Blending patriotism, Chicago history and a host of comic characters, Walkabout Theater's out-of-doors production of "War Garden" works to keep us all civic- and ecological-minded. Set during World War I when U.S. citizens began planting war/victory gardens in support of troops fighting overseas, the production follows the Ladies 17th Auxiliary as they plot their next crop in the name of patriotism. In a turn as Chicago's own Simon Legree, Captain George Streeter (Seth Bockley) sets out to thwart the Ladies Auxiliary, because after all, it's his land they are planting on, he detests the Great War and he wants to develop condos. Alas, a familiar piece of history that continues to unfold to this day. Empty plot of land? Build a condo!
While "War Garden" makes efforts to display the rich history and development of Chicago's community-gardening heritage, it falls a bit short due to lengthy monologues that deliver more of a "why can't we all just get along" message. While getting along is great, in this time of everyone "going green," this production should deliver more to that end. It toes the line with children's theater, which would be a great motive in order to get children interested in gardening and spending more time outside learning about the good Earth rather than the latest Wii developments.
"War Garden" couldn't ask for better set design—the great Chicago outdoors in summertime. The cast does well in overcoming the street traffic surrounding all sides in Grant Park, and when the show travels to various outdoor gardens throughout the summer, the changing set design will continue to balance nicely. Authentic costume design by Amanda Monfrooe has the five Auxiliary members looking like proper Gibson girls en route to their next suffragette meeting.
The history of "war gardening" gave citizens in the United States, Canada and Great Britain a way to support wars throughout our nation's history, empowering citizens to do more, and relieving pressure on the public food supply that wars brought. This production of "War Garden" could speak more to that, and how with today's economic pressures, the tradition continues.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
