Steadstyle Chicago
	September 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Treasure Island It is hard to believe, but Lifeline Theatre is now in its 27th season of bring us adaptations of literature as theater.  In their converted loft in Rogers Park on an unusual stage, they attempt to create live theater out of works that are known by many as "reading material" and they do so with great imagination.  In their current adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" by John Hildreth, we are taken into the world of pirates and buried treasure.  This is an adventure tale with lots of fighting and gunshots and is not one that I would suggest for little kids.  In fact, I would suggest ten or eleven as the cut-off age as it is two hours plus in length as well. "Treasure Island" is a tale that deals with greed but not just the pirates who are all after the booty of another pirate, but the English lords as well.  Our main characters are young Jim Hawkins (Warren Weber) who joins the adventure when it is learned that a guest in their saloon/Inn leaves behind a chest containing a map and the town Doctor (played by Patrick Blashill) who is also the Magistrate wants his share as well.  In fact, everyone wants a share.  Long John Silver (not from the food chain) is handled by Sean Sinitski, who also plays young Jim's father, is the evil pirate who turns out to have a soft place in his heart for young Jim Hawkins and during all the fights and mutinies, they end up protecting each other.  We watch this young man grow up and become a sort of hero, but of greater import, we see him learn about honor and keeping his word. Directed by Robert Kauzlaric on a divine set by Alan Donahue, who also handled the props, this is one energetic piece of theater where cast members change roles allowing for a great number of characters with a cast of ten (and two of these play only one role).  This is not an easy task in an intimate theater such as Lifeline as the audience is very close.  In fact, so close that during some of the fight scenes, one sitting in the first row has to sit perfectly still to make sure they don't get into the fight.  Kauzlaric evidently was up to the task of making a large production work in a small venue.  The fight director Geoff Coates has done a remarkable job, in fact just seeing the fights is worth the price of a ticket.  They are well done.  The original music by Andy Hansen with violin solos by Greg Hire add a special touch to the production and Branimra Ivanova's costumes are that of a much larger production.  Another job well done! The ensemble members of this cast work very hard.  They are only off stage to change costumes and characters and many have to climb riggings, leap from level to level or even fall into the "hole".  Ensemble players are what makes a show work, just like the dancers and chorus can make or break a musical production, the character actors are what makes the play complete.  These men all did splendid jobs: Eduardo Garcia, Robert McLean, Chris Hainsworth, John Ferrick, C.Sean Pierman, Ezekiel Sulkes and Christopher M. Walsh.  Bravo, gentlemen!  You filled the stage as if there were twenty actors and each character you played was unique and unlike the previous or others.  Not an easy task and even harder using accents (dialect coaching by Phil Timerlake).  "Treasure Island" is a book that most young boys have read (at least in my day) and many have seen the film version, but it is nice to see a theater group take on a major story such as this in a small space. This production will continue through November 15, 2009 at Lifeline Theatre located at 6912 N. Glenwood in Chicago.  Performances are Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m.  Tickets are $30 ($25 for seniors and $15 for students both with IDs) and are available by calling 773-761-4477 or online at www.lifelinetheatre.com.  Or to find out how to purchase a Rogers Park flex pass good at all the venues in Rogers Park, check out www.brownpapertickets.com/event/42048.  Parking is available at the northeast corner of Morse and Ravenswood with free shuttle service before and after the show.  The theater is CTA accessible (Red Line stops at Morse, 1/2 block from the theater).    About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.     Second Thoughts by Nicholas Ryan Lamb Lifeline Theatre houses this simply adapted story of “Treasure Island” with delicate fit.  The story takes us on a journey through the eyes of Jim Hawkins as he uncovers a treasure map which would soon lead him down the path of Pirates with a thirst for greed.  An expedition is formed with a contrast of the Pirates and a lot of ethical British mariners and the like.  Mutiny is a definite must to take this story down a one way ticket to gun battles and immoral persuasion. When the doors open to Lifeline you are graced with ceilings, that could shake the youngest of set designers and an intimacy that does not allow for any “stage lying”.  This theatre setup was handled quite impeccably by ensemble member Alan Donahue.  The levels that were created from floor to ceiling allowed director Robert Kauzlaric to achieve a great perspective and distinct scene locations.  Leading the show and guiding it to a well rounded production was the seasoned actor Sean Sinitski, portraying both Mr. Hawkins and the well developed Long John Silver.  Following his lead were the equally gifted Patrick Blashill as Dr. Livesey, and Christopher M. Walsh whose characters choices were so distinct that it led to unmistakable nuances in each persona.  I’m sure many could agree that one of the biggest problems in scripts, that incorporate the use of dialects, is the inconsistencies and lack of commitment.  I have to say that hands down this has been one of the most worked deliveries of dialects whose range was based on social status, geographic location, and character history.  What we saw with the characters was a combination of a typical pirate stereotype mixed with a realism of desire and motivation.  If the latter was not established then this show could easily turn into a horrible dinner show for all ages.  Talking about this show without mentioning the un-writ character of the original score would not give the show justice.  It was a fantastic overture that accompanied the range of emotions seen.   Where the problems lied was taken up mostly by the script's simplicity and jumpiness.  At times it was hard to follow due to a major switch in location and perspective.  Though not all shows have to be deep like a Lanford Wilson or a Eugene O’Neill, the plot itself was too straight forward.  The element of surprise was gone and we were just waiting to see the story that was being told in front of the Lord High Commissioner.   I failed to be impressed by the execution of the fight choreography.  I was able to see the use of space and the desire for a multileveled onslaught of pummeling but what I saw was a very staccato fight that didn’t lend a hand to the essence of the characters or the show.  The execution of the choreography was too slow and unrealistic.  The movements that made up the fight showed potential if only done at a realistic level. I am pleased to share this show with others as I know that with more performances the quality will grow exponentially.    “Treasure Island” runs through November 1 at Lifeline Theatre Thursdays through Sundays.  For tickets and information call 773-761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.