Steadstyle Chicago
	April 2009 Theatre Review by Venus Zarris
	The History Boys TimeLine Theater has come so close in the past but, in my experience, has never fully created such a completely triumphant and resplendent theatrical treasure as it has with this thrilling Chicago premiere of "The History Boys".  Brian Sidney Bembridge's completely transformative expansion of the theater space and Andrew Hansen's authentically evocative sound design/original music draw us in before the play even begins. And when it does begin we are riveted to the characters and story with complete abandon. Playwright Alan Bennett has written one of those scripts filled with so many jewels that we are almost blinded by its brilliance. An intoxicating atmosphere reminiscent of Oscar Wilde is rendered as the pithy, profound, playful and poignant drama unfolds with fully realized characters and incomparable dialogue. If TimeLine's production were a film, it would be one that you would make an event of revisiting time and time again.  Tony Award winning plays do not always equal amazing theater. But "The History Boys" is the type of play that elevates the status all of the many awards it has garnered, rather than the other way around. "The History Boys" tells the story of a class of boys in northern England as they maneuver the turbulent waters of adolescence and prepare for the competition of university entrance exams. Under the tutelage of three divergently different instructors and a single-minded headmaster we witness the development of their personal identities and aspirations. Through three educational approaches we see the examination of history become the examination of self and environment in this cleverly thought-provoking construct of dramatic delights. As the personal conflicts, sexual controversies and administrative disagreements build, so does the dramatic tension. Director Nick Bowling crafts TimeLine's production to take full advantage of the overwhelmingly entertaining and complex character studies. Every drop of scandal, pathos, insight and humor is extracted. You are so drawn into the characters and their world that you are sad to leave them when the play is done. The ensemble is as good as it gets. From the gifted newcomers to the seasoned veterans, every role is delivered with exciting depth and beguiling charm. Alex Weisman's performance of Posner conveys complexity with exceptional vulnerability and sophistication. Donald Brearley becomes the part of the beloved, yet sadly lecherous, Hector as if the part was written for him specifically. Brearley renders one of those rare performances that is so real, it makes the notion of a script vanish. His creation is both a playwright and an audience's dream. You will very likely want to see this provocative play a second time in order to enjoy every morsel of the densely packed comedy, insight and drama. Make your reservations quickly as this amazing production of "The History Boys" is sure to be a hugely successful and well-deserved hit for TimeLine Theatre.  "The History Boys" runs through October 18, 2009 at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave. For tickets and further information call 773-281-8463 or visit www.timelinetheatre.com.       About Venus Zarris Venus Zarris is the Editor and Chief Writer for ChicagoStageReview.com. She is a feature writer and theater critic for Gay Chicago Magazine, as well as other print and on-line publications. Her writing has been featured at colleges and universities in Illinois and Michigan and on National Public Radio. Venus's photography and writing is on permanent collection at the New York Historical Society and the Library of Congress.  Steadstyle Chicago is proud to welcome Venus' intelligent, witty and provocative writing to our site.   Second Thoughts by Alan Bresloff Timeline Theatre Company's mission is to dissect, study and examine history on its intimate stage which makes it very fitting that they should be the theatre company to present the Chicago Premiere of Alan Bennett's Award winning "The History Boys," a story that examines just how history should be taught.  What a marvelous production it is, already extended to August 2 due to the overwhelming response by the public.  This production has to be on your "do not miss" list.  If you don't have a list, start one now! The story takes place in the 1980's in Northern England at a boy's school where the students are being prepared to win scholarships to the finest of universities, in particular Oxford.  Each of the students is unique in personality and backgrounds and their main teacher Hector (a brilliant performance by Donald Bearley) tries to teach them history through games and music as well as literature.  While his methods are unusual, his results are real.  His motorbike rides with the boys are very unusual and are the cause of another teacher being brought in to share the teaching and preparation of these boys.  Irwin (deftly handled by Andrew Carter, who I am sure we will see on our stages for many years to come) begins the show and tells us the story as well in a flashback. The set design by Brian Sidney Bembridge uses the entire floor and each actor appears to never leave the set.  Director Nick Bowling has taken his intimate stage and brought the audience to the story.  Each movement by each actor has meaning to the story and the music directed by Doug Peck and original music and sound by Andrew Hansen is perfect. In fact, perfection would be the word for the casting of this production as well, with so many young and talented actors: Will Allan, Brad Bukauskas, Behzaddabu, Rob Fenton, Govind Kumar, Michael Peters, Joel Gross and Alex Weisman.  Some of these young men are names you will see in more productions here and around town as well.  Dakin (Gross) and Posner (Weisman) are two very powerful roles and these actors are superb!  Weisman also has a solid singing voice and a flair for comedy.  Yes, this show has comedy, many one liners and little skits. Bennett shows us what takes place in a boy's school as three teachers, Irwin, Hector and Mrs. Lintott (a strong performance by Ann Wakefield) obsessed with results and a headmaster (skillfully played by Terry Hamilton) who needs to have his students win these scholarships for his sake as well as theirs.  Along the way, they explore their sexual identities, their dreams and desires.  The subject matter is strong, the direction flawless and the acting perfect.  The running time is three hours, but this production moves so well, one hardly notices the time.  That's powerful theater! "The History Boys" will now run through October 18, 2009.  Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.  Tickets range from $32-$42 and are what I would call a great buy for theater of this quality.  Based on sales, I would suggest you pick up the phone and dial 773-281-8463 or visit www.timelinetheatre.com right away.  The theater is located at 615 West Wellington (just west of Broadway) inside the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ building.  Parking can be difficult in the area.  Call the theater for more info, but the CTA can easily get you close to the door.