Steadstyle Chicago
March 2008 Theatre Review by Meghan Gillogly
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Underneath the Lintel
Critical Evaluation: *** out of ****
City
Lit Theater presents "Underneath the Lintel" starring
Michael Joseph Mitchell.
"Underneath the Lintel" is a one man show that tells the story of an "off-his-rocker," insane, Dutch librarian who searches for the person who returned a book back to his library 113 years overdue. As the story goes on, it is clear that the Librarian's journey to collect clues from the person who dropped off a long overdue book, is also a search for meaning in his own life. The story makes for an entertaining plot and story that can only be played by a highly energetic not to mention talented actor.
One-man shows are not for everyone's taste and often deter audiences. Upon watching the beginning of the play, I was not drawn into the story at first and was concerned this was going to be a bad idea for one person to try to pull off. However, The Librarian (Michael Joseph Mitchell) did win me over with his charm and humor that had me laughing and engaged shortly after the start of the play. Michelle Raymond's props that the Librarian used as "evidences" in is quest to find the culprit and collect the fine from the 113 year-old overdue book were detailed and creative and helped the story immensely as the props almost served as a second character in the play. Give this play a chance and you will be pleasantly entertained by the story as well as the immense talents of Michael Joseph Mitchell.
"Underneath the Lintel" runs about 75 minutes without an intermission. It plays Thursdays through Sundays March 6 through April 20 at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr. Ticket prices are $25 and can be purchased by going to www.citylit.org or by calling 777-293-3682.
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!