Arcadia-theater review
March 29, 2016
L-R Christopher Sheard, Scott Parkinson, Callie Johnson, Kate Frey--all photos; Michael Brosilow
L-R Greg Matthew Anderson, Chaon Cross
Theater
March 29, 2016
Arcadia
by Betty Mohr
One of the most mentally stimulating plays in the theatrical pantheon, Arcadia covers an incredible array of topics. It features discussions of determinism and chaos theory, the second law of thermodynamics, and algorithms, romanticism and classicism, literature and art, philosophy and history, love and lust, Byron and English poetry.
The comedic drama also tackles the exactitude of what we know about the past. It’s a time-bending work that features characters who connect across the ages, as well as plenty of beguiling wit and fascinating wordplay that is the trademark of English playwright Tom Stoppard.
It’s a difficult theater piece to mount because the play follows a plot that takes place in two different time periods, yet ends up in a parallel universe. But, under Michael Halberstam’s insightful and masterful direction, with talented artistic designers, and a pitch-perfect cast, the revival is a triumph.
It’s also a triumph for the opening of the new state-of-the-art Writers Theatre in Glencoe, which has been designed by Jeanne Gang. From it previous intimate 110 seats, Writers’ new theater now features a first-rate 255-seat theater space with a thrust stage that makes for superb viewing no matter the seat.
The far-reaching play of ideas, which debuted in London in 1993, requires a strong focus and thoughtful attention in order to follow its plot. The story is set in 1909 in an elegant circular interior of wrap-around bookcases and garden projections by designer Collette Pollard.
March 29, 2016
Arcadia
by Betty Mohr
One of the most mentally stimulating plays in the theatrical pantheon, Arcadia covers an incredible array of topics. It features discussions of determinism and chaos theory, the second law of thermodynamics, and algorithms, romanticism and classicism, literature and art, philosophy and history, love and lust, Byron and English poetry.
The comedic drama also tackles the exactitude of what we know about the past. It’s a time-bending work that features characters who connect across the ages, as well as plenty of beguiling wit and fascinating wordplay that is the trademark of English playwright Tom Stoppard.
It’s a difficult theater piece to mount because the play follows a plot that takes place in two different time periods, yet ends up in a parallel universe. But, under Michael Halberstam’s insightful and masterful direction, with talented artistic designers, and a pitch-perfect cast, the revival is a triumph.
It’s also a triumph for the opening of the new state-of-the-art Writers Theatre in Glencoe, which has been designed by Jeanne Gang. From it previous intimate 110 seats, Writers’ new theater now features a first-rate 255-seat theater space with a thrust stage that makes for superb viewing no matter the seat.
The far-reaching play of ideas, which debuted in London in 1993, requires a strong focus and thoughtful attention in order to follow its plot. The story is set in 1909 in an elegant circular interior of wrap-around bookcases and garden projections by designer Collette Pollard.
L-R Elizabeth Stenholt, Greg Mathew Anderson
It begins as Septimus Hodge (engaging performance by Greg Matthew Anderson), who is tutoring Thomasina Coverly (charming turn by Elizabeth Stenholt), tries to explain “carnal knowledge.” It turns out that Septimus is very familiar with the term since he has had “carnal knowledge” of the wife of poet Ezra Chater (great delivery by Rod Thomas) and Thomasina’s mother, Lady Croom (wonderful Chaon Cross).
The scene that follows takes place in the same setting, but opens in the future with different characters. Here we find the academic writer Bernard Nightingale (riveting portrayal by Scott Parkinson) who is searching for past secrets of events that occurred, generations ago, in the Sidley Park estate; and Hannah Jarvis (compelling Kate Fry) who is investigating a legendary hermit who was supposed to have stayed at the same estate a century before.
In addition, there are descendants of the Coverly family that include Valentine (Christopher Sheard), his deaf brother Gus (Alistair Sewell), and their sister, Chloe (Callie Johnson), all of whom are captivated by Hanna. The big question that envelopes much of the conversation has to do with whether Byron, who spent time with Septimus at the turn of the 20th century at Sidley Park, had a duel with Chater, and whether he killed him. Moreover, Thomasina is a puzzle, as well, because she seems to have figured out a solution to an important mathematical problem without the benefit of computers.
Alongside the historical academic pursuits, there also is a lot of talk about the difference between art and science (an argument that features a hilarious and dazzling performance by Parkinson); the intricacies of passion and sex; the idea of the infinitesimal calculus by 17th century mathematician Fermat; the challenge of recreating past events; and how a landscape reflects the culture of its time.
A stunning presentation in a stunning new theater space, Arcadia is a must see.
-photos by Michael Brosilow-
Arcadia
When: Through May 1, 2016; Where: Writers Theatre, 324 Tudor Court, Glencoe, Il; Tickets: $35-$80; Information: 847.242.6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org
The scene that follows takes place in the same setting, but opens in the future with different characters. Here we find the academic writer Bernard Nightingale (riveting portrayal by Scott Parkinson) who is searching for past secrets of events that occurred, generations ago, in the Sidley Park estate; and Hannah Jarvis (compelling Kate Fry) who is investigating a legendary hermit who was supposed to have stayed at the same estate a century before.
In addition, there are descendants of the Coverly family that include Valentine (Christopher Sheard), his deaf brother Gus (Alistair Sewell), and their sister, Chloe (Callie Johnson), all of whom are captivated by Hanna. The big question that envelopes much of the conversation has to do with whether Byron, who spent time with Septimus at the turn of the 20th century at Sidley Park, had a duel with Chater, and whether he killed him. Moreover, Thomasina is a puzzle, as well, because she seems to have figured out a solution to an important mathematical problem without the benefit of computers.
Alongside the historical academic pursuits, there also is a lot of talk about the difference between art and science (an argument that features a hilarious and dazzling performance by Parkinson); the intricacies of passion and sex; the idea of the infinitesimal calculus by 17th century mathematician Fermat; the challenge of recreating past events; and how a landscape reflects the culture of its time.
A stunning presentation in a stunning new theater space, Arcadia is a must see.
-photos by Michael Brosilow-
Arcadia
When: Through May 1, 2016; Where: Writers Theatre, 324 Tudor Court, Glencoe, Il; Tickets: $35-$80; Information: 847.242.6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org