“Private Peaceful”

[rating=5]Due to a very hectic theater schedule and watching my health, I was planning to take a “pass” on the little show called “Private Peaceful” at The Greenhouse Theater Center, but after hearing from others about the story, the direction and the powerful acting of  the amazing Shane O’Regan, altered my schedule to not miss. I am delighted to say that this was a great move on my part as I was mesmerized by this powerful actor and his ability to tell his story portraying 24 characters, and doing so to perfection. O’Regan, in many ways reminded me of Robin Williams with his high energy and ability to change characters and voices “on the spot”. In fact, there were several moments when the young man even looked like a young Williams.

The play is written by Michael Morpurgo, and directed and adapted for the stage by Simon Reade. This is a historical look at the soldiers of World War One. This particular story is that of one particular soldier, Thomas “Tommo” Peaceful, a private. When we enter the main stage at The Greenhouse, he is on the almost bare stage, laying on his cot, asleep. There is very little in the way of a set for this one man show. It is the lighting (Anshuman Bhatia, who also created the set) and the sound ( Jason Barnes), both supervised by Eric Norbury that add something special to this 88 mnutes of majestic story telling!

Morpurgo, as a young man, found stories about soldiers who had been executed for cowardice or desertion, two who had fallen asleep at their post. He decided that the world needed to know about this. He wrote the story in a way that one man could reflect back on his life from being a little boy until the final moments. During the entire play, Tommo keeps staring at his watch, knowing as the hands move along, his time will  be over.  What brought him to this fateful day? Why is he here at all? Younger than the age that was taken for duty, he used his older brother( and best friend) to serve his country  pretending to be twins.

We learn about his relationship with his brother Charlie, the girl they both fall in love with, Molly, his parents, his teachers, his friends, the bullies that picked on him and Charlie and a host of others, each character is portrayed by this colorful and powerful actor, who hails from Ireland and despite his brogue, every word is understandable. Again, a powerful look at a moment in history that is seldom discussed.

The original novel was published in 2003 and a year later, Simon Reade adapted it to a stage play. For this I express my gratitude. If only a novel, I probably would never have experienced this brilliantly told story. I understand there is also a filmed version, but being a lover of live theater and having had the delightful experience of witnessing Shane O’Regan bring this story to life, I am happy to say I am content. This was sheer perfection!

To get your opportunity to watch this beautiful production ( which I would think will be a Jeff Award winner), you only have until November 11th. Performances are as follows:

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  3 and  7:30 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets range from $40-$45 ( well worth it) and are available at the box office, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue, by calling 773-404-7336 or online at https://www.privatepeacefulusa.com/

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