** Somewhat Recommended People are flocking to the Court Theatre for the world premiere of Berlin, Mickle Maher’s adaptation of Jason Lutes’ best-selling graphic novel about the fall of the Weimar Republic. A word of warning, what works in a graphic novel doesn’t necessarily translate to the stage. In a series of living snapshots – not even long enough to be called vignettes – we learn tiny factoids about twelve people, but we never get enough information to care about them. It wasn’t enough for me. 2 Spotlights
My problem with this production started with lighting. Yes, I said lighting. Someone thought it was a good idea to place spotlights directly behind the actors, shining into the audience. Maybe it was supposed to set a mood? If the spots were dimmed as the story started, it might have worked, but they stayed on. It made it very difficult for my guest and I to see the actors if they were anywhere but at the front of the stage.
I think someone said people who lived in Berlin were trapped in a bell jar, living their little lives while hope ran out. I definitely felt that vibe as I watched twelve stereotypical characters introduce themselves and their stories overlap.
Marthe Müller (Raven Whitley), who came to Berlin to study art, spent all her time sketching. She fell into a short relationship with Kurt Severing (Tim Decker), an idealistic journalist, but it didn’t last long. Meanwhile, she became friends with Anna Lenke (Mo Shipley), and eventually developed a sexual relationship with her. Marthe is haunted by the ghost of her cousin Theo Müller (Brandon Ruiter)
Kid Hogan (Terry Bell) was a black American jazz musician who loved the freedom of Berlin, Pola Mosse (Molly Hernandez) a cabaret singer. Their scenes were way too reminiscent of Cabaret.
Margarethe von Falkensee (Kate Collins) was a wealthy baroness trying to hold on to the life she held dear.
Otto Schmidt (Guy Van Swearingen), was a union organizer suspected of being a Communist. Gudrun Braun (Elizabeth Laidlaw) and Otto Braun (HB Ward – Christopher Meister at my performance), were laborers and union members. Their daughter, Silvia (Ellie Duffie), was an anarchist who rejected her mother’s affiliations. During an anti-government rally which turned into a riot she lost her life.
Young David Schwartz (Jack Doherty) tried to earn a little money for his family by hawking Communist/anarchist news sheets on the street. His father warns that as a Jew he needs to be invisible.
Later in the show Laidlaw dons a mustache, a long leather coat and a military hat to play Adolph Hitler.
Berlin has been extended through May 18th at the Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago. Parking is free in the adjacent garage, exit gate will open ½ hour after curtain. Running time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, with an intermission.
Performances are Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 and 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $60-$110. FYI (773) 753-4472 or www.courttheatre.org.