Daily Southtown August 3, 2007

Spellbinding 'Honus and Me' knocks it out of the park

By BETTY MOHR Daily Southtown Theater Critic

The pitcher is winding up. The crowd is screaming. The batter looks suspended in motion as he angles his bat in front of him. The pitcher throws a fast one. There's a sharp crack as the batter slams the ball out of the park. The fans are going wild. It's not a real ball game, but it might as well be for the audience watching the thrilling production of "Honus and Me."

Because it's presented by Chicago Children's Theatre in the Goodman's Owen Theatre, one expects a show for, well, kids. But this tale of baseball great Honus Wagner and the effect he has on a youngster who believes himself a loser, is as exhilarating for adults as it is for children.

A very polished and professional production, it is set in what appears to be a real baseball stadium, impeccably designed by Todd Rosenthal, complete with evocative baseball costuming by designer Alison Siple.

Adapted by Steven Dietz from Dan Gutman's novel and with perfect direction by Sean Graney, the story follows Joey Stoshak (a compelling performance by Tim Rock), a young baseball fanatic who, while cleaning up an old women's attic, accidentally discovers a Honus Wagner T-206 baseball card.

The most valuable baseball card ever, it serves as a time-travel connection between Joey and Wagner (a stunning dead-on portrayal by Eric Slater). One of the worst players on his neighborhood baseball team, Joey wants more than anything to become a great player like his baseball idol.

When Joey is thrown back in time to the 1909 World Series, Wagner not only shows him how to succeed at baseball, but also how to succeed in life.

"Honus and Me" is a heartwarming coming-of-age story, but there's so much more here for baseball fans to savor. We learn a lot about Wagner -- not just about how he had more runs, doubles and triples than any other player in the National League of his time -- but also who he was as a person.

And we find out that the Honus baseball card is so valuable (the last one sold for $2.35 million dollars) because in 1909 Wagner asked that his card be recalled from packages of tobacco. As a non-smoker he didn't want to set a bad example for kids.

This is a spellbinding show to see anytime of the year, but it's a special experience during baseball season. I heartily recommend that everyone who loves baseball -- and even those who know nothing about the game -- take themselves out to this winning ball game.

'Honus and Me'
When: Through Aug. 26
Where: Presented by Chicago Children's Theatre at the Goodman's Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
Tickets: $15 to $38
Information: Call (312) 443-3800 or visit www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org