A LOVELY "LOVE SONG"
By: Russell Eiermann Apr. 18, 2006
Love Song
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
I read a review of the Steppenwolf's latest show, Love Song, in a local paper before actually seeing the production. The reviewer strongly felt that the play was weakened by a major plot change that occurs about ¾ of the way into the story. I could not disagree more. The major plot "surprise" makes this new drama by John Kolvenbach one of the most touching, lovely, and lasting plays I've seen in some time. (I haven't heard an audience gasp out loud like this since seeing "Proof".)
The many levels of this play are myriad. Basically, it is a story about a financially successful middle-aged couple and the wife's brother. It's about the love between the married couple, the love between the sister and brother, and most importantly the new love between the brother and the person who rather abruptly enters his life. Sharing anything else about the plot would be an injustice to a person's enjoyment of the piece.
Love Song grows on you. In the first act, you really don't understand the characters. They seem a little larger than life. But trust me; it will all make sense if you stick with it. This is the kind of play that would be enriched on a second viewing.
All four actors are excellent. Again, I didn't understand why they were going through such histrionics during the first act; but as the play continues in the second act, all of the actors' choices seem spot-on. Such beautiful work by all during scenes where everyone is pretending to let go and enjoying the small things in life! (My only minor quibble is having Francis Guinan, who plays the husband, double as a waiter in one scene. Either the waiter should be cut or a fifth person should be added to the cast since it's jarring seeing such a major character acting in such a small part.)
Director Austin Pendleton's sensitive and light touch heightens moments such as how people who are in love operate on increased sensitivity levels like eating a turkey sandwich or sensing a person's organic smell. A throwaway act such as playing hooky from work takes on such dramatic significance in Love Song that it becomes simply poetic.
The play's design is wonderful as is always the case at Steppenwolf. The dozens of urban windows that look over and through the main loft setting take full advantage of the theater's fly space. Michelle Habeck's lighting helps shift points of view on the stage precisely and cinematically.
The show will resonate with the viewer. Please allow Kolvenbach to take you places where you haven't been in awhile. You will be moved.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
(312) 335-1650
Tickets: $42 - $60
Playing 3/30/06 – 6/4/06
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