BWW Reviews: Woolly Turns Reality on Its Head with Metaphorical YOU FOR ME FOR YOU

Francis Jue also solidly portrays several characters.  As Minjee’s doctor, he is effective in portraying a man who is solely an instrument and product of the Kim Jong-Il regime.  As the Smuggler, he is both creepy and human.  Dewberry is the quintessential southern man who is seemingly out of place in New York City and serves as a perfect way for Minjee to discover more about American culture. Francis Cabatac (Puppeteer) rounds out the strong ensemble.

Woolly’s minimal yet professional production values enhance the telling of Chung’s story and remind the audience that while there is a speckle of truth in the play, the world we are witnessing is a metaphorical one.  Daniel Ettinger’s impressive set – particularly the large, turning structure depicting the North Korean border – is particularly integral to setting the stage for the audience to be transported to another world.  The sound (Elisheba Ittoop), lighting (Andrew Griffin), and costume (Frank Labovitz) designs also create ambience as do Mike Iveson Jr.’s musical compositions. 

Overall, I’d recommend this play.  It’s certainly unlike any other play I’ve witnessed that deals with important social-cultural ideas that impact our current reality.  Chung definitely has a future as a playwright and I look forward to following her career.

Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.

Photo Credit: Scott Suchman.

You for Me for You plays at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company – 641 D Street, Washington, DC – through December 2, 2012.  For tickets, call the box office at 202-393-3939 or purchase them online. 

Jennifer Perry has been a DC resident since 2001 having moved from Upstate New York to attend graduate school at American University's School of International Service. When not attending countless theatre, concert, and cabaret performances in the area and in New York, she works for the US Federal Government as an analyst. Jennifer previously covered the DC performing arts scene for Maryland Theatre Guide and DC Metro Theater Arts. In addition to writing for BroadwayWorld, she covers cabaret and musical theatre-related concerts for DC Theatre Scene.

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