Unpack The Secrets

Leroy and Lucy

As the lights come up, we discover an attractive, young woman sitting on a bench, strumming a guitar and singing. It’s unclear where we are, but we know it’s late at night. Soon a handsome young man enters and finds himself captured by the radiance of the lovely lady and her music. The man carries with him a homemade guitar and a harmonica. The heat of the Mississippi Delta and the magic and mystery of the locale all lend a hand to Lucy and Leroy as they unpack the secrets that they’re initially reluctant to share.

Ngozi Anyanwu’s brilliant 90-minute, one-act play with music is absolutely mesmerizing and thoroughly entertaining. This dramedy, that plays out like a folk tale or myth, and depicts an imagined moment from the life of an actual artist. The man’s a musician that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame called “the first ever rock star.” Very little is known about early twentieth century American blues musician and songwriter, Robert “Leroy” Johnson. However his musical talent was apparently so outstanding that it’s said that Johnson must’ve sold his soul to the devil in return for his unbelievable musical gift.

In her play, Ms. Anyanwu has included both a number of documented facts and rumors about Robert Johnson. One legend in particular says that Bobby (as his mother called him) had an enormous passion for music and an unbridled desire to become a great blues composer and performer. Someone told him to take his homemade guitar and walk to the crossroads at midnight, near the plantation where he was living at that time. There he met a mysterious individual, possibly a dark man, or maybe it was a Black woman, named Lucy (Lucifer?). This ethereal being chatted, sang and played her beautiful guitar. She taught Bobby (or Leroy) how to master the instrument and eventually gifted him with the exquisite, charmed guitar. In exchange for his soul, it’s said, Leroy went on to create the blues and became a world-famous, trail-blazing musician, thus mirroring the Faust legend. Unfortunately, as Lucy foretells the young man, Leroy’s life will be a short one, and he will die at the age of 27.

The two actors who hold the audience in the palm of their hands are Jon Michael Hill, as Leroy, and Brittany Bradford, as Lucy. A multitalented Steppenwolf ensemble member, Mr. Hill most recently wowed both audiences and critics alike in the theatre’s excellent, multiple Jeff Award-winning production of PURPOSE. He’s been seen in many productions, such as TRUE WEST, PASS OVER and CONSTELLATIONS, as well as on and Off-Broadway and on several television programs. Jon Michael Hill breathes humanity and soul into into this layered portrayal of Leroy. In addition to Hill’s acting genius, he also demonstrates his considerable musical prowess in this performance.

Lovely Brittany Bradford, who creates the mystical and magical character of Lucy, is equally at home strumming a guitar, singing the blues and bringing a wonderfully witchy and whimsical character from the page to the stage. Her portrayal of Lucy radiates with charm, charisma and sex appeal, while also finding those special moments in which to make Lucy a real, multifaceted human being. The Obie Award-winning Ms. Bradford was seen on Broadway in BERNHARDT/HAMLET and in Sondheim’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG at the Roundabout. She’s also been enjoyed in ”The Watcher,” “The Gilded Age” and “Fear the Walking Dead,” among other television shows.

The creative team who brings this production to life features some of Theatre’s finest artists. This includes the sparse, but intricately-imagined Scenic Design by Andrew Boyce, beautifully complemented by Heather Gilbert’s stunning and inventive Lighting Design. Jeremy Jones lends his talents to this production as Composer and Music Director, while Yvonne L. Miranda’s Costume Designs, which includes two separate looks for each actor, help define and extend the characters. And, of course, the entire production is gorgeously guided and expertly led by Brooklyn-based Guest Director, Awoye Timpo. She makes great use of the large Ensemble Theater space and gently helps bring each actor to their full potential. 

This astonishing World Premiere will long be remembered for its poetic power, magnificently moving performances and superb theatrical artistry. Solo performances and two-character productions sometimes prove disappointing to me, but not in this case. The total package makes the difference. Brought to life by a talented Director, made flesh by two gifted actors, Steppenwolf’s thrilling new play by Ngozi Anyanwu weaves a magical spell for the audience. Get ready to unpack the secrets between Leroy and Lucy.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 24-December 15 by Steppenwolf in the Ensemble Theater, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or by going to www.steppenwolf.org.

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