“Letters Home” running in rep with “Ghosts of War” reviewed by Jeffrey Leibham

[rating=3]Griffin Theatre Company’s “Letters Home” is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a remounted production at The Den Theatre. William Massolia, who is the Griffin’s Artistic Director, has essentially assembled actual letters that U.S. service men and women have written while they were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Massolia adapted for the stage and directed eleven actors who portray numerous members of the armed forces. According to their press release, “Letters Home” has been seen by “more than 100,000 people in more than 100 cities since its first performance in 2007.”

With a very basic set design and just four stools, the ensemble converge in ever-changing formations of small groupings on either side of the stage. With a black screen projecting just basic information about each soldier, such as branch of the military, rank, division and sometimes age, actors face the audience and recite letters that have been written to loved ones back home, whether it be to concerned parents, nervous spouses, supportive siblings and occasionally their own young (and in one instance, unborn) children. Some actors portray just one individual soldier throughout the course of the evening, while most of them inhabit at least two or three different personae. Lynda Shadrake performs at least five, if not more, but all of the women that she represents are mothers.

Most of these soldiers have some common themes running throughout their missives, whether it be the dull and monotonous regiment of the military or the constant fear of being maimed by in IED or worse, losing a member of their company, even someone whom they did not ever have any contact with. Some are very angry and frustrated while others seem to be rather content with a simple task as mundane as gardening. They are all aware of the danger surrounding them but many do not address the prospect of their own mortality.

Lynda Shadrake is the most memorable performer only because she plays so many different types of mothers and captures an array of complex emotions in doing so. Her strongest moment comes in her portrayal of a mother whose injured son has returned home. Late one night she is doing laundry but is exhausted and desperately needs to get to bed. Her resentment boils over when she cannot find the mate to a white athletic sock to complete folding the pair. The image is overpowering in its sadness and speaks volumes about loss. Supporting Shadrake is an ensemble that includes Peter Byrne, Elliot Carter Cruz, Zachary DeNardi, Mario Guzman, Jennifer Lowe, Ryan McBride, Andrew Neftali Perez, Leah Raidt, Jessica Dean Turner and Jason Von Rohn.

Massolia has done a decent job of keeping the perspectives varied. Yes, some of this can be a bit repetitive at times but the adaptation and performances prevent it from becoming tedious. Cumulatively all of these voices combine to pack quite a hefty punch. “Letters Home” is a commanding tribute to all of the brave individuals who serve our country with honor each and every day, particularly in the dark and uncertain times that lie ahead.

“Letters Home” is presented in rotating repertory with Griffin Theatre Company’s Chicago premiere of “Ghosts of War” (see separate review). “Ghosts of War” is a companion piece that relays the story of 19-year-old GI Ryan Smithson as he serves for one year with the Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq.

________________________________________________

“Letters Home” is playing at The Den Theatre (Stage 2B), 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago. Running time is appoximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets are $30 single show, $50 for both shows (when purchased together). Students, seniors and veterans $27. Group discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Tickets are currently available at www.griffintheatre.com  or by calling (773) 697-3830.

“Letters Home” Performance Schedule:

Thursday, April 19 at 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 21 at 4:00 PM

Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 PM

Thursday, April 26 at 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, April 29 at 4:00 PM

Monday, April 30 at 7:30 PM

Friday, May 4 at 7:30 PM

Saturday, May 5 at 4:00 PM

Sunday, May 6 at 4:00 PM

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