“Mrs. Krishman’s Party” review by Carol Moore

**** Highly Recommended   I had so much fun at Mrs. Krishnan’s Party at Chicago Shakespeare – and it really was a party! A production of Indian Ink Theatre in New Zealand, Mrs. Krishnan’s Party is hilarious. Since it’s in the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Upstairs Studio you can also enjoy the best view in the city. This is a must-see!  4 Spotlights

As you enter the theater, you’ll be greeted and seated by a young man wearing an elaborate costume. James (Justin Te Honihana Pokaihau Rogers), who clearly having fun, asked everyone’s name as he led them into the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s shop.

When everyone was seated, James explained the plan for the evening. This was a party celebrating Onam, a Hindu festival, and since it’s a surprise for Mrs. K, we were all to yell “Surpise!” when he turned on the lights.

Of course that didn’t go quite as James expected as Zina Krishnan (Kalyani Nagarajan) had her own agenda when she walked into the back room, kind of ranting about something, and not letting James get a word in. When she noticed the lights were off, she turned them on, we yelled “Surprise!” and she put on the toothiest fake smile ever as she looked at all the people.

Although the story is scripted, the fourth wall doesn’t exist, and there’s a fair bit of improv – and a lot of laughter – as both Mrs. K. and James interact with the audience. You might be called upon to pass out Indian scarves or to carry stuff for Mrs. K. You might be scattering flower petals or stirring her simmering pot of dahl. Don’t worry, it’s all fun and hilarious!  After the show, you’’ll even get to sample the dahl.

Mrs. Krishnan’s Party was created by Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis in 2019. According to Jacob Rajan, it’s kind of a sequel to Krishnan’s Dairy, Indian Ink Theatre’s very first play which won the Chapman Trip Award for Production of the Year in 1997. CST is the final stop on an extensive U.S. tour for Mrs. Krishnan’s Party,

Mrs. Krishnan’s Party runs through April 26^th in the Carl and Marilynn Thomas Upstairs Studio at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, Chicago.  Parking in CST’s designated area in the Navy Pier Garage is available at a 40% discount with validation from CST.

Running time is 80 minutes, no intermission, followed by an optional 15-minutes post-show party and taste of Mrs. Krishnan’s dish.

Performances are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm; Wednesdays at 1:30 & 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 2:30 & 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:30 pm.

Seating options include Top Table, Inner Circle, Cheeky Seats and Wallflowers. Tickets start at $60.  FYI (312) 595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Mrs. Krishan’s Party”.