Steadstyle Chicago
	November 2009 Theatre Review by Nicholas Ryan Lamb
	Sex In 1910 the Gunder Mansion was built and throughout the last 10 years has opened its doors to performances and classes.  This was not my first time in this space so I was excited to see what was to unfold.  As most turn of the century architecture in Chicago, the mansion still holds its beauty and strength, making this the perfect location for this Mae West script.  The story comedically brings us through the life of the renowned prostitute Margy LaMont and her desire and strength to go clean.  Her “business travels” take her to Trinidad where she meets Jimmy Stanton.  Quite the opposite of her, this leads us on a hysterical ride of undesirable encounters and plot twists. “Sex” is an enviable romp through the tantalizing underworld.  Being a big fan of “moving theatre”, this use of room changes was fantastic.  It doesn’t, unfortunately, allow for too many patrons but the upside is that it creates the intimacy that the show requires.  I was pleased, walking into each room, that more than just the given lighting was used.  A common occurrence when taking an audience from scene to scene is that the actors can lose energy quickly but due to the actors knowing their characters and their needs this did not happen.  Those that stood out for me were Jes Bedwinek (Margy), Rebecca Mauldin (Agnes), Anne Smith (Clara), and Tinuade Oyelowo (Red/Prostitute).  The way that these actresses kept the show’s pace and timing going was outstanding.  They each knew how to take the stage and own it but also give to each other and share the situation. One aspect that didn’t get fulfilled to the extent it could have was the set dressing.  There were little props here and there but when it came time to move the scene to the bar in Trinidad and then the Stanton’s house I felt that more could have been done.  This would have allowed the audience to really believe the location changes other than having to figure it out through text.  As much as the said actors, and to be fair others, were able to carry the show, the multiple character actors need to really define and step up the energy delivered.  The characters weren’t distinct enough to have me enjoy each one given.  This is not to say the show was a complete mess and that the actors failed.  On the contrary it was an intriguing theatrical event that I will recommend to everyone. Prologue Theatre Co. is presenting “Sex” through November 21, 2009 at the North Lakeside Cultural Center located at 6219 N. Sheridan Rd.  Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $15, and are available online through brownpapertickets.com. For tickets and information go to PrologueTheatreCo.org.  As a note NLCC is not wheelchair accessible.    About Nicholas Ryan Lamb Nicholas Lamb is a graduate from Illinois State Universities acting program with a secondary focus on directing.  He is also a graduate from SAK Universities improv school.  As an accomplished actor he has performed in dozens of shows with his most notable credits including the title role in "Scrooge" the musical, Adan in Milcha Sanchez Scott's "Roosters" and Nicely Nicely Johnson in "Guys and Dolls".  He was last seen on stage as Matt in "The Fantasticks".  Some of his most known directing works are "Barefoot in the Park", "The Secret Garden", and the well received "Birdbath".  Not only has he worked numerously with acting and directing but his training also includes the technical areas of theatre as well as film work.  He has directed in both Illinois and Florida for over 7 years.  He most recently directed the children's shows of "Charlotte's Web", "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp", and "Pinocchio".  His palette for theatre is that of a culinary connoisseur.  Theatre is something to go in with an open mind, which is how he approaches each show he critiques.