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William Petersen
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A Dublin Carol, Chicago 2008 - Theater Reviews by the Fans

A Dublin Carol, Steppenwolf, Chicago: 6th November 2008 - 4th January 2009

Abigail Says...

I went to see A Dublin Carol this past evening (8 Nov).  What a great experience.  The theater is quaint.  I sat 3rd row.  Billy did a phenomenal job.  The story was great.  I saw him on the way in but he was in a hurry to get in .  I went back to the same place I saw him enter and he was there.  I was able to ask him for a picture and he politely obliged.  He was very sweet and talked to me for a brief minute.  He wanted to be quick so a mob did not form.  It was fantastic and if you can make it to Chicago I would try to see Billy in the theater.  Such a good actor!!!

Abigail has kindly shared her photo with Billy for us to share, thanks Abigail.

Fiona says...

My Husband Sean and I went to Chicago from Dublin, Ireland, last week to see a Dublin Carol. We are big fans of Conor McPherson and also of Billy Petersen. We had seen A Dublin Carol here last year and loved it.

I had just come back from a girly week-end in Chicago in early March when I realized that it was going to be on. I loved Chicago and had been to Steppenwolf theatre. I couldn't believe it when my husband said that the two of us should head off .....so I booked as quickly as possible before he could change his mind!

I farmed my kids out to 4 different families and off we went.

I took some photos of the area of Dublin where the play is set to bring with me and found an old program of A Dublin Carol which I thought might be of interest to the cast.

When I got there on the night the staff said I probably would not be able to meet Billy as they were inundated with requests ....and people had come from Germany, New Zealand
and Australia especially to see the play (Billy!).... not just Dublin! But they very kindly took my photos and program and gave them to Billy in his dressing room.

The play was great... very well acted...conveying a lot of empathy with and sympathy towards the main character. Billy made it look easy!  There is a lot of bad language in it but that's how we are over here! It's quite true to life, and it is very funny sometimes, but poignant and sad too. Very thought provoking.

Afterwards my husband and I were outside wondering what we would do next when Nicole Weisner came out ( She plays the estranged daughter). We chatted to her for a while, she is a lovely friendly person, very down to earth and normal. She thanked me for the photos, which they all loved, and signed my program. One of the photos was of an undertakers and apparently Stephen Louis Grush had visited that exact one while researching for his role this past summer.

We were a little disappointed not to meet Billy, but were delighted to meet Nicole and we really enjoyed the whole experience. If you are in Chicago, try and go, you will enjoy it.

Elfling says...

I just got back from Chicago.  What a fabulous place!  I had the pleasure of seeing Dublin Carol on the 21st and 22nd of November.  There isn't a bad seat in the house, though some give a better view of what the actors are doing.  The first night we were toward the back of the theatre, a bit left of center.  It's a small theatre so it's very intimate, very friendly.  Having read the play I was familiar with the dialogue and knew what to expect, that didn't keep me from paying close attention though.  The second night we were 3rd row but on the left of the stage.  Since we had seen it the night before we had the luxury of taking in more of the nuances of the performers.  It gave us a completely different perspective, we couldn't see some of the more subtle things he did since it was behind his co-stars back and Billy's back was too us.  It did, however, give us a better view of facial expressions and the quieter vocalizations you couldn't hear toward the back.

 What an amazing treat seeing Billy on stage, the way he used the whole set, moved around while his co-stars were, for the most part, stationary.  The restlessness and discomfort with the situation and conversation, the draw of the alcohol.  The humor, the pain, the fear and uncertainty... the desire to change but the self doubt/hatred and clear feeling of unworthiness.  Amazing.   I was looking forward to scene 2, I couldn't wait to see Billy go through the range of emotions needed for that scene, it was worth the price of the trip, 10 fold.  I like that the end of the play is left open, you get to decide for
yourself what the out come is.  I could go on and on but will spare anyone reading this!

Nicole Wiesner did a superb job.  She did such a great job of playing a daughter who is in as much pain, if for different reasons.  The humor, the anger, the honesty.  Spot on.

Stephen Louis Grush... what can I say.  He also was superb.  He did a great job of portraying a young man that didn't know how to deal with this man and what he's going through and has gone through.

