**** Highly Recommended Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of the North American premiere of Brokeback Mountain is an intense, immersive experience spanning 20 years. Tom Pye’s slanted set, complete with sagebrush, will transport you to Wyoming. The lyrical country-western music reinforced the mood, leaving me feeling that I was on that mountain too. I never saw the film but my friend Nancy, who did, said the play was better than the movie. That’s a wow in my book. 4 Spotlights
In 1963, Ennis Del Mar (Harrison Ball) and Jack Twist (Jack Cameron Kay) were tending a herd of sheep on Brokeback Mountain. Ennis is a quiet man, Jack is a talker. Alone on the mountain, they develop a friendship which leads to something more.
Harrison Ball in Brokeback Mountain. Photo by Kyle Flubacker.
At that time, in that environment, anything closer than best buds was taboo. When the job was finished, without further ado, they moved on. Both married, Ennis to Alma (Cordelia Dewdney), Jack to Lureen (Alina Jenine Taber).
Although Alma urged him to take a better job, Ennis insisted on the range work. Jack’s wife was wealthy, so he had other options. When they meet again, their love rekindles and they have a moment. Jack invites Ennis to join him in a partnership but Ennis, who is always broke, resents the offer.
Harrison Ball & Jack Cameron Kay in Brokeback Mountain. Photo by Kyle Flubacker
Thomas Cox plays Joe Aguirre, Bill and Jack’s father.
The Balladeer, Kat Eggleston (who also plays Jack’s mother), is backed up by a live band including Music Director/Piano/Conductor, Jacob Yates; Hamonicas, Paul Mertens; Pedal Steel Guitar, Tom McGettrick; Bass, Mary Halm
Jack Cameron Kay & Harrison Ball in Brokeback Mountain. Photo by Kyle Flubacker.
Brokeback Mountain was written by Ashley Robinson, based on Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story which inspired the Academy Award-winning film. It premiered in London’s West End in 2023. The North American premiere is directed by Jonathan Butterell who also directed the West End production. The play features an on-stage balladeer singing original country-western songs written by Dan Gillespie Sells.
The Balladeer (Kat Eggleston). Photo by Kyle Flubacker.
Brokeback Mountain runs through June 28th in the Jentes Family Courtyard Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, Chicago. Parking in CST’s designated area in the Navy Pier Garage is available at a 40% discount with validation from CST.
Running time is 90 minutes, no intermission. Performances: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 7:00 pm, Wednesdays at 1:00 & 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets start at $99. FYI (312) 595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com.