meet. Together these three actors command this production.

They’re supported by Nicole Michelle Haskins, who plays teenage Cabrini Green resident, Tiger. Her elevator monologue is raw and rich, as is her coffee talk in Act II with the Mayor. Smarmy Aderman Roti, and other characters, comes through loud and clear, as portrayed by Thomas J. Cox, enjoyed in so many Lookingglass productions. Tracy Walsh, another ensemble member is warm and winning as a female reporter, trying to get a handle on the real Cabrini Green residents. Frank Hall, who plays a number of roles so well, is charming as Byrne’s husband, Jay McMullen. Josh Odor, a familiar face at TimeLine, the Goodman and Steppenwolf Theatres, is stone-faced and strong as Superintendent Brzczek; but he’s also sexy and alluring as Byrne’s late husband, Marine William P. Byrne. And Willie “Mudlife Roc” Round rips out the audience’s heart as The Kid. Wheeling around on his bicycle, the actor brings defiance and youthful energy to this tragic young man.

Although the audience is only treated to three weeks in the life of Jane Byrne, theatergoers will leave with an empathy for, and a sound understanding of, what made this powerhouse politician tick. The Mayor’s decision to take up residence in one of Chicago’s most-feared and tragically rundown housing projects was controversial. It was a choice motivated out of frustration, but Mayor Byrne was determined to somehow make a difference. It can be argued, based upon J. Nicole Brooks’ new play, that Byrne gave it her all and, perhaps, changed the attitudes of a few Cabrini Green residents. However, in spite of seemingly throwing in the towel, Jane Byrne learned a great deal about her city, its people and, particularly, herself.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

Presented March 11-April 12 by Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-337-0665 or by going to www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

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