Rest
Written by Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Joanie Schultz
at VG Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln (map)
thru Oct 12 | tickets: $30-$60 | more info
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Dazzling performances elevate this cathartic Midwest premiere
Victory Gardens Theater presents
Rest
Review by Keith Glab
Playwright Samuel D. Hunter and director Joanie Schultz collaborated to stage The Whale at Victory Gardens Theater last year to rave reviews. To launch the 40th anniversary season of Victory Gardens Theater, this celebrated duo now reunites to bring us the Midwest premiere of Rest.
Hunter’s well-constructed script tackles numerous issues, but none so poignant as whether it’s better to cling onto life while suffering or whether it’s better to let go. He sets up a terrific cliffhanger for intermission that doesn’t feel forced or gimmicky. All seven of his captivating characters have a lot to say and do, and the audience becomes invested in each of them despite their shortcomings.
Although Schultz’s work tends to play better in more intimate spaces, she executes a flawless production here at the Victory Gardens Biograph. Her perfect pacing prevents the action from ever dragging and all of the moments land as they should. The performances she draws out of her ensemble dazzle; the cast’s terrific comic timing takes the edge off a serious play without diminishing its impact.
Thebus delivers blunt humor throughout, but also is afforded the play’s most powerful moments. We believe Norris as a lost, frustrated man who might have had a touch of Asperger’s syndrome. Chinn presents a complex character who can be self-involved one moment, then empathetic the next. Likewise, Drinkall’s Faye vacillates between self-confidence and uncertainty. In contrast, Norris never gives us the impression that the director of the nursing home has a backbone, and he serves mostly as a comedic character. Farabee’s Ken provides some comedy as well, but also serves as an important point of conflict in the second act. As Tom, Ernest Perry, Jr. gives a hilarious matter-of-fact reality check for the audience, as well as the other characters, throughout.
There’s really nothing not to like about this production. Rest provides both a cathartic theatrical experience as well as much to think about and discuss afterwards. You’ll love the story, characters, and performances, plus doubtless laughs for the better part of two hours.
Rating: ★★★★
Rest continues through October 12th at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln (map), with performances Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays 4pm and 7:30pm, Sundays 3pm. Tickets are $30-$60, and are available by phone (773-871-3000) or online through their website (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at VictoryGardens.org. (Running time: 2 hours 5 minutes, includes an intermission)
Photos by Michael Courier
artists
cast
McKenzie Chinn (Ginny), Amanda Drinkall (Faye), Matt Farabee (Ken), Steve Key (Jeremy), William J. Norris (Gerald), Ernest Perry, Jr. (Tom), Mary Ann Thebus (Etta)
behind the scenes
Joanie Schultz (director), Maggie Rogers (asst. director), Chelsea Warren (set design), Lee Keenan (lighting design), Janice Pytel (costume design), Thomas Dixon (sound design), Kenton Jones (props design), Tina M. Jach (stage manager), Michael Courier (photos)
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