Hughie
Written by Eugene O’Neill
Directed by Kevin Fox
The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee (map)
thru May 5th | tickets: $25 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
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It may be short, but it packs a wallop

Seanachai Theatre presents
Hughie
Review by Katy Walsh
Seanachai Theatre presents Hughie. Erie Smith is a small-time gambler and big-time talker. He’s coming off his most recent bender. He’s looking for the comforts of home. He’s searching for his Hughie. Charley Hughes is the new replacement night clerk. For years, Erie has returned home from his latest craps game or hook-up to chat it out with Hughie, the old night clerk. Erie used to regale his tales of conquests to his trusted hotel sidekick. Hughie’s recent death has left Erie forlorn and friendless and without a sounding board. What’s left of his life if he can’t get the new guy to listen? Hughie is the perfect ramblings of a lonely old man.

The designers accentuate this tale of woe. Scenic designers Ira Amyx and Merje Veski create a dilapidated hotel lobby. Costume designer Aly Greaves Amidei dresses Armacost in a worn but prideful suit. Sound designer Christopher Kriz creates an early morning city traffic soundscape just off the lobby. And lighting designer Julian Pike fills the room with shadows and regret. The entire design package puts us in *that* room – the room where insignificant people find solace in anyone that will listen. The room no one wants to end up in.
Hughie may be short but he packs a wallop. It stings at first but then the remaining bump somehow is a satisfying reminder.
Rating: ★★★½
Hughie continues through May 5th at Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee (map), with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays 3pm. Tickets are $25, and are available by phone (866-811-4111) or online through OvationTix.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at Seanachai.org. (Running time: 50 minutes, no intermission)

artists
cast
Brad Armacost (Erie Smith), Jeff Duhigg (Charlie Hughes)
behind the scenes
Kevin Fox (director), Ira Amyx, Merje Veski (set design), Julian Pike (lighting design), Aly Greaves Amidei (costumes), Christopher Kriz (sound design), Joe Mazza, bravelux (photos)

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