Goodman Theatre’s “Carlyle” is a twisted political romp of a play-within-a-play that follows the trajectory of a black Republican. As you watch him move through identity after identity, Carlyle becomes more than just a character — and it is here the brilliance of both actor James Earl Jones II and director Benjamin Kamine really shines. Here are five things to know before you see the show.
1. You’ll find yourself surprised more often than not.
Nearly every part of this play defies expectations. It’s not just a scathing portrait of a black man who bumbled his way into the Republican Party (á la Ben Carson) — it’s a nuanced exploration of the situations that lead to a certain political mindset. That nuance in and of itself is something of a surprise, but there are other parts of the play, including (minor spoiler alert) an impromptu Q and A session, that will more than likely knock your socks off. Not to ruin anything, but it’s a trip.
2. Sometimes, the raunchy humor feels forced.
A little less simulated gratuitous sex would have been just fine. There are certain parts of the show where it seems the humor is graphic just for the sake of shock value — and any number of failed stand-up comedians can tell you sex jokes only play for so long. While a lot of the more profane parts of the show work and make Carlyle Myers a truly multifaceted character, there were enough dirty jokes that just didn’t land for it to bear mentioning here.
3. It’s easy to forget it’s not real.
“Carlyle” is set as a play within a play, and each of the characters plays it so straight that it’s easy to forget that James Earl Jones II is not actually a politician and the delightfully chirpy Tiffany Scott is not his devoted wife. I actually had to double-check my program in the middle of the show … even though I had already looked through it. Twice.
4. The play is, at times, a searing caricature of political ideology.
If you’re a Republican and find yourself easily offended, steer clear. If you’re a thin-skinned Democrat, ditto. If you can bypass your political leanings and laugh at the truth behind some of the more fractured parts of our governmental system, “Carlyle” will ring true for you. From assertions that the civil rights movement was all about black men being able to bed white women without fear of lynching to the notion that welfare programs create a culture of laziness, neither party is safe from director Kamine’s pointed dialogue.
5. It’s almost impossibly timely — and it works.
Between digs at Ben Carson and semi-somber considerations of the numerous deaths of black men at the hands of police across the country (They would have survived if they’d all just had guns of their own!), “Carlyle” is being performed at the best possible time in the history of our nation. With issues of blackness and identity almost inescapable, “Carlyle” manages to both offend and inform — regardless of skin color or party affiliation.
“Carlyle” runs through May 1 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Learn more and buy tickets here.
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