GEEK N OUT REVIEW
“All Childish Things”
Reviewer: Robert Southgate
Let’s put it all on the table. I’m a huge nerd. I love Star Wars and Star Trek. I love Marvel and DC. I love Sci-Fi, noir, fantasy, comic books, movies, video games, and really anything that has a passionate fandom (other than sports and beer, sorry America.) When I read the synopsis of “All Childish Things”, I knew I was going to at least dig it since the writer, Joseph Zettelmaier, was playing in my sandbox. What I didn’t know is I was in for an exceptional show that tweaked my geek and ignited the child within me.
“All Childish Things” is about a group of life-long friends and Star Wars fans who come up with the perfect caper: break into the Kenner warehouse and steal a treasure trove of Star Wars memorabilia. The first half of the show is about the set up to the heist, think Oceans 11 with dorks. The second half is, well, I don’t want to spoil anything but it has a lot in common with Reservoir Dogs than Danny Ocean and his crew. It’s funny, fast paced, and full of geeky references. If you’re not a geek, do not worry, the references don’t get in the way of the story.
Eric Eilersen, Bobby Richards, Alberto Mendoza, Stephanie Shum
The set design was spot on. It was like they took a snapshot of my basement and dropped it on stage. I had a blast pointing out all the toys and memorabilia to my daughter. The characters were a perfect blend of nerd archetypes, heroes (and villains) that we can all identify with. The script, as stated before, was funny and engaging. The acting, as well, was very good, with strong performances all the way around. Really, everything from sound to lighting to direction and props was exceptional. This production of “All Childish Things” is one you don’t want to miss.
Joe Foust, Eric Eilersen, Alberto Mendoza, Stephanie Shum, Bobby Richards
ALL CHILDISH THINGS, written by Joseph Zettelmaier and directed by Melanie Keller, features Eric Eilersen as Dave, Stephanie Shum as Kendra, Bobby Richards as Max, Alberto Mendoza as Carter and First Folio Artistic Associate Joe Foust in the role of The Big Man. The artistic team includes Scenic Design by eight-time Jeff Nominee Angela Weber Miller, Sound Design by four-time Jeff Award Winner Christopher Kriz, Costume Design by four-time Jeff Nominee Rachel Lambert, Co-Props Design by two-time Jeff Nominee Cassy Schillo and Wendy Huber, Violence Design by Joe Foust, and Lighting Design by Julie Mack, with Stage Manager Colleen Layton assisted by Wallace Craig. Understudies include Emma Jo Boyden, Nick Caesar, and Patrick TJ Kelly.
All performances of ALL CHILDISH THINGS will take place at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, located at 1717 31st St., off Rt. 83, in Oak Brook. First Folio is easily accessible from the East-West Tollway (I-88) or the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). Free parking is available on the grounds. Performance times are as follows: Wednesdays at 8 p.m., Thursdays at 3 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Preview tickets are $25. Regular priced tickets are $34 Wednesdays and Thursdays (seniors and students are $29) and $44 on Fridays through Sundays (seniors and students are $39). Season subscriptions and individual tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 630.986.8067 or online at www.firstfolio.org.