“Oxy,Ohio” reviewed by Jeffrey Leibham

 Recommended *** S.J. Spencer’s latest drama “Oxy, Ohio” is receiving its world premiere, in a very limited run, presented by the side project. Spencer has set his play in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, which in 2016 was named the site of the most fatal drug overdoses of any region in America. His play, filled with plenty of humor and some very good acting, takes a closer look at the inhabitants of this relatively small town and makes a statement about the opioid epidemic in this country. Finally making its way into the forum of discussion due to heavy media attention, the loss of some high-profile celebrities and even our current administration in Washington, the extent of this epidemic is both alarming and tragic.

Mary (Amy Johnson) is a middle-aged, divorced mother who has been working in a senior citizen’s retirement home for many years. When we first meet her, she is addressing the audience directly, giving a descriptive account of the barren landscape and grey skies of Ohio as well as a brief history of the decline of businesses and opportunities in the area over the course of the past several decades. Entering into this barren Rust Belt ennui is her daughter, Becky (Tracey Green), who is a high school drop-out working the night shift at the Super 8 out near the airport. Soon Mary pays a visit to the office of Dr. Wilmington (Fred A. Wellisch), whom she has been frequenting regularly and insisting that he give her higher dosages or stronger medications to alleviate the pain in her lower back, legs and feet that she experiences due to the physical demands of her job. Outside of a Narcotic’s Anonymous meeting, Mary and Becky meet Tom (Benjamin T. Jenkins), a fellow user who has been bouncing around from job to job and battling homelessness. Soon a strong friendship develops between Becky and Tom and, although Tom initially resists his attraction, they eventually cohabitate and bond romantically. As their addictions continue to grow and options with Dr. Wilmington begin to dwindle, Becky and Tom are forced to visit an old hippie named Ron (also played by Wellisch) who is a dealer and from whom they can score anything that they want. Ron suggests heroin, as it is inexpensive and there’s plenty supply, but Becky balks at the thought of having to eventually sink that low. Interesting dichotomy at play here — having Wellisch dressed in a white lab coat endlessly and almost mindlessly writing prescriptions that ultimately empower the billion dollar pharmaceutical companies versus a seemingly harmless free spirit in a tie dyed T-shirt, who seems flexible with his payment options and is willing to work out the details as seen fit.

It is very clear that Spencer is a talented writer, having created plausible situations and convincing characters, but his script tends to lose some of its steam by Act Two, which is unfortunate. What started out as a funny and honest critique of lost souls in middle America becomes sadly oversimplified by the conclusion. But some of that may also have quite a bit to do with the subject matter. What bolsters it is the strong ensemble of actors. Johnson is wonderful as Mary, playing her perfectly as a woman so deeply rooted in her own denial and wry in her bitter asides. Green brings a natural poise and ease to her role as Becky while also rising to the challenge which the climax demands of her. While it is never easy to create an authentic portrayal of a junkie, all three do remarkably well. Perhaps the best at it, however, is Jenkins. His Tom has all of the inert energy and nervous, physical tics common in those who have had years of abusing painkillers and their valiant attempts at rehabilitation.

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“Oxy, Ohio” runs through October 14, 2018.

Approximate running time is 2 hours and 10 minutes with one intermission.

McKaw Theater (formerly the side project theatre) is located at 1439 West Jarvis Avenue, Chicago.

Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM.

Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at the door.

Available at Brown Paper Tickets:  https://m.bpt.me/event/3561000

More information at www.thesideproject.net

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