“The Secret of the Biological Clock”

Somewhat Recommended ** There are some theater companies that I am not “into”. Not to say that they are not worthy of being reviewed, but they do their performances in the most uncomfortable of theaters ( at least for me, and even more so for Jane). I suppose being limited in funds would be the reason, but to be fair, I decided that I need to see their work, so I headed to the Athenaeum Theatre on Southport ( near Lincoln Ave) to see their “The Secret of the Biological Clock” written by Andie Arthur, a sort of “Coming of Age” play that deals with kids who were into detective novels and solving cases.

Directed by Katherine Siegel, in the cramped space known as the second floor studio, on a set designed by Zoe Rosenfeld, this is a long one-act play. One-hour-fifty-minutes with NO INTERMISSION. For those who know this particular venue on this building, you know that the seats offer comfort, but zero leg room and the stage is far below the majority of seats. I guess in the first three rows, one feels that they are in a theater, but as you go up the rows, you begin to look down on the “stage area” and the higher you get, the less visual the play becomes. For this one, some of the story may have been lost.

The story is somewhat confusing, filled with “flashbacks” that are sometimes awkward to follow. The actors were solid as was the direction ( using the small theater to great advantage) and at least we were able to keep up with the basic flow.  The main character in the play is Ellie Dawson/Eleanor Dawson. We get to meet and watch the two versions of this character. The adult I played by Kelly Levander and the youth by Elise Soeder. From what we are told, Ellie came to live with the Wilder family and became part of their detective trio.

Robert ( Lance Spencer) went “missing” and was never heard from again. His brother Peter ( deftly handled by Mark Tacderas) ends up becoming a writer as does Ellie , now known as Eleanor) and they get married. They move back as the play begins to take over the home that was her parents home ( got a bit confusing here, as she loved Robert, but settled for Peter). We also meet the elder Wilder, Franklin ( well- played by Randolph Johnson) who is a retired local cop. The “best friend” to the family is Franklin’s replacement, Alice Garcia ( Marci Portugal).

As they move in, we meet a youngster, Jasmine ( adorably played by Aziza Macklin) who has it in her head that Robert is indeed her father. The majority of the play is about the three of them, Peter, Jasmine and Eleanor ( let me say here that both of the women playing Ellie/Eleanor at their different stages are dynamite). If you recall the old Clairol ads , “does she or doesn’t she”, your mind will begin to wonder and question, “did Robert run off, have a child and then abandon the child and who was the mother”?

I must give some credit to this company, Eclectic Full Contact Theatre for trying to bring new and different works and to attempt to follow their mission- to educate and entertain. I was entertained, but I think that this play might still be a work in progress. Another venue may make a difference and a few cuts here and there with some changes in a few scenes might make this a better story for more to see. I would be very interested to hear back from you on your opinion ( should you venture to this venue for the play).

“The Secret of the Biological Clock” will continue through June 2nd with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  7:30 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m.

Tickets ( open seating) are $25-$30 and can be ordered by calling 773-935-6875 or at http://www.eclectic-theatre.com

Parking is available on the streets and there are a few dining spots walking distance.

The theater is located at 2936 N. Southport Avenue ( at Lincoln Avenue)

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Secret of the Biological Clock”