Game, Set, and Match

Last Match — Writers Theatre

When we watch an athlete we are admiring his skill, prowess and grace. We gasp at his agility and stamina; we’re only vaguely aware of how much this sportsman has trained, sacrificed and suffered to become the star of the playing field that we’re watching at this minute. But, as we observe and deeply internalize in Anna Ziegler’s extraordinary four-hander, there’s so much more to an athlete than merely what we watch during a game. It’s game, set and match…and so much more.

The story takes place during a fictional U.S. Open Semi-Final Match between a longstanding American tennis champion and a younger, Russian phenom determined to defeat his opponent. In addition to the events taking place on the court, we become privy to each character’s backstory. Through flashbacks, the audience learns how all the characters got to where they are in the present, as well as how they met each other and how their relationships changed and evolved.

Directed with often heart-stopping intensity and remarkable sensitivity by Keira Fromm, this 100-minute one-act play is set in the world of professional tennis. However, the audience needn’t be a fan of tennis, nor indeed, of any particular sport, to understand and appreciate what’s going on and to feel the dynamic power of Ms. Ziegler’s play. Tennis becomes almost a metaphor for life. The play is about challenging oneself, accepting failure gracefully, and realizing one’s limitations, especially as we inevitably age.

The production, deftly and poetically choreographed by Steph Paul, takes us from the tennis match to inside each players’ head, both before, during and after the tournament. We learn a great deal about these two athletes: who they are, how they became sportsmen with the determination to win at all costs. We discover who and what drives them during each competition, and why each match is so important to each player. The drama is a scorching examination of the rivalry that develops between teams or individuals as winning becomes the most important event in their lives.

The performers in this play are all equally topnotch actors, as usually is  the case at Writers Theatre. While three of the four have appeared at Writers Theatre in the past, all have impressive resumes from all over Chicago. Ryan Hallahan is strong, graceful and introspective, as American tennis champ, Tim Porter. As we learn more and more about what has brought him to this moment and about the challenges and difficulties he’s experienced throughout life, we come to know Mallory, his wife and a former tennis pro, herself. The trials and tribulations this couple have faced, both individually and together, are beautiful and shattering. Each episode offers a challenge as this faithful couple move forward. Kayla Carter is beautiful and soulful as Tim’s wife and partner, throughout all the successes and pain of their lives. In many ways, she provides the heart of this play.

As Sergei, Tim’s younger Russian challenger, Christopher Sheard is excellent. He’s a cocky athlete, determined to beat this American tennis legend who once befriended him, but has also made a fool of him in the past. Haunted by the death of both his parents, and constantly reaching out for love, Sergei is both a proud Russian man and a desperate young boy, aching for affection and affirmation. Heather Chrisler is extraordinary as Galina, Sergei’s love interest and eventual wife. He admits that she scares him, but he knows that Galina also loves him, in her way. She serves as Sergei’s conscience and driving force. Ms. Chrisler’s character is plucky and never a romantic. She’s the strength in this relationship and resolved never to take any crap from anyone. In their relationship, Galina serves as a kind of Lady Macbeth to Sergei’s once and future king of the court.

In this streamed virtual presentation, beautifully photographed for the screen, great credit must go to Dialect Coach, Eva Breneman. She’s worked hard to maintain a consistent, believable Russian accent from Ms. Chrisler and Mr. Sheard. Also of note are the simple, but effective set and lighting, courtesy of William Boles and Christine Binder, respectively. In addition, Pornchanok Kanchanabanca has composed a score and created an authentic sound design that fully enhances this production. This is one production that Chicago audiences won’t want to miss.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 28-May 30 in a virally streamed performance by Writers Theatre.

Tickets are available by calling 847-242-6000, or by going to www.writerstheatre.org.

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