**** Shattered Globe Theatre’s production of Lobby Hero is definitely one of my top three plays so far his year. I was so absorbed in the story I almost forgot it was a story! Somehow, an unassuming little play was transformed into a moving experience, and I think it’s the unexpected humor. Add to that the outstanding performance by newcomer Elliot Esquivel and you get a gem! Get a ticket now! 4 Spotlights
The set – the lobby of a high-rise apartment building designed by José Manuel Díaz-Soto – is in Manhattan. This lobby could be nowhere in particular or right here in Chicago. The same could be said of the four people occupying that space during the graveyard shift.
Jeffrey (Esquivel), a nightshift security guard, is a total dork with a pony-tail on top of his head and lots of nervous tics. He can’t sit still, yet he has a hard time staying awake on the job. He’s always taking, usually saying way too much. His father (a retired Navy lifer) disowned him after he was dishonorably discharged from the Navy. He’s been living with his brother and sister-in-law ever since. This job is his chance to get his life together, even get his own apartment. Esquival’s staccato delivery, his physical stunts and nervous tics endear him to the audience.
William (Terence Sims) is Jeffrey’s direct supervisor. He’s proud of his position in supervision and determined to be successful. He’s uptight, rigid, and a rule-follower/enforcer. One day he confides to Jeffrey that his brother who was arrested for a serious crime said he had an alibi – he was at the movies with his brother – presenting William with a moral dilemma.
Bill (Adam Schulmerich) considers himself to be a good cop in line for his gold shield, but he’s actually the opposite. He’s an obnoxious hypocrite – smarmy, self-righteous, selfish, mean, intimidating and sometimes threatening. He makes his new partner, a female rookie, wait in the lobby or on the corner, while he ‘visits’ Mrs. H. upstairs. He offers to smooth things over for William at the precinct, intimidates Jeffrey for blabbing, threatens his partner to be ‘nice’ or he’ll report her.
Dawn (Emma Jo Boyden), the rookie, really wants to be a good cop but she’s very unsure of herself and scared of Bill. When Jeffrey mentions a hypothetical situation that might involve William, she makes some assumptions, and blows up. The consequences are unpleasant – to say the least – for everyone.
Lobby Hero, written by Kenneth Lonergan, premiered off-Broadway in 2001. It had a short-ish Broadway revival in 2018. The Shattered Globe production is directed by Nate Santana.
Shattered Globe Theatre’s production of Lobby Hero has been extended through March 8th 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 two hours, 15 minutes, with intermission. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. There is an additional 3:00 pm matinee on March 1st. Tickets range from $15-$52. FYI (773) 975-8150 or www.sgtheatre.org.
