***** There is something special about watching a story that takes place in Chicago. Unlike many of the television shows that say Chicago, Tracy Letts’ “Superior Donuts” truly IS Chicago with real areas of the city and a story that could be as factual as possible. The production that is being produced by The Artistic Home at The Den Theatre, is as intimate as one can see, in any venue.”Superior Donuts” is a story about more than a donut shop. It is the story of several individuals and how their lives intertwine with each other. Arthur Prysbyszewski ( a marvelous interpretation by Scott Westerman) is our donut maker. His shop is in Uptown and has been for many years. In fact, he took over the shop from his father. The world has changed for him and the local donut shop, for the most part has been replaced by the Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, but Art keeps making his special donuts for the locals who rely on him every day.

It has been awhile since I have seen a production of this masterpiece, and I guess there were some parts that had slipped my mind, but under the slick direction of  John Mossman, with the aid of fight director David Blixt , on a set designed by Kevin Hagan, I found myself drawn back into the story that I last saw in 2008. Wow! Seventeen years later, it still is a story that could have happened yesterday ( or perhaps could happen in the years to come). When the play opens, the donut shop is a mess. Vandels have broken in and thrown everything around, painting the wall. Art is talking with his next door neighbor, Max ( Reid Coker), a Russian who wants to buy the donut store so he can expand his shop. We also meet the “beat” cops, James Bailey ( Kevin Aoussou) and Randy Osteen ( deftly handled by Kristin Collins) who has a “thing” for Arthur.

Arthur has no idea who might have done this damage and continues to try to keep his shop open. He is in need of a helper and a young man appears at the door saying he needs a job. This young man, Franco ( played to perfection by John N. Williams) brings out something in Arthur and the job interview is hysterical. Needless to say, he gets the job. Little by little, we get to know both of these men and their stories. Arthur is sort of our narrator, telling us bits and pieces of his saga along the way. Franco, it turns out has been writing a book. He calls it “The Great American Novel” and convinces Arthur to take a look at it. He also talks to Arthur about officer Osteen and how she just might have a “crush” on him, so he needs to change his life, and style.

As the story goes on, we learn more about Franco and his past. I don’t like to give away important parts of the story, but will tell you that Franco has a money problem and men who are looking to get paid. Something major happens to Franco, causing Arthur to re-evaluate his life and help his newly formed friendship stay alive. There is a major fight scene that will knock your socks off. It is an amazing work that is pulled off to perfection by Westerman , along with Coker and John Wehrman, Michael Bayler and Adam Schulmerich. FYI- the first row of seats is about 7 feet away from the action. Quite impressive!

There is one more character in this story. Her name is Lady Boyle ( Barbara Roeder Harris does a wonderful job) who is a recovering alcoholic ( maybe) and appears to be homeless, making this donut shop her morning spot for coffee and donut and some conversation. This is a small role that truly shows how even a small role played well, can be important to a total production. She nails it! Every character in this story is important!

On the tech side, the lighting (Ellie Fay) is interesting, as when Arthur is talking to us, as the narrator, the lights above sort of follow him around the stage. We, the audience are on two sides of the stage area, so we can see each other across the room. The sound (Petter Wahlback) , costumes (Rachel Lambert) and props (Randy Rozler) are perfectly handled, as is the previously mentioned fight choreography. This is one to place on your MUST SEE list!

Presented by The Artistic Home

“Superior Donuts” will continue Thru – Dec 6th with performances as follows: