Review: The Bachelors (Cole Theatre)

Dark satire of modern misogyny

Three men in their early 30s rent a squalid house next to several fraternities. Thus sets the stage for The Bachelors , a play penned by Caroline V. McGraw and given its world premiere with Cole Theatre. Billed as a dark comedy, this new play paints the three men as despicable people - particularly in their behavior towards women - providing none-too-subtle gender commentary in the process.

Kevlar (Nicholas Bailey) begins as a sympathetic character whose girlfriend of five years has just been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Audience sympathy soon wanes when Kevlar reveals that his despair comes more from his girlfriend's desire to sleep with other men before her health disappears than genuine concern for her. Henry (Boyd Harris), an immature intellectual who exudes entitlement, never even toys with likability. His overt hatred of women still does not prepare the audience for his dreadful actions. Laurie (Shane Kenyon) is seemingly a straight-laced businessman who shows kindness towards his roommates and concern towards women until eventually revealing much disingenuousness. But he doesn't fool anyone into thinking that he's a standup guy quite so much as his own self.

Although the behavior of these characters gets exaggerated, it's realistic enough to make viewing it uncomfortable. All three actors commit to naturalistic performances that further ground the somewhat outlandish events. The result serves as an effective satire of modern day misogyny.

Grant Sabin's suitably dingy set, Eric Backus' omnipresent sound design, and David Woolley's chillingly realistic fight choreography highlight the strong production elements. Both the actors and designers cultivate a balance between finding humor in the show and maintaining an ominous atmosphere. The play would benefit from a stronger ending, but still has a cohesive feel and earns its powerful moments.

The Bachelors might ruffle some feathers, but that's obviously the point. Rather than simply make a bold statement about male mistreatment of women, the production does so in an entertaining manner. Cole Theatre executes a very strong production for McGraw's compelling work. It's hard to believe that a company can display this much polish in only its second production.

The Bachelors continues through April 10th at Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln (map), with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm. Tickets are $25, and are available by phone (773-404-7336) or online through GreenhouseTheater.org (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com ). More information at ColeTheatre.org. (Running time: 85 minutes, no intermission)

behind the scenes

Erica Weiss (director), Bethany Arrington (asst. director), Eric Backus (sound design), Matthew Bonaccorso (asst. stage manager), Alarie Hammock (costume design), Cori James (stage manager), Dillon Kelleher (actor cover), Richard Latshaw (props design), Rachel K. Levy (lighting design), Grant Sabin (set design), Martha Templeton (master electrician), David Woolley (fight choreography), Nathanael Filbert , Boyd Harris (photos)

Tags: 16-0342, Alarie Hammock, Bethany Arrington, Boyd Harris, Caroline V. McGraw, Chicago Theater, Cole Theatre, Cori James, David Woolley, Dillon Kelleher, Eric Backus, Erica Weiss, Grant Sabin, Greenhouse Theater, Keith Glab, Martha Templeton, Matthew Bonaccorso, Nathanael Filbert, Nicholas Bailey, post, Rachel K. Levy, Richard Latshaw, Shane Kenyon

Category: 2016 Reviews, Cole Theatre, Greenhouse Theater Center, Keith Glab, New Work, World Premier