Fabrizio O. Almeida

Do certain professions, like politician and lawyer, adhere themselves to moral bankruptcy? Before you answer, playwright Julian Sheppard would like to add car salesman to the list. In the opening scene to "Buicks," the engrossing new drama from Precious Mettle Theatre, the cynical character of Bill Eberline--a worthy theatrical cousin to Mamet's testosterone-fueled salesmen of "Glengarry Glen Ross"--preys upon his car-buying clientele's insecurities in order to "close the deal," all the while painfully aware of his own neuroses that have made him a lousy father, husband and son. But the scene, both brutal and funny in its honesty, is just a starting point for a play that over the next two hours will detour into several more psychologically and verbally rich explorations. Actor David Parkes is utterly compelling as the alpha male relegated to beta status once his wife and kids abandon him, as is Liza Fernandez as Naranja, his Mexican receptionist who unwittingly breaks through his forced machismo on their cross-country jaunt to find Bill's family. Ultimately, whichever ride you allow "Buicks" to take you on--Bill's psychological journey to reclaim an identity or Naranja's emotional one to find one--the final destination will be a deeply satisfying conclusion to a stirring night of theater.

"Buicks" plays at The Side Studio, 1520 West Jarvis, (773)989-0760, through Aug 28. (2005-08-09)

Also by Fabrizio O. Almeida

Tip of the Week
Take two sets of jealous lovers, infuse them with the libidinous sensuality and predatory cunning of the bed-hopping conspirators from "Dangerous Liaisons" and place them at the corrupted heart of a story involving jazz, sex and violence and you have "The Wild Party"
(2005-07-26)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment