Theater: Joyce Piven’s ‘What Dreams May Come’ a Mitzvah Lost in Adaptation

HollywoodChicago.com — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:52:25 -0700

CHICAGO – Before you’re served this meal, you’re treated to a backstory of four integral ingredients that are three parts encouragement and one part concern.

The Piven Theatre, which is co-founded by Joyce Piven (the mother of Chicago film star Jeremy Piven), is kicking off its upcoming theater season by revisiting an acclaimed format that sold out shows throughout its run two years ago.

For more delectable buildup, a personal note from director Joyce Piven on this year’s “What Dreams May Come: American Visions Through Jewish Eyes” perfectly puts you in the storytelling mood.

The tale of her credulous and selfless grandfather, Jake, is one you’re inspired by and proud to tell about an elder you love and respect. Jake Piven ran a small grocery store off Roosevelt Road where he had a “credit record” of all things purchased to be paid without interest when the person could afford it.

For even more fodder to this looming feast, you learn its three stories are penned by one Pulitzer Prize-winning Jewish author (Bernard Malamud) and another Nobel Prize-winning Jewish writer (Isaac Bashevis Singer).

Once you’re primed with encouragement of 2005’s success coupled with the vivid details of her grandfather and what must decisively be superlative writing, though, you dive into the performance with open-minded apprehension after reading the relatively lacking cast credits.

The three back-to-back stories all impart decidedly different lessons without any connection to one other. The first – wrapped in a woman’s dream of her parents – feels lost in its own melodrama.

You warm up to the second – on the thought-provoking concept of buying a miracle on faith for your terminally ill father – and especially the third, which centers around life and if you’d know you’re dead all wrapped in the paramount question of who a person should spend a life loving.

Once you’ve eaten the trio, you’re hesitant to feel entirely awed ultimately because of one overarching theme: you get the feeling brilliance is here but it’s partially lost in its adaptation and direction.

On opening night, Joyce emerged from the crowd with lukewarm and deservedly earned feedback. While changes were necessary and gaps needed filling, her good-deeded mitzvah is the gift of thought and discussion.

“What Dreams May Come: American Visions Through Jewish Eyes” runs through Dec. 16 at the Piven Theatre in Evanston. 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $23-$25.

By Adam Fendelman
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com

John Cusack, Joyce Piven Walk Chicago Red Carpet For ‘Grace is Gone’

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:31:59 -0600

CHICAGO – After interviewing Chicago’s John Cusack along with Gracie Bednarczyk and Shélan O’Keefe (first-time actresses and Chicago natives) for “Grace is Gone,” I camped out with the hordes of press cameras as they all walked the red carpet on Friday.

John Cusack and Shélan O’Keefe for “Grace is Gone”.
Photo by Adam Fendelman/HollywoodChicago.com
Bednarczyk and O’Keefe arrived first at 7 p.m. at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, which is the same vintage venue for the Ben and Casey Affleck appearance on Wednesday night and where Anthony Hopkins will be on Sunday night. Cusack received a career achievement award from the Chicago International Film Festival.

John Cusack receiving a career achievement award on Oct. 12, 2007.
Photo by Adam Fendelman/HollywoodChicago.com
The surprise came with an appearance by Joyce Hiller Piven. She’s the mother of Chicago actor Jeremy Piven. With her husband, Byrne Piven, they co-founded Chicago’s Piven Theater Workshop.

Joyce Piven on Oct. 12, 2007 at the Music Box.
Photo by Adam Fendelman/HollywoodChicago.com
John Cusack, Joan Cusack and Ann Cusack (another sister) all attended the theater school. Jeremy Piven once shared an apartment with John Cusack. They’ve been longtime close friends and have shot 10 films together.

First-time Chicago stars Gracie Bednarczyk (second from the left)
and Shélan O’Keefe (second from the right) for “Grace is Gone”.
Photo by Adam Fendelman/HollywoodChicago.com

The Music Box on Oct. 12, 2007.
Photo by Adam Fendelman/HollywoodChicago.com
Stay tuned for my full interviews with Cusack, O’Keefe and Bednarczyk.

3:11 p.m. update on 10/13/07: Here’s a John Cusack portrait from the evening’s red-carpet premiere. This is being published on HollywoodChicago.com with permission from veteran Chicago celebrity photographer Joe Arce.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com