Family's struggles at the heart of 'Four Places'
Decisions about living arrangements for aging parents are so universally stressful that "Four Places" makes most audience members squirm.
Alcoholism and infidelity complicate Joe Drake Johnson's play, now in its world premiere at Victory Gardens.
"Your dad and I actually have a life outside of yours," Peggy tells her middle-aged son and daughter. "We have a relationship that is not part, any part, of who you are. We have our own little universe into which NO one else is invited. A secret life."
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But that secret life involves Peggy medicating herself and her husband with alcohol -- and worse. We're never really clear how much of her story to believe.
The bottom line is that Peggy and her husband can no longer live together in their home, and she has lost all power over their future.
Their offspring, Warren and Ellen, not only have to make the explosive decision, it's also their job to have that conversation with Peggy.
The solid cast revolves around Mary Ann Thebus, whose Peggy is way too articulate and intuitive about what's going on for an elderly woman with a drinking problem. But her character's conditions are great excuses when she seems to flub a line or two.
The relationships are very familiar, as is the way both parent and offspring say things are fine then pick away at details that irritate them.
Meg Thalken's Ellen was obviously her mother's favorite, and she tries to protect this standing by getting her brother, Warren, to play the heavy. Warren, portrayed by Peter Burns, does not buy Peggy's stories nor hide his worries about their father.
Despite the heavy topics, the play is salted with humor.
After her mother's long diatribe designed to cast doubt on any report from the caregiver, Ellen says, "You call me when she starts chasing you with a knife."
"OK, I'll do that," says the mother, who knows when to pick her battles.
Jennifer Avery's pushy Barb, the too-familiar waitress with the annoying laugh, just might have a secret tie to the family.
Their choice of a public restaurant for an intimate conversation shows Ellen's and Warren's determination to keep structure and control over strong emotions, but Peggy's passion sabotages that.
While the play is only 90 minutes, it would benefit from a trim.
The gliding set -- a car and three different parts of a restaurant -- is fun. Huge family photos hanging from the ceiling are indistinct and shadowy, becoming clear only at the play's final moment.
One of the more poignant lines of the play is Warren's: "I wish my mom and dad could help me."
It's a tough realization of adulthood that we're on our own and can no longer lean on the parents we depended on so much.
"Four Places"
3 stars out of four
Location: Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Times: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. No evening show next Tuesday or Wednesday. Matinees 2 p.m. next Wednesday and April 30. Through May 4.
Running time: About 90 minutes, no intermission.
Parking: Discounted parking at Children's Memorial Hospital garage one block south, except weekday matinees.
Tickets: $20 to $45.
Box office: (773) 871-3000 and www.VictoryGardens.org.
Rating: Mature themes and some profanity