Steppenwolf Theatre’s First Look Repertory of New Work gave us our first look at The North Plan back in 2010, and I’d say most of us were delighted with what we saw. Jason Wells’s writing came across as sharp, dark political comedy. Kimberly Senior’s staging was crisp and fast.
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Now Theater Wit is giving The North Plan a straightforward professional run, and the question is whether that changes things. Does the show hold up when it’s no longer protected by the developmental bubble? Does it bear a second look?
The North Plan puts us in one of those Roland Emmerich-esque not-too-distant futures when the country is going to hell in a handbasket. Something awful has happened; we’re never told what, but it appears to be on the order of an Oklahoma City bombing or a 9/11. Or perhaps worse. A cabal within the federal government has seized control in response, setting up a “provisional government,” declaring martial law, and vowing to “restore order.” Checkpoints and curfews have been established. Tanks are fanning out across the interstate highway system.
Another difficulty: Tanya’s behavior. As stone-dumb as she is, she still needs a motive for the choices she makes, especially when they run counter to her interests and previous decisions. That motive isn’t communicated in Kate Buddeke‘s performance. Or at least it wasn’t on opening night, when her timing seemed terribly off. Buddeke is a fine actress, but the Tanya she’s put onstage doesn’t hint at an emotional life that could justify where she so abruptly ends up.
Through 3/31: Thu-Sat 8 PM, Sun 3 PM, Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, 773-975-8150, theaterwit.org, $18-$36.
