Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents MONSTER Review – Thought Provoking Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s world premiere adaptation of MONSTER stares the audience directly in the face. The story is gripping and the production is powerful.  It is quietly compelling and elicits personal examination.

MONSTER is Courtroom Drama with a Deeply Personal Layer

The story centers around a teenager on trial for felony murder. We watch the trial completely from his point of view and hear his thoughts as it unfolds. The relationship between the audience and the main character is what makes this play unique and memorable.

Steppenwolf For Young Adults Not Just for Kids

Despite the “Steppenwolf for Young Adults” label, this play is for everyone. The audience was a good mix of children and adults. The story resonates with each person. Our everyday perceptions influence our judgments and behavior. Age does not change that. This play is a nice reminder of that.

Great Actors in Multiple Roles

The small eight-person cast is stellar in each performance. Most actors play more than one part. This beautifully illustrates the theme of changing perceptions. Daniel Kyri’s portrayal of the boy on trial shows wisdom far beyond his age. Alana Arenas plays dual roles as the boy’s mother and the prosecutor. Her poise and subtle changes are striking. The success of the show depends largely on its cast, and this cast is superb.

Minimalist Towering Set

The simple yet massive walls of the set purposely engulf the story. The main character is small in this world. Set designer Joanna Iwanicka, creates a space that illustrates this point.

Since Steppenwolf will be touring this production to three Juvenile Justice Facilities, it would be interesting to see this production in that realistic setting.

Photos by: Michael Brosilow

RECOMMENDED

Top Pick For: Self Aware Thinkers
Not recommended for: Those looking for escapism

Note:  An except of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago.

When:

Public Performances:

February 18 at 3:00PM & 7:30PM
February 24 at 7:30PM
February 25 at 3:00PM
March 3 at 7:30PM
March 4 at 3:00PM

School Performances through March 9, 2017:

Tuesday through Thursday at 10:00AM

*reserved for school groups only

Where:

Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 N. Halsted, Chicago

Tickets:

Public Performances:
Full Price: $20
Students: $15
Available for Public Performances:

Online at www.steppenwolf.org

By phone at 312-335-1650

Available for School Performances:

Contact Molly Layton at 312-932-2422