“Royko: The Toughest Man In Chicago”

**** I have been around the newspaper business for many years. First, as a reader ( and delivery boy), then as a rep selling ad space and in my latter years, a writer doing reviews of theater and dining experiences as well as entertainment in and around the city. Members of my extended family worked for the Daily News, The Tribune and The Sun-Times, so I was well aware of one Mike Royko, a Chicago legend. Not only was he a clever and witty columnist, he was also one heck of a softball player. Not “softball” by other cities standards, but “Chicago Softball” with a 16″ “Clincher” that would , or could break a few fingers during the early innings of a game. I do believe that during our “softball” days, we might have clashed at Grant Park.

Viewing “Royko: The Toughest Man In Chicago” written by and starring Mitchel Bisschop at The Chopin Theatre brought back many memories. I know that my dad would read Royko before even checking the sports, and I could not wait to read it and see who he was going after or picking on today. Royko was indeed a genius and did not care who he might insult, after all, the people who bought the paper wanted to see what he had to say. Yes, there were many who hated him and took exception to his views, but that made it even more fun.

This two act play, a one man show where Bisschop truly takes on the persona of Royko is sharply directed by Steve Scott, who truly understands Chicago and the man that is being depicted. On a set designed by Eric Luchen, we find ourselves either at Royko’s desk or his other office , also known  as The Billy Goat Tavern, under Michigan Avenue and very close to both newspaper offices at the time. For those unfamiliar with the newspapers of Chicago ( we had many), the Daily News and the Herald American were “afternoon” papers and the Sun-Times and Tribune, “morning”. The Times and Daily News were connected and the Tribune and Herald  likewise.

This play is roughly two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission that takes us into the life , trials and tribulations of this man, who for many was their link to understanding Chicago and the government of same. In this story, we learn a great deal about Chicago politics, and the world and plain people. Slats Grobnik was a name he frequently referred to as his friend, but I for one believe that he used this character to resemble “everyman” and Slats was indeed a symbol. The story that Bisschop brings to the stage is a series of anecdotes that make you want to know even more. He refers to famous Chicagoan Studs Terkel, The Daley “machine”, Bilandic, Jane Byrne and much more. There are some great videos (Smooch Medina) to supplement the script and a great love for not only his city ( born and raised here) but for his Cubbies.

You also will learn more than you ever wanted to know about “Chicago” pizza and what truly should carry that name as well as several scolding’s about “Ketchup on a hot dog” ( not in Chicago!!!). This is a sort of biography of a man who could be called a Chicago legend when it came to opinions, attitudes, and truths. His columns are still accurate today in what he spoke about as many of them can be applies to today’s world. While I am pretty sure he never anticipated people still talking about him 25 + years after his death, they do and I suppose they will for years to come.