Theatre Review: A Tale of Two Cities
Before I embark on this critique, I’d like to congratulate the company of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding! They won a few Helen Hayes Awards earlier this week and it was well-deserved. The production was my first review, which you can find here. If you are in the Northern California area, the show is currently playing at La Jolla Playhouse. Get those tickets and go see that show!
Okay! Theater Wit, a space where lots of local Chicagoland theaters rent space to hold productions, is currently the usual home for Shattered Globe Theatre, who is currently running their production of A Tale of Two Cities. This re-imagining of the classic Charles Dickens novel, adapted by Brendan Pulse and directed by Mikael Burke, is fresh and fun, which is not something one might expect when dealing with matters of the French Revolution.
As I walked into the theatre to take my seat, I was intrigued by the set design by Eleanor Kahn and Milo Bue. While minimally dressed, it was highly effective in capturing your attention. The dark black box was decorated with gold and shimmering chandeliers and candles around the perimeter of the stage, and a large slightly opaque mirror hung overhead at a slight angle. I loved it. And of course as always, Christoper Kriz provided music that set the tone and added to the atmosphere. And y’all know I love a good jump scare scene change, and at the end of the act one, Kahn and Sue delivered.
What I didn’t expect and loved most about this production came from the writing. Brendan made this story as interactive as possible, which kept the audience on their toes and really leaning in to the experience. We love immersive theatre, but if we can’t get that, interactive is the next best thing. I once heard from a fellow actor that the audience is another scene partner, so breaking the fourth wall is always essential, whether it is direct or subtle. Having the audience act as the public opinion of the French citizens, was brilliant. We oohed and aahed, shouted and cooed, at the moments we were directed to throughout the play. It was fun and definitely not a distraction to the action of the story.
Additionally, both the writing and directing was brilliantly executed in this production. It helps to have a great ensemble as well. My two favorite standouts were the ever wonderful Jeff Rodriguez, and ensemble member Jazzma Pryor. Jeff’s King Louie is charmingly cute, daft and hilarious. The cuteness was added to by costume designer Kotryna Hilko. I am not familiar with Pryor’s work, but boy did she hold her own. She held and embodied a strength, resilience, and passion that was quite captivating to watch, especially in her big monologue towards the end of the play.
Overall, this production is way worth experiencing. It is a beautiful fresh take on an extremely relevant classic. A Tale of Two Cities closes May 31st and runs two hours and ten minutes, with a ten minute intermission. I used the industry ticket promotion, so for other actors and theatre makers, please take advantage and take one of these next ten days and catch a performance. You won’t be sorry.