“The Reclamation of Madison Hemings”

***** Last night I went to the new home of American Blues Theater to see the Chicago Premiere of “The Reclamation of Madison Hemings” written by Charles Smith. Before going into the play, I need to say a few words about the venue itself. I was greeted by Gwendolyn Whiteside, Artistic Director, who had a smile that was as wide as all outdoors. Her dream of having their own venue had at last come true, The lobby ( with a bar) is bright and spacious and the theater itself as comfortable as one could want. Congratulations ABT!

Now, onto the production. This is the story of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings’ son, Madison( a sterling performance by Jon Hudson Odum) who has come back to Monticello with his friend Israel Jefferson ( deftly handled by Manny Buckley) with a mission- to find Israel’s brother Moses. Madison decides that he  is there to reclaim  his birthright  and if nothing else, take items from the house that was his “fathers”.

History buffs will find some very interesting conversations in what Smith has brought to the stage. One learns a great deal about the period when slavery was the norm and owners had relationships with slaves which bore children. Madison’s story is powerful. Israel was a footman for President Jefferson and was sold leaving his family behind. When slavery was abolished his life went on, and these two men were friends, Madison granting Israel several acres of land in Ohio, where they had moved.

During the two acts ( about two hours with one intermission) smoothly directed by Chuck Smith ( no error, this is a different Mr. Smith), we learn a great deal about their history, their relationship and a great deal about Thomas Jefferson himself. Each of these men has a past, and while they are different, they are the same. The set and props ( Jonathan Berg-Einhorn) are fairly simple. A cart that over a period gets filled with parts of the estate at Monticello is quite realistic, as is the campfire where they cook their meals and coffee. The lighting (Rachel West and Jared Gooding) is very effective and the sound (Rick Sims) and costumes (Lily Walls) quite realistic of the era.

One of the great things about ABT is that they provide a “Backstage Guide” for their productions. This allows you to learn more about the subject matter and the production prior to entering the venue. This guide tells you about each character and their families as well as their legacies It also talks about the slavery abolishment and a great deal about Thomas Jefferson, his thoughts versus his actions.

This is a sterling production that will not only entertain you, but educate you as well. This is a magical production that will hold you from start to finish!

“The Reclamation of Madison Hemings” will continue thru March 24th with performances as follows:
Thursdays: 7:30 PM
Fridays: 7:30 PM
Saturdays: 3:00 PM (except Feb 17 & Mar 2) & 7:30 PM (except Feb 24 & Mar 9)
Sundays: 2:30 PM

Student matinees on Wednesdays @ 10:30 AM (Feb 28 & Mar 6 only)

American Blues Theater is located at 5627 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. For tickets call box office at 773-654-3103 or visit www.americanbluestheater.com

Photography by Michael Brosilow; Video by Stage Channel.

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