“To Catch A Fish”

Highly Recommended **** Over the years, I have enjoyed Timeline Theatre’s bravery in bringing us subject matter that is both entertaining and educational. It is very seldom that one leaves this venue without having been made aware of something new, or finding answers to questions. Their current production is the world premiere of Brett Neveu’s “To Catch A Fish”, inspired by true events, that will shock you. The story deals with a young man, Terry Kilbourn ( played to perfection by Geno Walker) who in many ways will remind you of Lenny in “Of Mice and Men”. He is “slow”, gentle and wants only to make people happy. He is working for some local business people, Ike ( Jay Worthington), “G” ( deftly handled by Anji White) and their boss, Dex (Stephen Walker is a powerhouse). They are in the business of selling at a discount and Terry is helping them by passing out flyers in a nearby Wal-Mart center parking lot. We later find out that they are also in the market to “buy” items, mainly guns!

Terry, despite his being a little slow has a girl friend, or at least a girl that he is close to.  Rochelle ( the lovely Tiffany Addison) is somewhat attracted to this big, loveable, teddy-bear of a man, but  is a bit concerned about what he does. Terry feels that he is in love. His grandmother, Brenda ( a delightful character handled by Linda Bright Clay) has been there for him since his parents passed away and has raised him to be a good person. She has also raised his cousin, Donte( a fierce portrayal by Al’Jaleel McGhee) who as we learn may have been the cause of Terry being the way he is. Donte is a person who has been involved with the dark side of Milwaukee ( where this play takes place) and it is his doings that change the complexion of the story in the second act.

Those of you familiar with the Timeline layout, they have the ability to restructure the theater for every show. This one is designed to have seating on three sides so that the action takes place at the four corners. One corner is the residence of Rochelle with a staircase leading up to her porch. The other corner is the patio door of Grandmother’s home where there is a table and chairs on the patio. We see windows above  to make us feel that there is indeed a loving family home. Another corner is the backyard of the building that houses the “store” from where  Dex and his crew sell merchandise, and the fourth door leads to “other places”. The set designed by  Regina Garcia is fairly simple and allows the flow of Ron OJ Parson’s smooth direction to move swiftly.

The lighting (Mike Durst) and sound ( David Kelepha Samba) are perfect for the venue and Vivian Knouse has done a splendid job on the props. The fight and intimacy choreography is well done by Matt Hawkins. One of the problems in telling people about a story such as this is the potential to spoil any part of the story, so I am being very careful not to divulge any of the details. I will tell you that you will find yourself liking Terry and caring about him even in his worst moments. On the other side of the coin, you will not like Donte, even though there are times when he does the right thing. The relationship between the family members is very realistic and the Rochelle/Terry love will confuse you and upset you, but you will care. FYI- the title has very little meaning except as a memory to Terry and his gentleness.

The story is filled with mystery, romance, relationships, family, friends, and how each has an effect on the other. The ending is quick and to the point and may strike you as not what you would have wanted. It is the characters that are not who you think they are that makes the ending seem somewhat unfair and unjust. But, as this is a Timeline production, you know you will have something to discuss on the way home, or even the next day. Mr. Walker will only be in the production thru June 17th and will then be replaced by Josh Odor who will take the show until the end of the run, July 1.

The production dates and times are as follows:

Tuesdays ( 6/19 ONLY) 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  4 and 8 p.m. (on 5/5 no 4 p.m. show)

Sundays  2 p.m. ( except 6/24-no performance)

Tickets range from $40-$54 (open seating) and can be purchased by calling 773-281-8463  ext 6 or online at www.timelinetheatre.com

Discounts for  students  35% with valid ID

US Military personnel, veterans, spouses and families tickets are $25

There are scheduled discussion and accessibility events  www.timelinetheatre.com

Timeline is located at 615 W. Wellington ( near Broadway) and is very easy to get to using public transportation.

Parking is best served by using the garages at Broadway Center  2846 N. Broadway or Century Mall 2836 N. Clark. Bring you ticket for discount validation.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “To Catch A Fish”.