Evolutionary Road of Michael Shannon

Michael Shannon

Michael Shannon has made "Simpatico" a tough ticket to nab at A Red Orchid Theater in Chicago.  He is in theatrical roots, what the Tribune calls America's hottest theater city.  I won't argue that (smile).  Writer Chris Jones reviews the play - For Shannon and Van Swearingen, you can bet it's personal.  Then, in a bit of good news for stage aficionados and Shannon fans in particular, Jones reports that "Simpatico" will enjoy a extended run to September 15th - Michael Shannon, enjoying storefront return, extends his stay.

I remember Shannon for his memorable role as John Givings in "Revolutionary Road," for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Actor in a Supporting Role.  In Shakespeare, the Fool is given license to speak truthfully to the King.  He may come across as, well, foolish, but his remarks belie the pretense of the court.  He speaks with impunity, and the wise King knows to heed his veiled counsel.

In "Revolutionary Road," Shannon plays the Fool who doesn't quite have that license, but he speaks his mind anyway.  He doesn't just surface the brewing tensions between the couple, but inflames it so well that it tells us this story is not going to have a happy ending.