Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

Leaving Iowa (thru April 17)

A postcard to the American Vacation- that is the headline on the promo piece sent out prior to the week-ends opening of a wonderful, warm comedy that tells the story of a journalist who returns home to Iowa to take care of a personal matter involving his father. (I would rather not give you this info now, as it falls into a strong moment during this fine production and I don't like spoiling any moments). As the story unfolds, the son , Donald, played expertly by Tim Clue (who also co-authored this charming story with Spike Manton) but directed it as well. This is no easy task, but he handles it to perfection. The cast that has been assembled is sensational, the mother (Angela Bullard ) is a delight, Barb Wengerd is a great little sister ( but she is dynamic in her smaller role as a waitress along the way); Bradley Armacost is the father and he is in fact everyone's father- a man who lives for the road trip, who plans each step of the vacation and counts the miles. Mr. Armacost is a delight to watch on stage. The last of the players is Howie Johnson who play almost all the other parts (auto mechanic, cook, hotel clerk, farmer, ranger and more- he changes costumes and personalities so often, you would think he would forget who he is supposed to be, but he doesn't- each character is unique (not an easy chore). This is a quality production with fine acting and a simply beautiful story. In addition to all of the wonderful staging ( lots of flashbacks as Don hits the highway seeking to complete his mission) there is some wonderful music performed by the Sons of The Never Wrong, a Chicago group. It add a great touch to the experience.

"Leaving Iowa" will continue through April 17th with performances as follows: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20- $28 (a great value) and are available at the Theatre Building Chicago box office (1225 W. Belmont ), by phone at773-327-5252 or online at www.theatrebuildingchicago.org.