“Suddenly Last Summer”

Recommended *** It is not often that a theater company takes on a theatrical “challenge” in producing a seldom seen play , authored by one of the greatest playwrights in history. Hats off to The Raven Theatre and its Artistic Director, Cody Estle, for bringing us their version of “Suddenly Last Summer” by Tennessee Williams. This is, as I said, a rare vision. It opened on Broadway in 1958 during Williams’ “heyday”. A year later, as a film, starring Katherine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift, it became a monster hit and I truly think that this film knocked the stage production out of the box.

Watching the Raven production smoothly directed by Jason Gerace on a wonderful set (Joanna Iwanicka) in their intimate space, makes one truly focus in on the story. I never like to give away the depth of a story such as this, so while it might seem that I am teasing ( and perhaps I am), this is a theatrical experience that uses the “short and sweet” statement as a solid description. Ninety solid minutes of story-telling! The two women of most importance in this story are  Mrs. Venable ( splendidly handled by Mary K. Nigohosian) and her niece, Catherine (deftly handled by Grayson Heyl). Both of these women are new to Raven and wonderful additions to their always talented casts.

The story concerns a character that we never meet, Sebastian Venable, Mrs. Venable’s son and Catherine’s “lover”. Both of the women are trying to piece together the facts that will allow them to understand the death of this bright star in both of their lives. Catherine’s account is far different from that of Mrs. Veneable’s. Neither seems credible and both conflict with the other. Both cannot be real and truthful. In fact, you may leave the theater unsure of which is telling the truth, but the power of the presentation and the ending of the story will define much in your mind.

While these two are the main characters, and the ones whose stories will indeed make us think about the story, the ensemble of players truly define how a production needs all the characters to be superb. This cast of players is up to par, with Ayanna Bria Bakari as Sister Felicity, a care-taker from the mental institute where Catherine has been placed since Sebastian’s death, Miss Foxhill, the housekeeper (played tonight by Song Marshall), Wardell Julius Clark who does a flawless job as Dr. Cukrowicz, at the home to get the answers to what really happened on that fateful trip, Ann James as Catherine’s mother and Andrew Rathgeber as her brother George. While most of the action centers on the two ladies, the good doctor plays a very important role in getting us from point A to point B and the other ensemble members add to the smoothness of this taking place.

The technical parts of the production were clean and sharp: costumes (Brittany Dee Bodley-great work), lighting (Claire Chrzan), sound (Cristopher Kriz, who also does the original spellbinding music) and props (Mary O’Dowd, as always does a splendid job). Fight direction is done by Sam Hubbard. The Raven Theater is an intimate space, so you will feel as if you are eavesdropping on the grounds of The Venable Estate. Makes the tension far greater as an experience. This experience can be yours thru June 17th with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  7:30 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

No performance 5/10

Tickets ( open seating) range from $43- $46 and $38/$41 seniors- students, military (active and vets) $15       Thursdays  “Under 30 Thursday” all qualified pay $15

You can purchase tickets by calling 773-338-2177 or online at www.raventheatre.com

Free parking in the lot adjacent to the Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark Street ( at Granville) and on the street ( some metered, some not)

Public transport is at the door

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Suddenly Last Summer”