“Between Riverside and Crazy”

Highly Recommended **** Redtwist Theatre is one of my favorite storefront theaters. Located on Bryn Mawr, just one block East of the Red Line “L” stop, this tiny theater has been bringing us solid theater since 2003, and I for one appreciate the work they do. They are currently producing “Between Riverside and Crazy” written by Stephen Adly Guirgis,, who many will recall as the playwright of  ” Jesus Hopped The A Train”. If you liked that one, you are sure to get into this as well.

“Between Riverside and Crazy” is two hours of solid story telling, bringing us into the life of a man,  Walter “Pops” Washington ( an extraordinary performance by Kenneth D. Johnson), an ex-police officer, wounded in the line of duty who is trying to get compensated for the incident that caused him to be somewhat incapacitated. His wife has recently passed away and his house has become a home to his son, Junior ( well- played by Kevin Tre’Von Patterson). an ex-con and his friend, Oswaldo ( deftly handled by Johnny Garcia) and Junior’s girl friend, Lulu ( Almanya Narula). At first look at this household, one would say this is a very dysfunctional household ( or even family).

It turns out that “pops” is about to lose his rent controlled apartment ( people who know New York understand this- they have apartments that are worth thousands per month, that remain as they were 30 years ago) and the city is trying to get him to drop an action that caused him to take early retirement. I will not give away much of the plot, but will tell you he was shot by another officer. He is African-American and the rookie cop was White. That will give you some insight as to what you might expect.

“Pops” old partner, Audrey ( played to perfection by Karen Hill) and her fiancée, Lt. Dave Caro ( the always reliable Adam Bitterman) come to talk with “Pops” about coming to resolution to the lawsuit. They explain that they will be getting married soon and Audrey would like “Pops” to walk her down the aisle, but they cannot ask until the city problem has been resolved. “Pops” who is smarter that we think figures out that Dave is in a position to climb the ladder and getting him to settle might help speed things along.

What we see is a family that needs help, and individuals that are very  stereotypical. We seem to see what we have been led to believe is truth. “Pops” is a drinker and perhaps was drinking the night he was shot. Or perhaps, not! Lulu is pregnant with what would be his first grandchild and while Junior has had problems, he is a caring young man and deep down has feelings for his father. Oswald is a sort of bum but he feels good about “Pops” and  he is treated better by this stranger than by his own father. We learn many lessons from these characters. They all are hurt. In one way or another, they have been treated badly and now they are doing the same to others around them.

We learn that Dave is a gambler as well as an up and coming cop, reaching for the “golden ring” and from his gambling winnings, he was able to purchase a striking and very expensive engagement ring for Audrey. He is also a very dapper dresser. I tell you this, because later in the play, these things will enter into the story. There is also a Church Woman (Gabrielle Lott-Rogers) who makes a one scene appearance that will change the outcome of the story and the change in “Pops” as a man. You will be amazed!

“Between Riverside and Crazy” is a story about survival and a family ( well, sort of family) and their adventures to attaining a life with less pain than they have at the onset of the story. Can these people survive what life has put on their plate? Can they open up their hearts and minds to forget the past and start afresh? Under the smooth direction of Rinska Carrasco-Prestinary, Guirgis’ words and story become one that allows us to understand the pain and hurt of each character and later to see them find some type of happiness as they opt to start over. With love and caring! You will love the NEW “Pops”, after the Church Lady scene and the last meeting with Dave and Audrey. Watch closely!

As always, Redtwist brings us something special in their intimate space. If you have never been there, this is a narrow storefront where some audience members are so close to the action, they can reach out and touch the actors. I think this one seats 48. Because of the limitations of their space, sets are not easy (yet, Nicholas James Schwartz pulls it off). The lighting (Cat Davis) and sound (Jeffrey Levin) are very effective and Christian A. Kurka’s props are perfect. The play also has some sexual scenes ( intimacy choreographer Sarah Scanlon does a first- rate job) and also a fight Choreographer (Arik Vega).

“Between Riverside and Crazy” will continue at Redtwist Theatre located at 1044 West Bryn Mawr thru February 10th with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  7:30 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets are $35 and $40 ( students and seniors, save $5) and can be reserved by calling 773-728-7529 or online at www.redtwist.org

Street parking is metered. Area streets are NOT “zoned” and by the way, the meters are free on Sundays.

To see what others are saying, visit theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Between Riverside and Crazy”.