The Odd Couple

Shaw vs. Tunney

When a reporter went to interview the famous up-and-coming prizefighter, Gene Tunney, he noticed that his modest mountain cabin was filled with—of all things—books! The writer asked the pugilist what he was reading and he replied, The Way of All Flesh, by Samuel Butler. Why? Because Tunney had found it for 50 cents at a thrift shop and it had contained a preface by his favorite author and playwright, George Bernard Shaw. 

This truly surprised the reporter. He said it was like discovering that a winning racehorse could sing opera or that a famous stripper worked days as a brain surgeon. Tunney went on to say how impressed he’d been by seeing Shaw’s Nobel Prize-winning play, “St. Joan,” on Broadway. The prizefighter confessed that he even bought the script and had memorized lines from it. He then showed off his bookshelf that contained works by Shakespeare, Jack London, H.G. Wells and other plays and books by Shaw. Here was a training prizefighter who defied the stereotype of the illiterate boxing champion by reading great literature. Tunney confided that, after dropping out of school at 15, he’d learned to box in order to defend himself against bullies who teased him for being a bookworm.

Gene Tunney went on to shock the world even further when he unexpectedly beat the current World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Dempsey, in a fight held at Chicago’s Soldier Field. One of the thousands of boxing fans listening to the fight on the radio was, of all people, Bernard Shaw. It turns out he was a fan of the sport and had even written a novel about a fictional prizefighter entitled Cashel Byron’s Profession. When Tunney read Mr. Shaw’s novel, he criticized it saying that the highly-respected author and playwright “understands neither the temperament nor the psychology of the professional boxer.” But instead of being irritated, Shaw was amused and impressed by Tunney’s comments. He told his agent that he’d very much like to meet this young man.

And thus this odd couple’s lifelong friendship began. It was a true mutual admiration society of two. Tunney gave the playwright insight to the world of boxing and Shaw shared with the prizefighter his methods for writing. He showed the younger man his library of books, his typewriter and his notebook that he carried everywhere with him, so he could jot down ideas for novels and plays. Tunney confessed that he had the same model typewriter and also carried a journal with him, as well. 

Gene introduced Shaw to his new bride, Polly, and the famous playwright presented Charlotte, his wife of many years. The two couples originally met in London but soon after reunited on the small, remote island of Brioni, in the Adriatic. It’s at this location that Douglas Post’s World Premiere play is set. Post may be remembered in Chicago for his dramatic versions of “Howard’s End” and “The Wind in the Willows.” This drama, filled with a great deal of wit and comedy, is based upon Jay R. Tunney’s biography of his father, The Prizefighter and the Playwright. Weaving true events of their friendship together with humor and pathos, this production is a real delight.

Directed with his accustomed theatrical skill and humane sensitivity by award-winning actor, director and fight-choreographer, Nick Sandys, the story has a nice, easy flow. Narrated in part by Polly Tunney, beautifully played with grace and youthful enthusiasm by Maddie Sachs, the friendship between these two great men is nicely tempered by her astute observations. Mrs. Tunney, while wishing for more private time with her new husband, understood Gene’s reverence for GB, as he calls Shaw. About halfway through the play, however, a tragic occurrence that involves Polly shifts the focus her plight.

Sam Pearson, a familiar face from Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre and Windy City Playhouse, plays Gene Tunney with vigor and boyish vivacity. Very convincing as a boxer, the actor demonstrates all the right moves as he spars with Shaw. And yet, Mr. Pearson also has a flair for expressing unquestionable sincerity. He portrays Tunney’s profound admiration devotion for his friend, while still showing his sincere love and concern for his wife. With unabashed candor, Sam Pearson makes Gene Tunney a real, flesh and blood person.

But the true star of this production is veteran Chicago actor, Richard Henzel. Not only does Mr. Henzel fulfill the audience’s expectations, looking and sounding exactly like George Bernard Shaw, he IS Shaw. No stranger to this playwright and his works, among his many theatrical credits Richard has appeared, to great acclaim, in several of ShawChicago’s productions. They’ve included “Heartbreak House,” “The Doctor’s Dilemma” and “Misalliance.” In this new play Mr. Henzel completely inhabits the great playwright, full of impish energy and delivering his witty barbs and literary allusions with eloquence. This is a standout performance that will be remembered for years to come.

The technical support for this production is solid. Rachel Lambert’s costumes are magnificent for all three characters. Each actor wears a layered ensemble that, with the removal of a coat or sweater, changes the character’s look for each new scene. Abigail Reed’s fluid scenic design is somewhat reminiscent of a boxing ring, surrounded by benches that are also trunks, in which props and costume pieces are hidden. Diane D. Fairchild’s lighting directs our attention with color and illumination, adding a starry sky to the outdoor scenes and using gobos to create windows within the villa. Christopher Kriz’s original music and sound design completes the atmosphere the piece without drawing attention to itself.

Grippo Stage Company’s new World Premiere production is a knockout event in two acts. Douglas Post’s play is based upon Jay R. Tunney’s highly-acclaimed book detailing his father, Gene Tunney’s, inspiring and unexpected friendship with Nobel Prize-winning playwright, George Bernard Shaw. And although the play will appeal to history aficionados, fans of prizefighting, as well as devotees of Mr. Shaw’s works, everyone will find the story of this odd couple compelling, often funny and ultimately heartwarming.               

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented May 25-July 8 by Grippo Stage Company at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by going to either www.theaterwit.org or www.GrippoStageCompany.com.

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