Tantalizing Portrait of Power on Victory Garden Stage

Nancy Pelosi might be a fascination you never knew you had.  A production premiering over the weekend at Victory Gardens Theater for an abbreviated run could dispel any doubt. On the surface, an examination of one of the most enigmatic and pivotal political figures in the country would appear tempting, but prohibitively daunting.  Access and a requisite mandate for iron clad accuracy could easily dissuade many from taking on the challenge.   The Adult in the Room, a work written by Bill McMahon and directed by Heather Arnson and Conor Bagley, nonetheless does a stunning job of revealing the influences that helped shape a diminutive giant.  One who didn’t enter politics until she had finished raising five kids in her mid-40’s and, soon to celebrate her 80^th birthday, now stands second in line to the Presidency.

Given the subject, The Adult in the Room, will necessarily be viewed through a political lens.  That’s unfortunate because it could easily distract from the gravity of this woman’s achievements.  Regardless of one’s position or thoughts on the culture storms raging in the country, ascents like those of the current Speaker of the House of Representatives merit pause and respectful recognition.  Meticulously constructed in language and flow, the one woman play cannily reflects on the progression of people and events that helped propel and sustain her on her historic journey.  By employing an in-the-moment social media tool, a live Instagram chat, the play captures her preparing for and conducting a “live” conversation with scores of women considering a run for public office.

In her role as Pelosi, Orlagh Cassidy admirably projects the anchored resolve of seasoned leadership.  Her ability to convey willed unflappability, in this case one that only occasionally falters to succumb to a chocolate craving, stands out as another of the more salient strengths of Cassidy’s performance. 

Quietly radiating our subliminal notions of what ponderous political power looks like, Ann Beyerdorfer’s uncluttered open set telegraphs the same steadiness of purpose and unshakeable balance that define gravitas.  So much so that it’s almost haunting in its memorability and seems to echo how Pelosi describes herself in the play, “an iron fist in a velvet glove”. 

The Instagram callers have lots of questions about the Speaker’s background, accomplishments and objectives.  Projected on two narrow screens running from the stage’s ceiling down to its floor, one on either side of the stage, the screens become pillars of data in the form of questions cascading in from the outside world.  They prove an effective technological triumph in the production.   It’s through the questions streaming through them and Pelosi’s responses that we get the insights needed to shape a vision of the person behind the fanfare. 

From her answers, we sense how proud she is to be her mother’s daughter, displaying the same inner strength that engenders intimidating indomitability.  We learn that other phenomenally strong women mentored her and encouraged her; including the woman who asked Pelosi, from her sick bed, to run for the California seat death was about to rob from her.  We see how deeply the attraction to public service and politics flows through her DNA.  Both her father and her brother have been mayors of Baltimore.  Her mother, always a vital strategy resource. And perhaps just as tellingly, how for her, “Catholic = Care”.  As a chief architect of the Affordable Care Act, the legislation can simply be read as a politician walking her talk.  Following conviction with action.  “Not agonizing.  Organizing.”  Since all of this activity happens in the perilously volatile world of politics, positions and actions that impact millions will necessarily draw the fire of those with differing views.  A cost of being in the game. 

What we’re left with is a compelling outline of a person playing for dizzingly high stakes with both the country and a good part of the world watching to see what happens. 

As the directors and producers of The Adult in the Room might agree, it would be delightful to find out what Pelosi herself would think of the production. For the play to attempt real depth would lead to conjecture and be unwise.  The sketch we’re provided is enough to positively stimulate lasting curiosity in some and validate admiration in others.   

As captivating as The Adult in the Room proved to be, there’s still no crime in wanting more.

The Adult in the Room

January 22 – February 15, 2020

Victory Garden Theater

2433 N. Lincoln Ave.

Chicago, IL  60614

tickets@victorygardens.org