Stephanie Alison Walker’s new play, “Adirondack Chair Circle,” explores a suburban mother’s struggle with her child’s choice of a nonbinary identity. Katrina Lenk plays the overwhelmed mother in a performance full of emotional depth. The play, directed by Pam MacKinnon, unfolds at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
The narrative could engage deeply with its themes, but instead, it unfolds as a moral satire lacking bite. It’s less a satire and more a play reflecting the perspectives of its audience. In the liberal setting of Lincoln Park, the portrayal of conservative mothers feels out of place.
Steppenwolf’s history includes challenging its audience, often leaving them to confront their own biases. Walker’s piece opts instead to reassure rather than provoke, contrasting with a tradition of tackling tough subjects head-on.
The play features conservative mothers debating book censorship in schools. Caroline Neff portrays the liberal character advocating trust in educators. However, the conservative characters seem caricatured, lacking nuance and balance. Walker delineates the divisions among conservatives but not among liberals.
The timing of the play is significant amidst a local political campaign for Chicago’s school board. The depiction of conservative mothers as bogeymen distracts from potentially richer political discourse.
The production delivers some comedic moments, notably from David Darrow’s crow character. The set design by Todd Rosenthal supports the action, despite some repetitive gags. MacKinnon’s direction uses the theater’s space effectively, and performances stand out for their comic energy, particularly Lenk’s.
While plays that convey political or moral viewpoints can be transformative, satire must challenge rather than merely confirm existing beliefs. The playwright might consider the approach of Richard Greenberg, who gave complex arguments to opposing viewpoints. This balance could add depth to “Adirondack Chair Circle.”
Review: “Adirondack Chair Circle”
Rating: 2.5 stars
Showing until: Dec. 13
Location: Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater, 1646 N. Halsted St.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Tickets: $20-$167.50 at 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org
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