I encourage anyone that is thinking of making the trip to do it.  I was a bit concerned that the expense would affect the enjoyment of the play, the only thing I regret is not getting tickets for another night!

Rosie says...

Well once again I braved the cold to see William.  Why does he pick such cold weather for it?  Ahhh DUH?  A DUBLIN CAROL.  Well I pretty much had the same area seats as in Providence.  There were a few things I noticed different.   The stage appeared to be smaller (remember I have little sight as it is).  But no sink in Chicago.  Chicago seems pressed in too close and in a straight line almost like the actors would have fallen off the stage by mistake.  I did like the other players in Providence a tad more.  These two were good, but just ..I liked the others better. Once over the three actors came out bowed once to the right to the left and gone.  N'er giving us ample time to really show our appreication for their hard work. 

William on the other hand.....what a different.  I didn't like his accent in Providence.  Thought it was bad, and I;ve heard a lot of Irish accents.  But now it's much better.  He's much better.  Why?  I think he's more comfortable in the role,  he's gotten PLENTY of great reviews from all sides  the pressure of CSI is off his shoulders now.  He's done with it per say. But the biggest thing I think is that....

HE"S HOME.  Chicago loves him and he loves it.  He's more relaxed and into doing what he wants to now.  It's showing.  His timeing was better and he paused for the laughter.  He just seemed more relaxed.  I couldn't see much of him, not even to tell you if he had a beard or not.  But the tone of his voice is SO MUCH better then Providence. 

I'm glad they extended the play.  The theater manager told me they were selling out every night just about.  It sure made them happy.  Now if they would just get a DVD of it and sell it like I (and a lot of other fans) suggested.  HINT HINT.  Not to mention the poster,  auction that puppy off (signed of course).  Make a MINT  there STEPPENWOLF !!!  I just got a phone call from STEPPENWOLF asking for more donations.  If they are in need they
sure are missing a golden opportunity!

But welcome home Sweet William! Welcome home.  It was worth freezing my butt off to know you were but a few  feet in front of me.  Snaps fingers!  So close but so far.  I would listen to him read the phone book... And dang I  got a private number!  Now for me it's onward to next year and BLACKBIRD !!

Kristin says ...

On November 14 my Grandma and I attended a Dublin Carol. We were sitting second row, stage left.  Billy did an amazing job, as did Nicole but I thought that Stephen played Marc as too disinterested.  The play was excellent, you truly forget about Gil Grissom and CSI and get lost in the play.  It was very moving and sad, and brilliant.  Not a sappy Christmas play at all, more human and honest. 

When we got to Chicago, I showed my Grandma the book of thank you postcards that I had brought for Billy. She thought it was nice and thoughtful. I mentioned that I had brought it all the way from CA and I wasn't taking it home. Grandma took those words to heart. She got aggressive and tried to get backstage. It was cute and flabbergasting at the same time. Definitely caused a scene!  I was disappointed that I wasn't able to give Billy the book but decided to try again the next day. 

When I went back for the afternoon showing, I saw Billy from afar and decided to give a theatre employee the book.  They promised that Billy would get it, and took it backstage.  However, the story doesn't end there. 

Saturday evening, I was waiting for three attendees to exit the theatre and the entire cast of a Dublin Carol walked right out of the front doors of the theatre. An old woman getting into her car yelled at Billy that she loved his performance and that her and the lady she was with had come all the way from Florida. Billy walked over to the car and leaned in to talk to the older woman (daughter and mom I think). When he walked away, I finally got the courage to approach. I said, "Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you but I had to ask if you would mind taking a photo with me." Billy said, "Not too sorry," and I laughed and said he was right but I would have regretted it if I hadn't at least asked. He was smiling during the exchange so I don't think he was mad. He made a grab for my camera and said "how about I take your picture" and Nicole (she plays Mary) laughed and said, "Billy I'll take the picture." Which she did, and did a good job too didn't she. They both asked me to check and make sure the picture looked ok. I thanked them and walked away. I think Billy exited the theatre that way because a guy in a car was outside waiting and they talked for awhile. Then Billy, Nicole, and Stephen walked away down the street.

Karin Says...

