In his 2004 New York Times essay “The Rap Against Rockism,” Kelefa Sanneh argued, “A rockist is someone who reduces rock ‘n’ roll to a caricature, then uses that caricature as a weapon. Rockism means idolizing the authentic old legend (or underground hero) while mocking the latest pop star; lionizing punk while barely tolerating disco; loving the live show and hating the music video.”
In the wake of the threats to the Hideout with the Lincoln Yards TIF deal, Eason’s show, directed here by Northlight artistic director BJ Jones, should still carry contemporary weight. But there’s a museum-piece quality to both the script and the production that keeps it from resonating as fully as it could.
The women holding him up—Lena and his ex-wife, Bette, who came back to help raise Lena after the girl’s junkie mother took off—carry the weight of looking after Hank. Dana Black’s witty, wise, and compassionate Bette is the big beating heart of the show. She may have finally found some peace and quiet in the ‘burbs after years of living above the noise and smell of Hank’s, but she’s still in the bar every night, sharing a beer and her hard-won wisdom with her ex.
Through June 16; Thu-Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3 PM; Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, 773-338-2177, raventheatre.com, $43-$46 ($38-$41 seniors and teachers, $15 students and active military/vets).
