“Never The Bridesmaid”

[rating=3]There are many theater people who do not even know that there is a wonderful theater in Glenview. Oil Lamp Theater has been bringing a wide array of productions for many years. I have referred to it as a little gem on the North Shore for many years. In fact, I found it by accident. One of the people who was writing for me attended a play, called me and sent me the review. Over the years since, I do not think I have missed many shows. I will say that I am now finding a new saying to say what they are- They are the “Hallmark” theater doing stories that could easily make a movie for  that network.

At last night’s performance of “Never The Bridesmaid” by Bill Jepsen, I kind of felt that I might be at a “Bachelorette Party” or that it was surely “Girls Night Out”. Gentlemen, it is okay to attend theater with your wife or girlfriend. Live  theater  is a perfect experience for a couple and this play does have some nice moments that even a man can enjoy. Oil Lamp, for those unfamiliar with it, is a storefront theater in the heart of town. There are approx. 54 seats, so one knows they are in for an intimate evening of theater. They always have a solid set (Austen Elizabeth Edwards) and with the exception of a few parts of this show, the set fit the story. There were a few exits and entrances that were a bit confusing to the audience but then too, there was an understudy on opening night and it might have been nerves.

This is the third production that I have reviewed of late where due to a “personal problem” an understudy went on at an “opening night”. Most reviewers shy away from doing a show with this taking place. My feeling has always been that this performer works hard and is in place for a specific reason. They would have been cast in the role had the other person not tried out, so why not give them “their day”? That said, let me tell you about the show.

Directed by Whitney Minarik, “Never The Bridesmaid” is a touching story about love and choices. This play shows a family that is or has experienced many relationships. In this story Doris ( Suzy Krueckeberg) and Elmer ( Geoff Isaac is a scream) are a married couple. Their love for each other comes out from the very start. During the play we celebrate their 40th anniversary and we learn from Elmer that he has made the choice to accept the choices that Doris makes. It is a love that we learn came fast and hard and is quite lasting. They have a son, Anthony (Ryan E. Lampe) who has had his heart broken several times and is fearful that it will happen again, and a daughter Maria (the adorable Rose Leisner) who has been married several times and all ended in divorce or death. They are by the way twins.

As one can see, both of these children have fears of relationships One of Maria’s best friends is Kathleen ( deftly handled by Natalie Elizabeth, a newcomer to our area) who has a “thing” for Anthony , which we get to watch as the story evolves. Her other bestie is Therese (Marina Magnelli who is adorable and adds some great comic touches). The last character in the play is Brian ( this is the role played tonight by Philip J. Macaluso, who did a great job filling in for Jake Busse). Brian was best friends with  Mark, one of Maria’s previous and has a strong crush on Maria. Of course Maria feels guilt over even thinking about dating or being involved with him due to the situation.

Okay, now you know who they all are and I have sort of set the scene for what might or could take place in this two act play that has many scenes. When I say many, I am not kidding. The scenes change almost every 4 or 5 minutes as we see things all take place right in the living room of Doris and Elmer. The ladies sitting behind me were confused by this, but it is understandable that Jepsen is covering a lot of little stories to get us through this adventure in finding true love. I know that almost everyone in the audience felt some ping  or something of their own past contained within this love story. Can love come to someone who has loved and lost?

“Never The Bridesmaid” will continue at the Oil Lamp Theater located at 1723 West Glenview Road ( at Waukegan Road) thru July 2nd with performances as follows:

Thursdays  8 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Running time 2 hours and 20 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 847-834-0738 or online at info@oillamptheater.org

For more info on season tickets and Covid policy visit www.oillamptheater.org

They have parking to the west of the theater and on the street ( FREE)

The theater used to allow bring your own- that is no longer the case. They do sell wine and beer and soft drinks as well as coffee.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Never The Bridesmaid”