The Wilds of Social Media

Highway Patrol

It’s unavoidable and inescapable. The wilds of social media have infiltrated almost everyone’s lives and we simply can’t ignore it. The phenomenon is here to stay. There are so many sites to choose from, too. There’s Faceboook, Instagram, Linkedin, Snapchat, Tumblr, Pinterest and, of course, Twitter (now retitled as X). Being a devotee of these sites can be dangerous and addictive. While freedom of speech reigns, there’s a risk that the information presented may be filled with disinformation. There’s also a possibility of scams and stalkers. But, on the positive side, social media is an easy way to stay connected to others. Friendships and love connections can develop or be rekindled and, despite where we live, we can feel a kinship or a part of the community on the World Wide Web.

Hardworking theatre, film and Emmy Award-winning television actress Dana Delany is known for TV shows like “China Beach,” “Desperate Housewives” and “Hand of God,” as well as movies, such as “Exit to Eden,” “A Beautiful Life” and “Camp Hope.” In 2012, while consumed by her long, tiring hours rehearsing and taping “Body of Proof,” Dana began receiving Twitter texts from her many fans, including a 13-year-old boy. His name was Cam and, because of his desperate, life-threatening medical situation, Ms. Delany was drawn into a friendly, online relationship with the young man. 

Their communications continued day and night for months, and both parties trusted each other. They shared private thoughts and life-changing events in their lives with each other. Cam asked Dana if she was married because, despite his youth, he confesses he’d be interested someday. He even confides to Dana that he sees the shadows of people who’ve passed away—including many of Ms. Delany’s own relatives. Every so often the actress would also hear from the boy’s grandmother, Nan, and Dana became online friends with both her and Cam’s older brother. But as Christmas approaches, Cam and Nan suddenly send texts that the boy’s health is in jeopardy. His medical condition is deteriorating fast and Dana learns that Cam has been rushed to the local hospital and is in intensive care. It’s around this time that a mystery begins to unfold.

This beautiful, heartfelt story takes a sudden, unexpected turn in Act II that leaves the audience stunned. Co-created by Dana Delany and playwright Jen Silverman (“The Roommate,” “Witch”), director Mike Donahue (“The Inheritance,” “Little Shop of Horrors”) and set designer Dane Laffrey (“Parade,” “Once On This Island”), the play was culled from hundreds of actual tweets and texts archived by the actress.

This polished Chicago production is directed with style, spirit and sensitivity by Mike Donahue, and the high tech set design by Dane Laffrey is graceful, authentic-looking and moves fluidly from scene to scene. A variety of projections by Yee Eun Nam enhance the story by creating detail of locale as well as portraying the actual Twitter texts for the audience. Sinan Refik Zafar’s layered sound design captures the musical clips that Cam shares with Dana, as well as the sounds of the internet. And Enver Chakartash’s thoughtful costume design for each character adds fine details.

The performances by the three actors are honest and powerful. Dana Delany plays herself, which is much more difficult than anyone can imagine. Mr. Donahue keeps the actress grounded and real, which is so important in this story. We need to fully believe in her. Young Chicago actor Thomas Murphy Molony is likable and heartbreaking as Cam. While this is Master Molony’s Goodman debut, he’ was seen recently in “A Christmas Story,” at the Marriott, and in “Fun Home,” at Paramount Theatre. Based on his honest performance in this production, I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of this young actor. And best known for her tough and touching portrayal of Coach Beiste on Fox TV’s popular show, “Glee,” Dot-Marie Jones is exquisite as Nan and others. Absolutely commanding the stage in every scene, Ms. Jones reveals all her colors in this challenging role.  

“Highway Patrol” is truly stunning. It gently draws theatergoers into the story, reassures them that all is well with these characters, and then unexpectedly pulls the rug out from under their feet. Seldom has a play created the wild world of the internet and, more specifically, social media, with such power and passion. The final ten minutes of the script could easily be eliminated and the play would be even stronger for the editing. It’s the heartfelt story about the relationship between Ms. Delany, Cam and Nan that the audience will remember, long after the final curtain.              

Highly Recommended

Reviewed By Colin Douglas

Presented January 20- February 18 by the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. 

Tickets are available in person at the Goodman box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by going to www.GoodmanTheatre.org.

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