Any time there's a world premiere theater event in Chicago, it's a reason to be excited.
At times, the event fails to live up to the expectation.
In the case of Goodman Theatre's production of "The Long Red Road," a powerful new play by Brett C. Leonard, directed by the multi-talented Philip Seymour Hoffman, this play exceeds any expectations by miles.
This is a very real and gritty story told in a very real and gritty approach.
And performed in the intimate Owen Theatre of the Goodman, which for this show is only seating 340 people, the audience almost entirely surrounds the stage for a "three-sided theater-in-the-round concept."
How close is the audience to the action that unfolds?
This fantastic, inventive set by Eugene Lee, is divided into four vivid scenes: a house with kitchen, living room, bathroom and hallways; an apartment; a tavern; and a barn.
And my seat was so close to the set, I was splashed by the water in the working sink on stage.
Now extended through March 21, which I don't think is nearly long enough, the cast of six includes London's stage and screen actor Tom Hardy, as well as Marcos Akiaten, Greta Honold, Chris McGarry, Fiona Robert and Katy Sullivan.
The Native American concept of the "red road" refers to the belief considered to be both life's right path, and conversely a path of conflict and turbulence.
This theme of how one person's anguish can tear a family apart runs throughout the two-hour production.
Sam, played with flawed perfection by Hardy, is a tormented and broken young man trapped by his drinking.
Hardy is so believable in this role, you'll find yourself cringing at his actions.
In fact, several times during the performance the woman sitting behind me audibly "tsked" his actions and behavior.
As Hardy's character attempts to exorcise his past and drink away his demons on a South Dakota Indian reservation, it's up to his older brother Bob, a mushroom farmer, played with intensity by McGarry, to appear at his doorstep in an attempt to resolve what has been years of resentment and conflict.
The brothers must deal with the hard-drinking Sam facing the devastation his role in a tragic accident has had on his loved ones, including his girlfriend Annie, played with warmth and understanding by Honold, and those from his past like Sandra, played by the amazing and angry Sullivan.
"The Long Red Road" contains adult subject matter and is billed as for mature audiences only.
However, I found the story strong and important, and not the least offensive or overt.
This show does what it is supposed to do.
It's jarring and has impact. Most of all, it's a story with characters the audience cares about.
A large part of this play's emotional emphasis comes from the thoughtful direction of Hoffman.
The scenes meld.
The music warns.
The blocking and positioning of many of the dual scenes unfolding before the audience come across as unsettling, making it difficult to know who and what to focus on. And that's exactly how it should come across to the audience.
This is a story you won't soon forget. It's an experience that runs deep. See it now and you won't be disappointed.
Tickets to "The Long Red Road" start at $39, with the option for half-priced mezzanine seats available on the day of the performance beginning at 10 a.m. online (by entering the code MEZZTIX) or, starting at noon on show day, in person at the box office. Visit GoodmanTheatre.org or call (312) 443-3800.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.
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