Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Hymn Review
Chiké Johnson and James Vincent Meredith
Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents HYMN Review - An Unexpected Brotherhood Forms
TLDR: Sometimes family can come from the most unexpected of places. For two men in Hymn, when they find out they share the same father, they form a friendship filled with fun and support. We watch it grow and share their joy and good times along with the tough ones set against the backdrop of Chicago.
James Vincent Meredith
Two Men Find Kinship at Chicago Shakes
Two men stand on the stage. Similar in stature, but they carry themselves in different ways. One seems to hold himself up tall, the other feels hesitant.
The scene shifts. A piano sits center stage. The back walls are slotted like wall dividers in a church, very 80s architecture feel. An outline of a cross is lit on the back wall and we hear the final refrain of “Lean On Me” come through. Dressed in a well-tailored black suit, Gil (James Vincent Meredith) delivers his father’s eulogy. Afterwards, Benny (Chiké Johnson) hesitantly introduces himself, also a son of Gil’s father, unbeknownst to him until their father’s passing.
Johnson starts off aloof and disinterested in having any kind of relationship with Gil. He throws some offhand remarks about how well-off Gil is or how their opportunities throughout life were different, the chip on his shoulder rearing its head. But it’s hard to not let your guard down around Meredith as he keeps chatting and offers a warm smile, trying to make Benny feel comfortable enough to stay.
The scene shifts and time passes demonstrated on the video screen on the back with some gorgeous aerial shots of the city (designed by Rasean Davonté Johnson). We hear that their families have all been warm and welcoming to this new discovery. Both men have been surrounded by sisters, mothers, wives as their support systems - and they love them all, don’t get them wrong - but there’s something that sparks between Benny and Gil that can only come from being a brother. As seasons continue to change throughout our beloved city of Chicago, Hymn follows these two as they develop into more than just two strangers who share DNA.
James Vincent Meredith and Chiké Johnson
Feel the Joy, Support, and the Groove
One indisputable theme that runs through Hymn is friendship and the joy that comes with this new discovery. Though Gil and Benny’s relationship starts tentatively as they navigate this new situation, it’s not long before the two act like they’ve been family forever.
They share interests. Benny invites Gil to come work out with him and teach him how to box. They talk about their families, offering advice on raising kids. They root through Benny’s storage room and find an old keyboard, vintage hammer pants, records, and a karaoke machine. Soon whatever mission they were on falls to the wayside as they need to take a trip down memory lane and play some music. They bust out the moves to “Can’t Touch This” and pull out all the stops for “Rapper’s Delight.” Everyone in the audience is either bopping their heads or full on jamming out with the two on stage.
There’s many moments like this filled with joy as they understand each other. Song and rhythm runs through the production that show us how in tune these two brothers are. There’s moments of hope as they discuss working together in the future. And there’s also tough times that test this delicate relationship they built.
Chiké Johnson
The After Party Thoughts
Hymn is a wonderful journey of brotherhood and men supporting each other. The feel of Hymn is very traditional with a beginning, middle, and end that makes this story feel whole. We see the tentative stages of their beginning relationship, how it grows, and how their lives will be irrevocably changed. The direction by Ron OJ Parson keeps us at a nice, mellow pace throughout the show letting each period of their relationship sit, simmer, and blossom without rushing to give a natural progression.
Johnson and Meredith look like they’re having so much fun on stage when they’re in their element. Their joy is palpable throughout the theater and their relationship seems so natural, I’d fully believe they were best friends in real life.
For those that aren’t interested in relationship shows or ones that are a slow build and pace, this one might not be the best fit for you. However, if like shows about Black joy and brotherhood that have lots of ups and downs of relationships, Hymn would be a good fit for you.
RECOMMENDED
Chiké Johnson and James Vincent Meredith
When
Now through May 25, 2025
Where
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Runtime: 140min, no intermission
Tickets
$30+
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 312.595.5600 or through the Chicago Shakespeare Theater website
Photos
Vashon Jordan Jr.
CAST
Chiké Johnson (Benny)
James Vincent Meredith (Gil)
Donald Fitzdarryl (Understudy)
Stetson Pierre (Understudy)
CREATIVE
Lolita Chakrabarti (Playwright)
Ron OJ Parson (Director)
Rasean Davonté Johnson (Scenic and Projection Designer)
Yvonne Miranda (Costume Designer)
Jason Lynch (Lighting Designer)
Willow James (Sound Designer and Composer)
Bob Mason (Casting Director)
Deya S. Friedman (Production Stage Manager)
Katrina Herrmann (Assistant Stage Manager)