Open Space Arts: Mr. Parker Review
Riley Capp (left) and Andrew Kain Miller (right). Photo by David Zak
Open Space Arts Presents MR. PARKER Review - Who Do We Become When Our Other Half Isn’t There Anymore?
TLDR: Months after his husband’s untimely death, Terry grapples with his grief, his sister-in-law, and a new situationship. A one act, one set play that takes us on a journey through one man’s grief and healing.
Riley Capp (left), Mary Ann Bowman (center) and Andrew Kain Miller (right). Photo by David Zak.
What Would You Do If Your Entire Life Changed?
A cold, harsh spotlight lights up on fifty-three year old Terry (Andrew Kain Miller) sitting alone on a bed. A hospital monitor beeps in the background. He’s dressed in all black and looks up at the audience with a heartbroken, barely holding it together look. He tells us there’s nothing that prepares you for saying goodbye to someone you love. The monitor goes flatline and we go to blackout.
We’re then dropped into Terry’s life now in Mr. Parker. It’s months after his husband and partner of thirty years, Jeffrey, passed away in a tragic car accident. Terry wakes up alone in their studio apartment turned art studio but then hears the shower running. Out from the bathroom comes a (much) younger man. Shoot, Terry cannot remember his name after picking him up at the bar last night. Kevin, maybe?
Luckily, this is not “Kevin’s” first rodeo. Justin (Riley Capp) corrects Terry and continues chatting as if no faux pas occurred. He flits around the apartment picking up his discarded clothing and enthusiastically chatting about a random piece of New York architectural history while making coffee. The two part ways amicably. After all, it was just a one night stand, never to see each other again, right?
Andrew Kain Miller (upper) and Riley Capp (lower). Photo by David Zak.
A Slice of the Grieving Process
Seven months after losing a partner might seem too soon, but perhaps this is just what both Terry and Justin need. Justin’s current goal in life is to have no goals. Why can’t it be enough to work as a bartender slash Uber driver and enjoy life as it comes? Why can’t he and Terry be in this undefined relationship if it makes them both happy? And Terry is happy to have companionship again. Someone to dress up with and go to dinner. Someone to talk with and chat about your day.
Both would be happy to go right along with whatever they have going on and living happily in their bubble except reality keeps rearing its head in the form of Terry’s sister-in-law, Cassie (Mary Ann Bowman). To quote Dua Lipa, “if you're under him, you ain't gettin' over him.” Though Dua’s song told a different relationship story, it still stands that maybe Terry is refusing to acknowledge his grief by jumping into another relationship.
Slowly, more and more of Terry’s unresolved feelings and grief come out until it all comes to a reckoning with Cassie that has us feeling emotional once again.
Mary Ann Bowman. Photo by David Zak.
Close Quarters Intimacy at Open Space
The Open Space Arts performance is always intimate since it’s a small basement theater where we all sit in close quarters. And now, it feels like we’re sitting right in the small studio with Terry, Justin, and Cassie. It’s the small touches that make Mr. Parker feel realistic and like we’re peering into someone’s life. A small coffee machine to brew instant coffee. A microwave that turns on to reheat leftovers. A blinking landline on top of a desk strewn with books and pencils.
Miller and Capp also have us believing their relationship is more than just a hookup. They begin their situationship and it feels genuine. Justin listens with a compassionate ear as Terry reminisces about Jeffrey. Terry offers life advice to Justin, sometimes heeded, and does his best to not judge the younger generation. The casual intimate touches between Miller and Capp feel natural and bring us into their burgeoning relationship more.
Riley Capp (left), Mary Ann Bowman (right). Photo by Tadhg Mitchel.
The After Party Thoughts
It is an emotionally rough start when a show begins with a death announcement. Just that beginning alone was enough to almost bring me to tears, but we don’t stay in the clinical, dark, and sad room for long. We get to feel cozy in Terry’s apartment as his and Justin’s relationship blooms. Miller and Capp build a relationship in front of us that feels like it could be genuine. We feel Cassie’s frustration coming from Bowman as she tries to get Terry to commit to an art exhibit honoring Jeffrey, but she also knows when to be vulnerable and caring.
Mr. Parker doesn’t feel like a stereotypical grief journey written for a show with a linear progression of healing. It has its ups and downs. It’s messy and there’s mistakes. It’s sad and frustrating. But it’s also hopeful.
For those that don’t like shows about death or grief, this wouldn’t be the best fit for you. However, if you’re interested in shows that delve into the complexity of human emotions, Mr. Parker would be a good fit for you.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Andrew Kain Miller (left), Mary Ann Bowman (right). Photo by David Zak.
When
Extended through March 2, 2025
Where
Open Space Arts
1411 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
Runtime: 90min, no intermission
Tickets
$15+
Tickets can be purchased through the Open Space Arts website
Photos
David Zak and Tadhg Mitchel
Find Allie and The After Party featured on Theatre In Chicago
Andrew Kain Miller. Photo by Tadhg Mitchel.
CAST
Andrew Kain Miller (Terry)
Riley Capp (Justin)
Mary Ann Bowman (Cassandra)
CREATIVE
Michael McKeever (Playwright)
David G. Zak (Director)
Anna Burke (Set Design)
Lex Newman (Lighting Design)
Tadhg Mitchel (Social Media)
Benjamin Mills (Costume Design)
Angela Joy Baldasare (Sound Design)
Lauren Littlejohn (Production Stage Manager)
Veronica Kloss (Graphics)
Greta Zandstra (Intimacy Coordinator)