Steadstyle Chicago
	March 2010 Theatre Review by Chris Arnold
	Mimesophobia If I had to guess, I would say Theatre Seven of Chicago is on the road to being one of the next "IT" Off-Loop theatre companies.  The two productions I have seen of theirs ("Cooperstown" & "Mimesophobia") contained strong acting, exciting direction, and innovative design.  However, to achieve the aforementioned goal Theatre Seven of Chicago will have to select better material than "Mimesophobia". The play makes about as much sense as the title.  The definition of "Mimesophobia", according to the production, is the fear of slavish imitation.  "Mimesophobia" by DePaul Playwriting Co-Head Carlos Murillo, cuts between Hollywood and Hyde Park to weave a murder mystery for the reality-TV age.  As a devastated woman reconstructs her murdered sisters diary, two screenwriters desperately try to spin tragedy into cinematic gold. In the press release Artistic Director Brian Golden states, ""Mimesophobia" will pull from a lot of influences to challenge our audience".  This play was a challenge to watch, but most likely not in the way intended.  I saw potential in the central plot, as well as the scenes of direct address via the Brechtian Greek Chorus (deftly played by Brian Golden and Jessica Thigpen).  Ultimately, the melding of genres resulted in an unfocused and tedious 90 minutes. "Mimesophobia" is not a total lost cause.  Director Margot Bordelon nicely established the world of the play, and every member of the ensemble was acting in the same play.  I was especially impressed with Cyd Blackwell, and her ability to make the unlikable Shawn someone I cared about.  The strongest factor of "Mimesophobia" is the work of Lighting Designer Justin Wardell and Composer Chance Bone.  Wardell's lights nicely established time and place on a bare bones stage, while having fun with film-noir like shadows.  Bone's haunting score set the tone, and was the highlight of the production. Theatre Seven of Chicago took a subpar script and made it an interesting night of theatre, which is why I feel they are a company to keep on your radar.  "Mimesophobia" will play at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago.  It plays Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.  Tickets range from $12-$24 and can be purchased by calling 773-853-3158 or www.theatreseven.org.   About Chris Arnold Chris Arnold has been in Chicago for seven years where he has directed for Act One Studios, the side project, Bailiwick, Illinois Theatre Center, LiveWire Theater, and Diamante Productions, amongst others.  For three years he was a company member with Circle Theatre, and directed the Jeff Recommended productions "Escanaba in Love" and "Boy".  He also directed "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Circle Theatre Youth Ensemble.  He is the former Associate Artistic Director for Thunder & Lightning Ensemble where he directed "Jack Goes Boating," "Red Light Winter" (Named one of the top five memorable productions by a smaller troupe: New City 2008), and "Earl the Vampire".  Chris has interned at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre.  While at the Goodman he had the opportunity to serve as the Script Manager for the world premiere of "Blue Surge" by Rebecca Gilman.  When not directing Chris teaches in the Literature & Theatre Department(s) at The Chicago Academy for the Arts, where he has directed "Doubt" and "The Pillowman".  He writes for Chicagocritic.com, and is a member of the Artistic/Technical Team for the Jeff Committee.  Spring 2010 Chris will be a Teaching Artists with American Theatre Company as part of their American Mosaic Program.  He holds an MFA in Directing (with a focus in Critical Studies) from The University of Memphis.