“Curve of Departure”

Highly Recommended ***** One of the great things about theater in our city is that we have Mike Nussbaum on our stages. Nussbaum is the oldest Equity actor on any stage and at 94 is as sharp as a tack. He may be shorter than he was years ago( but aren’t we all?), but this man is a superior performer. If you have never been witness to him on a stage, I suggest that you make it a point to do so! The current production in which you can do so is “Curve of Departure”. an 80 minute gem written by Rachel Bonds that tells us the story of a “special” family gathering. Sharply directed by BJ Jones, the entire story takes place in a motel room in Santa Fe, New Mexico ( nicely designed by  Lauren Nigri). The family is here to attend the funeral of a “family member”, who they all loved, but none liked.

The patriarch of this family is Rudy ( Nussbaum at his best). The deceased is his son, who as we learn, he hated, yet loved! With him, his ex-daughter-in-law, Linda ( a divine performance by Penelope Walker), who has become his right hand and has pledged to take care of him. Her son, and his grandson, Felix (deftly handled by Sean Parris) arrives with his boyfriend, Jackson ( a solid performance and character development by Danny Martinez) complete the “family” that is gathered to pay respects to a man that they would prefer forgetting.

Bonds’s story is about more than this gathering of a somewhat dysfunctional family to attend a funeral. It is about each of the family members and how the past has paved the path for their future. In the case of Rudy, his future is one that scares him and so rather than become a burden, he would prefer ending it. Linda, who is a dedicated teacher, realizes that her ex-father-in-law needs her in his time of decline and rather than put him in a home, would retire and make sure that his end comes on his terms. Felix and Jackson are faced with their own personal problems and choices that they must make for their own futures. How deep is their love and to what ends will they go for each other?

This is a brilliant script, superbly directed and perfectly performed. I can guarantee that you will feel the emotion that this family is going through ( you might need a tissue or two) and along the way, will have a laugh or two and be reminded  someone in your own familt. These characters are real! This production is solid. From the costumes (Alexis Chaney), the sound (Andre Pluess), lighting (Heather Gilbert) and props (Lydia Hanchett) each detail is sheer perfection. This is a piece that will not only entertain you, it will also open your mind. I wonder if there might be a sequel or even a prequel in the future. This story could easily be told as to what happens to these people after the funeral, or for that matter, how did they get to this point in their lives. Meanwhile, I suggest you find the time to get to Northlight Theatre 9501 Skokie Blvd., in Skokie to see “Curve of Departure” and Mike Nussbaum at work.

“Curve of Departure” will continue thru October 21st with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  1 p.m.  and 7: 30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (on 9/30)

Post show discussions 9/30 at 2:30 p.m., 10/3 at 1 p.m., 10/4 at 7:30 p.m.,10/10 at 1 p.m. and 10/11 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $30- $88 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 847-673-6300 or online at www.northlight.org

Student tickets are $15 ( subject to availability)

Free Parking

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Curve of Departure”