Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

"Marlowe" (thru July 17)

Bailiwick Repertory Theatre is committed to developing exciting new work for the community and most of the productions they have staged have been just that. Under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director David Zak, I have enjoyed some wonderful plays at this cozy theater at 1229 West Belmont. Their newest production, a World Premiere, written by Chicago based Harlan Didrickson is titled "Marlowe" and is based on the turbulent life of Elizabethan playwright, Christopher Marlowe.While many details of Marlowe's life are controversial, it is clear to us that it was a short and passionate life (he died at age 29 under suspicious circumstances). Besides being a playwright, he was a secret agent for Queen Elizabeth I.Marlowe is indeed an interesting subject, a fascinating character, but even a sparkling performance by Timothy W. Hull under the smooth direction of Mr. Zak couldn't really help this story unfold to keep the audience wanting to know more.

Brian Sidney Bembridge's set works very well in keeping the flow of the many scenes (the program is difficult to follow) and there were some wonderful lighting effects by Jared Moore. R & D Choreography handled the violence scenes- there were some well staged fight scenes and the men who were involved handled these extremely well. Julie Partyka , the lone female in this cast is a striking Elizabeth and Kevin Mayes handles the role of Walsingham deftly. The rest of the cast does a fine job of bringing all of the other characters to life, but it is the script that needs some work. It needs to be tighter for the audience to stay involved. There are scenes from works of Marlowe that are well done but add little to the actual movement of the story.

"Marlowe" will run through July 17th with performances as follows: Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $22 on Thursday and $25 for all other performances. Tickets can be purchased at the theater located at 1229 W. Belmont, by phone at 773-883-1090 or online at www.bailiwick.org.