Don't Miss Out on Abigail's Party

A Red Orchid Theatre (Old Town) closes its 2009-2010 season with the Midwest premiere of Abigail's Party, written by Mike Leigh and directed by Shade Murray. The production runs now through March 28^th.  Abigail's Party takes us to a domestic cocktail party gone hysterically and then horribly wrong. In Abigail's Party, Mike Leigh takes the time to expose the obsessions, prejudices and competitiveness of the party-goers. For me, it felt like an updated comedy of manners, satirizing the aspirations and tastes of the bourgeoisie. Although first produced in 1977, its themes, especially of classism, ring true today.  I completely understand why the British Film Institute voted its teleplay onto the list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programs.

What strikes me so much about the play is its knack for language.  The play apparently was developed through lengthy improvisations in which Mike Leigh explored the characters in all their flawed fabulousity.  Hmm...a play developed through improvisation?  It makes Chicago the perfect choice for the Abigail's Party Midwest premiere.  I really enjoyed the production on a whole.  Shade Murray did a wonderful job with the space, drawing the audience into the world's most uncomfortable cocktail party. The acting was truly superb.  Biggest Kudos belongs to Natalie West, who plays the role of Susan.  (Remember her from TV's "Rosanne"?) She elicits sympathy from the audience that gets us right on board with her as our advocate.  These folks are crazy and she calls them out every way possible.

The play wasn't perfect.  There were some strings that were left untied.  (Can someone please tell me what Tony did downstairs?)  Nevertheless, you will be missing out if you don't get down to A Red Orchid Theatre as soon as possible and check out this production.  Oh, and for all of you budding actresses in town, learn this show.  These are three of the strongest female characters written that I can remember as of recent.

A Red Orchid Theatre is Located at 1531 N. Wells Ave, Chicago, (312) 943-8722; or online www.aredorchidtheatre.org.