Playwright: Brett Neveu. At: Writer's Theatre, 523 Tudor, Glencoe. Phone: 847-242-6000; $45-$65. Runs through: March 20
Tucked away in the quaint little suburb of Glencoe, Ill., Do The Hustle is a world premiere about a team of grifters ready to turn the town upside down. This hustle is not the Van McCoy song from the '70s but refers to hustling the unsuspecting bystanderthis time by a father-and-son con artist duo. (Note: Notice the T is capitalized? The author says because he liked the way it looked but also could be emphasizing "the Hustle.")
Sam (Patrick Andrews) and Eddie Sisson (Francis Guinan) play the dysfunctional relatives that never trust the outside world or each other. The actors are not strangers in real life having performed in the past with the production American Buffalo together at the Steppenwolf Theatre. Patrick tends to fall back on that angst-ridden character in this show also although he shines when he relaxes to play off Writers' Theatre veteran Karen Janes Woditsch in later scenes. Karen and Joe Minoso stand out playing multiple characters getting hustled throughout the hour and a half show. One local sitting next to me said they hardly recognized Joe in the various cameo roles he played.
It was a wise choice by the director Michael Halberstam to keep things simple and gritty. The set, sound and lighting work nicely in the cozy space as the swindlers feel the rush of constantly cheating people out of their money. The cast members are strong while bringing a charm and realness to the script that is enjoyable to watch what will happen next.
Ever been hustled with the shell game? That is how these guys work with a duo that can fool even the smartest of victims. By the end of the show it is so much to watch the twists and turns that the plot brings. The drama is full of surprises as it comes to a head for the final scam. No one likes to feel robbed of money or time and, lucky for the audience, that doesn't happen with Do The Hustle.