**** Chicago is indeed a theater city! Over the years, we have been witness to many wonderful theatrical experiences, one of which is the re-birth of the Biograph Theatre on Lincoln Avenue as it was re-born as Victory Gardens Theatre. During Covid, it appeared that we were going to lose the venue and the name , one that had been in Chicago for eons. Well, I am here to tell you that the Victory Gardens venue is back! Both only is it back, but it is back with a Chicago Premiere of a play written by none other than David Mamet. Who could ask for anything more?
The company, Relentless Theatre Group, headed by Edward Torres, who directed this premiere of “Henry Johnson” along with the original producers from Victory Gardens, in particular Dennis Zacek ( executive Producer). I had the good fortune of interviewing Thomas Gibson, on my radio show and learning a little about this work by Mamet. His character, Gene only appears in one scene, but his acting is powerful. Many TV fans know this actor from the many TV roles he has developed, but stage is his love and with his development of his character in this production, one can truly see that he is at home on a live theater stage.
“Henry Johnson” is a story about manipulation as we see different, and unique , segments ( or scenes) in the life of Henry Johnson ( played to perfection by Danil Krimer). We get to watch him go through several different types of encounters, both corporate and as a prisoner. The total time of the play is close to 90 minutes and while there are several breaks for quick scene changes, they also do an actual intermission for 10 minutes so they can re-do the entire set.
There are only 4 actors in this play and some of them only have limited stage time. Gibson ( a terrific performer) plays Gene as the guy who knows it all. When Henry is put in jail, they become roommates, or should I clarify that as “cell mates”. FYI- the set (Codesign Studios) is not really done to show each actual location, but instead, a simple rectangular ring that has two benches on it, allowing the quick change from waiting area, to cell and then later, a library ( in the prison) and in the final scene, that same library after it has been through a major change.
In the opening scene, we see Henry talking with Mr. Barnes ( Al’Jaleel MCghee) as they discuss Henry being overly loyal to Gene and they go deep into Henry’s loyalty to others, rather than himself. This is the only scene for this character but works to establish the weakness of Johnson. The fourth character in th story is Jerry ( deftly handled by Keith Kupferer) a prison guard who is freindly to Gene and readily works with Henry to accept him as well. I won’t give away what transpires between the next to and final scenes ( the scene after the intermission) except to tel you that this may be the tensest of all of the scenes in this play, and that here is where Mamet and his words take over. Everyone knows how Mamet can make his words work to bring the story pieces together, and this final scene truly shows just how powerful he is. Somehow Henry has found a gun and is holding Jerry hostage. This scene is breathtaking. The ending will jolt you, for sure!
The tech parts of the production were perfect. As I said, there is very little in the way of set. But often “keeping it Simple-Stupid” is just right! Jared Gooding’s lights were perfect, costumes (Stephanie Cluggish) worked as did the props (Jeff Brain). The fight choreography by David Woolley is pretty simple, but knowing that there are some audience members ON THE STAGE, careful is the word!
“Henry Johnson” will continue Thru – May 4th with performances as follows:
Wednesdays 7:00pmPrice: $64-$69
Show Type: Drama
Box Office: 773-871-3000
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at ” Henry Johnson”.
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