“Mother of the Maid”

[rating=5] Many years ago, we saw a small version of “My Fair Lady” in a small near north side venue with an adorable newcomer to Chicago, in an amazing performance as Eliza Doolittle. On that day, I fell in love with Kate Fry and her work , and have remained so. In fact, on this day, seeing her in her role as Isabelle Arc, Mother of the Maid, Joan on the stage at Northlight reinforced those feelings from another decade. I love Kate Fry! Either she picks only roles she is sure will fit her or she is so talented, she can play any role, any time, anywhere.

The current play she is starring in, “Mother of the Maid” is an intriguing look at Joan of Arc (deftly played by Grace Smith) and her brother, Pierre ( Casey Morris) as well as her father , Jacques ( well played by Kareem Bandealy). We learn from the mother and daughter relationship as Joan explains that it is God who has told her that she will set her people free from the Britons. This two- hour play ( with one intermission) written by Jane Anderson and sharply directed by BJ Jones is a wonderful look at history. The story deals with family, religion, faith, trust and the challenges of living in the 1400’s ( of course).

During this period religion was power as was politics ( as some might say, there is no difference, even 600 years later). Joan telling her rmother she has visions should not have been accepted during this period, but Isabelle, a devout religious person, felt that if this was her daughter’s dream, then why not. Although she and her husband did not believe that this was even possible, their Priest, Father Gilbert ( one of the roles brought to life by Ricardo Gutierrez) showed them proof that this was so. If a messenger of the Lord says it is so, it must be so!

Joan does set off to lead the French at war, as the prophecy said she would. She becomes the trusted leader by the soldiers as well as the King and Queen (Penelope Walker is charming as the Lady of the Court). The other actor in this production is Hayley Burgess.

While there have been many stories about the life and legend of Joan of Arc, Anderson takes a slightly different route. Hers, from the angle of the mother, Isabelle. A mother’s perspective is one that allows no holes. She is on her daughter’s side, no matter what. Her mother could not believe that her daughter could be burned at the stake for doing what her Lord has suggested she was destined to do. Her mother, in reality fought for her rights even after her death, wanting Joan to be found guiltless for her actions. note: on July 7th 1456 she was declared innocent and on May 16th, 1920 was canonized. Still today, Joan of Arc is regarded and honored for being the “hero of France”. and Isabelle, “The Mother of The Maid of Orleans”.

This is a tight performance as directed by Jones. His set ( designed by Scott Davis) is heavy wood with a wall that converts to a ramp and is used for just the right touches.

The lighting by  Christine A. Binder is amazing and the sound by Andre Pluess is perfect.  The intimacy and fight choreography by David Woolley is wonderful and the costumes (Izumi Inaba), divine.

Northlight Theater has always been one where accuracy and detail are very important to each production. Each actor does their role as if they were experiencing it for the first time. Yes, we see the play as if we were there, at that time, as the “fly on the wall” we all wish we coud be from time to time. If you are one who truly loves history, you MUST see this! If you one who loves a good piece of historical theater, you MUST see this. If you are like me and LOVE watching Kate Fry take the stage, you MUST see this!

“Mother of the Maid” will continue at Northlight Theatre , located at 9501 Skokie Boulevard , thru October 20th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  1 p.m. ( except 10/9) and 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  8p.m.

Saturdays  2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2:30 p.m. and 7:pm on October 13th (only)

Tickets range from $30-$89 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 847-673-6300 or online at www.northlight.org

Plenty of free parking and the theater is available by public transportation.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Mother of the Maid”.