SHOW: RONIN THEATRE: SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO
VENUE: UNITARIAN CENTRE
SCHEDULE: JULY 3 at 6:45 p.m.; JULY 4 at 8:45 p.m.; JULY 5 at 3:00 p.m. and JULY 6 at 4:45 p.m.
RATING: 3/5
Sexual Perversity in Chicago follows the sexual dealings and attitudes of two young men and two young women in the late 60’s/early 70’s.
The storyline seems to have been written entirely around the principle that swearing is awesome. The theme appeared to be that in the end all you really have is your friends – at least that’s my guess considering it was stated in the dialogue – was a bit of a letdown considering the high drama the play attempts to portray. Scenes seemed redundant. For example character Bernard Litko (played by Brooklyn Ritchie) was established, re-established and re-re-established as a jocular, womanizing, classic 70’s asshole every 3rd scene. After being totally established in a negative context it’s very difficult to redeem a character, which became a necessity. Every scene seemed to end suddenly in an attempt to be either profound or comedic which at some points was delightful, but for the most part seemed tired.
So what kept the audience entertained? Performance! The cast was sensational with particular merit to Denise Wong (playing Deborah Soloman) and Randy Burke (playing Danny Shapiro). These actors are great and did a phenomenal job. Brooklyn Ritche (playing Bernard Litko) was entirely convincing, funny and natural. The performance of the play overall was wholly entertaining and delightfully crude in a 70’s sort of way. The stage production was impressive for a fringe production thanks to stage manager Kelsey Ledbury. Kristin Swirles (playing Joan Webber) did a double role as actor/costume designer and was responsible for engraining the setting throughout the play.
Overall this might not be the best play you see at the Regina Fringe festival, but if you’re a fan of great performances this is one play, by Ronin Theatre out of Calgary, that you don’t want to miss.
