** Somewhat Recommended Some of you may find the new Shattered Globe production, Flood, heavy going. I know I did. Although the cast really, really tried, the whole concept just didn’t work. It was a lot like that sense of frustration I had when I watched the violin players on the deck of Titanic – an exercise in futility. Although it’s billed as a comedy, there’s just nothing funny about Flood. 2 ½ Spotlights
Flood, written by Mashuq Mushtaq Deen, had its world premiere at the Kansas City Rep. Director Kenneth Prestininzi also directed that production.
Darren (H. B. Ward) and his wife, Edith (Linda Reiter) live in a lovely apartment on the nineteenth floor of a building with an ocean view. The mid-century modern décor suggests they’ve lived there for a long time.
Darren is the center of his world, with Edith orbiting in support and service as he works on his masterpiece. For some reason, he wears a ridiculous half-mask – one of six in a wall display – while he creates. Each selection of a toothpick or a popsicle stick requires concentration and a grand gesture before it can be placed in the masterpiece. And never mind what’s happening around them, Darren always knows what he knows.
Edith, wearing pearls with her dressy dress and heels, seems like the typical 50s housewife as depicted on TV. As she waits, holding a teapot, for Darren to notice she’s there, she never loses her smile. Edith wants Darren to sit on the sofa and drink a cup of tea with her. She also wants to find the answers to all the unanswered questions she’s faithfully recorded over the years.
Edith and Darren have two adult children Edith Junior (Sarah Patin) and Darren Junior (Carl Collins) who apparently live on a lower floor in the same building. Edith loves talking to them on the telephone, but she doesn’t really listen to anything they say. When they mention that the water is rising, she suggests they call a plumber.
As Edith looks out the window, she notices that the ocean seems to be getting closer but she has another question. Since Darren Junior said his father hates him, Edith asked Darren what he liked about their son. He thought for a while, then replied he liked his name. As Darren creates, Edith nervously paces while watching the water rise.
Shattered Globe Theatre’s production of Flood runs through March 9th at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago. Parking is available in Theater Wit’s lot across the street (driveway next to Kobo Restaurant). $10 at the box office. Running time is 90 minutes, no intermission. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. There is an additional 3:00 pm matinee on March 9th. Tickets range from $15-$52. FYI (773) 975-8150 or www.sgtheatre.org.