The Boxer
Written by Matt Lyle
Directed by Kacie Smith
at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport (map)
thru Aug 31 | tickets: $15-$20 | more info
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A silent knockout
Pursuit Productions presents
The Boxer
Review by Keith Glab
Silent Theatre Company has been painting Chicago theaters black and white for many years, producing shows that mimic the silent films of the early 1900s. Pursuit Productions, a much younger company with only three years in existence, attempts to create something similar with The Boxer. Despite being Pursuit’s first foray into the realm of silent theater, this slapstick production can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the veteran company’s bread-and-butter fare.
While the overall story arc doesn’t yield too many surprises, the details of Matt Lyle’s script provide much unique humor. A bit with Velma trying to fit into the Boxer’s closet-sized apartment works extremely well, as does one in which she engages in apostrophe with a can of beans that’s stuck to the ground. A couple of requisite training montages to live pianist Mike Evans’ Rocky theme elicit laughter. They dip into the smelly shoe well once too often, but doing so fits in line with the genre they’ve espoused.
Silent Theatre Company uses elaborate makeup and costuming to create their black and white tableau. In The Boxer, Pursuit Productions has accomplished a yellowed old film look solely through Craig Kidwell’s masterpiece lighting design. This allows for a dream sequence to take place in full color with the hit of a lighting cue. Evans jams some Louis Prima piano music to a Ahmad Simmons’ gorgeously choreographed dance to complete an ovation-worthy scene.
Evans’ live piano is joined by Matt Willis providing appropriate live sound effects from ordinary objects. The lip synch to the projected overhead text isn’t timed particularly well. I think this is more of a choice than a lack of ability, but the sacrifice of clarity for humor in this instance isn’t a good tradeoff, as not all of the lip movements have the text associated with them. The production as a whole could also benefit from more subtlety. Bearing in mind the nature of the genre, some of the production’s best moments occur when a slice of nuance contrasts with the grandiose facial expressions and body movements that dominate the stage.
These nitpicky flaws are easily overcome by an athletic and energetic cast that clearly boasts a strong movement background and enjoys performing in the show. Sonja Mata in particular brings an exuberance to each of her roles that makes it difficult to take your eyes off her even when the action centers elsewhere. Pursuit Productions and Director Kacie Smith have created a multimedia production that’s truly unique and enjoyable; see it before the boxing bell rings.
Rating: ★★★
The Boxer continues through August 31st at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport (map), with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays 3pm. Tickets are $15-$20, and are available by phone (773-935-6875) or online through OvationTix.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at PursuitChicago.com. (Running time: 75 minutes, no intermission)
Photos by Benjamin Wardell
artists
cast
Amber Snyder (Velma), Eric Duhon (the Boxer), Claire Bauman, Charlie Davis, Jason M. Hammond, Sonja Mata, Jamie Olah, Pat Rourke, Andrew Scott Thorp (ensemble)
behind the scenes
Kacie Smith (director), Ahmad Simmons (choreographer), Shaun Renfro (set design), Sarah Varca (costume design), Craig Kidwell (lighting design, projection design), Haley Borodine (props design), Radek Michalik (cinematographer, videographer), Mike Evans (pianist, music director), Matt Willis (foley artist), Jane Hiett (technical director), Lesley Fisher (stage manager), CJ Chapman (asst. stage manager), Benjamin Wardell (photos)
14-0829
