Meeting the Grim Reaper

Mercy Killing

Once upon a time there was a pretty young woman named Mercy. An amiable and skilled barista, Mercy’s known for her “killer coffee concoctions” at a popular San Francisco cafe. But she is also known around the Tenderloin district by her victims as the Secret Serial Killer around the Tenderloin district. One night, as Mercy is heading home from work, she chances upon a corpse lying near her bus stop. Suddenly another lovely young woman magically appears. She begins checking over the dead man’s vitals and entering the data into her cellphone.

We discover that this mysterious young woman, who’s secretive but all business, is named Thana. Her moniker translates to “Praise Death,” which is very appropriate. It turns out Thana’s actually one of many Grim Reapers, whose job it is to help transition the deceased to the Otherworld. But pretty little Mercy, who is strangely attracted to anything concerning death and killing, only sees an attractive young woman who captures her heart and may possibly satisfy her dark desires. And thus begins one of the kinkiest lesbian love stories imaginable.

Writer Alandra Hileman is is also a busy podcast producer as well as a creator and player of tabletop role-playing games. Most of her plays have been written for smaller theatres and stages, such as Chicago’s tiny and intimate Open Space Arts venue. Ms. Hileman’s play with the witty title is an extremely clever dark comedy. The play may not appeal to everyone, but the opening night audience, which was comprised of adult theatergoers of all ages, enjoyed it immensely. 

The production runs a tight 70 minutes with no intermission, much like the other productions I’ve enjoyed at this theater. Audiences should know, however, that there’s no lobby. So if you arrive earlier than twenty minutes prior to curtain time you’ll be waiting outside. Dress warmly. And, while there is a single restroom in the theatre, it’s quite small. 

This production, however, is skillfully staged and guided by Director, playwright and actress, Greta Zandstra. She’s done a fantastic job of utilizing every available inch of the venue and has nicely fashioned a play that’s filled with girlfriends, gore and gallows humor. Rick Paul’s sparse Set Design, beautifully Lighted by Lex Newman, makes effective use of the limited stage space. The audience almost becomes a part of the playing area, seated alley-style on both sides of the room. Jim Yost’s serviceable Sound Design is comprised of pop music and appropriate sound effects. Talented Costumer Savana Nix has clothed her cast in a wardrobe that’s just right for each character, while also providing for some fast changes for her actors.

The four-member cast is mostly new to Chicago but are all equally talented. They each create likable and relatable characters who tell Hileman’s story. Perky Stephanie Fongheiser concocts a character who’s the absolute antithesis of what you’d expect. This delightful murderer reminded me more of a sweet, young Sally Field as Gidget, rather than a moody Jeffrey Dahmer-type killer. Murdering the homeless or anyone in her path is simply Mercy’s way of life. However, Mercy soon realizes that there’s only one way she can draw her new girlfriend to wherever she is: She’s got to provide a dead body. Thana will then show up in order to transition the departed to the Otherworld. But then the situation becomes complicated.

Thana, played with a no-nonsense demeanor by Madeline Ackerlund, is pretty much all business, all the time. 

 She’s reluctant to indulge in anything social. Romance is a luxury she’s only ever enjoyed once, and that was with a coworker. But that’s past history, and now Thana’s much more focused on advancing her career than dabbling in love. As such, Ms. Ackerlund totally embraces the “grim” in this Grim Reaper.

Lydia Hanman’s smart and savvy Angie, is a podcaster. She’s an affable young woman who immediately hits it off with Mercy. Both women have a lot in common. They both share a love of coffee, are fans of true crime and are lesbians. Mercy is totally addicted to Angie’s spellbinding, minutely-detailed podcasts about real-life murders. Completing this talented quartet of actors is Artem Kreimer, who portrays a variety of different characters. He’s sometimes the murder victims and occasionally an hilarious and hopelessly clueless new barista that Mercy has been assigned to train. And his layered portrayal of Harmon, another Angel of Death, has a long and complicated history with his coworker, Thana. Harmon proves to be quite helpful in helping Thana achieve her long overdue promotion. From this actor’s versatility in this production, hopefully Mr. Kreimer will be featured in many more productions around Chicago.

As is often the case in most Once-upon-a-time tales, the story ends happily. However, there are a few, unexpected surprises in store for theatergoers, long before we reach Happily-ever-after. As in their past productions, Open Space Arts once again is presenting a unique, well-written play in a professionally directed and performed production. The theatre space is the very definition of “intimate” and the seating varies from show to show. Imagine the smallest studio apartment you’ve ever seen and you’ll have an idea of the Open Space Arts venue. But, as audiences have discovered, size isn’t always an indication of a  great performance. Theatergoers who attend this queer and quirky black comedy will get to meet the Grim Reaper, face-to-face.            

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 1-17 by Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or going their website, www.openspacearts.com.

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