American Myth
Written by Christina Gorman
Directed by Steve Scott
at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln (map)
thru April 6 | tickets: $29-$39 | more info
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Strong ensemble, smart dialog make “Myth” a must-see
American Blues Theater presents
American Myth
Review by Kat Hey
American Myth is a fresh twist on the nature of morality and what the real truth is behind an “immoral” situation. Dr. Douglas Graham (Mick Weber) is a highly esteemed professor of early American history between the years of 1774 to 1826. He and his wife Lanie (Cheryl Graeff) have taken a brilliant student Peter Finnerty (Jordan Brodess) under their wing. Peter has a strong and admiring bond with his professor, who encourages him like a son. Peter has become a journalist in spite of Dr. Graham’s desire that he follow in his footsteps as a historian. They enjoy meals and witty discussion over fine wine – that is until the bottom is pulled out from under this idyll in a small college town.
Weber is in exquisite form as the professor telling stories of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to his class. Graham’s character makes history personal and alive. His students love him and his latest coup is a prestigious prize for his particular genius in recreating history. Weber projects the laser focus of a man obsessed with discovering the historic truths that guided this nation’s formative years. Weber has a lovely chemistry with Graeff as his devoted scholar’s wife.
Brodess is a star in the making as the former star pupil in possession of information that could destroy his mentor’s career. Brodess’ finessed performance makes the character evolve from starry-eyed admiration to horrified suspicion and finally to angry betrayal. His character finds himself under the wing of a new mentor who encourages the same attention to detail that Dr. Graham once did. Mitch Kopitsky (Steve Key) wants the truth but for different motivations. Key gives Mitch a very cool and subversive edge as the editor of the newspaper that uncovers a scandal and a new star reporter in the process. Kopitsky grooms Finnerty for the role of investigative reporter. They have a bitingly witty exchange where Finnerty decries being like Kopitsky. Key wears the perfect expression and smile when he says, “Not yet”.
Graeff and Brodess have some pivotal scenes together that play back and forth like an exciting tennis game. Lanie has treated Finnerty like a son and now he is taking her world apart and casting doubt on the man for whom she has cast aside her own aspirations. Graeff plays her character’s fear and need to shield her husband with a carefully measured buildup. Her rationalizations and twisting the definition of truth come off as scholarly and yet the character’s fear of the truth bursts through.
The character of Henry Beebee (Terry Hamilton), the school’s dean, rounds out the characters and many threads to Graham’s life on campus. Hamilton perfects the nervous and panicked look of the dean afraid of losing his star professor. BeeBee is keenly aware of the prestige brought to his little college by Graham. Hamilton has exceptional poise and steadiness with a character that suddenly has to cover his and the college’s collective butts.
Christiina Gorman’s script is intelligent and clever without resorting to superciliousness. The storyline has some superb historical references that become analogies of Graham’s relationship with Finnerty. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were admiring rivals with different ideas on how the new country should be run. Graham and Finnerty have a different relationship with the truth. The questions end up being the same for both characters. What is his story, what is history, and who decides what ethics apply to either? The other burning issue – do ethical definitions shift once the media is involved? These questions are left to the individual to decide. Both sides are sympathetic and both sides are guilty.
American Myth is a beautifully staged production. Grant Sabin’s set take the audience into an erudite New England college town. The beautiful dark wood tones and stained glass are almost like characters. The props (designed by Arianna Soloway) are chosen well and perfectly placed. Steve Scott’s direction is seamless with all characters intersecting in a biting look at academia and the news media. It is a fascinating 90 minutes of great theater. I highly recommend that you check out American Myth and take someone that you can have a good discussion on the subject matter. This one will sit with you for a while.
Rating: ★★★½
American Myth continues through April 6th at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln (map), with performances Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 3:30pm and 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm. Tickets are $29-$39, and are available by phone (773-404-7336) or online at Tix.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More info at AmericanBluesTheater.com. (Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission)
Photos by Johnny Knight
artists
cast
Mick Weber (Dr. Douglas Graham), Cheryl Graeff (Lanie Graham), Jordan Brodess (Peter Finnerty), Terry Hamilton (Henry Beebee), Steve Key (Mitch Kopitsky)
behind the scenes
Steve Scott (director), Grant Sabin (scenic design), Gina Patterson (lighting design), Rachel Lambert (costume design), Victoria Delorio (sound design), Arianna Soloway (props), Sarah Burnham (production manager), Kathryn Lochert (stage manager), Brian Claggett (tech director, master electrician), Chika Ike (asst. director), Gwendolyn Whiteside (producing artistic director), Jaclyn Holsey (general manager), Johnny Knight (photos).
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