Mesmerizing comic timing in Illinois Theatre Center’s ‘Heroes’
By Betty Mohr Theater Review/bettybmohr@aol.com November 2, 2011 3:00PM
David Perkovich (from left) not only acts but also directs "Heroes," which also features Jack Hickey and Michael LaGue.
‘HEROES’
♦ Through Nov. 13
♦ Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays and
2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays
♦ Illinois Theatre Center,
371 Artists Walk, Park Forest
♦ Tickets, $22 on Fridays and Saturdays and $20 at all other times
♦ (708) 481-3510; ilthctr.org
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It’s an absurdist comedy, but there’s no slamming of doors, no fisticuffs and no screaming in the enchanting revival of “Heroes” now playing at Illinois Theatre Center.
That’s because underneath its joke-strewn surface the show offers gentle wisdom and the touching importance of friendship.
The play, originally a French work titled “Le Vent des Peupliers” (The Wind in the Poplars), was written in 2002 by Gerard Sibleyras and adapted in 2005 by witty wordsmith Tom Stoppard.
Set in August 1959, the action takes place on a terrace in the garden of an old soldier’s home in France where a trio of men deal with the losses that come with the golden years.
Because “Heroes” is a subtle piece of comedy, the show rises and falls on the performances of its ensemble. Fortunately, the show stands out with the three actors who deliver flawless portrayals of mesmerizing comic timing.
With a commanding voice and an iron-rod posture, Jack Hickey deftly captures the military bearing of Gustave, the character he inhabits so well. Hickey also does a superb job of projecting Gustave’s vulnerability, especially since the old military leader is now afraid to go into the world.
Michael LaGue is terrific as Philippe, the soldier who suffers from blackouts from which he comes around shouting, “Get them from the rear, Captain!” Illustrating how old age brings about a decline in the powers he once took for granted, Philippe talks about his ability to play the piano to which Gustave says:
“Passing out every few minutes may be a bit of a drawback for a concert pianist.”
In the third slot, there’s David Perkovich who delivers a compelling portrait of Henri, the down-to-earth, practical one whose realistic observations are a hoot. Perkovich who was riveting in previous ITC productions such as “Oleanna” and “Copenhagen” is always a treat.
Whenever audiences see his name on the playbill, they can be assured of the production’s excellence.
The story begins as Gustave comes up with plans for the men to visit Indochina. But it’s too much of a stretch for their strength and stamina. Henri suggests a picnic, but that’s not enough of a stretch. So the men finally agree on a trip to a nearby small hill by a grove of trees that involves a river crossing.
Watching the men prepare for the crossing is an improvisational high point of the show.
If one considers that comedy is so much more difficult to pull off than serious drama, the understated, masterful performances by Hickey, LaGue and Perkovich are as fine as ITC has ever presented.
One hopes that Etel Billig, ITC’s artistic director, will soon find another vehicle in which to bring this exemplary acting team together again.
“Heroes” is the kind of charming play that will have you laughing throughout the show and thinking about it long after the lights of the theater go down.
Betty Mohr is a local free-lance writer.
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