Churchill
Adapted by Ronald Keaton
Directed by Kurt Johns
at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln (map)
thru Sept 14 | tickets: $25-$35 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
Read review
A powerful solo meditation on life in wartime
The Greenhouse Theater and SoloChicago presents
Churchill
Review by Jacob Harmon
Bringing a powerful figure such as Winston Churchill to life is not an easy task. Many have tried, and it often comes off as caricature. He was a brash man, but not only that; he was a brilliant politician and loving husband. The Prime Minister was best known for being brutally honest with his loved ones and enemies, yet remains one of history’s most beloved icons. Ronald Keaton, the sole actor in the Greenhouse Theater’s Churchill, manages to breathe life into a history lesson that many people know quite well. By letting us into Churchill’s mind, Keaton enthralls the audience for nearly two hours that they will not soon forget.
Producer Jason Epperson’s lighting and scenery design is a true marvel. As the play opens, Churchill is stage right, working on an oil painting that the audience can not see. The eye is drawn to six large windows, in a square, against the back of the stage. The oil painting appears on the screen of the windows, giving the audience a stunning view of the inner workings of Churchill’s mind. Throughout the show, the windows will change according to the subject matter of Churchill’s story. His family’s faces will appear in hallucinatory fashion against a backdrop of the United Kingdom; his years in India embellished with a detailed map of the country. Tanks roll by, snow falls, and Keaton’s monolog grows deeper against the haze of memory. The set is vital to the play – not only do the windows provide such insight (projection design by Paul Deziel), but a desk and chairs provide Churchill (and Keaton) respite against the remembrance of difficult times.
Most important, though, is Keaton’s meticulously realized performance. Clearly a work of passion, Keaton devoted time to adapting the life of the Prime Minister into a solo act to perform himself, basing his adaption on the writings of Winston Churchill and James C. Humes’ teleplay “Winston Churchill”. It is as natural a performance as could possibly be, and perfect for the intimate stage of the Greenhouse (the space of which is fully taken advantage of during Churchill’s bitter rants). Keaton makes sure that the audience gets to know Churchill as if he is their close friend. A sign of a truly seasoned actor, Keaton seems to effortlessly take our hands on a trip through Winston’s life, making it seem as if the most intimate, personal details are those of himself. The only downside of this incredible experience is that I would have gladly sat through more. However, nearly two hours is impressive for such an emotional solo act, and the end result is nothing short of satisfying.
Rating: ★★★½
Churchill continues through September 14th at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln (map), with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm. Tickets are $25-$35, and are available by phone (773-404-7336) or online through Vendini.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at GreenhouseTheater.org. (Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes, includes an intermission)
Photos by Jason Epperson
artists
cast
Ronald Keaton (Winston Churchill)
behind the scenes
Kurt Johns (director), Jason Epperson (producer, lighting design, scenic design, photos), Paul Deziel (projection design), Jason Shivers (stage manager, technical director)
14-0834
