Steadstyle Chicago
	April 2008 Theatre Review by Meghan Gillogly
	Looking for a Ticket Broker? Check out the hottest broadway tickets from Gotickets.com Lewis and Clark Reach the Euphrates Critical Evaluation: *** out of **** (Left) Colin Jones, Stephen Dunn, Kevin Grubb, Craig C. Thompson and Bryan Breau; (Right) Stephen Dunn, Laura Rook and Craig C. Thompson in Infamous Commonwealth's "Lewis and Clark Reach the Euphrates".  Photos by Paul Metreyeon. "Lewis and Clark Reach the Euphrates" by the Infamous Commonwealth Theatre is a little show about the various roles violence plays in our past and the impact it has on our future as a country.  Lewis and Clark's journey of discovery and new American territory spans over two centuries meeting various characters along the way and teaching them how the actions of others affects the lives of future generations to come.  It starts off as a story of new beginnings, modest intentions and of course the insatiable need for the U.S. to continually Westernize the world.  It softly points out that we all are going to be controlled to act and think the same way as well as addressing that violence isn't always the answer.  During this time of election and the world ever changing especially since 9/11, this play brings up thought-provoking looks in an adequately entertaining manner on how and why we may have ended up where we are as a country.  It addresses the fact that there are lessons to be learned from our history and that it is not too late to make things better in the world.  Lewis (Stephen Dunn) and Clark (Craig C. Thompson) do an above average job of dual leading roles keeping the content of the story not only engaging but portraying their relationship a bit like an "odd couple" that often made for a great comedic timing of the text.  They both had strong character choices that took each man into a deep place of emotion and intimacy that was clearly felt and seen on stage.  The use of multiple languages in some of the scenes, including French and American Indian dialects, sounded natural and authentic thanks to the coaching of David Dietrich Gray.  Diane Fairchild's scenic design was creative and simple yet functional enough for the story that the audience could see actual scenes that were taking place on a boat or a battlefield clearly.   Though the tempo and the content of the play was seemingly slower and dry in the first act, the second act brought multiple twists and unexpected turns that sparked an interest and made you want to keep watching to see where and what direction the actors wanted to take you in. "Lewis and Clark Reach the Euphrates" is about 2 and half hours long with one 10 minute intermission.  It is playing at the National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway Ave from April 19-May 18, 2008. Tickets are $20 and $15 for students, seniors or industry with proper ID. For reservations call 312-458-9780 or visit www.infamouscommonwealth.org.    About Meghan Gillogly Meghan Gillogly was born and raised in Florida and has been involved with the arts since the age of two years old.  She started as a dancer in everything from tap, jazz, ballet  and some ballroom and taught in Orlando for a year.  She had the opportunity to study and perform with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, with Frank Hatchett, a master choreographer from NYC, and danced on Disney's Cinderella castle stage.  She became involved with the theater at nine years old with a local community theater and was hooked ever since.  Throughout high school she performed  in many classic plays including "Guys and Dolls," "Me and my Girl," "Once Upon a Mattress," and "Good News".  After high school, she attended and studied musical theater at Florida State University, Florida Southern College, American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and is currently enrolled at Columbia College here in Chicago to complete her Bachelor's degree.  She also had the pleasure of studying with Michael Pieper at Second City, a talented and colorful director.  She moved to Chicago two years ago and loves it!  Meghan has had experience with creative and analytical writing most recently when reviewing "Massacre" at the Goodman Theatre this past spring for class.   Upon graduating from Columbia, Meghan plans to pursue a professional career as an actress on stage and film and is excited at the great opportunities Chicago offers to all of the arts professionally.   She is grateful for the opportunity to work with Steadstyle and see some of the world's best actors perform here in Chicago.  She also looks forward to not only experiencing the performances but becoming educated as she is a budding actress herself!