“The Originalist” reviewed by Michael Horn

[rating=3] Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was controversial, loved by his supporters and considered a monster by his distractors.  His interpretation of the law was always based on the Constitution as a never changing document; “The Constitution that I interpret and apply is not living but dead, or as I prefer to call it, enduring. It means today not what current society, much less the court, thinks it ought to mean, but what it meant when it was adopted.” John Strand’s play, “The Originalist”, explores the complexities of Justice Scalia and reveals some of his achievements and philosophy.

The Originalist takes place as a new term of the Supreme Court begins.  Justice Scalia, played by the phenomenal Edward Gero, is giving a speech and is rudely interrupted by a young woman in the audience who wishes to argue with him.  He later learns that this same young woman, a recent Harvard Law School graduate, will be interviewing with him for a clerkship the coming year.  The young woman Cat, portrayed by Jade Wheeler, is a staunch liberal and a gay woman of color.  This sets up an intriguing scenario as Cat strongly asserts her postions and argues that her liberal beliefs should not disqualify her from consideration for the position.  In the end, Justice Scalia agrees and hires her as someone capable of developing arguments that he would not necessarily consider.

The play continues to follow the relationship of Justice Scalia and Cat as he jousts with her, reprimands her, pushes her, and mentors her.  He mandates that she meet him at the shooting range and teaches her to shoot a “hunting rifle”, which is actually an AR-10 semi automatic assault style rifle.  What better way to understand a topic you wish to debate!  We also find out that Justice Scalia is crushed by not being appointed Chief Justice because he feels he could have made a difference.

Later on, Justice Scalia asks that Cat prepare a brief on one important case regarding LGBT marriage, that she knows he will vigorously oppose.  He has also asked another clerk, Brad, played by Brett Mack, to assist on the preparation of the argument.  Cat fiercely vanquishes Brad, who is strongly conservative and has attacked her personally.  She advises Justice Scalia of her personal orientation, knowing it might bring a negative focus to him with her doing research on the case, but he admits that he was already aware.  She ultimately pleads with Justice Scalia to soften his dissent of the ruling.

Edward Gero is masterful in the role of Antonin Scalia, bringing passion and excitement to his character.  In preparation for the role, he studied Scalia in action in the Supreme Court and met with him for lunch.  This dedication shows in his wonderful portrayal.

Jade Wheeler, as the feisty and strong willed Cat, brings fire and drama to her character.  Her excellent performance complements the giant presence of Gero’s Justice Scalia.

Brett Mack as Brad, is just wimpy enough as the “Yes Man” who wants to get ahead, but is not respected

Director Molly Smith has refined this production to run like a Swiss watch with excellent timing and great balance. The production never stalls or loses energy.

The set by Misha Kachman is simple but effective with red velvet curtains as a backdrop.  The moving in and out of Justice Scalia’s desk like it is floating, is slick.

Lighting by Colin K. Bills, Costumes by Joseph P. Salasovich, and Sound by Eric Shimelonis all add to the fine production.

The Originalist gives the audience a glimpse inside the mind of one of our greatest contributors to Constitutional law.  It also enables the audience to view Scalia the man and draw their own conclusion. The Court Theatre,under the leadership of Charles Newell, continues to bring topnotch and relevant productions to the community and the Originalist is another worthy production that will not disappoint.

“The Originalist” will run through June 10, 2018

Schedule:  Wed & Thurs.:   7:30PM

                   Fridays:              8:00PM

                   Saturdays:         3:00PM & 8:00PM

                   Sundays:           2:30PM & 7:30PM     

Location:   Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL

Tickets:      $44-$74

Box Office: (773) 753-4472 or www.Courttheatre.org

Free parking is available in the garage next to the theater.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at ” The Originalist”