'Perestroika' a Revelation

"Peristroika" a Revelation

Reviewed by Jeff Bennett

The second half of Tony Kushner's "Angels in America", "Peristroika", now running in rotating repertory with the first part, "Millennium Approaches" is 3 ? hours of the best theatre to come out of the Bailiwick Repertory ….ever.

Produced by the Hypocrites Theatre Company, a fairly new group, debuting their first production. "The Bald Soprano", in 1997, and already earning numerous Jeff Citations, this second part picks up where "Millennium" left off, telling the continuing story of families and lovers torn apart and thrown together during the beginning of the AIDS crisis 20 years ago. The characters, driven to acts of betrayal, hatred and sacrifice look for any thread to hold onto in the face of hoplessness.

Sean Graney, Director and founder of the Hypocrites Theatre Company, was the recipient of the "Chicagoan of the Year" award from the Chicago Tribune, and "Chicago's Best Avante Garde Director" by Chicago Magazine, and is currently a recipient of the NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Directors grant. In this Production, Graney has taken on the daunting task of directing this Mega-Play, and he doesn't disappoint. He pushes his talented cast to a mind-numbing pace and avoids falling into the easy trap of melodrama and self pity, and even though the subject matter is decidedly dark, Graney and the cast find humor in even the most grisly scenes.

Scott Bradley's portrayal of Prior, the ailing AIDS patient, is a self-deprecating one, and delicately and deftly handled…you can't take your eyes off him. Kurt Ehrmann, as the ruthless power-hungry lawyer, is a twitching, spitting monster spiraling out of control as he realizes his fate after contracting AIDS. Ehrmann's performance was so strong, it was often hard to watch him as he almost climbs out of his skin, and in one scene, pulls the IV tube from his arm, spurting blood on the stage.

The set, co-designed by Sean Graney and Jim Moore, is sparse when necessary and lush and dreamlike when needed, and long set changes were covered by notes on the monitors above the stage, telling the audience to hold tight.

This is a night of amazing theatre!

"Peristroika" is running at the Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 West Belmont through May 7^th. Tickets are $25 (773) 883-1090.