**** If you are looking at interesting theater, A Red Orchid may have just what you are seeking. As they begin their 33rd season, they are bringing a World Premiere written by JoJo Jones, entitled “Veal”. I suppose many people seeing that title might just be thinking meat, but the “meat” in this play is the actual subject matter. Try to imagine that our country has been through a revolution. During that revolution, there was a coup. A fairly violent coup and following this violent coup, a young woman named Chelsea (Alexandra Chopson) becomes Queen of North America.When you first enter the theater, you will see this character and her man-servant/concubine ( played to perfection by Jasper Johnson). His job is to make her happy, protect her and be there for her, no matter what. As you take your seat, you will observe this character doing little side jobs that you will not fully understand, but will indicate his loyalty and love for his Queen.
Into her new palace walk three friends from middle school – Franny ( an incredible performance by JoJo Brown), Lulu ( Carmia Imani) and Noa ( an incredible performance by Alice Wu)- with whom she hasn’t spoken in years. They’ve come to ask Chelsea for a big favor, but before she grants it, she’s going to make them revisit their shared friendship.
Directed by Dado, on a “center stage” that is very close to the audience, there are some moments that you might cringe as our Queen, Chelsea brings back many memories of their lives together to sort of repay them for what they did to her. Each of the three “friends” ( if one can truly call them that) have memories that are different than those of their Queen, but since she is in control and has what they want, they relive each scenario as she dictates.
There are many scenes that you might find repulsive and others that you will chuckle at. Think back to your Junior High days, a time of self-discovery, sexual identity and exploration. Again, I would never want to spoil the experience for you so I will not divulge the way the puzzle pieces fit together, but I imagine that many of you will figure it out along the way. One part of the theater area is a true set (Tianxuan Chen , who also designed the lighting) and the sound by Conner Blackwood is right on ( I did not need my hearing aids to hear every word spoken- thanks A Red Orchid) and the costumes by Izumi Inabi are quite fitting for the storyline. There are also many costume items that are assembled and used as props (Ab Rieve) along with many more things, including snack meals that are 13 years old ( wait until you see how that turns out). This is a 90 minute show with no intermission that will hold your interest from start to finish, and the ending will surprise many of you.
“Veal” will continue thru November 2nd with performances as follows:
Mon, Oct 20:7:00pmThursdays 7:00pm
Fridays 7:00pm
Saturdays 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Sundays 3:00pm
Show Type: Drama
Box Office: 312-943-8722
A Red Orchid Theatre is located at 1531 N. Wells Street ( in the heart of Old Town)
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Veal”.
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