Steadstyle Chicago
	February 2010 Theatre Review by Nicholas Ryan Lamb
	Monks in Trouble Starting out the theatrical night are 3 short plays adequately named "The Short Stack".  This consisted of works entitled "Daughters of Doherty", "Things About Me", and "A Stellar Event", written by local artist Reina Hardy.  Simple scenes with various conflicts each with their own level of capturing the audience.  A problem can arise in these shows where not enough is established and it leaves the audience wondering what is going on.  "A Stellar Event" is thematically weak with not enough for the actors to go off of.  This was the least engaging as the actors didn't know what they wanted and just played the lines. "Daughters of Doherty" left me with a few questions but I was quite elated by the performance of Sam Bailey (Sarah).  She had a wonderful presence and sense of delivery that I was automatically drawn to her in the midst of mediocrity.  Naturally the last show to mention was hands down my favorite of this trio.  The homework was done from the need of the characters to the subtle nuances that led to a great conclusion.  My hat's off to Molly Fitzgibbon and David M. Foster for tackling a show overflowing with conflict in a short span of time. On with the main event, "Monks in Trouble".  Monks, each with their own reason for inhabiting this monastery, and each with their own "less than Monk personalities", have recently been victims to "the void".  This unexplainable event is slowly making the world around them disappear.  Well, not disappear but there is merely a void where something used to be.  Michael and Lorenzo are on a mission to explain these occurrences and try and stop them from continuing.  The show is portrayed simplistically but effectively.  You won't get caught up with grand sets, costumes, or lighting, but this isn't needed.  What the show is focused on is the text.  The script is written quite well and precisely by Marc Heiden.  Rich with not only fantastic banter but the inclusion of the character reveals are extremely well penned.  The acting is quite enjoyable as each actor brings a unique quality to the characters.  Eric Cartier (Percy) finds amazing balance and levels that bring forth a well rounded contribution to his scenes as he tries to figure out if he is the son of God.  On the quest of interpreting the happenings are Michael (Jordan Hoisington) and Lorenzo (David Wilhelm).  Each one adds wonderful traits that make you laugh and question their existence in the monastery.  Dan Cooney (Stephen) heads up the Monk order as, what seems to be, perfect for this place.  His quiet and pleasant demeanor lends itself a place with the Monks but at the same time it is less interesting.  I find this something to be examined by the playwright.  Ken Craig (Jackson) rounds out the cast as the Monk has been driven to this life.  He tries taking a vow of silence but fails miserably.  The actions and text don't lend a believability to this nature in combination with the rest of his character. This show is perfect for this venue, as it's quaint and intimate.  The space was used well but I found it crowded at times when the whole cast was on stage.  This problem came from the lack of levels.  It is nice to see original works in the city and this is no exception.  "Monks in Trouble" and "The Short Stack", presented by The American Demigods, can be seen at The Apollo Studio Theater located at 2540 N. Lincoln Ave.  The show runs until March 20, 2010.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 773-935-6100.    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.