See This: Caffeine Theatre’s Under Milk Wood

By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 3, 2009 3:20PM

We may regret admitting this, but there are some nights when we just don’t want to go to the theatre. We’re moody, we’re tired, it’s gross outside, but some very nice person has arranged for us to see his or her company’s play, and we know we have to go. We try very hard to leave our grumpiness at the door, but it doesn’t always work. These were the conditions under which we attended the opening of Under Milk Wood - the fact that we left charmed, uplifted and impressed is a testament to the strength of Caffeine Theatre’s production.

Penned by Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood is a 90 minute glimpse into the dreaming and waking lives of the residents of fictional Welsh town Llareggub. Originally performed as a radio play in 1954 before being adapted for the stage and then for film in 1972, the script includes a large amount of narration - albeit melodic and linguistically dexterous narration - and 47 different characters, portrayed by just nine actors. It seems pretty easy for it to be an awkward, unexciting mess. Fortunately, Paul S. Holmquist’s production gets it exactly right.

Ian Zywica’s multi-level set gives the actors lots of playing options. Small adjustments in Ruthann Swanson’s clever costumes are useful visual aids as the cast switches between each of their roles - not to imply a reliance on wardrobe. Charged with carving out between three and six characters each, the ensemble creates memorable and clearly drawn personas. Although comprehension is occasionally impeded by an overzealous accent, the actors savor every word of the script, making sure the audience absorbs the impact of a world created almost solely by poetry. Sharing narrative duties helps the cast keep an energetic pace and logical flow to the piece.

The clarity with which the actors bring their roles to life allows for poignant scenes to exist right beside hilarious ones. We tried to pick out a performance or two to highlight, but truthfully every actor has great moments. Kaitlin Byrd, Charles Filipov, Dan Granata, Jacqui Jackson, Elise Kauzlaric, Callie Munson, Paul Myers, Kate Nawrocki and Dave Skvarla make a fantastic ensemble. Go see for yourself.

Under Milk Wood, through Sept 27. Caffeine Theatre at Chicago DCA’s Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph. Tickets $16-$20, 312-742-8497.