Steadstyle Chicago
	February 2010 Theatre Review by Nicholas Ryan Lamb
	Mary's Wedding Some will say that love is the most important element between two characters onstage.  It might not be the conventional love but love nonetheless.  “Mary’s Wedding” is a romantic journey through dreams filled with magnificent heart racing memories interwoven with those that flood the eyes with tears and make your heart leap out to comfort.  World War I encompasses the storyline that heightens the need for each other.  Charlie, a young Canadian farm hand is smitten by the poetically beautiful Mary.  The show is displayed non-linearly but is written so well that no beat is skipped in connecting with the scene portrayed. This is what theatre is about.  A brilliantly written piece reflecting true to heart relationships and what is needed to be done to work through obstacles to reach the one you love.  Tears welled up in my eyes on many occasions due to the performances, first and foremost by Cassandra Bissell (Mary) and the quirky Shane Kenyon (Charlie).  Their attention to each other, details, beats, and most importantly love, is what made the show one of the greatest masterpieces I have seen.  The blink of an eye switch that Cassandra conveys while playing Mary and Charlie’s Sergeant is incredible.  The tough job that Shane had to take on was his battles in war and the detailed sense memory that it includes mixed with an instant reconnecting with Mary.  The set was in a word fantastic.  The constant reminder of both worlds and the use of the space were directed beautifully.  I love when I go to intimate theatres and I get to see design elements that rival big houses.  The lighting was just one more reason to love the show.  Each technical aspect from floor to ceiling, auditory to visual was well thought out with the story in mind.  Everyone needs to be commended equally and when I was tearing and applauding with the uproarious crowd it was for all of you. I am pleased to inform the theatre and non-theatre world of this show.  It is ppresented by the Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and playing in an extended run through March 6, 2010 at the Raven Theatre Complex located at 6157 N. Clark Street.  Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are $22 and may be purchased at www.rivendelltheatre.net or at 773-334-7728.     About Nicholas Ryan Lamb Nicholas Lamb is a graduate from Illinois State Universities acting program with a secondary focus on directing.  He is also a graduate from SAK Universities improv school.  As an accomplished actor he has performed in dozens of shows with his most notable credits including the title role in "Scrooge" the musical, Adan in Milcha Sanchez Scott's "Roosters" and Nicely Nicely Johnson in "Guys and Dolls".  He was last seen on stage as Matt in "The Fantasticks".  Some of his most known directing works are "Barefoot in the Park", "The Secret Garden", and the well received "Birdbath".  Not only has he worked numerously with acting and directing but his training also includes the technical areas of theatre as well as film work.  He has directed in both Illinois and Florida for over 7 years.  He most recently directed the children's shows of "Charlotte's Web", "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp", and "Pinocchio".  His palette for theatre is that of a culinary connoisseur.  Theatre is something to go in with an open mind, which is how he approaches each show he critiques.