“Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner, A Sort of Love Story”

★★★★★ I was uncertain of what to expect as I entered the Mercury Theater on Southport Avenue this evening. I had missed the opening of their latest production, “Bunny Bunny:Gilda Radner, A Sort of Love Story” back on February 11th and due to family commitments, and the change of their Wednesday night schedule, had to wait until tonight to watch this captivating story . I heard from other reviewers that this was a wonderful story, but also a true “breakout” piece for local actress, Dana Tretta, who truly shows her wide range of emotions and her comic timing along with the ability to bring the woman to life (even after her death). Perhaps, more notice of Dana’s talent and less about her height! She nails this one!

This is indeed a love story. Not a love story about a man and woman “coupling” and living “happily ever after”, but instead, a love story about two individuals, who might truly be called “soul-mates”. Written by Alan Zweibel, who is the second main character in this production (played to perfection by Jackson Evans) next to Ms Tretta’s Radner. The other characters who show up in this wonderful story are all played by Jason Grimm ( who deserves a great deal of credit for his scene stealing cameos. He gets quite a workout changing hats and characters on the spin of a heel. In fact, in one scene, I think he does 16 changes in a matter of minutes. Well done Mr. Grimm!

In addition, the understudies for the two roles also play  key roles as the “stage hands”, as they move from scene to scene, playing off the other actors as they dance and swirl thru the set changes. Thanks to the brilliant work of director Warner Crocker, who appears to fully understand the person, or should I say the real life characters in this script and how important their lives were to each other and to us, the audience members who adored Ms Radner and loved the comic lines she delivered as written (or perhaps ad-libbed) by Zweibel.

Their chance meeting occurs when they both sign on for the Saturday Night Live show-writer and performer and takes us from that meeting and all the trials and tribulations of their lives until her death from Cancer back in the 1980’s. They became life-long friends, caring about each other, more than lovers, or even family members, but as soul-mates, who were always there when the need arose. “Bunny Bunny” is an expression that she learned as a child as her dad did finger puppets on her bedroom wall the start of each month and she would say, “Bunny Bunny” to start the new month off with freshness and new meaning. Later in the play, Zweibel does this for her!

Zweibel is still a writer, working on comedy but felt that a tribute to the special lady of his life, the woman who made him laugh, no matter what life through his way, was needed. During this 2 hours and 15-minutes of story-telling (there are two acts and an intermission) we learn a great deal about both of these people and the bond that was formed between them. These are people who “never really grew up” and although they both had solid careers, they relied of each other for the smiles and emotions that they shared. Their relationship was not sexual, or even physical with the exception of a hug or kiss here and there. They had a special feeling for each other. One that allowed them to assist the other in making choices that would be beneficial to their lives. The love they had for each other shines through each and every segment of the lives that they “shared” as “best friends”.

Both Tretta and Evans are masterful and the direction by Crocker is powerful and moving. I suggest that you bring a packet of tissues. Yes! You will need at least three. You will laugh with the characters and their story and yes, you will feel the sadness that each lives through. Having each other does make life a bit easier for both.

The intimate Mercury Theater is ideal for this production as we can see into their faces and watch the love story unfold, no matter where you sit. The set ( (Jaqueline and Richard Penrod) is powerful as it represents many different locations and if you look closely, you will see that the script of this powerful show is part of the wall. The costumes (Robert Kuhn) are very timely and allow for us toe watch the progression of the style for each. Mike Przygoda’s sound is sterling as we never miss one word and the lighting by Kristoff Janezic is perfect. Sophia  Briones does a great job with the props and Kevin Barthel’s wigs and hair design fill out the technical aspects of this wonderful , must-see production. Again- Bradley and Segatti ( the understudys) do a terrific job as the stage hands, creating something very special.

“Bunny Bunny:Gilda Radner, A Sort of Love Story” will continue at The Mercury Theater Chicago, located at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, thru April 15th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  8 p.m.

Thursdays  8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  3  and 8 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets range in price from $30- $55 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 773-325-1700 or online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com

Week-ends offer valet parking and of course, street parking is available (metered and some zoned)

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Bunny Bunny; Gilda Radner, A Sort of Love Story”.