Rantoul And Die
Rantoul Illinois is a small town 100 miles south of Chicago that all but disappeared once the Chanute Air Force Base closed. Writer Mark Roberts (Two And A Half Men) chose to put his gritty and edgy play Rantoul And Die in the midst of this desolation where the Diary Queen is one of the ‘in” places because it is one of the only places to hang. I loved this whole production. Some truly funny writing, great direction, and truly extraordinary acting make this four hander one of the year’s true hits.
What I really admired about Mark Robert’s writing is that a pop sitcom writer shows that he is capable of writing a good play. So often when writers come to the theatre from television you get just more sitcom. Robert’s play is in the same vein as one of LA’s favorite playwrights, Justin Tanner whose quirky scenarios always make for a good time in the theatre. Evidence in point is the current Voice Lessons at the Zephyr in Hollywood. What Robert’s does is go beyond scenario and write a full play that has meaning and substance as well as off the wall humor. Rantoul And Die explores just how a rotten marriage, cheating spouses and the battle of the sexes can lead to violence and hilarity at the same time. Director Erin Quigley is to be credited in keeping this wildly eccentric play on track. The fight scenes choreographed by Ned Mochel are terrifying in their violence but also funny in context.
The real heroes of the day though are the actors three of whom come from Chicago and display that edgy no holds barred style reminiscent of Steppenwolf. Rich Hutchinson plays the sensitive whining husband who receives most of the abuse including what he must go through in Act 2. His is a brave performance because he is able to capture just the right balance of victim hood and sincerity. He is deliciously funny in the role of the put- upon husband. He is matched by Cynthia Ettinger who plays his common and bitchy wife. She is bitchy but she somehow manages to get our sympathy. Paul Dillon is outstanding as the edgy friend Gary. He reminds me so much of Billy Bob Thornton but has his own uniqueness. His choices are daring and exciting. Rounding out the cast is Lisa Rothschiller as the prime friend of the couple. She is a hoot as her own personal brand of lunacy is revealed.
If you like to laugh and like edgy plays the Rantoul And Die may be just the ticket. The whole production has a feel of total professionalism. These folks who come from TV Land aren’t slumming but giving us a full theatrical experience. This wild play is being presented at the Lillian Theatre until July 4th. Make an effort to see this one cause it’s brilliant.____________________________________
Theater: Lillian Theatre
Web Site: http://www.elephantstageworks.com/
Tickets: https://www.plays411.net/
Dates: Through July 4, 2009.