If you’ve recently had the odd inclination to see a play that revolves around an Uptown donut shop –good news! You will be pleased to know that Tracy Letts’ “Superior Donuts” is not only currently playing at the Cabaret Theatre inside the Royal George Theatre, but is also a sweeter treat than any Krispy Kreme fried dough concoction. Funny and thoroughly engaging, “Superior Donuts” centers around a donut shop in the midst of Uptown that has been in the family for sixty years – but there’s so much more.
Run by son, Arthur Przybyszewski (just like it sounds), now an aging Jerry Garcia-alike, Superior Donuts holds onto to the comforts of routine, and unchanging ways where the same handful of regulars make most of its customer base. When Franco Wicks, a young visionary and dreamer, comes knocking for a job opening behind the counter, Arthur reluctantly hires him. Franco is filled with energy and new ideas and continues to hammer Arthur with creative proposals to attract a new crowd – bran muffins and bananas for the healthy minded individual, poetry night… Though the two couldn’t be more opposite, they begin to click, learning from, and about, each other as outer layers are slowly peeled away. In the meantime, neighboring businessman, Max, is trying to buy the donut shop from Arthur to expand his electronics business. Arthur is not willing to sell.
Arthur is such a wonderful character. Slow to speak with simple, direct and thought out words, he is extremely laid back, outwardly set in his ways, though at times also shows glimpses of excitement to explore new directions. Still, at the end of Arthur’s day it’s all about complacency, familiarity and relaxing with some weed in his bowl at closing time. As the play moves on, we learn about Arthur’s background - Polish heritage, raised in Jefferson Park, and like many, past ghosts are revealed, in his case a lost wife. Richard Cotvsky is simply terrific as Arthur, really making the character easy to relate with.
What makes this play so entertaining is the connection and interactions between Franco and Arthur. As every bit as engaging as Arthur was made to be, the same can be said about Franco. Kudos to the director for casting Preston Tate, Jr. to play the role of Franco, who was not only outstanding as Franco, but couldn’t have been more perfect to craft a fun, and meaningful, relationship with Cotvsky. The chemistry between the two is magical and is completely enjoyable to watch from any theatre seat in the house. I want to also acknowledge Paige Smith for his exceptional work in the role of Max and express appreciation to him for providing some of the show’s biggest laughs.
“Superior Donuts” is a perfect dose of Chicago evening theatre and contains all the ingredients of an intriguing story from loan shark thugs to the perpetual ambitions of a dreamer, complete with big laughs and its share of sticky moments.
“Superior Donuts”, A Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company production, is playing at The Royal George Cabaret (1641 N Halsted St.) though November 25th. For more information call 312-988-9000 or visit www.maryarrchie.com.
