Theater: ‘Suddenly, Last Summer’ a Liberating Lesson in Hot-Blooded Grieving
CHICAGO – In my lifetime, Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride” has been one of the definitive films servicing the timeless romance and undying adventure in us all.
I haven’t felt actor Cary Elwes – and his indelible line “aaaas yoooou wiiiish” while tumbling down a hillside – in quite some time.
Catherine (Allison Batty) enjoys a rare afternoon of freedome under the
watchful eye of Sister Felicity (Tasha Ann James) in the Shattered Globe
Theatre’s production of “Suddenly, Last Summer” by Tennessee Williams.
Photo courtesy of the Shattered Globe Theatre
The character recently spoke to me again in an intimate, impeccably transformed Chicago playhouse amid Tennessee Williams’ “Suddenly, Last Summer”.
The 1958 gothic drama is Shattered Globe artistic director Brian Pudil’s last company presentation and features ensemble member Brian McCaskill as the good doctor.
While the case could be made that McCaskill is the show’s weakest link because you can vibe his non-theater side (principal roles in “Prison Break” and “Fred Claus”) and because the women tower in presence over him, his mannerisms and stylization most decidedly take you back to Cary Elwes in 1987.
Mrs. Venable (Linda Reiter) is confronted by her
greedy nephew, George (David Dastmalchian).
Photo courtesy of the Shattered Globe Theatre
Thomas Lanier Williams III, who died just four years earlier from that time and is better known by the pseudonym Tennessee Williams, was renowned for his southern gothic panache.
“Suddenly, Last Summer” is the story of one New Orleans family delving deep into the enigmatic circumstances encasing the death of one of their brethren.
Allison Batty (“The Constant Wife,” “Romeo & Juliet,” “Macbeth,” “Henry V”) throws her whole self into the institutionalized and quite literally “batty” role of Catharine. She delivers one of the more masterful ending monologues I’ve been handed in some time.
Mrs. Venable (Linda Reiter) mourns the tragic loss of her beloved son.
Photo courtesy of the Shattered Globe Theatre
Linda Reiter as Mrs. Venable nails her older character in her quest for truth, denial, vindication and digging up long-dead secrets.
The wildly overgrown garden set and ambiance is simultaneously ominous and inviting. Various supporting and less memorable roles are cast to set the stage for just a few showstoppers.
With only 75 minutes to transmit its mournful message, you’re invited to knock back a truth serum of your own in the way we deal live, die and grieve today.
“Suddenly Last Summer” runs through Oct. 27 at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater. 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $27-$35.
By Adam Fendelman
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
© 2007 Adam Fendelman, HollywoodChicago.com
I haven’t felt actor Cary Elwes – and his indelible line “aaaas yoooou wiiiish” while tumbling down a hillside – in quite some time.
Catherine (Allison Batty) enjoys a rare afternoon of freedome under the
watchful eye of Sister Felicity (Tasha Ann James) in the Shattered Globe
Theatre’s production of “Suddenly, Last Summer” by Tennessee Williams.
Photo courtesy of the Shattered Globe Theatre
The character recently spoke to me again in an intimate, impeccably transformed Chicago playhouse amid Tennessee Williams’ “Suddenly, Last Summer”.
The 1958 gothic drama is Shattered Globe artistic director Brian Pudil’s last company presentation and features ensemble member Brian McCaskill as the good doctor.
While the case could be made that McCaskill is the show’s weakest link because you can vibe his non-theater side (principal roles in “Prison Break” and “Fred Claus”) and because the women tower in presence over him, his mannerisms and stylization most decidedly take you back to Cary Elwes in 1987.
Mrs. Venable (Linda Reiter) is confronted by her
greedy nephew, George (David Dastmalchian).
Photo courtesy of the Shattered Globe Theatre
Thomas Lanier Williams III, who died just four years earlier from that time and is better known by the pseudonym Tennessee Williams, was renowned for his southern gothic panache.
“Suddenly, Last Summer” is the story of one New Orleans family delving deep into the enigmatic circumstances encasing the death of one of their brethren.
Allison Batty (“The Constant Wife,” “Romeo & Juliet,” “Macbeth,” “Henry V”) throws her whole self into the institutionalized and quite literally “batty” role of Catharine. She delivers one of the more masterful ending monologues I’ve been handed in some time.
Mrs. Venable (Linda Reiter) mourns the tragic loss of her beloved son.
Photo courtesy of the Shattered Globe Theatre
Linda Reiter as Mrs. Venable nails her older character in her quest for truth, denial, vindication and digging up long-dead secrets.
The wildly overgrown garden set and ambiance is simultaneously ominous and inviting. Various supporting and less memorable roles are cast to set the stage for just a few showstoppers.
With only 75 minutes to transmit its mournful message, you’re invited to knock back a truth serum of your own in the way we deal live, die and grieve today.
“Suddenly Last Summer” runs through Oct. 27 at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater. 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $27-$35.
By Adam Fendelman
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
Labels: shattered_globe_theatre, suddenly_last_summer, tennessee_williams, theatre, victory_gardens
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