Thanks For Listening

Yesterday the skies around Chicago seemed a little darker, and the stars seemed a little dimmer. The Chicago theatre community lost one of its own. After a long battle with cancer, Steppenwolf ensemble member John Mahoney passed away. 

Like so many others, John not only shared his gifts with Chicago, but the world. He will be best remembered as curmudgeonly Marin Crane on “Frasier” John also had memorable roles in the movies Say Anything, American President, Reality Bites, and Moonstruck. He earned a Tony for his role on Broadway in House of the Blue Leaves. 

Surprisingly, Mahoney was born in England. Following World war 2, He was sponsored by his sister. He arrived in Chicago and fell in love with the city. He hated the Hollywood scene and chose instead to stay in Oak Park. After doing “Orphans” his star started to rise. With the recommendation of Gary Sinise and John Malkovich, John was made a member of the world famous Steppenwolf Theatre Company. 

Ironically, John guest starred in the final season of “Cheers” and had a conversation with his future son. Warren Littlefield gave Mahoney the part of Martin Crane without an audition. The show was one of his proudest achievements. Some of his Frasier cast tweeted their memories and condolences. Steppenwolf also cancelled and opening night performance tonight in honor of their colleague and friend. 

We had the privilege to see John on stage. He was mesmerizing as he was on TV and could put the audience right into his world.  When he was in “The Herd” you could see him being as charming as he was on “Frasier “ We met him at The Hugo Awards a few years back, he was absolutely charming and cordial. We will always treasure that memory, John will certainly be missed. 

Family Is A Universal Theme in “The Herd”

No one has a perfect family. There is no such thing. Every family, has their secrets and skeletons. Steppenwolf’s latest production “The Herd.” proves that. British playwright, Rory Kinnear explores the dynamics and emotions of a middle class British family. This is the US Premiere of the dark comedy and it seems to translate well to American audiences. Ensemble member , Frank Galati utilizes his stage and actors well as the director of the production. Bravo to Galati for using such favorites as Francis Guinan and John Mahoney in the roles of Ian and Brian. Mahoney is always such a delight to watch on stage . He always comes across as charming and in this play it is no exception. “Brian” is the voice of reason in the play and he is the lone person to bring “Ian” back to his senses. Francis Guinan takes the role of the father who left and makes the audience pity him as well as shame him. Ian feels pushed away from his family and that was the reason he left. As per usual , Carol ,( played brilliantly by Molly Regan) puts herself last and tries to make everything perfect for her son, who has been sick most of his life and is her reason for living. She has been slowly dying herself and everyone recognizes that , except her. Her mother, Patricia, (played by Lois Smith) worries about her the most. Smith adds a comical take to the serious tone of the piece. Her disdain for her former son in law rivals classic mother in law’s like Endora/Darrin and Sophia/Stanley.. In  “Ian” ‘s case the hatred seems to be justified. Alas, he just couldn’t take anymore and leaves to start another family. There is just one problem, there was another child besides Andy and that was his sister ,played by Audrey Francis. Claire is an angry woman with a secret of her own. She has tried to love again , despite feeling that everyone has seemed to abandon her. She has tried to pull her own mess of a life together with her poet boyfriend, Mark. (played by Cliff Chamberlain) . Mark is a reluctant participant to this mess of a family. It was only supposed to be a simple 21st birthday , but it turned into a Shakesperean drama. Mark seems to go with the flow and actually encourages the family to possibly forgive “Ian” and tear down some walls as well. The playwright embraces language in this play and this is obvious with Mark’s  poetry and numerous mentions of the “Bard” . A special treat was John Mahoney quoting Shakespeare  “The Herd” is  a roller coaster ride of emotions that will touch your heart. Special notice should also go to Walt Spangler for his gorgeous scene design and use of art work. It enhanced the production.

“The Herd” runs through June 7 at Steppenwolf  Downstairs Theatre. Tickets are 20-86 dollars and are on sale through audiences services at 312-335-1650 and at steppenwolf.org.

Huck Spills the Beans

Gladiators wow what a week it’s been. I got a special treat at the beginning of it. I got the pleasure of meeting one of the “gladiators” . At a luncheon for Steppenwolf Theatre, I met our “Chief of Staff” that’s right, I got the distinct pleasure of a brief chat with Jeff Perry. I can’t tell you how cool it was to be standing next to the man who has the pulse of President Grant. What was even cooler was that during live tweet tonight, Jeff retweeted my tweet. So for all you good gladiators , just wait you will get your chance.

