Uniquely Original 'PARALLELOGRAM' at Steppenwolf

It may take a moment or so to grasp and accept the fantastical conceit behind Bruce Norris' new play, A Parallelogram, but once it hits, Steppenwolf's 2009-2010 season closer pleasantly washes over you. With Broadway veteran Marylouise Burke at the show's whimsical helm (aided by Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen's poppingly pleasing sound design), A Parallelogram uniquely mixes domestic comedy with clever sci-fi-driven thought.

Bee (subtly yet strongly played by ensemble member Kate Arrington) is a thirty-something who thinks she has the uncanny ability to see and alter the future. Coming into the performance, this concept felt boringly black and white -will she or won't she? can she or can she not?- but thanks to Norris' clever writing, Tony Award winning ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro's simple and occasionally magical direction, and Todd Rosenthal's resoundingly original set, A Parallelogram unabashedly throws two hours worth of ever-captivating curve balls. Norris and Shapiro have crafted a sleek and strangely vast playing space (akin to the type of pop-up condo you'd see in a suburban cul-de-sac), allowing successful character-driven distance, all the while allowing James F. Ingalls' lighting design to transform Rosenthal's set into three distinct locations - the likes of which I don't want to ruin here.

'Unique' is the perfect word to describe Norris' play. While not completely Earth-shattering or life altering, I applaud Parallelogram's original take on fate, relationships, change, the belief in 'good,' and examining the white upper class - a topic also successfully seen in Norris' The Unmentionables and Cylbourne Park. Oh yeah, there's a hint of time travel thrown in for those who find 4-person plays not engaging enough. Don't worry, ensemble member tom irwin ('always the villian' JJ) and Arrington make for a well-timed and compelling -if dysfunctional- couple. Rounding out the 4-person cast is Tim Bickel who shines as the timidly charming Jay against Irwin's gruff JJ. And whether or not Bee actually can see the future is up for debate, but Arrington's performance carefully teeters the line between skilled clairvoyance and heart-breaking calamity. A Parallelogram is a wonderfully-acted, well-designed, and smartly-written escape from the mindless reality show marathons we've all TiVo'd.

PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Brosilow

Bruce Norris' A Parallelogram runs now through August 29, 2010 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted Street. For tickets, call (312) 335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org.

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