I was very excited to see tonight's performance (November 29) and got there as early as I could, a little too early because I had to walk down the block and hang out at the book store for about 1/2 an hour. It turns out is was all worth it in the end. When I entered the theatre the first time I was practically run over by Tom Irwin who will be appearing in
The Seafarer. When I came back to the theatre there were two ushers who told me I could take the stairs to the third floor to the theatre for Dublin Carol. Well, I did alright and went up a completely wrong set of stairs WITH Billy Petersen. I don't think he realized that I wasn't supposed to be there but he said hello to me and held all the doors we went through. When I got to the last one I realized that I was in the totally wrong place and ask the stage manager where I should go. She was a little upset but that was only because they were having issues with people stalking Billy. After the play was over, which was phenomenal Billy was in the lobby area upstairs talking with a few people and he seemed to get a little annoyed when a woman asked for his autograph and a picture which is why I didn't ask for a picture. Walking up the stairs with him was enough for me right now,maybe next time I can get a picture.

Bobbi Says...

There's no Christmas cheer in this play that tells a tale of lifelong regrets seen from the bottom of a whiskey bottle. Scrooge has nothing on John Plunkett, a man who walked away from his family for self loathing and solace found in his life of hiding in an alcoholic stupor.

Given the opportunity to salvage what life he may have left, a job as a mortician's assistant was offered him. So we greet this character entering a shabby funeral parlor with his young co worker. The room is meagerly decorated for the season, but even that reeks of the wasted life we are about to encounter.

John rattles on to his young listener about his life, such as it is. Regrets are heard through the ramblings of a man who plies himself with liquor while his thick Irish accent deepens the morose we hear as John speaks.

Enter his estranged daughter carrying news of her dying Mother's wishes. John struggles with this information through past lingerings and his daughters anger over a relationship that never happened. Memories drowned in drink come out not sourful not regretful, just whiskey addled remembrances.

William Petersen plays John Plunkett on stage at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre. Mr. Petersen's masterful interpretation of this play is amazing... Don't even show up expecting to see Gil Grissom, for he's left behind in Hollywood. The stage is where Mr. Petersen's talent shines.

Billy plays this man languishing in his solitude to a tee. Death lingers close in this funeral parlor's back room and self-pity abounds from the bottom of that chosen whiskey bottle. We are left wondering if he finally makes amends with his life left behind.

I got to see this twice over a two week period, and I highly recommend that anyone, even the casual fan of Billy Petersen's go see this man on stage.
**************
And now for sometime that surprised even me. It certainly pays to be in the right place at the right time. I read with envy those of you that are so fortunate to meet Mr. Petersen outside the threatre, but I am no longer one of those standing outside looking in.

Had tickets to see "A Dublin Carol" on two different nights. Stayed in Chicago for two weeks, taking in the city and taking pictures of the skyline of this curious city. Sitting alone, in the back of a restaurant I was surprised to see a familiar face having dinner with friends. Dare I bother this gentleman while he's enjoying not being in the limelight? I was in quite a quandry. Being one who lives in Hollywood, and knowing that most celebrities treasure their privacy, I opt for leaving the man enjoy his meal and friends, but not to let the moment pass, I asked the waiter to take Mr. Petersen a note.

"I enjoyed seeing you on stage, thanks for giving me a very entertaining time in your city." I signed it and sent it over with a bottle of fine white wine for them to all enjoy.

Now I wait for the response, and what I got was a bigger surprise than just a warm thanks. A very familiar male voice asks if he can join me for a moment. I look up and to my shock and wonderful surprise there is Mr. Petersen. Thank goodness I was sitting down or I would have surely fallen down. Of course I said yes, please sit.

You must understand I only wanted to thank him for the wonderful performance and let him know that I appreciated being so entertained. This engaging man thanked me for the generous gesture and left me nearly speechless by his generous spirit. Like I said, it pays to be in the right place at the right time.

Cherie says...

Meeting Billy on Friday 21st November

My husband  and I got to Edinburgh Airport at 7am Thursday morning to catch a flight to Amsterdam, hang around for 3 hours, then 8.5 hour flight across the pond arriving at O’Hare at 6.30pm at night. The view coming into Chicago was unbelievable all the orange glow of the gridiron street lights and the cluster of the skyscrapers at the front.

