A Revival of The Front Page at Northlight Theatre

A new theater, especially one as intimate as Northlight’s long-awaited venue in Evanston, is worth celebrating. The choice to stage Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur’s 1928 comedy about the unpredictable world of Chicago journalism adds to the occasion. This play, which succeeded on Broadway in 2016, may not have needed changes, but Northlight presented it with a nod to beloved Chicago actors and the city’s storied past.

Set in the press room of the old Criminal Courts Building, the characters of “The Front Page” are inspired by people from the renowned City News Bureau. This bureau, known for its famous mantra “If your mother says she loves you, check it out,” was where notable writers like Mike Royko and Kurt Vonnegut began their careers. MacArthur’s experience at the bureau and Hecht’s at the Chicago Daily Journal and Chicago Daily News brought authenticity to their work.

The story, also familiar from Howard Hawks’ 1940 film “His Girl Friday,” involves a chaotic group of reporters embroiled in a drama surrounding an impending execution. As the convict escapes, reporter Hildy Johnson and editor Walter Burns strive to maintain their exclusive news coverage. Hildy plans to retire for a more respectable career and marriage, which conflicts with the newsroom culture and Burns’ desire to keep his star journalist.

In the original play, Hildy is male, embodying a patriarchal environment. The film “His Girl Friday,” transformed Hildy into a female character, creating romantic tension with Burns, portrayed as her ex-partner. This adaptation, by Jeffrey Hatcher, retains the gender swap. Director BJ Jones cast real-life couple Kate Fry and Timothy Edward Kane as Hildy and Burns, showcasing their acting talents.

This new version emphasizes modern themes, with Hildy’s character often addressing women’s role in the workplace. Some might argue that keeping her as a dedicated journalist regardless of gender could have made a stronger statement. The satire’s sharpness and humor seem somewhat softened in this rendition.

The production, however, still enjoys standout performances. Tim Kazurinsky delivers humor in his role as a bumbling delivery man from the governor’s office. His character may be the one true figure Hecht and MacArthur intended to be admirable. The ensemble cast, including Joe Dempsey, Mark David Kaplan, Kelan M. Smith, and Guy Van Swearingen, effectively portrays their journalist stereotypes. William Dick and John Lister enjoyably highlight the flaws of Chicago politicians.

Meanwhile, Peter Moore, Rae Gray, and Cindy Gold play civilians caught in the story’s chaos, with John Drea personifying the perfect scoop. The lively thrust stage, designed by Jeff Kmiec, showcases the theater’s capabilities while maintaining its closeness with the audience. This production is worth experiencing, especially for Evanstonians eager for quality theater in their community.

Review: “The Front Page” (3 stars)
When: Through Oct. 25
Where: Northlight Theatre, 1012 Church St., Evanston
Running time: 2 hours
Tickets: $55-$103 at 847-563-8400 and northlight.org