John Loves Mary
By Kim WilsonA WWII soldier's engagement is complicated by his decision to marry his best friend's lover to give her U.S. citizenship. Like the movies for which Norman Krasna is better known--he wrote White Christmas--his well-structured 1947 farce is still funny and has considerable nostalgic appeal. Unfortunately, most of the wit is buried here under awkward, ill-timed performances. As John, Jason Rude is movie-star gorgeous, but he and Joanna Peot as Mary fail to deliver any real romantic zip: their kisses and tumbles look clumsily choreographed. The few natural responses come mainly from John Waldron as Mary's senator father and Thomas Quigley as a sycophantic general. This troupe might be better off lip-synching to the 1949 Ronald Reagan/Patricia Neal film. Through 10/9: Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sun 3 PM. Attic Playhouse, 410 Sheridan, Highwood, 847-433-2660. $18-$20.
