The Den Theatre is a fantastically quirky playhouse in the heart of Wicker Park that feels more like a rabbit warren crossed with your great-aunt’s living room than anything else. On stage now, “New Country” is not to be missed. Eighty-five minutes of nonstop action (no intermission, FYI) yield a surprisingly nuanced show that defies its billing as a comedy.
In an intimate space, “New Country” and The Den team up to throw you unceremoniously out of your comfort zone and into the glitzy, drug-addled and, quite often, slightly sad life of a massive country star. Here are five things to know before you see the show.
1. This is not really a comedy.
While it does have its comedic moments — many, in fact — “New Country” is also tugged along by a dark undercurrent of guilt, anger and regret. Each character is damaged in their own way, and while you may laugh out loud a number of times, this is less “ha ha” funny and more “oh dear God” funny. Think Wes Anderson, not Adam Sandler.
2. This is not a play for kids.
The show starts out with a searing repartee between country star Justin Spears’ two beleaguered managers. They trade quick jabs in what can only be described as southern frat boy patois, offering up cleverly unforgiving sexism at which you can’t help but laugh. When an overweight bridesmaid is described as “two teats short of being bovine,” I challenge you not to at least chuckle. It’s cruel humor done exceptionally well, but even adults will find it raunchy. Touching on the ugly aspects of life, from substance abuse to suicide, “New Country” is certainly not a family affair. So get a sitter.
3. The script is a goldmine.
It’s a sad fact of life that even with a great cast a bad script can ruin a show. Such is not the case here. The script is exquisite, and indeed worth reading on its own, like “Angels in America,” so as to catch every poignant line of dialogue. It’s even oddly Shakespearean at points. Though the lines are filtered through heavy twang, they bear careful listening. It’s clear this script is finely wrought in the best way possible.
4. You might cry a little.
Though the show is buffeted about by copious cusswords and an inflatable sex doll (true, and not as bad as you might think), it can also be surprisingly subtle and even painful to watch at points. “New Country” is an odd mix of heart, curses, humor, cruelty and pain.
Mark Roberts, who plays pig farmer Uncle Jim, is the human embodiment of life’s unanswered questions and quiet guilt. You’d have to be a stone not to at least feel discomfort in watching his abrupt honesty and palpable pain.
Manager Paul, played by Frank Nall, is similarly touching to watch onstage. When he interacts with Uncle Jim, his brusqueness and glossy demeanor slide away and for an instant, it’s clear show business hasn’t ruined him forever.
5. Mark Roberts writes — and steals — the show.
Roberts’ portrayal of Uncle Jim is touching, finely crafted and piercing. He skillfully paints a picture of a man with nothing to lose, masking a lifetime of guilt, grief and quitting with dirty jokes and Knob Creek. Interacting with Sharon, Justin Sears’ ex-girlfriend, he becomes so nuanced that it’s hard to believe he’s not modeled after a real person. By turns drunken lecher, guilt-wracked alcoholic, poignant soliloquist and hopeful child, Jim is the sun of this show. It’s not that the other actors don’t shine, it’s just that, like the moon, they require Roberts’ light to do so.
More from Make It Better:
