The WNEP Theater brings The (edward) Hopper Project to Life

The WNEP Theater, in association with the Chicago DCA Theater, presents the world premier of The (edward) Hopper Project.  The (edward) Hopper Project, written collaboratively by WNEP  members as well as local Chicago playwrights and directed by Don Hall, runs at the DCA's Storefront Theatre on 66 E. Randolph Street until February 21.  In The (edward) Hopper Project, the WNEP Theater brings to life a mosaic of characters inspired by the paintings of American artist Edward Hopper.  In a series of vignettes, seventeen actors follow Hopper's New York from dawn to dusk in a unique celebration of a city that (from a native New Yorker's point of view) is often darkly comic.

Kudos should first be given to the Chicago DCA for bringing attention to the unique works of local theater companies, such as the WNEP Theater.  The DCA is doing a superb job in showing the public the innovative work coming out of our city.  (Folks, there's a reason why Broadway is becoming a second home to many ChicaGo Productions.)  Special note should also be given to the WNEP Theater for taking on the challenge of bringing attention to the works of this iconic American artist, an artist who unfortunately to most of my generation is solely known for the numerous parodies of his painting "Nighthawks."

While watching a show which was written by nine different writers with nine different aesthetics, you are bound to have some misses and this show has its fair share of them.  Being from a family with deep New York roots, there were several vignettes I found completely unrealistic.  These folks are my grandparents, my aunts, my uncles, my parents.  No way on God's green earth would they behave in similar fashion to some of these characters.  The scenes that missed fell flat on all levels, from the writing to the acting to the direction.

However, with those misses came some incredible hits. There were several standouts, one of which was Amanda Rountree (Sheila).  Her storyline was about a series of missed connections with a handsome boy.  What set her storyline apart from others was that it was done predominately in complete silence.  By allowing her to work in silence, Ms. Rountree's comedic talents blossomed.  It would not be an exaggeration to say that she conveyed the charm of film icon Mary Pickford.  (Yes, I know Pickford is the wrong era but both ladies worked silently.)  Another standout was Joe Janes (Eddie).    Mr. Janes can play with the rhythm of words better than most in Chicago, and in this production, he conveyed a mid-20^th century cool.  He's what you hope your grandfather was (you know, before he became your grandfather.)  In fact, if anything, I would make the argument that he was underused in the piece.

The scene stealer of the show would have to be Vinnie Lacey (Tommy).  Tommy's objective is to save his precious birds from the air riffle of a psychotic neighbor.  (I'm not going to tell you what happens because if you don't see it coming, it's even funnier.)  His storyline by far was the strongest for me.  It was charming, well-directed and the most energetic piece in the show.  Mr. Lacey, within this well laid out world, is allowed to do what he does best.  His work was sympathetic and blue-collar.  For me, Mr. Lacey succeed best in capturing what's best about New York and the works of Edward Hopper.  As much as I hoped for my grandfather to be as cool as Joe Janes, he was probably a little closer in line to Vinnie Lacey and I'm totally ok with that.

The (edward) Hopper Project is aesthetically a beautiful production and the stronger parts of this show are enough of a reason to check it out.  If anything, you should check this production out purely for the challenge they took on.  If you do, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.  Tickets are on sale now at 312-742-8497 or at www.dcatheater.org.