Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

"Dollhouse" (thru July 24)Ê

The Goodman Theatre is ending its 2004/2005 season in the Albert with the world premiere of "Dollhouse" in a new adaptation by Rebecca Gilman of the play written by Henrik Ibsen. Ms. Gilman, who is known for her stories about contemporary society, takes Ibsen's revolutionary character- Nora and moves her to modern-day Chicago- Lincoln Park (or very near to Lincoln Park) no less. Nora (a dynamic performance by Maggie Siff) is seemingly the perfect wife in a perfect world. Her husband is on his rise in the business world (after some earlier "health related" problems), she has three loving children and yes, that Lincoln Park address. She has a housekeeper (Maritza Cervantes), a nanny (the very funny Charin Alvarez who makes the most of a smaller role) and as it turns out a very good friend, but Nora does have a secret- which threatens to ruin her fantasy life. She has some major choices to make and Ms. Gilman brings in everything that is important to each of us during this trying period- the Enron scandal causing the crushing of Arthur Anderson, causing her friend Kristine (a dry but solid character created by Elizabeth Rich) to come back into her life as well as that of an old friend (Kristine's old flame) Raj Patel (Firdous Bamji) who is trying to avoid bankruptcy and needs the help of Nora's husband Terry (a strong performance by Anthony Starke) who now is a manager at Bank One. Raj also has a secret. I cannot divulge the secrets as I would not want to spoil the unveiling in this well written plot-line. There is one more major player- Terry's "best friend" Pete (one of Chicago's best talents, Lance Stuart Baker) who also has a secret.

Robert Falls has directed this wonderful cast on a set (designed by Robert Brill with a lot of help from ABT Electronics) that truly makes you feel that you are peering into the lives and soles of these characters. Even the three children are used wisely (kids tend to steal scenes) with double casting( the night I attended they were Allison Sparrow, Jordyn Knysz and Matthew Gerdisch). These are wonderful characters- re-mindful of people you might know. We all have secrets, we all have problems and the handling of each situation is done so with great style by this stellar cast. While this is a story that looks at what could be termed a disturbing relationship (as you will see that the very end), there are many (and I mean many) comedic moments including a wonderful "Flashdance" sequence where Ms. Siff will have you in stitches (choreographed by Randy Duncan) and a very funny PeeWee Herman moment brought to us by Mr. Baker (really well done). There is a great deal of laughter in this story that deals with personalities and what they want, and when they get that, wanting even more, but in the end, you will turn to the person you came with and want to talk about what you saw. Perhaps it will have some personal meaning to your life and if so, perhaps will help you in finding the truth that may help you in avoiding the paths of these individuals. This is a play for all to see- if you can, get there!

"Dollhouse" will run at the Goodman Theatre through July 24th with performances as follows: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. Sunday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. There will also be a July12th Tuesday performance at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range in price from $20 - $60 and can be purchased at the box office located at 170 N. Dearborn Street, by phone at 312-443-3800 or online at www.goodman-theatre.org.

Don't forget to ask about TIX at SIX, half price tickets that go on sale on day of performance.

There is also discounted parking available at the Government Center Self Park (Clark and Lake).