Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

Mamet's "Oleanna" (thru May 7th)

There is a new theater company in our western suburbs, with an unusual concept. The Inspirare Theatre Company, based in Glen Ellyn's concept is to utilize "found spaces" for presentation of their productions. Artistic Director, Laura Lewis-Barr said the company's vision calls for productions to occur in suitable found spaces that resonate with the play's tone and themes. For their production of Oleanna, David Mamet's 1992 powerful exploration of power and gender relations, Ms. Lewis-Barr has chosen the Glen Ellyn Civic Center in Downtown Glen Ellyn. On the third floor in what appears to have been at one time a classroom, we have a classroom (the setting for the play) and with the exception of having just the regular classroom lighting (the actors can see the audience as if they were part of the show) and the discomfort of spending 90 minutes in a classroom seat (there is no intermission), this production has some very sparkling moments. Ms. Lewiss-Barr who is also the director of this production has put two fine actors in the roles of John (a very strong portrayal by Patrick Able) and Carol (Cynthia Shur who grows in strength, as does the character as the story progresses). Mamet is a word smith and these actors have lots of words, lots of conversations that need to seem real and natural (we all know that people do not always wait for one to finish a statement before chiming in, well they do a lot of this in the 90 minutes and it works most of the time).

The story is that of a college professor, married, with a son who is on the brink of getting tenure which will allow him to purchase the new home he was wanted for his family. He means well, when Carol comes to his office to discuss her work in his class. She is a loner who is not very clear on what he is trying to teach or even say. They are both well meaning people who have no idea as to what is going to happen. They each misunderstand the others actions and words and as the tragedy of the events unfolds, one can only wonder if this could indeed happen to them self or a loved one. I cannot tell you how the plot unfolds as I would hate to ruin this for you, but I will tell you that it is worth the trip to drive out to this quaint area called Glen Ellyn with its shops and restaurants and see a very sharp production that will open you mind (although I would suggest to bring a seat cushion).

Oleana will run through May 7th in room 301 of the Glen Ellyn Civic Center at 535 Duane Street (just East of Main Street) in Glen Ellyn with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m.- Thursday night , only $7 (less than a movie ticket and a much better experience) and on the week-end, not much more, $15.00 For tickets call 630-735-1313 or online www.inspiraretheatre.com.