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: Steppenwolf’s “Monster” is an emotional performance that tackles the perceptions of African Americans in the judicial system

First Look review: Steppenwolf’s “Monster” is an emotional performance that tackles the perceptions of African Americans in the judicial system

By TheRealChicagoOnline
February 26, 2017
1394
0
Share:

By Zak Buczinsky

Playing at: The Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, through March 9. www.Steppenwolf.org

Basic storyline: Adapted from Walter Dean Myer’s award-winning novel, Monster discusses society’s perception of African Americans who find themselves caught in the judicial system. Steve Harmon is a 16-year-old student with dreams of filmmaking who is accused of participating in a robbery turned murder. Steve tells his story through an imagined screenplay that he uses to face an unfamiliar vision of himself as the monster that the prosecution declares him to be.

What stood out: As a live performance adapted from a novel — and imagined as a screenplay — the use of media in this show was both thought-provoking and tear-inducing. The nearly hyperbolic use of lighting and blocking mixed with the visual experience of watching the main character’s screenplay unfold created a deeply emotional performance. Although at times the show teetered on the edge of being heavy-handed, there was enough brief humor and warmth to maintain an even tone.

However, it was ultimately the lead actor, Daniel Kyri, who stole the show. From the opening line, Kryi’s performance as Steve Harmon was not only believable, but also deeply relatable. Kryi’s character is a terrified teenager who exhibits both an everyday bravery and a confused innocence. Harmon isn’t only the face of African Americans stuck in the prison system, but also the face of youth that would be difficult not to see oneself in.

Final thoughts: The story of Harmon’s fight against the judicial system is an important one to tell in today’s political climate. The performance inspires empathy and presents a new and fascinating look at the American justice system. For a smart and relevant theatre experience, Monster is a must see.

TagsDaniel KyriMonsterSteppenwolf TheatreSteve HarmonThe Real Chicago
Previous Article

Chicago Insider: Katie Schmits on Kuma’s Corner, ...

Next Article

First Look review: Reinventing the traditional mime ...

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

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • My Chicago

    My Chicago: What is the best restaurant you’ve been to recently?

    February 10, 2014
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Signature Dishes

    Chicago’s Signature Dishes: The lunch buffet and tandoori chicken at India House

    March 28, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    The tastes of summer: We’ve got a few favorite spots to eat and drink outdoors in Chicago

    July 3, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • We Ask, They Answer

    We Ask, They Answer: Q&A with Robyn Lynne Norris on her hit show #DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment, back for a ...

    October 5, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Signature Dishes

    Chicago’s Signature Dishes: The meatball sandwich and “Smang It” burger at Temple Bar

    June 8, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Shoreline Sightseeing: The popular and experienced tour company knows plenty about showcasing the best of Chicago’s waterways

    July 16, 2019
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    You can always have Paris: Breaking down Chicago’s French restaurant revolution

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Drinks by the lake: Exploring some of Chicago’s best beach bars

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Southport shopping spree: Plenty of unique stores on this quaint street

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