|
The Ruby Sunrise
Chicago Free Press
July 2009
BY BRIAN KIRST
Echoing a time when television meant hope and unity as opposed to reality show hysterics, The Gift Theatre's "The Ruby Sunrise" is a sweet, visionary surprise. With a plot that encompasses everything from the rudimentary attempts at televised broadcasting to the blacklisting of the early 1950's, "The Ruby Sunrise" quickly reveals itself to be akin to Walter Cronkite profundity as opposed to Jon Gosselin stupidity and Chicago theatre audiences are all the better for it.
Hopping from the 1920's tale of farm girl, Ruby, who is determined to invent the first television to a 1950's studio in New York where Ruby's daughter, Lulu, attempts to bring her story to life in a teleplay, Rinne Groff's adventurous script is rife with potent humor and touching truths. Utilizing the painful realities of daily living, Groof ultimately beautifully illustrates how well thought out compromise (not righteous bullheadedness) is often the key to success.
Director John Gawlik keeps all of Groff's story threads humming with electric clarity and palpable passion. He is aided by his incredible scenic team (including Ian Zywica, Liviu Pasare and Hang Thuy Le) who imaginitively create a quiet farmhouse and a bustling television studio in one small space.
A beautiful cast headed by Brenda Barrie, Maura Kidwell (a revelation in the second act), Michael Patrick Thornton and Patrick De Nicola (both youthfully eager and emotionally precise), leads us further into Groff's complicated imaginings. They are all bouyed by the heartache and humor provided by the exquisite Alexandra Main's characterizations of a lonely spinster and diva actress, making "The Ruby Sunrise" smart, vital and essentially feministic viewing.
|
|
|
