"Magnolia" blooms

Since the 1920s, Chicago's Goodman Theatre has upheld a high standard in theatre productions, thereby establishing a reputation for excellence. Their world premiere production of "Magnolia" is no exception to this rule.

Consisting of a cast of 12 talented actors, this play carries the potential for classical categorization. Award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor is the creator of this timely American tale, while Tony award recipient Anna D. Shapiro brings the vision to fruition with her fine directing skills.

Given that one of America's most historic elections has recently taken place, "Magnolia"'s historically social and political themes resonate logically. As Taylor states, "As I was writing 'Magnolia,' Barack Obama was elected president. And that is what propels the piece as I continue to work on it. How do we look at Atlanta, Georgia, in 1963, now that Dr. King's dream has been fulfilled in some ways?"

Keeping that thought in mind, now imagine the Goodman Theatre opening itself up to suck you into another place in time. The era is early 1963. The locale is Atlanta, Georgia, where beautiful magnolia trees abound in the background of homespun restaurant settings such as Black Pearl's and Kerry's. It is in these beginning scenes that the audience is introduced to a cast of interwoven and dynamic characters.

Four decades ago, racial segregation still existed in southern cities, making desegregation a concept not yet fully realized in practice. Through passionate, honest and bold dialogue and character interactions, one is drawn into the painful and joyful experiences of the individuals which have ties with Magnolia estate and its surrounding changing social, political and generational climate.

Intelligently and compassionately written, "Magnolia" does not seek to shock. Its effect rather, is to bring awareness to a modern-day American audience. The historical context of a changing Atlanta is conveyed through each character as it applies to their generational perspectives and racial identities. Each character is impacted in some way by their experiences of being part of a changing environment. Regardless of race, each suffers their own trials and tribulations.

This is strongly represented in the two central characters portrayed; Mrs. Lily, carefree heiress to her family's financially suffering estate, and Mr. Thomas, a headstrong businessman and descendant of slaves, who would like to claim the estate in the name of his ancestors. Lily and Thomas share a few things in common-besides each being called back to Magnolia estate after trying to escape from their identity with the property's history - they each try and find an identity for themselves in an ever evolving and modernizing southern culture. Another link is they were both born (along with other characters) on the estate, creating a sense of shared roots no matter the individual's race.

One big part of the reasoning for such types of changes/adapting stems from Atlanta's historical facts. In 1963, while Martin Luther King Jr. was busy working on behalf of black citizen's civil rights, Atlanta witnessed their mayor erecting a barricade called "Peyton Wall," meant to segregate blacks from integrating in white society. Therefore, social progressive efforts mixed up with the lingering air of prejudice makes for much to learn on behalf of all the characters involved in "Magnolia." And with the first-ever African-American president in the White House, Taylor's play invites us all to ponder exactly how much real progress has transpired since the days of the man with the dream, and what is still yet left to transpire.

To sum things up, this is a tightly wound production which contains all the elements of classic theatre, as it draws from historical reality, while remaining bold and true in its well thought out nature. Great acting? Check. Innovative set design and other sensory experiences? Check. Solid storytelling? Check. Will you most likely take something home with you and not forget it anytime soon? Check that one off the list too.

"Magnolia" offers its blossoms of family roots, identity, hardship, coping and hope through April 19 at the Goodman Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online at GoodmanTheatre.org, at their Box Office located at 170 N. Dearborn St., or by phone at 312-443-3800.