The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

First Look - Reviews
Home›featured-blogs›First Look - Reviews›First Look review: “Completeness” at Theater Wit

First Look review: “Completeness” at Theater Wit

By TheRealChicagoOnline
March 17, 2013
1390
0
Share:

A subtly brilliant performance about life, love and unabashed honesty

By Corey O’Day

Playing at: Theater Wit
1229 W. Belmont Ave.
www.TheaterWit.org

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., through May 4.

History: This is the Midwest premiere of the intellectual romantic comedy Completeness, written by Itamar Moses and directed by Jeremy Wechsler. Moses has taught playwriting at both Yale and NYU and is the author of several other full-length plays, including The Four of Us, which also debuted under the direction of Jeremy Wechsler at Theater Wit. Completeness has proven so successful that it was recently extended for another six weeks and will run at Theater Wit through May 4.

Basic storyline: Two grad students agree to collaborate across departments and find themselves sharing more than just their research. They attempt to wrap their minds around what love is as they traverse the highs and lows of relationships.

What to expect: A heady but accessible show about life, love and unabashed honesty. It often feels more like eavesdropping than watching a theatrical performance. In that vein, you should also expect some nudity. It is the willingness of the characters to be bravely and unashamedly open with each other — and the audience — that enables this story to ring so true. The incredibly versatile set, which is both sparse and modern, combines with the creative light and sound design to complement the tone of the story perfectly.

What Stood Out: The phenomenal writing of Itamar Moses. His script is packed with mathematical and scientific jargon but never feels unattainably dense. The dialogue is laced with subtle aphorisms and questions of the human condition that intimately connect the audience to the story. This connection is further fostered by the passionate performance of the four-person ensemble. Matt Holzfeind is particularly captivating in his authentic and understated portrayal of Elliot, an intensely cerebral computer science grad student faced with weighing love and logic.

Final Thoughts: While Completeness is funny and awkward, it is also subtly brilliant and stealthily emotional. You care for the characters almost immediately, and ultimately see yourself in each of them. The ability of Completeness to strike such a resounding chord of solidarity makes it a must-see.

 

TagsCompletenessCorey O'DayItamar MosesJeremy WechslerMatt HolzfeindThe Four of UsTheater Wit
Previous Article

We Ask, They Answer: Q&A with Second ...

Next Article

Doughnut delight: These sweet treats are popping ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles

    Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

    July 11, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Shattered Globe Theatre expertly handles the comedic and emotional balance of Tennessee Williams’ “The Rose Tattoo”

    February 1, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Hidden Gems

    Chicago’s hidden gems: New England Seafood Company, Big G’s Pizza and the Holiday Club’s ’90s night

    October 15, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Shattered Globe’s “For Peter Pan on her 70th birthday” is a fun reminder that you can always ...

    April 27, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - ReviewsOld

    First Look Review: Slowgirl at Steppenwolf Theatre

    July 28, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Garfield Park Conservatory: Enjoy a peaceful break from this Chicago winter madness

    March 5, 2014
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around Town

    Summer fun with the family

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Funny people: Five spots to enjoy some classic Chicago comedy

  • Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles

    Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login