” The Tall Boy”

Recommended ***  I know that many people feel that there are far too many films and plays that remind us of the tragedy that was World War II. As a person who lost some family during this period . I know that my parents always said “We must never forget”! Perhaps, the continuation of plays and movies ( as well as books that often form these plays and films) is why we will “never forget”. This will make sure that nothing like what happened will ever take place again. Or so it is hoped!

Tonight, in one of the tiny spaces at Stage 77r ( a theater complex on Belmont Ave,) we were witness to a one woman play, “The Tall Boy” written by Simon Bent and based on the short story  “The Lost” by Kayla Boyle.  The short story was part of a myriad of said tales dealing with Germany and occurrences during the “occupation”. Perhaps, over the years, we will see some of the other stories converted to either the stage or screen.

“The Tall Boy” is in relation to the children of the war. Those that were found with no immediate parentage , who now must have a place in the world. This particular story is about a woman ( played by Tandy Cronyn) who has the responsibility to assist these young men who are classifies as “children of war” and need to be adopted. As she tells us about the position that she has been placed and the three boys that are put in her charge, Cronyn takes on the persona of each, changing her voice, her look and her soul.

The boys are a 15 year old Czech, a 14 year old Pole and a 12 year old Italian. They have become mascots to the GI’s that they have been living with and are hopeful that they will get adopted by the men with whom they served. They know nothing of America and the problems of racism that exist “back home” for these GI’s.

This is a 70 minute, deeply moving storytelling experience and when one  looks into the eyes of  Ms Cronyn, which is easy to do in the intimate space where the action takes place, we can see the feeling that the woman has for the charges she is supposed to assist in their transition. She is a “relief worker” and her assignment is to help these three youngsters feel that there is a life for them and they will be able to find “the American Dream”. Or will they? There is a letter that becomes an object that causes one to think “bad things”. She keeps going to it, but doesn’t open it until the end of her story. It bothered me for awhile and then I tuned it out. Let it be! It does become a part of the story, later!

Smoothly directed by David Hammond on a creative set, that gives us the feeling of a military barracks, with some great sound and mood lighting by Ian Felker, this is a play that will open your eyes to some facts that perhaps you were unaware of. What did the “Unaccompanied children” want? How did those who were brought here fare? Did they find the American Dream? We never get all the answers but we do get some things to think about and there is a discussion after the show, for those who want to learn more.

This is a very short run. ” The Tall Boy” will continue thru December 15th with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7″30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  3 and 8 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets are $35-$39  open seating and can be purchased by calling 773-327-5252 or visiting the box office at www.Stage773.com

Stage 773 is located at 1225 West Belmont. Valet parking is available and refreshments are available.

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