The first thing that strikes one as they enter the theatre is the massive set. With a spacious hotel lobby taking up the entire main stage, check-in counter and switchboard on one end, a stairway takes us to the second floor where several rooms stand side by side, each framed with doorways though the doors and walls are transparent, giving the audience a bird’s eye view into each unique setting. Every room is decorated differently from the other, hinting towards each occupant’s personality. As theatre guests take their seats, activity is already taking place on the stage, presenting the daily goings on of hotel life from a man reading a newspaper, a clerk operating the switchboard, and people walking to and fro throughout the lobby or from room to room.
An aging hotel in the early 1970’s, we can see watermarks, missing fixtures and other signs of dilapidation. The tenants consist of a motley assortment of characters including prostitutes, assorted drifters and a handful of other folks with tough stories. However, despite their differences in background and current situations, a family-like bond has been created. Hard news hits when the news breaks that the Hotel Baltimore is set to be demolished and life as they recently knew it must change. Jon Michael Hill wonderfully plays "Bill Lewis" the hip hotel clerk who finds himself in the center of everything and who is just as much a part of the family as the boarders.
A gentle ghost from a past era, perhaps the 1930’s, also resides in the hotel. Donned in a 'Palm Beach" suit and fedora pushed forward over his eyes, he quietly takes pleasure and interest in everything that happens. The ghost subtly watches on and glides from room to room and lobby, adding the feeling that grand days once took place in the Hotel Baltimore as opposed to that which takes place in its current run down state.
The set is tremendous, but the hauntingly accurate wardrobe direction also plays a large part in bringing the 1970’s alive, taking viewers somewhere in between "The Electric Company", "Cooley High" and "The Mary Tyler Moore" show.
With a strong cast filled with Steppenwolf ensemble veterans Kate Arrington, Alana Arenas, Yasen Peyankov, James Vincent Meredith and Molly Regan, there is no shortage of fine acting. "Hot L Baltimore" also brings in other super talents such as Allison Torem, de’Adre Aziza, Namir Smallwood and Sean Allen Krill (one of me personal faves) amongst others, which turn an already strong cast into a spectacular one.
"The Hot L Baltimore" has it all – funny, revealing, moving and visually stimulating. Written by Lanford Wilson and directed by ensemble member Tina Landua, this show falls into the "must see" category. "The Hot L Baltimore" is playing at Steppenwolf through May 29th. For tickets or more information visit www.steppenwolf.org.
