“The Penelopiad” Reviewed by Paul Lisnek (WGNRadio.com)

***** I didn’t particularly enjoy reading and studying Homer’s “Odyssey” when it was assigned as required reading back in high school. I only wish I could have seen and experienced the version of “The Penelopiad” now playing at the Goodman Theatre through March 31^st in the beautiful 856-seat Albert Theatre .

Based on the novella by author Margaret Atwood (written in 2005 but transformed into a play in 2007), “The Penelopiad” tells the classic tale of Penelope who tells her story from Hades with an opening moment wherein a large and heavy bag drops onto the stage. We learn the bag contains all the words Penelope ever spoke in her life and all those words spoken to her by others as well. It is within that rich trove of words her story can be told adding a seeming authenticity.

The play saves the traditional structure of a classic Greek drama with the main character Penelope (beautifully portrayed by Chicago’s very own Jennifer Morrison who boasts an impressive Broadway and off-Broadway history and finally making a well deserved debut at the Goodman). The story is strongly complemented by the chorus of twelve maids in this all-female cast, with several of the  Maids playing duplicate roles (both male and female)

This production’s ensemble boasts strong theater roots and experiences; the dozen actors work together in such a strong and cohesive way it is quickly clear that director Susan V. Booth (also the Artistic Director of the Goodman Theatre who makes her Goodman directorial debut here) has worked extensively to build a symbiotic relationship between all the cast members. The play’s program does not point out that several of the maids also play “larger” roles including Odysseus and Telemachus, among others.  I believe Booth wants her ensemble to be seen as a singular talented entity which it most certainly is (tip of the hat given to superb casting by Lauren Port) and perhaps is the reason why the cast list of maids is set out in the program in simple and equal alphabetical order.

The story: Penelope was born in Sparta to a father who attempts to have her murdered and a mother who, in its best light, is clueless as a parent. Penelope’s arranged (some would argue rigged) marriage to Odysseus at age 15 was basically a satisfying relationship although her husband forever maintained a wandering eye and seeming lust for many woman, including the well remembered Helen of Troy. Penelope, conversely, maintains her faithful marriage even when pursued by many a suiter through the years. Born to them: a son Telemachus who watches as his father goes off to war and is gone for 20 years. And yes, the famous Trojan Horse story and all the stuff from which many a movie was made, is told of here, but in a concise and entertaining way that will bring to life the stories you likely struggled with back in those high school days.

Told on a relatively sparse but elegant set on stage (designed by Neil Patel), this production is propelled and elevated thru strong performances by an amazing ensemble cast. This is not a musical, although it is a play with music (kudos for the beautiful music go to Samuel Davis and the direction of Jeremy Ramey who many will remember from his fine work at Theo Ubuquet for many years); the beautiful songs and ballads add great warmth to the production as this triple threat cast acts, sings and dances (thanks to impressive choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter) their way through the telling.

This is a beautifully staged, crafted and performed production that suggests that Ms. Booth will not only have a fabulous career ahead as the new Artistic Director of Goodman (given the season that awaits us), but will have audiences looking forward to every production for which she assumes the role of director.

“The Penelopiad”  is theater as it should be experienced: with the class, beauty and quality we expect from one of the city’s greatest theatrical jewels: the Goodman Theatre. This production will continue thru March 31st with performances as follows:

Wednesdays       7:30pm

Thursdays           2:00pm & 7:30pm