You Will Get Sick
I often find myself wrestling with plays that require explanation or leave you bewildered as I exit the theater, pondering the true intentions of the playwright. It's frustrating when the production's underlying themes and messages get lost in translation, making the experience feel more perplexing than enlightening. This is the feeling audiences will have when leaving 'You Will Get Sick,' a play that tells the story of a man with an illness who is afraid to disclose it to his family, so he hires someone to care for him. Known only as #1 and #2, Namir Smallwood and Amy Morton play the sick man and the person who answers his advertisement, helping him to share his dilemma of acceptance and disclosure. Throughout the play, they squabble about how much money would be needed for #2 to share his story without the play ever revealing the indisposition that plagues the man. It misses sharing a powerful narrative of sickness, the trauma of getting sick, and how to accept and discuss an illness to comfort a loved one — which I believe was the intent of the storyline, written by Noah Diaz. The play uses a narrator to allow the audience to hear the man's internal monologue and feel his frustrations and fears, but it doesn't enhance your understanding of the play's concept.
While you are trying to comprehend the main narrative, the play introduces a bizarre secondary storyline that explores a character's aspirations to audition for the role of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz despite her apparent age of forty. In the iconic 1939 film, Dorothy was portrayed as a twelve-year-old, with Judy Garland being 16. While I truly appreciate the profound themes of courage, friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance that are referenced within this production, I must admit that the reference to Bird Insurance eludes my understanding. Sadieh Rifai, #3, does an outstanding job as the man's sister, who is surprised to see a woman joining her as she comes to visit her brother. When she hears the news, she immediately wants to help, but her assistance never really materializes within the play. The remaining cast members include Cliff Chamberlain (#4), who, in one of his roles, plays a burger waiter who can't stop crying, and Jordan Arredondo (#5), the brother who aids the man during his transition. Both deliver a balanced performance, one that all the actors share. The most impressive part of this play was the set and visual landscape, which illuminated the stage like the heavens.
You Will Get Sick attempts to mix sadness and satire, but it needs work. Why is he sick? Audiences should never be left conflicted but instead straightforwardly convinced that they understand the playwright's narrative. Plays should gracefully unfold, revealing the captivating artistry woven throughout their narratives. Audiences should depart the performance feeling enlightened, delighted, and deeply engaged in meaningful dialogue rather than dazed and confused. The 85-minute play strikes a delicate balance, providing just enough time to leave you thoroughly bewildered while remaining brief enough to preserve your mental clarity.
This is not to say that the dynamic between Morton and Smallwood on stage wasn't anything short of extraordinary; their nuanced performances captivated the audience. Smallwood's talent shines in every role he undertakes, leaving a lasting impression with his unique ability to bring complex characters to life. However, he may become ensnared in the theatrical trap of typecasting, being relegated to unusual and bizarre roles rather than being showcased on a broader array of opportunities that truly reflect his versatility as an actor. The play has been praised for its witty humor and its refreshing take on the challenging and disturbing subject matter. The 85-minute play strikes a delicate balance, providing enough time to leave you thoroughly bewildered while remaining brief enough to preserve your mental clarity.
⭐⭐1/2 STARS
Steppenwolf Theatre
You Will Get Sick
Written by Noah Diaz
Directed by Artistic Director Audrey Francis
June 5 - July 13, 2025
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