Mamet's 'Glengarry Glen Ross' mirrors today's job worries

"Glengarry Glen Ross" is a story about ruthless men running a shady operation, ready and willing to do anything to save their careers, even at the cost of others.

Sound familiar?

David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize winning play opens at 8 p.m. Friday at the Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles.

Although first performed almost 30 years ago, this dark comedy features contemporary themes for today's audience.

"The show couldn't be more timely," said Patrick Able of Geneva, who plays down-on-his-luck George Aaronow. "The characters are worried about losing their jobs and are dealing with a desperate situation. It's very relatable."

Focusing on a group of seven salesmen, "Glengarry Glen Ross" uses quick, often mature language to convey the stress and drama found in a competitive workplace during an uneasy time. The men are under pressure to either make a sale or pick up a pink slip.

"You may feel sorry for them, but these are not good guys," said Sean Hargadon of Elgin, who plays office manager John Williams. "For them, the con is always on."

The sales team resorts to lies, bribes, and burglary to get ahead, but while unemployment may be a sensitive subject for many, the play manages to cast it in a humorous light.

"It's a very funny show," Hargadon assured. "There's a lot of male machismo and verbal dexterity."

Steel Beam Theatre puts on about six productions a year, alternating between musicals and plays, classics and more artistic fare. Still, the emotionally intensity and strong language of "Glengarry Glen Ross" made it a bit of a risky choice.

"There was some concern when we were discussing selections; this show certainly isn't 'Guys and Dolls,'" said director Aaron Thomann, who also sits on the theater's board of directors. "But there was also so much excitement surrounding it, we decided to just do it."

The enthusiasm for the show was felt by many. An exceptional turnout at auditions proved how many actors were looking to test their dramatic chops with the fast-paced dialogue and intricate story line.

"There aren't a lot of roles with depth for older guys," Able said. "A lot of times you get cast as 'the dad.' But this role is challenging and I'm proud of the work we've done."

Thomann agrees. "It's a very hard show that not every actor can handle. We have a very talented cast."

That's a sales pitch that can't miss.

The cast includes Geneva residents Able and Ed Pierce, Hargadon, Jim Pierce of South Elgin, David Prentiss of St. Charles, Richard Culliton of New York and Trevor Luce of Chicago.

"Glengarry Glen Ross" opens Friday, April 10 and runs through May 3 at the Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students. Reservations can be made online at www.steelbeamtheatre.com or by phone at (630) 587-8521.

If you go

What: David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross"

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, April 10 - May 3

Where: Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles

Tickets: $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students Reservations: Online at steelbeamtheatre.com or by phone at (630) 587-8521