Sex
Prologue Theatre Co. at
North Lakeside Cultural Center
Time Out Chicago- Somewhat Recommended
"...While Prologue’s production, the company’s first, is creatively staged by Gray in a wandering promenade style throughout the North Lakeside Cultural Center’s Art Deco rooms, it fails to justify revisiting West’s script, which reveals nothing new about sexual politics then or now. The cast has been handed the unpleasant task of forgoing character for stock ’20s mannerisms and banter. Only Christopher Chamblee, as a pragmatic yet romantic sailor, escapes, doing his part in the charm department while giving his lieutenant just enough substance to make his victories enjoyable."
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Caitlin Montanye Parrish
Chicago Reader- Recommended
"...The play has lost much of its shock value, but its hard-boiled, bawdy dialogue and clever plotting can still garner laughs. The Prologue Theatre Company's promenade production--which requires viewers to traipse from one room to another in the two-story North Lakeside Cultural Center--is entertaining despite some slack pacing and weak supporting performances (especially from the men)."
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Albert Williams
Chicago Free Press- Somewhat Recommended
"...The storyline to this old chestnut seems to drag at first, and West was clearly no wordsmith. Still, the many plot threads wrap up by the end, however improbably. (That’s part of the fun.) Director Margo Gray could push the pacing a bit; her green cast has plenty of enthusiasm, but they could use some more shaping. Jes Bedwinek delivers a decent West impersonation. Although a fresher interpretation would be welcome, Bedwinek nicely channels West’s silken comedic style. Nathan Pease makes a suitably unctuous pimp, and Chris Chamblee convinces with his lovestruck yet dignified British sailor. The supporting players even croon a few fun tunes for good measure."
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Web Behrens
Chicago Theater Blog- Somewhat Recommended
"...All in all, the shortcoming’s of Prologue’s production resigns it to community theater status for all their efforts. As Mae would know, it takes performers with a lot more on the ball than this to produce good old-fashioned entertainment."
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Paige Listerud
Steadstyle Chicago- Recommended
"...Sex is an enviable romp through the tantalizing underworld. Being a big fan of “moving theatre”, this use of room changes was fantastic. It doesn’t, unfortunately, allow for too many patrons but the upside is that it creates the intimacy that the show requires. I was pleased, walking into each room, that more than just the given lighting was used. A common occurrence when taking an audience from scene to scene is that the actors can lose energy quickly but due to the actors knowing their characters and their needs this did not happen. Those that stood out for me were Jes Bedwinek (Margy), Rebecca Mauldin (Agnes), Anne Smith (Clara), and Tinuade Oyelowo (Red/Prostitute). The way that these actresses kept the show’s pace and timing going was outstanding. They each knew how to take the stage and own it but also give to each other and share the situation."
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Nicholas Ryan Lamb
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