We were staying at the Days Inn on Diversey, slightly old style hotel but very clean and functional. We decided that as it was dark to get one of the taxi vans that took us straight to the Hotel, best $40 spent.

Oh did I happen to mention that it was Thursday and CSI was going to be coming on at 8 pm and I so wanted to see an episode that was not watched at 4am in the morning, so we got into the room with literally the adverts playing before the episode started!  My husband  shook his head; eye rolled and went for a shower!  

We were up at 5.30 am, breakfast at 6am and out by 7.30 am oh the joy of a knocked off  internal clock. Can I just say Scotland is cold but it was freezing!!!  When we stepped out side it was 20F. We went down to the waterfront and around the Magnificent Mile , we looked at all the shops … I now have a totally new perspective on Fanfics that  talk about “La Perla”  I was chortling and hubby  was giving me odd looks and I think praying that he would not need to go into the shop.

A great friend said that I had to go to the ladies toilet on the 96 floor of the Cocktail lounge of the John Hancock centre why ? When coming out of the cubicle you get a floor to ceiling glass wall with a clear blue sky and the most amazing site across the whole of the city, that is what I call a view .

So we went back to the Hotel around 4 pm and got ourselves ready and walked from the Hotel to North Halsted and down , the walk took 30-40 minutes and we got there just the back of 7pm. Cubbie & her sister & friend arrived just not long after .

We were quite far back, row M but we saw every thing, what can I say about the play that has not been said before, it was wonderful, Billy was amazing, his accent was spot on apart form one word-leisure, he sounded it the American way, the rest fantastic, the humour was great and there were parts that were so British that my husband and myself were the only ones laughing … Coronation Street & Cup –a- Soup, the bit about the funeral teas was priceless (Well husband is a Minister). The time seemed to go so quickly it did not seem like 1hr 20 min. Billy’s presence on the stage had me captivated, near the end I was just holding my breath as the emotion that he managed to exude was just so unbelievable, I can so see what people mean now about his stage acting.

We  did not stay  for the after performance talk as I was hot and my husbands  leg was sore , so we went out of the theatre but stayed around the upstairs as a friend  was still in . One thing, I had started to tell my self on the trip over not to get my hopes  about  seeing Billy, my goal was to see the play not to meet the man him himself.

 I was  just standing around  and there were a few others as well some  getting there coats , then husband said , "look there he is",  he had come out and was talking to some one he  obviously new who had brought his elderly mother,  he talked  for a few moments and then went  back inside. I just sat down on the couch and my heart was hammering and I was actually starting to shake! I had just seen WP in the flesh 10 feet from me.

The next moment the door opened again and Billy was there 3 feet from me, he was looking around and I looked at him and thought, well if you do not go and speak to him you never will.

So  I got up and went over to him, he was looking at me and  smiled, I said “Excuse me Mr Petersen but I wonder if I could just have a minute, I  have come all the way from Scotland  to see your play “

Well the look on his face was unbelievable his eyes actually went wide in surprise, and yes they sparkle and the smile that he gave …He said “All the way from Scotland  ...No”   I said “ Yes  we have come all the way  for a long weekend to  see you in this play”  He said,” Wow  that is amazing all the  way to see the play , that is so kind of you , how  did you like it ?”

I said it was fantastic, he  was looking at the camera in my  hand and said   did I want a picture  and  I said  that if that was possible ,  Billy called over his  friend  and said  to him, that  he could  not believe it,  that  we had come form Scotland  and wasn’t it not awesome.

 He put his arm around my shoulder…….. sorry over come with memories.

 My husband  &  I got  2 pictures  taken, I had always joked with my husband  said that if I was in the same room with hubby and Billy I would self combust, at that moment I think I did .

While the photo was being taken he was asking how I liked Chicago, I said it was very cold. After the photo I thanked him and shook his hand, he has lovely soft hands,  and  I walked away, I felt  like I wanted to ask him more but  my brain synapses  had fused  and I could  think of nothing, and you know as much as I wanted  to ask about CSI or GSR  I didn’t  it did not feel appropriate it was not something to ask at that time .

