“Killing Game”

Recommended *** A Red Orchid, a favorite theatre of mine, has brought the mind of Eugene Ionesco to their intimate space on Wells Street. The play is “Killing Game”, and deals with subject matter that may turn your stomach, or to many may seem very realistic.Many young audiences have never experienced any of the works of this playwrite, so they are in for some shocks along the way. “Rhinoceros” was one of his plays ( 1959) and I recall doing this  ( asst. stage manager) show for Wilmette Community Theatre back in 1962. It is truly “theatre of the absurd” and in the “Killing Game”, Ionesco stays true to form.

The 105 minute production, under the direction of Dado, keeps the audience into the storyline. It would kill the play to have any break of the action, so there is no intermission. The play is composed of a number of scenes, and there is some confusion caused by the actors playing many roles and since the story is about people dying, and then seeing the actors reappear, even though they are different characters, had some of the audience members scratching their heads.

Ionesco’s views of life and death are evident in this story, or perhaps it is best to call them a group of stories about a world where there is contamination and people are dying, quickly and in huge numbers. There is a plague and as the bodies pile up, the tensions rise quickly. There are many who blame the leaders, the politicians for not putting an end to the plague. Are the medical people doing their jobs? Are the politicians doing what is best for the people? Or for the dollars that line their pockets?

As we peek into their lives, people who live in these districts, watching many die, and many wonder why they live. Is there a logical reason for this plague? Is there anything that can be done to save them from the future torment that faces them? This particular production has been translated with the exception of one scene, which thanks to Professor Orban and her French students, has been added to the script. The story being filled with mystery leaves me in an awkward position. If I say too much, I will ruin your experience. I cannot do that to the theater patrons. They deserve to get the full impact of what A Red Orchid Theatre has prepared for their eyes. So, here is what I will tell you:

This cast is superb! Angela Alise, Lance Baker ( one of Chicago’s fines, who can do almost anything on any stage, and in this one, he even sings), Dano Duran, Sherman Edwards, the powerful Andres Enriquez, Roy Gonzalez, the adorable Maya Lou Hlava, Katherine Mallen Kupferrer ( pay attention to those two last names, as her parents are Chicago legends on stage, and the apple didn’t fall very far from the tree- she is amazing!), Ashely Neal, Jill OLiver, London Shannon ( a familiar name at A Red Orchid, as well), Sarah Thompson Johansen ( her vocal range is pretty outstanding) and Doug Vickers. This is a huge cast, for a very intimate space, but as filled as the set becomes, they never seem to be in each others way.

The tech aspects of the show are truly remarkable for a tiny theater.Grant Sabin has designed a set that allows us to feel that there are many locations ( there are at least three districts) and we get some videos throughout the show where we meet several higher-ups ( watch closely for a special guest star, who is truly perfect on film). The music composition of the show by Elenna Sindler truly helps create the mood of the scenes and the events we witness, as do the lighting effects by Mike Durst and the sound by Sam Clapp. The costumes ( Kotryna Hilko) are fitting to the story and the props , puppets and sculptures designed by Samantha Rausch are monumental. Laurie Robert designed the movement direction and Christine Gorman the violence design. The aforementioned video production was by Seth Henrikson adds greatly to the work.

Watch closely, and listen to the words with an open mind and you may find that even if you only want to go to theater to be entertained and to forget about your daily life, you will become entranced by this production. Again, not for everyone, in particular those who might be squeamish, but a theatrical experience that will open up conversations in the future, maybe even political.

“Killing Game” will continue at A Red Orchid Theatre located at 1531 N. Wells Street through June 23rd with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets range from $30-$40 ( open seating) and can be ordered by calling 312-943-8722 or online at www.aredorchidtheatre.org

If you have special needs, please advise when ordering as this IS a very TINY venue!

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