Superior Donuts Brings A Taste Of Uptown To Royal George Theatre
By Melody Udell in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 7, 2012 7:40PM
Preston Tate, Jr. (left) as Franco and Richard Cotovsky as Arthur in Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company's Superior Donuts.
Unlikely friends. Culture clash. Mom ‘n pop shops versus corporate chains… The themes are familiar, but playwright and former Chicago resident Tracy Letts still manages to make his good-natured if somewhat predictable comedy into a likeable piece of theater. While Superior Donuts isn’t an emotional heavyweight like Letts’ Tony-winning work August: Osage County, there are some very real moments in the show. Each character is familiar and relatable without becoming an archetype, and Letts shows off what he does best — letting character development drive the play instead of plot devices. And at curtain call, you’ll be glad he did.
Superior Donuts is a crumbling doughnut shop in Uptown run by Arthur, a second-generation Polish immigrant with a penchant for closing shop and lighting up in the back room. In walks Franco, a fast-talking, well-meaning black kid who needs a job — and with a troubled history he can’t shake. But Franco is a dreamer, clashing with Arthur when he spouts off whacky ways to drum up business. Played by Richard Cotovsky (Arthur) and Preston Tate, Jr. (Franco), the two have a believable, well-polished chemistry. Both are talented and well-suited to his role, but it’s the cast of ensemble characters that make the biggest impression. Paige Smith brings a welcome complexity to Max, a well-meaning yet imprudent Russian business owner vying to buy Superior Donuts. Although his motives aren’t in the right spot, his allegiance always is, and we find ourselves rooting for him when he steps in to help Arthur. Similarily, Millie Hurley, playing a rough-around-the-edges Chicago cop, brings a friendly warmth to a character that could easily fall into stereotype.
The show fits perfectly on the small, basement-like studio space at the Royal George Theatre, and with sound effects from the red line and references to local institutions, the play feels homey and familiar. Superior Donuts is truly funny, gliding by easily on tame culture-clash jokes and character quirks. You may not leave pondering the show’s larger significance, but a snapshot of relatable locals certainly makes for a fascinating and entertaining night of Chicago theater.
Through Sunday, Nov. 25, Royal George Cabaret Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted, $50, 312-988-9000 or online.