“Dying For It” reviewed by Frank Meccia

[rating=4] The Den Theatre Center has been a great addition to the venues in and around Chicago. While it is located in a neighborhood, it is close to dining spots and public transportation making it an area to visit with ease and comfort. Located at 1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue ( just a bit north of Division/Ashland/Milwaukee Avenue intersection), the building is multi stories with theaters on several floors. The Bookspan Stage is located on the main floor and is a theater that has the flexibility to be changed for each production. The building is mostly rentals, and the Artistic Home Theatre Company is now presenting “Dying For It” written by Moira Buffini. This is based on an earlier play by Nikolai Enman “The Suicide” back in 1928. The original work was banned by the then-Soviet Leader, Stalin.

While the new version is what one might call “modernized”, it follows the same and simple story from almost 100 years ago. Semyon ( deftly handled by Daniel Shtivelberg) is an unemployed and depressed man. Life in the post revolution era in Russia has been terrible for him and he sees no future. He and his wife, Masha ( Kayla Adams) live in the hallway of their building, unable to afford an actual apartment. His mother-in-law, Serafima ( Kathy Scambiatterra) lives in the same building, but in an apartment.

This is a “dark Comedy” filled with many zingers and one-liners, so one needs to listen at all times. These three work well together in keeping the interest of the audience at a high level.

When Semyon wakes up in the middle of the night wanting more black pudding, and then seems to be gone, causing the entire family begins looking for him. As It turns out, he is hiding, under the bed. It is his plan to commit suicide ( again, the original story title), and it is up to his friends and family to intercede and find a way and a reason for him to want to live .

Another tenant in the building, Alexander (Todd Wojcik), convinces him that it is best for him to stay alive and find a way to earn money. His choice, to play the tuba for money. Of course, he doesn’t play the tuba, or even have one, but manages to find a book that teaches through “A Man’s easy guide to playing the Tuba”. Alexander’s lover, Margarita ((Kristin Collins), who just happens to have one to lend to him. Of course, borrowing a tuba and having a booklet, does not attain his goal. Once again, frustration rises, so he sells his razor ( a gift from his father as he reached manhood) to purchase a gun. He is prepared to do what he had set out to do from the start. Kill himself.

Meanwhile, all of the people in the community show up in order to explain to him that  he needs to find purpose in his life, and that taking his life will leave a mark  on society. A priest also explains to him that his killing himself can add nothing good to the community or hid freinds and family. At the end of the first act, they all give in and allow him to go forward- he kills himself.

The second act has the townspeople rainsing funds in order to pay for the funeral, which is to be elaborate. When the coffin is delivered to the house, it turns out that he is still alive. He could not even commit suicide properly. Niw, he must come up with a solution for his not dying!. The remainder of the act is coming up with the solutions, keeping the concept alive and helping others to deal with their depression. There is a smooth and unexpected ending. Sharply directed by Monica Payne, on a wonderful set designed by Kevin Hagen, one feels that they are truly” the fly on the wall” peering into the interior of this 2 1/2 story apartment building.

While the production is two acts, almost 2 1/2 hours in total, it moves along swiftly and is over before you know it. That of course is due to the director and the marvelous ensemble of players.

“Dying For It” will continue at The Den Theatre thru April 21st with performances as follows:

Thursdays  8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  8 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.  NO PERFORMANCE ON EASTER SUNDAY-APRIL 9th)

Tickets are $35 ( students and seniors $20) and can be purchased/reserved by visiting www.thedentheatre.com or by calling 773-697-3830

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Dying For It”.

Maybe Stalin would have liked this production- I know I did!