“Plantation!”

Recommended *** There are times when a reviewer is caught up in the emotions of the play versus the performers and sometimes even the sets and direction of the finished piece. This evening, as I watched the World Premiere of Kevin Douglas’ “Plantation!”, now on stage at Lookingglass Theatre Company, was one of those moments. The story is one of “reparation” as  Lillian ( a glorious performance played by the always reliable Janet Ulrich) the Matriarch of the Texas cotton plantation where the action takes place, has invited the  great-grandchildren of one of the slaves , who had a child by her grandfather, to meet her family. Her three daughters, Kimberly ( Louise Lamson),  Kara( Lindsay  Page Morton) and the youngest , Kayley ( adorably played by Grace Smith), know nothing of the past or the reason that their mother has done her “homework” and invited these three ladies.

When Lillian tells her daughter what her research has turned up and what she is planning to do, the girls are mortified. How can they give up their home to these “people”? Yes, the plan is not only to give them the plantation, but to also set up a trust to pay the bills. Of course, they will continue to work the land for the cotton, so they can sell it and pay the bills for themselves and their new “family”.

The new family members, three sisters who are as different as can be are in shock at what is taking place and while two of them are ready to go forward, the eldest, London (deftly played by Lily Mojekwu) says no, but the activist and her sister want nothing more than what is in a way, “pay-back” for their ancestors being held in slavery and building the fortunes for these people. The three sisters, Madison ( Tamberla Perry), Sydney ( a solid turn by Ericka Ratcliff) and London  work well as unit and despite their not looking alike, one can feel the closeness of the three as we learn about their life struggles.

On the other hand, the three Texas “Southern Belles” are as different as they can be, but when they feel threatened by these other “family” members, they take any road they can to dishonor and  disgrace the other girls. We learn a great deal about this family, both historical and present day and while there are many laughs in the show, I am of the opinion that it is the solid direction by David Schwimmer and the work of these ladies that makes the script shine over the content itself. I must add that there is one more lady in this play. Her name is Diana ( a wonderful performance and character study by Hannah Gomez) who is the daughter of the family housekeeper, filling in for her mother for this special week-end visit. It is Diana that makes the comic touches truly memorable. This is one of those moments I mentioned earlier, she is definitely *****!

While the play looks at Racism, and we watch different people come up with what they feel are the right answers ( at least, for themselves) and we do hear the mantra “Black Lives Matter”, we  learn a great deal about what truly took place in this family. A slave became part of the family, for purposes that only the Patriarch cared about. Yet, he left notes and showed that he cared about the woman as a person, and now his granddaughter, learning of the truth, decides to do the right thing. The story gets a little complicated, which I will not reveal, so the fun is not spoiled. Yes, this is a comedy. A strong comedy with a dynamite cast ( again five stars, all the way), but despite being funny, there are many bits of history and ways to resolve and clean up some of the past, at least for those who are willing to learn from their history. You will be happy to know, the ending is one that makes some sense and shows that often, good things come to those who do good!

On the tech side, the set (Courtney O’Neill) is magnificent with a second floor that seems very real. The ladies do a lot of stair running, and the shelves and furniture looks good enough to move into. Mara Blumenfeld’s costumes are delightful, in particular the Southern Cotillion dresses for their dinner party and the props assembled by Amanda Hermann are amazing, to say the least! The sound ( Rick Sims, who also did the composition of incidental music) and the lighting (Christine A. Binder) are the icing on the cake. Well done ( as always at Lookingglass)!

I truly feel that “Plantation!” is worth seeing , despite the difference of opinion of all the reviewers and friends that have seen it! It will continue at Lookingglass Theatre located at The Water Tower Works at 821 N. Michigan Avenue ( entrance on Pearson, just East of Michigan Avenue) thru April 22nd with performances as follows:

Tuesday, March 20th ONLY  7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  2 p.m. 3/15, 3/29 and 4/12)   and 7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (except 3/24)

Sundays  2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (3/11, 3/25 and 4/22)

Post show panel discussions can be found by looking at http://www.lookingglasstheatre.org/refelct

Access performances can be found at www.lookingglasstheatre.org/access

Tickets range from $40- $75 and can be reserved by calling 312-337-0665, visiting the box office at Water Tower Water Works or online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org

Discounted parking is available at Olympia Parking Garage on Chicago Avenue- bring your ticket for validation.

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