William Scott

Steep Theater's "Breathing Corpses" belongs to the women of the tight ensemble this company has created. Be sure that the men involved are unfailingly spot on, but I am taken with the women. Laura Wade's script is funny and frightening. Unwitting characters stumble upon dead bodies and become the corpses themselves of scenes to follow in the time-bending chronology. The work unfolds as a well-crafted psychological thriller. Chicago is lucky this heralded writer from across the pond has come at last. Robin Witt's nimble and often quiet treatment of the material feels just right. She has a steady hand, but just as any great director she seems to barely touch the material, letting the story of death and violence unfold like real life. Julia Siple, Franette Liebow and Lucy Carapetyan anchor the show with honest portrayals of large characters. They embody their roles with specificity and dynamism. The show flies by leaving you hungry for more.

"Breathing Corpses" runs at Steep Theater, 3902 North Sheridan, (312)458-0722, through March 22. (2008-02-26)

Also by William Scott

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"It feels pretty lucky to have friendships with people you are star-struck by," says Links Hall artistic associate Kate Sheehy. Throughout the month of January she is ready to celebrate those creative minds by curating a loony little festival aptly titled "Method to Madness."
(2008-01-08)

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Tip of the Week
(2007-11-13)

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