The Recommendation Balances Hilarious Excess And Grim Realism

Windy City Playhouse’s immersive ambulatory production of Jonathan Caren’s The Recommendation, conceptualized by Amy Rubenstein and directed by Jonathan Wilson, balances on the razor’s edge of hilarious excess and wrenching realism, guiding the audience from college dorm to sushi bar to jail cell (replete with beverages for most occasions) as the story twists and twists again. Carrying the suspense are stellar performances by Hester, Pogue, and Brian Keys (as convict Dwight Barnes), who reveal their characters with sympathy and complexity. This is a penetrating experience not to be missed.   v

Through 10/20: Wed-Thu 7:30 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 4 and 8 PM, Sun 2 and 6 PM, Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park, 773-891-8985, windycityplayhouse.com, $80-$100.