Fun Facts Amid Fearlessness

When Harry Met Rehab – Greenhouse Theatre

An affable, long-time Chicago sports radio personality attends a meeting with his lawyer, only to discover it’s actually an intervention. He’s told, in no uncertain terms, that if he doesn’t enter a rehabilitation center to cure his uncontrolled drinking, he’s going to lose his job…and maybe more. Hiding behind jokes, lies and denial, Harry tries to beat the disease and come out on top. Based upon real-life events shared by Windy City on-air sports celebrity Harry Teinowitz, this world premiere 90-minute one-act drama, written by Teinowitz and Spike Manton, is a roller coaster ride of emotions. While there are many sobering moments of deep sadness and sincere sentiment, the play is tempered with lots of laughter and lighter moments. Hope, determination and the strength they draw from each other help guide the way for the individuals of this rehab facility.

Harry, who tells this story, is played with strength and humor by Dan Butler. Sporting an impressive resume of New York and regional theatre productions, ironically this Broadway actor may be best known for the seven seasons he played Bulldog on the hit TV show, “Frazier.” But despite occasional glimmers of that character in Butler’s portrayal of Harry, audiences will be surprised at the range and depth of this actor’s talent in this role. Patrons soon find themselves empathizing with this sad clown who finally admits he’s hit bottom. Harry uses jokes and humor to divert attention from his drinking problem, a disease which he continually denies, but which eventually catches up to him. Watching Mr. Butler’s subtle journey from refusing that he’s sick to his character’s gradual acknowledgement and self-discovery is the real payoff in this play.

The rehab group is run with a firm, but gentle hand by Barb. She’s played with warmth and brutal honesty by another familiar TV actor, the young star of “Little House on the Prairie,” Melissa Gilbert. Although probably known to most audience members from her television role as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ms Gilbert also boasts a vast resume of additional TV, stage and screen roles. But in this production, Ms Gilbert truly shines as the leader of Harry’s rehab group, always offering information as Fun Facts amid her fearlessness. As a recovering addict herself, Barb knows the effect this disease can have on her patients, as well as their families and friends. Her compassion and thorough understanding of their addiction, and what will become a lifelong struggle to control it, is evident in Ms. Gilbert’s every moment on stage.

The cast also features a talented company of four outstanding Chicago and regional actors, all of whom play unique individuals with their own addiction and personal problems. The always impressive Elizabeth Laidlaw, who’s been seen on every major Chicago stage, is also a director and TV actress. Here she wows us as Andrea, a tough-as-nails woman who’s addiction is as heartbreaking as it is unrelenting. Chike Johnson is remarkable as Vince. Johnson’s resume as a regional stage actor is astounding. By default, his character becomes sort of the second-in-command within this rehab group. His strength and charisma help Barb as she tries to maintain order and harmony with their group. His character’s own personal struggle to maintain sobriety is motivated by his love for his wife and children, but alcohol threatens to defeat him at every turn.

Keith D. Gallagher is another gifted Chicagoland actor. With so many impressive credits on his resume from every major theatre in the Windy City, Mr. Gallagher may be a familiar face to the audience. His portrayal of Isaiah is a young man who’s motivation to enter rehab was to save his relationship with his girlfriend, Tina. As we get to know this guy we find that everything we think we know about him may not be the truth. The protective front that Isaiah has built up around him soon crumbles when the group experiences a traumatic event. And Jonathan Moises Olivares is memorable here as George. Jonathan recently relocated to Chicago where they’ll undoubtedly become a familiar name in local and regional theatre. George is a quiet, tortured young man who’s somewhat of a mystery to the rest of the rehab group. He’s a sad loner who spends most of his time in his room or out on the streets. But when the rest of the group learn George’s secret it’s a truly shattering moment.

Directed with clarity and passion by Jackson Gay, this production moves at a comfortable pace, revealing each secret and plot point within its own tempo. The story plays out chronologically, jumping from one momentous event to another. Each character has been given his or her moment to shine but, in the end, the story clearly belongs to Harry. Written with compassion and empathy, it’s nicely staged on Regina Garcia’s sleek, stylish set and appropriately lit by Simean Carpenter. Caitlin McLeod’s costumes seem authentically Chicagoan, especially Harry’s sports garb. And Michael Commendatore’s projections, as each actor tells about a former rehab patient, are coupled with a fine sound design by Ray Nardelli and Christopher M. LaPorte. The technical embellishments all support the excellent work offered by this brilliant cast.

While this isn’t exactly a holiday play, the drama will enlighten many to the very real problems that many people are experiencing, particularly at this time of year. It’s laced with plenty of laughter and moments of deep pathos. Skillfully directed, this production features a terrific cast of accomplished actors who all offer honest, multilayered, totally realistic characters in a play that’s heartbreaking, yet hopeful. It’s one production that audiences won’t soon forget.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 5-January 30 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the theater box office, by calling (773)404-7336, or by going to www.whenharrymetrehab.com.

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