Review: Steppenwolf hits home with ‘Wally World’ radio play comedy

In Steppenwolf NOW’s second virtual streaming production, playwright Isaac Gómez admits his protagonist is inspired by his mother’s experience working her way up through El Paso’s superstore Walmart in Texas. His richly evocative, refreshing play titled “Wally World” is the result.

It’s festive, touching and full of real-life comedy familiar to any shopper. The radio play’s setting is Christmas Eve, the day before the 24-hour store is to close for the holiday. Manager Andy is trying to keep the store and her employees in line, not to mention her co-managers and sales associates. Andy is passionate and proud and has a lot to face.

The first act opens with spitting walkie-talkies (and totally realistic) conversations. There’s humor and pathos and understandable anxiety. One of the co-managers has quit without notice, there’s an unexpected random merchandise delivery, not to mention a grocery zone in total mess, the threat of a possible strike, HR issues, exhausted overnighters, and frantic, last-minute shoppers.

Co-directors Gómez and Lili-Anne Brown kept the pacing active and descriptive. This is a fine example of a radio play – images will legitimately fill your mind; you’re engaged. The entire cast is appealing.

Sandra Marquez is Andy, who leads from her gut; she’s efficient, protective and firm. She is not here to make friends, she is here to run a business. She worked herself up from cashier to store manager. Marquez is just superb.

Another standout and one of my favorite Steppenwolf actresses, Audrey Francis, plays Amy, an overworked, exhausted, experienced overnighter. You can hear the frustration in her voice.

Cliff Chamberlain is Mark, who is so well-portrayed I’m not sure I like him at all. He is pedantic, is always telling others what to do, and is hitting on his boss, Andy.

I also greatly admired Jacqueline Williams as Estelle, a strong, substantive, adamant character.

But let’s be honest. Everyone in this cast is stellar and there’s no disputing characters and relationships. I just have to applaud Sydney Charles, Kevin Curtis, Karen Rodriguez, Marvin Quijada, Danny Bernardo and Leslie Sophia Perez. They have chemistry. Aaron Stephenson’s sound design is terrific – holiday music intermixed with store sounds – perfectly paired. The two-act play runs two hours and 20 minutes.

Gómez calls his “Wally World” the “Walmart Chekhov,” and I have to agree – excellent word choice, hidden life and sensory information. Although the ending is not a cliffhanger, it is dramatic and almost anticipated. I enthusiastically recommend that you give a listen to this radio play.

• Regina Belt-Daniels has been involved in theater since Sister Justia cast her as a rather bossy Mother Goose in the first-grade play. After 50 years with shows (directed, acted, stage managed, theater boards) at the Woodstock Opera House, RCLPC, MCC, Independent Players, and the Raue, she hopes to continue a life in the theater.

IF YOU VIEW

WHAT: Steppenwolf NOW radio play “Wally World”

COST: $75 membership for six virtual plays through August 2021

INFORMATION: Steppenwolf.org/now, 312-335-1650