When You Call Me That, Smile

The Virginian – City Lit Theatre

In 1902, American author Owen Wister’s novel about life on a cattle ranch became what would later be considered the first fictional western ever written. Wister’s short stories had appeared serialized in Harper’s Magazine and the Saturday Evening Post. When collected together they were soon adapted into his groundbreaking novel. Wister’s book not only became a bestseller, it would eventually inspire a whole new genre of literature and open the door for many more authors of westerns, such as Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour.

City Lit’s world premiere adaptation of Owen Wister’s epic novel is by L.C. Bernadine and Spencer Huffman. Although a little too choppy and almost cinematic in its construction, the transformation from page to stage manages to capture the basic story and the true heart of the original book. All of the major characters from the story are present and accounted for, and Artistic Director Terry McCabe has wrangled his 17-member cast into one smooth, cohesive production. To recreate the authentic feeling of the old west, The Puppet Company, under the direction of Steven Widerman, has designed several horses that are almost the size of the actual animals. These puppets add so much to this production, as operated by puppeteers Adele Watel, Linsey Falls, Sarah Franzel and David Weisenhahn. The animals almost seem real and especially fascinating when the actors appear to be riding them.

The story, subtitled “A Horseman of the Plains,” is set in the Wyoming Territory during the rough and ready 1880’s. It tells about a “tall, dark, slim young giant, with a deep personality,” known only as The Virginian. He arrives one day from out East, ready to work hard. He’s hired by Judge Henry Taylor at the Sunk Creek Ranch to earn his living as a cowboy. The Virginian proves that he’s an upright, reliable, honorable and basically a very good man. Eventually Judge Taylor sees in him all the necessary talent and required skills needed to become the foreman of his cattle farm. 

While working on the ranch, The Virginian makes both friends and one, particular enemy. He finds the company of the new, local schoolmarm, Miss Molly Wood, very enjoyable. She shares her favorite books with the amiable cowhand and soon a romance begins to be blossom. However, despite The Virginian getting along with most everyone on the ranch, one contemptible, quarrelsome cowboy named Trampas finds the new foreman an authority figure to constantly be challenged. When he calls The Virginian an insulting name, the foreman remains unruffled, glaring at Trampas he replies, “When you call me that…smile.” 

Ever the troublemaker, Trampas is constantly ornery, deceiving and finally breaks the law. Without any qualms, the villain steals several head of Judge Taylor’s cattle. The Virginian tries to rationally deal with the man, but after putting up with Trampas’ personal hatred for five long years, insulting Miss Molly and then corrupting two of his best friends, ultimately getting them killed, the upright foreman reaches his breaking point.

The cast is very good and genuinely likable. Robert Hunter Bry is perfect in the role of The Virginian. He’s everything that Owen Wistler described in his novel, plus he comes across as a kind, intelligent, stalwart knight in denim and buckskin. Lovely Liz Falstreau makes a proper and genteel young woman, with staunch ideals and a unwavering vision of who she is and where life will take her. She makes the perfect foil and love interest for Mr. Bry’s character. Burley Ben Auxler is pure nastiness personified as Trampas and his hulking presence constantly spells trouble in this play.

Other standouts include two of The Virginian’s closest friends.  David Fink is sweetly amicable as the diminutive and likable cowpoke named Shorty. His touching scenes with his horse, Pedro, are some of the best in this play. Aaron Sarka is equally cheerful and ever so charming as Steve, the young man who’s ready to defend his buddy until Trampas leads him astray. Varris Holmes and Andie Dae provide some of the play’s much-welcome humor as Judge and Mrs. Taylor. Huy Nguyen is strong and solid as Scipio, and Tony DePisa makes a rugged cowboy in the role of Nebrasky. Tom Lally is appropriately bullish and brusque as the ruthless Balaam, and marssie Mencotti evokes a few laughs as dear, feisty Aunt Agnes.

Although this performance could easily have been shortened with fewer scenes and scene changes, or with some judicious edits in the script, the overall result is an enjoyable story of the Old West. Kelsee Vandervall adds another element to this play with her cello. It’s fascinating to think that Owen Wister’s novel inspired the genre of books, films and television we call the Western. The author himself, together with Kirke LaShelle, even adapted the story for the stage back in 1904. Since that time, there have been no less than five feature films, one made-for-TV movie and a long-running television series that have been called “The Virginian.” It’s incredible that, at long last, this classic piece of literature has finally made its way to the Chicago stage.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas        

Presented January 7-February 26 by City Lit Theater, inside the Edgewater Presbyterian Church  at 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-293-3682, or by going to www.citylit.org.

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