Regina Taylor Kicks off 20th Season at The Goodman with Stop. Reset.
By Kai EL’ Zabar
The distinguished playwright Regina Taylor kicked off her 20th season at the Goodman Theatre as Artistic Associate with a celebration introducing her latest play Stop.Reset. with friends Monday night. The evening began with dinner at Petterino’s followed by the production and a Post-show reception at Black Finn restaurant. In the house were, Michelle Boone of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Diane McIntyre, dancer choreographer and Ntozake Shange, famed author of “For Colored Girls,” along with numerous other notables.
The greatly anticipated Stop.Reset takes place in Chicago as a contemporary piece set in the now at a Black owned bookstore where owner Alexander Aimes faces the challenges of the times and must determine how to bring his store into the present world of technology. He turns over and over the idea of an upgrade from traditional to high tech and must consider letting go some of his staff of 4 most of whom have been with him for years. And then there’s the janitor J portrayed by Edgar Miguel Sancahez, who is a young, most likely a millennial.
The set is beautifully designed to grasp the simplicity and clean lines of technology viewed as an open loft type concept the layout aesthetic captures the contemporary openness of the day. The multiple monitor screens that surround the theatre depict images that reflect memories referred to throughout the play.
The play opens on a cold snowy Chicago morning as the staff assembles in the office and openly discusses their concern regarding possible lay-offs. The janitor makes his appearance throughout cleaning with his earphones on as he observes and now and then sounds off at his people, but never engages in dialog with the staff. In walks a troubled Mr. Aimes, whom the staff greets with concerns as the backstory for what ails him is revealed.
As the play evolves Mr. Aimes interviews each of this staff to help him determine who stays and whom he must let go. Finally he interviews J, the janitor who in their interaction takes Aime on a mind adventure allowing Aimes to peek into what he see’s as a child of technology. Their interaction opens the portal to the importance and significance of history, memories, experiences, lessons learned and wisdom that comes from it. J argues that memories are baggage not meant to be carried but left where they are. The dialog between them is one between the two ages, the difference in thinking, the old and the new, old school verses new school and the battle begins. There’s a moment between the two when they battle it out in song like two singers of two different genres at a jam session.
The play continues in a whirlwind of push and pull, tug of war fought on different levels between the staff against Aimes, the staff amongst themselves, the staff against J and J against Aimes. The battle is won only when some agreement is found. The end is a daunting one leaving the audience to ponder Taylor’s conclusion.
The 1 hour 50 minute production is well paced and acted by Staff, Tim Decker, Eric Lynch, Lisa Tejero and Jacqueline Williams creating an entertaining experience of excitement and intrigue. Its up tempo rhythm will keep you on your toes and full of wonder where it will take you.
Stop.Reset. is certainly worth going to see. Runs through June 21
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