“Marble” At The Dream

By Wes Hessel with Flo Mano

Could a vivid dream become reality? Irish playwright Marina Carr’s existential play “Marble” had it’s Chicago premiere at The Gift Theater. Kay Martinovich’s direction balances the psychological depth and dark humor of two affluent couples lives disrupted by subconscious, surreal obsession, unraveling their mundane existence and moral compass. The play unveils like a Greek tragedy.

Artistic Director Brittany Burch is Catherine, married to Ben (John Gawlik). Ben comes home and tells her about his friend Art’s (Paul D’Addario) dream of a marble shiny bedroom where he was involved with her. To his surprise, Catherine is fascinated, telling him she had the same dream, disturbing Ben. This is the first of a few dreams shared between them; Catherine tries to discuss this with Art’s wife Anne (Cyd Bakewell)…

The actors are impeccable, crème de la crème; the set design by Marje Veski, despite being in the King’s Hall at the elaborate Copernicus Center, is intimate. Diane D. Fairchild’s lighting adds to the atmosphere, as does the sound design by Daniel Poppen, and the decanter, glasses, books, and flower props by Spencer Diaz Tootle.

The production runs on many levels, very thought provoking, and well written – highly recommend quality theater. “Marble” runs only until August 30th, so please see thegifttheatre.org for tickets or more information.

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