Carl (Chris Chmelik) gets caught up in small town politics in the world premiere of "Moonshiner" by a promising new playwright. (Ryan Bourque)
Swanson, winner of the 2009 Albert Weisman grant, is only 21 years old.
The company, young as well, boasts that it is “rooted in the lost, vast and beautiful American mythology that makes up the strange and painful truth of what it is to live in this country.”
They make a great team.
"Moonshiner" takes us back to the 1930s Prohibition Era in the Appalachians of Tennessee. Just these facts alone tell us we will not see a happy ending.
Our hero is Isaac (solidly played by Jeremy Kahn), a blind artist who "sees things" and draws them. His cousin Carl (Chris Chmelik) is a moonshiner working for Dwayne (Bill Hyland, who truly looks the role). The cousins live together in a house owned by Isaac.
(L-R): Bill Hyland, Wes Perry, and Chris Chmelik in "Moonshiner." (Lev Kalmens)
When a little girl goes missing in town, one that is run by politicians and lawmen on the take, the lives of the main characters in this story are forever changed. The story is truly about the relationships among these people, and most importantly, that between Isaac and Carl.
Many young writers have ideas that they cannot bring to conclusion. Often they do not come to a true end. Swanson, though, gets the job done perfectly. The ending is one of powerful story and acting (as well as direction).
Director Gus Menary (also very young but very talented) cast a solid troupe and despite a few technical problems, all put on a superior evening of theater. Even those with smaller roles deserve a tip of the hat (Wes Perry, James Errico, and Jim Elder for their work in this production as well as assisting with some set changes).
Hidden away in a loft-like theater, the EP Theater’s wonderful venue, which could use better ventilation (but how appropriate for the story!) and some new equipment, worked well with the realistic set by John Holt (it takes a real beating in the second act).
The fight choreography by Ryan Bourque was sensational—producing convincing fights in such an intimate venue is quite a challenge. Ryan Murphy's music adds a great touch as well.
Jackalope Theatre Company’s commitment to presenting material rooted in American mythology has been ably fulfilled by this world premiere.
See it—you’ll thank me.
Moonshiner
Jackalope Theatre Company
EP Theater
1820 S. Halsted
Tickets: 773-942-6150 or www.jackalopetheatre.org
Running time: 2 hours with an intermission.
Closes: Aug. 29
Alan Bresloff writes about theater in and around Chicago.
