As a theater reviewer, I often have to attend "little" shows—storefront theaters, upstart companies—essentially the opposite of the downtown "Broadway in Chicago" milieu that, unfortunately or not, is what many people think of when they think of theater here. And, as a reviewer, one of my most fervent wishes is that when I see one of those small, micro-budget productions is that I will see some magic, that I will make a discovery that I can share with my readers. Sadly, such discoveries almost never happen.
But on Friday night, at the opening of Steep Theatre Company's production of Howard Korder's Search and Destroy, I may have made just such a discovery. This is Steep's second production, and if Search and Destroy is any indication of what this talented ensemble can do, then audiences in Chicago have much to look forward to. From Josh Polster's adept, sure-handed direction to the on-target performances of the cast, this is a company poised to make its mark on the Chicago theater scene.
The first step to producing something good, for any theater company, is having the taste to select a good script. Howard Korder's Search and Destroy is a fascinating blend of cynicism, dark humor, and whip smart dialogue. It also doesn't hurt that Korder knows how to craft a good story, one that can keep an audience enthralled until the very end. Search and Destroy tells the story of Martin Mirkheim, a down-on-his-luck dreamer who's in deep debt and wants to produce a movie of a book by Dr. Waxling, a late-night self-help guru, sort of a poor man's L. Ron Hubbard. Martin's misguided attempts to secure the rights to Waxling's book lead him on a downward spiral that includes drug dealing, sex, lies, murder and finally, a kind-of curious empowerment.
As Martin, Peter Moore gives an engaging, credible performance, his everyman features perfectly reflecting Martin's fall from grace and his eventual coup near the end of the play. Moore makes his Martin someone who could be any of us, if pushed far enough, and that's what makes the character, and his portrayal, so gripping. As Kim, Martin's suave businessman partner, Sergi Bosch also gives a solid performance, giving us a horrid view just beneath a polished exterior of a completely amoral monster. Alex Gualino and Amy Johnson ( carrying the weight of very different dual roles on both of their shoulders ) are also worth of mention—and of praise.
Here's hoping that Steep Theatre Company can continue the tradition of excellence, style and daring they display with Search and Destroy. Although the company isn't at the level of a Steppenwolf or a Goodman ( where its members trained ) , it shows tremendous promise. My advice: see them while you can for the bargain price of 12 bucks.