Oh Liv! what is it going to take to make you realize that you have the best man of all? Marla Gibbs returned tonight as Olivia tried to help her find her friend that was killed to cover up her kidnapping. It turns out that the two were more than friends, they were lovers. Hearing the woman telling the story of her love and waiting for the woman she loved, Olivia had some flashbacks. With the exception of one Jake scene, her mind flashed back to the man she loves. But alas , still no Olitz. Shonda we’re waiting and we are not the only ones. I had to laugh when Fitz screamed “The President doesn’t beg.” Oh yeah, well after that little scene , they showed that Congress had approved Susan Ross and then she was being swore in as VP .  We know who Fitz listens to….

But the gladiators have been busy too. Jake seems to be still hanging around OPA. Huck’s wife has brought the B613 files forward and Huck had to testify about its existence . It resulted in one of Guillermo Diaz’s best performances ever. It looks like Kim is happy and wants Huck back into her and Javi’s life. But does this mean the end of Huckleberry Quinn? Abby has shown Leo who has the power and he likes it.

Lena Dunham of “Girls” comes to visit on next week’s show . She is the First Lady’s sis and she is writing a tell all book on sis, her brother in law and all the goings on in the White House. Will she really spill all the beans about all the affairs in the Capitol?

We found out tonight that Huck ‘s real name is Diego Munoz? Are the gladiators safe or is his testimony going to kill them all?{ Guillermo Diaz, Scott Foley, and Joshua Malina }

After hearing Rose going on about her love for Lois and how she waited twenty years for it, Olivia sits down and ponders her own situation.

Much More than Jackie – a pictorial tribute to Steppenwolf’s Laurie Metcalf

This year’s Women in the Arts honoree is the versatile and talented Laurie Metcalf. Most people will remember her as “Roseanne’s ” sister Jackie on the 90’s sitcom. But Laurie’s acting career started long before that . As a member of the original ensemble at the Steppenwolf Theatre , Laurie found her place on the stage. She also found love with her first husband, Steppenwolf founder , Jeff Perry.

 

This picture was taken today at the Steppenwolf Women of the Arts luncheon. Laurie was introduced by her former husband, Jeff. Today, Jeff is one of the stars of the ABC hit “Scandal.

Here is another one of the founder’s of Steppenwolf , Gary Sinise, of the former CBS series “CSI New York.” in a production of “Balm of Gilead’ by Lanford Wilson.  Laurie won critical acclaim for her role as “Darlene.”

Laurie was also in the now classic “Desperately Seeking Susan” with Madonna. Here she is with Mark Blume. She played the sister in law  to Roseanne Arquette.

But the role that brought fame to Laurie was as the sister to Roseanne Connor on the show “Roseanne” Laurie was the beleaguered sister , Jackie  This is where Laurie met her second husband  and won three Emmy Awards .

Laurie played a killer in the Wes Craven franchise ‘s “Scream 2” She was the mother of Billy Loomis’ who was killed in the first movie.

Laurie lent her voice to the cartoon”Toy Story” as the mother.

She also appeared as the first wife and children’s host “Nanny G” on “Frasier” and “Cheers.”Here she is with her hubby , Kelsey Grammer

Once again Laurie carried a gun on “Desperate Housewives”She held a supermarket hostage.

Here is Laurie in her role of Susie Cox in Oliver Stone’s “JFK”

Here is Laurie with her daughter on their opening night . Laurie is very proud of her daughter, Zoe Perry and her career.

Laurie also appeared on “Grey’s Anatomy” as a mother who was preparing her daughter for her impending death

Here is one of my favorite roles of Laurie’s . She has a semi regular role on “The Big Bang Theory ” as Mary Cooper, Sheldon’s Texas born again Christian mother.

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Laurie when she did “Detroit”at Steppenwolf. I remember being awed at her talent in theatre after seeing her for years on television and movies.

Currently she is appearing in the HBO series “Getting On” with “Family Guy’s” Alex Borstein. She plays repressed Dr. Jenna James

Whatever is in her future, we will keep on watching this inspiring and talented actress. Chitownstarconnections is proud of this Chicago gal