“The Lehman Trilogy”

***** Timeline Theatre is a Chicago “treasure” that brings history to its stage. Over the years, I have seen plays about topics that are quite historical and with each one a sort of “backstory” and their walls lined with information about what they bring to the stage. Over the years, their intimate space on Wellington and on a few occasions stages at Theatre Wit have been perfect for relating these stories, but they are now bringing us one that is “bigger than life” and so they have partnered with Broadway in Chicago to use the space at Water Tower Place , The Broadway Playhouse for an stunning production of “The Lehman Trilogy”.

You might ask “What is The Lehman Trilogy” about? It is all about “The American Dream” and three brothers who came here from Europe to seek their fame and as it turned out fortune. Written by Stefano Massini and adapted by Ben Power, this story takes us into the Lehman Brothers, led by Henry (Mitchell J. Fain is amazing). He is the first to arrive, followed by brother Emanuel (deftly handled by Anish Jethmalani) and then, Mayer (played to perfection by Joey Slotnick). The story tells us the story of hos these three men were able to create a banking business from being simple haberdashers. 

Co-directed by Nick Bowling and Vanessa Stalling on a set that will blow your mind (Collette Pollard), these three men take you on the greatest history lesson you will ever see. You will find yourself also learning about Jewish customs and traditions. What we are witness to is how this family of immigrants came here with nothing but a dream in 1844, leaving Bulgaria behind. While he entered our country in New York, he ended up in  Alabama. His dry goods business ( clothing) became a cotton shop. Their cotton business grows as they buy and sell to others. They open a branch in New York ( the world operates best in New York).

We learn how their business was affected by the Civil War. They are wise investors and so they take their place among those who helped during the aftermath of the Civil War. They had an office on each side so they could easily do so. These three actors continue to portray not only the three brothers but their wives, their sons, and others as they take us through time and we learn about this family and the riches they  earn. It is an amazing story and while I am sure there is some added material, looking at Google info, it seems that Power pretty much sticks to the facts

The production itself is sparkling and even though it is three acts, and lasts over three hours, the audience is held captive and spellbound by the three actors that are onstage the entire time. This is history taught on a stage instead of a classroom and I would venture to say that most of us learned more in this three hours than we could have reading two chapters in a history book. I myself found myself thinking about my family history and their coming to America to live the “dream”. This story goes back much further and takes us into the Wall Street Crash and slavery. We go through several wars and remember the original play was written by Stefano Massini ( not an American) so the prospective is unique. I congratulate the co-directors on the clever use of the stage and putting together a cast of three fine actors to bring these brothers ( and others) to life. This play reminds us of our heritage and allows us to understand that there will always be immigrants who want to build lives like the Lehman Brothers did.

“The Lehman Trilogy” will continue at The Broadway Playhouse located at 175 East Chestnut thru November 26th ( first extension) with performances as follows:

Tuesdays (except 11/7) at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays    7:30 p.m.  also a 2 p.m. matinee starting October 4th except the 18th of October

Thursdays       7:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving

Fridays             7:30 p.m. (and a matinee at 2 p.m. on November 24th)

Saturdays      2:00 p.m. and  8:00 p.m.

Sundays        2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (no evening performance on 10/8,10/15,10/29,11/19 and 11/26th)

Tickets range from $35 and can be purchased at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or www.timelinetheatre.com

As is the tradition of Timeline Theatre, there are discussion events for this production-visit www.timelinetheatre.com/lehman-lobby

Parking is available in the Water Tower garage. The theater has discount tickets

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

This is one NOT to be missed!!!