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

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

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

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

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

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

First Look - Reviews
Home›featured-blogs›First Look - Reviews›First Look review: Steppenwolf’s “The Fundamentals” provides a relatable look at the issues that come with moving up in the world

First Look review: Steppenwolf’s “The Fundamentals” provides a relatable look at the issues that come with moving up in the world

By TheRealChicagoOnline
November 25, 2016
1160
0
Share:

fundamentals_5

By Jina Bute

Playing at: Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Showtimes from Nov. 20 through Dec. 29. www.Steppenwolf.org

Basic storyline: We are first introduced to the young and ambitious Stellan, the new front desk clerk at one of New York’s luxury hotels. Upon her arrival, she meets Millie, the original candidate for the same position. Millie, a young mother and hotel housekeeper for many years, decides she wants to take a chance to leave behind the entry-level job she has always known. When the opportunity for a management position arises, Millie must prove she can put work first, even if it means burning bridges with those she cares about most.

What stood out: The Fundamentals successfully portrays the ups and downs of the hotel industry fundamentals_1through the satirical use of fundamental building blocks. One thing that stood out in particular was a darker perspective of hospitality: It is perfect for workers who hate people because you never have to build a personal relationship with someone. You give them what they want so they will be happy and go away.

Final thoughts: Whether trying to not take your job too seriously, attempting to actually enjoy going to work or fearing of getting too comfortable, The Fundamentals covers all three of these all-too-common employee states of mind. Regardless of your experience in the hotel industry, The Fundamentals gives something we can all relate to at some point in our working lives.

TagsChicago TheatreSteppenwolf TheatreThe Fundamentals
Previous Article

The Big City Blog: I like going ...

Next Article

Shop Around the Corner: Hip motorcycle apparel ...

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

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Disney’s “Newsies” is a stirring, high-energy performance

    August 1, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: “Southern Gothic” is a uniquely interactive theatrical experience at the Windy City Playhouse

    August 14, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Greenhouse Theater’s “Uncle Phillip’s Coat” is a brilliant one-man show that explores family, right of passage and ...

    December 5, 2016
    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 - Reviews

    First Look review: Griffin Theatre’s version of “Ragtime” is a seriously unserious story of race and class in turn-of-the-century America

    June 29, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Steppenwolf’s take on Orwell’s “1984” offers an intense vision of life under an oppressive government

    November 8, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    An ode to good beer: The welcome influx of Chicago craft breweries

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Doughnut delight: These sweet treats are popping up all over in Chicago

  • Around TownOldThe Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

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.