Marvin’s Room
Written by Scott McPherson
at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont (map)
thru Nov 14 | tix: $ 33 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
Tragicomedy finds light in darkness
Shattered Globe Theatre presents
Marvin’s Room
Review by Lauren Whalen
There’s a lot of comedy in tragedy. It’s not disrespectful, more a mechanism of survival: humans can’t cope with nonstop grief and horror, and therefore are compelled to find lighter moments in the darkest tragedy. Marvin’s Room is a testament to the power of gallows humor. Twenty-five years after its premiere at Goodman Theatre, the late Scott McPherson’s dark comedy deftly explores the effects of impending loss, and the breaks and bonds of family. Shattered Globe’s production is both confident and compelling, with assured direction by Sandy Shinner, excellent production values and a gifted, intelligent ensemble.
Not all plays age well over time, but thankfully Marvin’s Room has escaped that trap. While it’s obviously a product of the past – many modern plays eschew the two- or three-act structure, opting for an intermission-free 90-100 minutes – the dialog remains fresh and funny, with a generous dose of the macabre. The majority of the characters are well-drawn and complex, with the exception of Aunt Ruth and the clueless Dr. Wally (Don Tieri), but even these two show a surprising amount of depth in their comic relief. Even Marvin, only viewed in silhouette, becomes fully alive through his shallow breathing, his love of simple things like reflecting light, and his two daughters’ memories. McPherson, who succumbed to AIDS complications in 1992, writes in his original directors’ note of his grandmother, who was actively dying for most of his childhood, and his life experience and unique perspective shines through every beat.
Director Shinner showcases her deep understanding of the material through even the most minor characters, keeping the pace swift without rushing the audience through important moments. Nick Mozak’s set, Sarah Jo White’s costumes and Christopher Kriz’s sound design accurately, even lovingly, recreate the aesthetic of the late 1980’s, and the action never drags thanks to the sharp transitions of stage managers Razor Wintercastle] and Tina Jach.
Shinner has assembled an incredible cast: Marvin’s Room is a difficult play through and through, and these actors are more than ready for the challenge. Deanna Reed-Foster and Drew Schad make their marks in smaller roles, and SGT board member Bundschu holds his own as the unseen but always-present Marvin. Kyle Klein II’s Charlie is appropriately gawky and sweet, and Jordan’s overwhelmed mother with an air of selfishness that’s not entirely unjustified, brings a very relatable quality to Lee. The always-strong Dunagan is hilarious fun as Aunt Ruth, insightful whether she’s observing her great-nephews’ behavior or the latest development on her favorite soap opera. Reiter, so phenomenal in last year’s The Testament of Mary at Victory Gardens, commands the stage here in a different but equally powerful way. Thanks to her performance and Shinner’s direction, Bessie’s never a saint, never a martyr, just a woman who has worked hard and embraced her familial relationships. And even among such a qualified, robust group, Santana is the standout. Hank is perhaps the best-written character in the show, a true teenager even despite his many emotional troubles. His scenes with Charlie are brief but tender, his tentative connection with Bessie quiet but enthralling. With his slouch, downcast eyes and penchant for blurting out tall tales, Santana is not only believable, but electric.
Marvin’s Room is a modern classic, one that will hopefully never go out of style. The story is simple but enduring: families will always fall apart and come back together shattered but stronger, people will die, people will go away but come back. McPherson’s text unveils universal truths at their most unpretentious, and Shinner’s direction of fantastic actors is a welcome anniversary gift. Marvin’s Room isn’t light and airy, nor is it dark and depressing. At its essence, it’s equal parts happy and sad, like life itself.
Rating: ★★★½
Marvin’s Room continues through November 14th at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont (map), with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays 3pm. Tickets are $33 (Discounts: under-30 $20, students $15, seniors $27, industry $15), and are available by phone (773-975-8150) or online through TheaterWit.org (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at SGTheatre.org. (Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes, includes an intermission)
Photos by Michael Brosilow
artists
cast
Rebecca Jordan (Lee), Linda Reiter (Bessie), Drew Schad (Bob), Nate Santana (Hank), Larry Bundschu (Marvin), Deanna Dunagan (Ruth), Kyle Klein II (Charlie), Deanna Reed-Foster (Dr. Charlotte, Retirement Home Director), Don Tieri (Dr. Wally)
behind the scenes
Sandy Shinner (director), Nick Mozak (scenic design), Sarah Jo White (costume design), Shelley Strasser Holland (lighting design), Christopher Kriz (sound design), Vivian Knouse (props design), Deanna Dunagan (associate director), Kelly Claussen (production manager), Amanda Rozmiarek (master carpenter), Razor Wintercastle (stage maager), Tina Jach (productions stage manager), Michael Brosilow (photos)
15-1010