Unexpected Humor

Little Bear Ridge Road

Ethan, Sarah’s adult nephew, unexpectedly shows up at her door one night in rural Idaho. Their reunion is uncomfortable, for reasons the audience will soon learn. Due to complications from many years as a meth addict, and possibly due to issues created from contracting Covid, the young man’s father has recently passed away. Ethan has driven from the Northwest coast to settle his father’s estate and, perhaps, reconnect with his estranged Aunt Sarah, his dad’s sister. The two, as Ethan acknowledges, are the last remaining members of Fernsby family, and they both have some unfinished business with which to attend.

Surprisingly, especially considering the serious subject matter of Samuel D. Hunter’s new play (known for his multi award-winning drama, THE WHALE), this play overflows with a great deal of unexpected humor. Ethan’s gay, something that Sarah didn’t know about her nephew, although she’s perfectly fine with this information. Sarah is a retired nurse, now earning a few bucks doing shift work, and living alone in a house that she keeps spotlessly clean. 

Both Sarah and Ethan are self-professed loners. The tension between them starts building immediately around the question of if, and how, the two are going to adjust to each another and rebuild their relationship as a family. Ethan maintains that he’s only in Idaho for a day or two, only as long as it takes to clear out his dad’s house and sell it. But the days become weeks, and the weeks turn into months and years. During this time, Ethan meets and becomes involved in a romantic relationship with James, a good-looking, personable young college student he finds at the local watering hole. Ethan also discovers some unpredictable and upsetting information about Sarah, with both plot twists inspiring the young man to stay longer with Sarah.

As Sarah, Laurie Metcalf confirms my opinion that she’s a true National Treasure. Equally gifted with both comedy and drama, Ms. Metcalf is probably best known to most audience members for her work in film and on television, particularly for her three-time Emmy-winning role as Jackie Harris, on “Roseanne” and “The Connors.” But Laurie is also a brilliant stage actress, the art form she actually prefers. Ms. Metcalf is a two-time Tony Award-winner for her leading role in Lucas Hnath’s A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 and for her supporting role in Edward Albee’s THREE TALL WOMEN. And, of course, Laurie Metcalf is one of the founding members of Steppenwolf Theatre, along with fellow university peers John Malkovich, Joan Allen, Terry Kinney, Glenne Headly and (former husband) Jeff Perry. It is, in fact, where the incomparable actress began her career; and it’s only natural for Ms. Metcalf to return to her roots to star in this world premiere. Apparently Chicago recognizes Laurie Metcalf’s brilliance because this excellent, hilarious and heartbreaking production has already been extended for another two weeks!

This exciting Chicago production is keenly shaped and empathetically guided by acclaimed Broadway Director, Joe Mantello. The talented artist, who most recently brought Stephen Sondheim’s final work, HERE WE ARE, to the Broadway stage, has had a long working relationship with Laurie Metcalf. Together, the director and actress worked on Ms. Metcalf’s most recent New York production, Levi Holloway’s horror story, GREY HOUSE. Mantello also directed the talented actress in the short-lived WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF (closed by the Pandemic), as well as HILARY AND CLINTON and THREE TALL WOMEN. In this ensemble production, Mr. Mantello once again brings out the very best in this class act actress.

But the good news is the other three members in this cast are equally excellent and truly hold their own in this story. Broadway actor Micah Stock makes his stellar Steppenwolf debut as Ethan. As difficult as it is to take your eyes off Laurie Melcalf’s wonderful performance, this talented young Tony Award-nominee for IT’S ONLY A PLAY captures every theatergoer’s heart. He completely inhabits the challenging and multilayered role of Sarah’s nephew who, at first, comes across as simply angry and frustrated. But as Mr. Stock gradually allows the protective armor to be peeled away, he reveals someone else entirely. This is a man who, for many years, has guarded himself against heartache and hopelessness behind a rough facade.

Another wonderfully talented actor making his Steppenwolf debut, handsome John Drea is sensational and charismatic as James. Creating a smart, gay and genial young Masters Degree student, Mr. Drea garners the audience’s love and respect, along with our sincere hope for a happily-ever-after with Ethan. During the pandemic shutdown, John was magnificent in the Goodman’s televised production of THE SOUND INSIDE. He later gave a winning performance as the titular artist in Grippo Stage Company’s terrific production of CHAGALL IN SCHOOL, as well as a stunning portrayal of Paul Owen in Kokandy’s recent cutting edge musical, AMERICAN PSYCHO. He also creates a totally different character by phone, as local handyman, Kenny. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of him in the future. In other supporting roles, Paulette, a home care nurse, and Vickie, Sarah’s friend who we hear by telephone, Meighan Gerachis does a fine job.

This sensational world premiere one-act, by critically acclaimed playwright, Samuel D. Hunter, is 90-minutes of unexpected humor, profoundly dramatic character development and strong emotional exploration—all with a bittersweet resolution. The manner in which Joe Mantello defines and develops Hunter’s new work is a textbook lesson in superb theatrical direction. This choice cast, led by the unparalleled work of Steppenwolf Ensemble Member, Laurie Melcalf, is simply spectacular and a theatrical experience that should not be missed.                 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 13-August 4 by Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling 312-335-1650 or by going to www.steppenwolf.org.

Additional information about this and other Chicago area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.