Intimate Apparel

I've always been a fan of romantic melodramas. In the 1940s, Hollywood was expert at telling these stories of stoic, strong women, who give up or put in jeopardy everything they have for the chance at love. We're not talking a sure thing at all. And, in the Chicago premiere of INTIMATE APPAREL by Lynn Nottage at Steppenwolf Theatre, that tradition continues. The twist here, however, is that this story of love found and lost centers on African American women in New York in the early part of the twentieth century.

Esther is a successful seamstress, who supports herself making the title garments for rich society ladies and Tenderloin prostitutes. The fact that each wants the outfits the other wears is not lost on Esther. Little else is either. This is a smart cookie.

 

 

So, when she begins to be courted by the friend of an acquaintance, you'd think all her prayers were answered. After all, Esther is getting up there in years, is still a virgin, and has only the prospect of an old, fat man. The problem, however, is that George Armstrong, the wonderful and caring and charismatic George Armstrong, who courts her, is that he lives in Panama, where he is a day laborer on the canal.

Throwing her usually prominent common sense to the wind, Esther agrees to marry him sight unseen, and he travels to America. Well, is George going to give Esther the lovin' we know she deserves, or is he going to open up her quilt, stuffed with money she has carefully saved year after year, stitch after stitch?

Well, c'mon, what do you think? But, the old fashioned satisfaction of INTIMATE APPAREL comes less from the story than the telling. Even the lesbian twist is predictable. Still, Nottage's story steeps itself in the argot and atmosphere of Esther's environment, and Velma Austin brings her to life.

Morocco Omari is a charming George, and JoNell Kennedy is memorable as Mayme, Esther's friend, and saloon hostess.

As always, the vast Steppenwolf stage allows for a multi-tiered set by Scott Gerwitz and Julie Ruscitti, that handsomely recreates the highest and lowest of turn of the century Manhattan.

INTIMATE APPAREL, winner of the 04 Drama Critics Circle Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award, is playing through mid-March at Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre.