Sassy Smart Fault at Chicago Shakes

Chicago has become the first choice pre-Broadway try out city for new works and Chicago Shakespeare Theater has become something of an incubator for works as diverse as The Notebook and Illinoise. Jason Alexander had such a great time premiering Judgement Day out on Navy Pier, he has returned with a directorial project, the witty, acerbic and very dark Fault by Scooter Pietsch.

The script gives War of the Roses vibe but this marital sparring triangulates with a third character, overlaying generational relationship expectations into the mix.   The show begins with Jerry (Enrico Colantoni) returning home from work early elated to have closed an enormous deal only to discover his wife Lucy (Rebecca Spence) inflagrante delicto with the young Shaun (Nick Martin) who she has picked up in a bar. A battle of wits ensues, heavily lubricated with a variety of alcohol while the hapless Shaun is shackled to a chair and bribed into serving as judge and jury to determine who is at fault in the desolation of this long term marriage. 

This couple has been through it, decades of being with and against each other in the rough and tumble that life brings everyone if they live long enough. Their banter reveals a dedicated and spicy but often hurtful relationship where they have deeply yet not quite fatally wounded each other. However there is at play a frequently used  walking stick that turns into a sword that does a great deal of damage as the story rolls out in a fast paced 90 minutes. This sharp devastating tool is a metaphor for how married people often slice each other to bits. 

This is an exhilarating marital war with talented intelligent actors who go the distance with the material.  See this new piece as it comes lustily, loudly and dangerously to life. Fight choreographer Erik Gratton keeps the stakes high. 

If you miss this entertaining play you will have to fly somewhere to see it– save yourself a trip!  Fault is playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Yard Theater space Tuesdays through Sundays through May 24, 2026. For tickets and information go to https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/fault/

Friday May 8th is the ASL interpreted show, Sunday May 10 is the Audio Described edition, and Wednesday May 18th will be open captioned.

Photo by Justin Barbin

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