Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

The Story (thru April 10)

Ambition is something that can drive one to do what they would otherwise veer away from. In each of our pasts, there is something that we either need or want to hide, and in Tracey Scott Wilson's fast paced drama, "The Story" we have a story about a young African American reporter, Yvonne (the vivacious Lizzy Cooper Davis) ,who has been hired by a major newspaper, but not to be a major "reporter" working the Metro section, just to handle the "other" parts of the paper. When an affluent white man is murdered in a "bad" neighborhood, she cracks the murder case with a sensational scoop- but did she? Was her "source" giving her the real story? There is of course a fine line between a good story and a true story and during this 90 minutes plus, under the fine direction of Chuck smith , who has assembled a wonderful cast, there is not a dull moment. This is truly the shortest ninety minutes (I think they could run without the intermission and make it even better- no time to think about the events unfolding) for an audience. There are some key moments that I can share with you which will not reveal what happens: Latisha (the dynamic Monet Butler) the brilliant teen and her "story"; The always perfect Jacqueline Williams as Pat, her boss who knows that there is no way this could be the "story" that it is and and Neil (the energetic and delightful Patrick Sims) who feels that the "story" cannot be what it seems. The story also deals with racial identities- Yvonne is having a "thing" with white reporter Jeff (Kevin McKillip, who wants to keep their relationship hidden. The fact that the killer was a "Black Man" and the victim was white! The key to this story is what is happening (and has been for some time)- how important are the facts in a story? What sells? This is a compelling story that will give you insight into the minds of the people who bring you the "stories"!

"The Story" will run at The Goodman Theatre through April 10th with performances as follows:Tuesday, March 29th 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 23rd,30th and April 6th at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 24th, 31st and April 7th at 7:30 p.m. All Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. All Sundays at 2 p.m.

There are also matinees each Saturday at 2 p.m. and Thursday the 24th and 31st at 2 p.m. Tickets range in price from $20- $60 and can be purchased at the Goodman Theatre located at 170 N. Dearborn, charged by phone (312)443-3800. Remember, the Goodman has a special program called TIX at SIX ( half price tickets on day of performance) The Goodman is easy to reach by the CTA and they have a special rate for parking at the Government Center Self Park (the Southeast corner of Clark and Lake) at $11.50. Bring your ticket with and receive a special coupon at the box office. Enjoy!