“Below the Belt” reviewed by Frank Meccia

Recommended***

Redtwist Theatre is known for producing new works for Chicago, and the more unusual the better. This bizarre dark comedy has found a high popularity in Europe, with over 40 different productions in Germany alone.

This production is a visiting theater company, Hundo4U Productions.

BELOW THE BELT takes place in a far-off unknown location, and the heart of the play takes place in the guts of an industrial compound. The entire staging has the audience sitting right alongside the actors in this dingy compound, everything is dark, and cold, with no color, and very little imagination, exactly the way the author described it in his book. The story is based on 3 men, one power hungry boss played by David McNulty, an emotionally unstable middle manager played by Michael Lomenick, and an eager newcomer to the plant played by John Hundriesser. These men are isolated, away from their families, their wives, and most important, other people. Watching this I felt I was watching an “Outer Limits” show from the 60’s done in black and white. These two men must learn how to form a bond out of necessity, while dealing with disasters, secret alliances, and a backstabbing boss.

A difficult play to understand, but it holds your attention for the entire two hours, that includes a 15-minute intermission. Being a small store front theatre that only holds about 35 people, the play being a dark comedy has to make you fell the emotions these actors are producing, Both John and Michael, play on the audience so well, at one point you dislike one character, while 10 minutes later you feel a deep connection with them. Jon Dambacher did an excellent job, letting these actors’ toll with your emotions.

BELOW THE BELT, PLAYING TILL June 16 at the Redtwist Theatre located at 1044 West Bryn Mawr. Performances are:

Thursday and Fridays at 8pm

Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm

  Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets are $20 at the door, or over the phone at Redtwist (847) 906-3209. Valet parking is available in front of Francesca’s across the street. Street parking is also available, some metered, some not.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Below the Belt”  www.Hundo4u.com for more info about Hundo4U Productions.