After I walked away  I realised that I had not got an autograph  and although I had a pen I had no paper , my husband  to the rescue he had a scrappy bit of an envelope.  I turned  to see if he was still there  and he was  with a few others, it turned out to be his friend  who  he hand known for years, Billy’s cousin and the 2 actors from the play .

I looked over wondering if I should go back over but felt it really maybe not appropriate. Billy called pointing at us , and said ,”And do you know they have  come all the way from Scotland  to see  this play, can you believe that”, he was beckoning us over  as he said  it. We  went back over  and  the  other actors  said  “ Really  have you come all the way” ,  now  slightly  embarrassed I said  yes, it was then that I asked if he could maybe  sign an autograph  and he said no problem asked me my name & spelt it  for him ,  he said  it was a really nice name and  that one of his aunts in law had the same name.

 Billy again asked again  how we enjoyed the play , I said that their  accents were spot on  and that   CSI friends from Ireland said they were very authentic. Billy said  Thanks  , I then went on to say that we loved how the “Britishness” had been kept  and that  we seemed to be the only  two laughing at one point . Billy said, yes he could imagine how it might be lost on some. I went on and said that he should come over to Scotland and do a play some time as he would be really welcome. He said that yea maybe one day he would  and  try  out his Scottish accent, maybe  do “The Scottish Play” , I said, now that would be wonderful if he would come and do the “Scottish Play”, it was really funny  hearing him say that , I know actors do not say the plays name  but thought it was only a UK  thing  …LOL.

I  thanked them all for a  great play  shook his hand once more and felt it was time to go , I felt it  but you know  they made us feel part of that wee  group  just talking .

What was Billy like, all that you can imagine and more , he is so warm and friendly  , it was not a put on for a fan , when we were part of that little group he was natural  he was himself . His eyes are stunning and he looks so so good, he is looking good, really trim looking.

The next day we were frozen to the bone and I seriously believe that we both had low grade hypothermia watching the switch on of the Magnificent Mile lights 3  hours standing in the cold.

How do I  sum it up , well on Sunday morning after breakfast my husband  and myself went for a walk before  we  packed, and in a shop we saw  a sign  a  quote by Dr Seuss, “Don’t Cry because it is over, smile because it happened”

It happened and it is something that I will never forget.

 

Marcia says...

I have just returned from the evening performance of Dublin Carol on Dec. 6. WP was fantastic as always. He does not seem to use the wide range of facial expressions we have gotten used to on CSI quite so much on this stage, even though it is  a very small theater. Rather, he shows the antsy nervousness of John Plunkett with his hands- running them through his hair, through his beard (which are both much whiter than they were two years ago in Providence! ) plucking at his clothing and twitching at his side. His timing is perfect-he has that way of waiting just a beat before delivering a retort that will bring a chuckle from the audience. One of the things that he does best is to infuse humor into this very depressing play at moments when you least expect it. I was not lucky enough to meet the great man himself, but guess who was there watching the play for the first time? Jorja Fox! I did get to chat a bit with her thanks to a long line at the ladies room after the play. She was very approchable and agreed with me that Billy has a rare talent.

L says….

I was fortunate enough to see both the Providence and Chicago productions of A Dublin Carol starring William Petersen. The differences in both productions were minor, although I felt the Chicago production was less sombre.  However, I didn’t really understand why some of the audience were laughing when they did, but we all view things differently.  Once again, WP didn’t disappoint with his performance, laser focused and fidgety as ever ;)   His supporting cast did a fine job as well.   I was in two minds about coming to see the play again, but I’m glad I went and am really looking forward to seeing how WP takes on the role of Ray in Blackbird.   

Tricia says…

It is so good to finally see William Petersen back on stage in Chicago.    I have been very, very lucky enough to see quite a few of his performances on stage here over the years, the last one being FLYOVERS back in 2008.   Upon hearing the news he would be back on our stages in Chicago, my husband and I had to get tickets.    This was my first time seeing this particular play.  It’s well written with a very challenging leading part and staying true to form, Billy (and his fellow actors) was marvellous.   I won’t go into detail of the plot of the story as I am sure everyone knows this by now, but it was an absolute joy to see Billy “home”.  

