Theatre
& Stage
reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff
PYRETOWN (thru
November 14)
The Victory
Gardens once again is presenting a premiere-
this one, titled PYRETOWN in the upstairs
Mainstage is one that deals with people and
the managed health care system. Written by
John Belluso, PYRETOWN is in reality the story
of three people:Louise (the very strong Elaine
Rivkin), a divorcee with three children who
is struggling to make ends meet and thus is
forced to use Medicaid to get health treatment;
Harry (a marvelous performance by Aaron Roman
Weiner) a man in a wheelchair who also uses
the system for his health need and Dr. Rebecca
Adler (Melissa Carlson) who serves as storyteller/narrator
in this two act play. All three of the characters
face daily challenges and personal dramas.
There is indeed a love story of sorts with
Louise and Harry becoming more than friends
as they try and survive and there is a story
that deals with the problems of the managed
health care industry, but I for one felt that
the love story was far superior to the narratives
detailing how the system works (or doesn't
work). While Ms Carlson gave a fine performance,
it appeared that her role could have been
shortened so that we could have spent more
time with the wonderful love story that unfolds.
While the love story doesn't have the happiest
of endings, it delivers a strong message about
people, the system and caring for others.
Directed by
Tim Farrell on a small almost bare stage with
visuals by Samuel C. Ball, who did the sets,
costumes and lighting and sound by Joe Huppert,
PYRETOWN will move you and educate you- Part
of what Mr. Belluso wanted to make the audience
aware of is the struggles of the disabled
and to be truthful in doing so. There are
many obstacles but there are also things that
they can do despite the handicaps that disable
them. This is a story that needed to be told,
and while it was a bit to wordy in parts,
it is indeed a wonderful story.
PYRETOWN will
run through November 14th at The Victory Gardens
Theater located at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue
with performances as follows:
