'Talking Pictures' at Goodman Simply Entices and Enchants

In the world of theatre obsessed with big-effects spectacle, Talking Pictures currently playing at the Goodman Theatre is a refreshing dose of a simple story focusing on a very talented and appropriately-cast ensemble of actors. Pictures set in pre-depression southern Texas follows the story of the Jackson family and the interesting people who come into their life over the series of a few short days. Throughout this story, playwright Horton Foote and director Henry Wishcamper take us on a well focused and cleverly constructed glimpse into history, and we as audience find so much appreciation and connection to a time where Blackberries and Laptops were yet to even be a figment of someone's imagination. This simplicity makes us appreciate and value what we have in the modern age but makes us also envious of a time when life was more about making it to church on time and sneaking away to the picture show without your parents knowing about it. Simplicity can often lead to boredom on the stage but this cast, playwright and director captivate us from the first scene until the closing line.

Jenny McKnight playing the role Myra is captivating as the single mother trying to get by playing piano at the local picture show. A single mother in this time was far less common and much more taboo than today and McKnight embraces this, her character development well-paced and heart-breaking. Judy Blue is surprisingly loveable as the somewhat reserved Mrs. Jackson. This role is written as one of the more stern and unaccepting roles but Blue brings such warmth to the role, making us all wish we had her as our southern mother.  Lee Stark and Kathleen Romond capture youth, intrigue and innocence as the two Jackson daughters. Their tender performances are quite the care-free tonic to the adult issues facing our older characters. Philip Earl Johnson as the blue-collar Willis is the perfect combination of gentleman and austere romantic. Throughout his attempts to court Myra, we see a very noble, kind and committed man emerge for a heroine in need of a good man. Audrey Francis is hilarious as the eye-bulging and quick-tongued Gladys and Gabriel Notarangelo makes us all smile as the singing son of a Mexican preacher.

Foote takes us on an unpredicted, stirring and simplistic ride with his writing and Wishcamper stages this production in the round with utter eloquence. Exploration of issues such as religious denomination, race and violence give the play forward motion and purpose. Through watching this tale unfold, we as an audience appreciate all we have and wonder how simpler times could have been. Talking Pictures is part of the Goodman's current Horton Foote Festival.

Talking Pictures runs until March 2nd at the Owen Bruner Goodman Theatre. Ticket prices and show times vary. Tickets can be purchased at www.GoodmanTheatre.org, at the box office or by calling 312443.3800.

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