Gloria says…

Got to see the play in December, third row!! It is a very small theater so we were CLOSE! Billy does a great job--really becomes John, an alcoholic funeral home employee (I do not think he is an undertaker in the strict definition, but he does help with funerals). In person, he is slim, younger looking, with almost completely grey/white hair and beard!

The two other actors are simply overwhelming in their parts! You know Mary  is John's daughter and she wants him to change so badly--the audience can feel  her desire for him to love her--but she will love him in spite of his history  and his future. Mark, the young man, tries to be polite to John as an older man, but in the end, I think Mark sees what a ruin John has made of his life.

Noel, the unseen undertaker, who is in the hospital, is one of the primary never seen catalyst in this play but is seldom mentioned in reviews. Noel has kept John off the streets for years, telling him what to do, even taking him to the pub. Now Noel is out of the picture and John must learn to make decisions again, after many years of getting directions from Noel. This, to me, plays a very significant role in the play that isn't discussed.

I did not see this as a particular "holiday" story--it could happen at any time in the year. Several people in the after-play discussion wanted to make the story into a "John turns his life around" event--I don't think so. There were several very funny lines that got laughs. The best of Petersen's black comedy lines involve Venetian blinds with gold tassels--I was literally shaking in my chair with laughter. However, NO ONE else was laughing, so maybe I have this perverse sense of humor.

Great play, great acting, great story!

Juliet says...

I went to see A Dublin Carol in early December 2008. Chicago was very cold, but the welcome was warm at Steppenwolf Theatre. I had very much enjoyed the play in Providence, but the Steppenwolf production seemed richer, deeper. Billy’s extra familiarity with the role doubtless helped and they played more to the humor of the piece, without taking away from the serious themes. Billy was ably supported by the two other cast members, but the play rests on his shoulders and he was again very impressive in a difficult role. I also appreciated his lighter touches, like twirling the cardigan and coat behind him as he put them on.

A fun thing happened before the performance. On the right side of the stage there was a door with a frosted window, with PRIVATE lettered on the glass. I was chatting to the woman next to me, remarking that the set design included the correct type of electrical outlets (yes, I notice these things), when I saw Billy peering through the frosted glass. No idea who he was looking for, but I figured ‘what the heck’ and waved; according the woman beside me, he waved back.

I hope this is the first of many plays for Billy Petersen back in Chicago . Although he’s a consummate actor no matter what the medium, he looks so at home on the stage and it’s such a treat to see him perform live. And for me, A Dublin Carol was part of a wonderful experience with great people.

Cindy says...

This was my second trip to see William Petersen perform A Dublin Carol.  Chicago proved to be a different experience than Providence, which was interesting in many ways.  The overall tone of the play seemed darker and more serious than in Providence.  Although Stephen Louis Grush's Mark was played with a somewhat humorous feel as was Danny Mefford's, Nicole Wiesner's Mary showed more anger and sadness than Rachael Warren's.  This intensity gave Billy's performance a very different feel.  Interesting how small changes (even in the stage setting) can affect your perception.  I'm sure everyone who has seen both productions has their own preference, so I'm leaving it at that.

Still, you have to be fascinated by John's blend of self-deception and self-revelation.  He moves between attitudes of humble apology and fierce resentment.  The man can face his failures, but he can't resolve them.  Billy is brilliant with this character.  His mastery of the simplest shifts in rhythms of speech and phrasing is nothing short of genius.  It's what he does best.  Conor McPherson's work lends itself perfectly to Billy's ability as an actor.

The subtle difference in the Chicago production’s final scene felt a bit more open-ended.  When John put on his coat to leave (presumably for another bottle), then hesitated and changed his mind, I felt more certain that he would go to visit his wife, and in this selfless act would find some redemption. 

One of the most interesting conversations I overheard in the theater was a lady from Dublin behind me talking (in her lovely Irish brogue) about how authentic the play was, right down to the angst of the characters and the staging of the living room. 

Overall 2008 was a great experience.  There's no place on earth like Chicago (and I'm not sayin' that just because I'm from there).  Steppenwolf is amazing in it's own right, mostly because of it's history.  We were lucky enough to get to Victory Gardens for The Snow Queen as well, which was an unforgettable experience.  If you think I'm super, say it with a grouper...  J Chicago theatre does indeed rock.