“Girl in the Red Corner”

Recommended *** I am not one that is crazy about sports that also purpose themselves as art and kick boxing  and Martial Arts in general are “the art of self- defense” and of late a sport. I recall going to one of the Indiana casinos to watch a match in what appeared to be a cage, and was somewhat repulsed at the idea of tossing two men into a cage and having the survivor walk out. It kind of goes back to a time where the Gladiators were the powers. I do have to say that although the latest production by Broken Nose Theatre, “Girl in the Red Corner” does get into this form of “art”, the story involving the character(s) is powerful and the cast assembled for this 100 minute production is superb ( and very fit).

Opening night was a bit rough as the lighting board had collapsed, so we were asked to wait half an hour to let the show begin. We did, and might I say, the production that was placed before us, with a powerful script by Stephen Spotswood and slick direction by Elizabeth Laidlaw, was worth the wait. I am not sure why they break the show with an intermission, unless it is the actors who need the time to prep for the second part of the show where an amazing bout takes place. Yes, there is a match that will shock you with its realistic fighting ( John Tovar does  spectacular work with this choreography-smooth as silk).

The story is about Halo (Elise Marie Davis brings something special to this character), a recent divorcee who is unemployed, who over the months of being the abused wife, has been peering into the local gym, watching the classes and thinking that with this training, she would never again go through the abuse that she had at home or her last position. She goes in and meets Kyle (Mark West, who also plays her brother-in-law, Warren) and Gina (deftly handled by August N. Forman). Gina thinks that Halo would be untrainable, but as the story grows and they become closer, sees that desire and anger can be all that is needed to grow into the fighter that can take on the world. The relationship between  Halo and Gina is very special indeed, as it allows Halo to grow as a person and be able to do what she has set out to do.

The other part of the story is about family relationship. Halo has a sister,Brinn ( Kim Boder) and her mother, Terry ( Michelle Courvais, who also plays Halo’s boss, Nancy and another fighter). One must pay very close attention to the fight scene in the second part of the play as this is where we see that Halo is truly fighting with all of what is in her. All her anger and fears are revealed in this epic bit of choreography. A dynamite experience and one that these actors share with great ease. They are in great condition, for sure.

Halo takes on a position as a telephone sales rep, under the guidance of Nancy ( played to perfection by Courvais) and while they spend more time than needed on this, I understand the need to show Halo reach a breaking point in her life. It is this breaking point that allows her to get even stronger in her desire to be all that she can be in the arena. There are some funny moments here and if you think about all the calls you get ( daily) you can understand the importance of this part of the play.

This family is not a “Father Knows Best” type of family. They are a blue- collar family faced with the problems that face American families all over the country. How to keep the bill collectors at bay! How to stay above water! How to find a job that has potential! But of greater importance, how to survive in this world, today!

On a technical note, the set is pretty simple (Therese Ritchie), with chain link fences to indicate the caged fighting area. The floor of the theater is padded and plastic covered so that the actors are not hurt ( at least I hope they are not, but there are some pretty realistic hurls), the lighting ( Cat Davis is a miracle worker) and sound (Isaac Mandel) are just right. The costumes involve a lot of latex (Lizzie Cook) and the props (Devon Green) are perfect for the script.

There are some great moments in this story that I will not reveal as it is important that you view this production with a clear and open mind. No matter what you might think about fighting and martial arts, go into the “Girl in the Red Corner” with the idea of being entertained and maybe even a bit educated. If you do, you will enjoy!

“Girl in the Red Corner” will continue at The Den Theatre, 2A,1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue, thru March 2nd with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  7:30 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m

Special Industry Night 2/18 at 7:30 p.m.

Understudy night 2/27 at 7:30 p.m.

(this is something special- the understudyies, who work hard, get to do the entire performance)

Tickets are PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN and reservations can be made at www.brokennosetheatre.com

Parking in the area is metered and they are plentiful.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreincgicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Girl in the Red Corner”