Open Space Arts’ ‘Mercy Killing’ Is An Unusual Kind Of Love
Mercy Killing is a quirky black comedy that is perfect for the true crime generation. Centered around the lengths one would go to for love, this is definitely not a story you’ll see anywhere else.
Love is the subject of most pieces of art in one way or another. It is the most frequently talked about pain and pleasure, and most of us can go on and on about the subject in various capacities. That said, it is tough to find any unique take on the subject. That’s where Mercy Killing comes in.
Mercy Killing is the story of Mercy, a woman who is obsessed with true crime podcasts. As she is walking down the street one day, Mercy happens upon a dead body. Shortly after the discovery, she witnesses a being measuring and checking the body with different implements. These two develop an immediate attraction to each other, but it is hindered by the fact that the being – Thana – can only show up when a person is dead or dying. That’s because she is a Grim Reaper. This leads Mercy and Thana to figure out what lengths they are willing to go to in the name of love.
Soon, there is a serial killer on the loose, another Grim Reaper trying to keep tabs on Thana (who is also her ex), and a romantic situation that only seems to get more complicated by the day. There are no easy solutions in sight, but maybe they can find a way to make it work.
With an ensemble of four (Stephanie Fongheiser, Madeline Ackerlund, Lydia Hanman, and Artem Kreimer), this show is entertainingly bizarre. With some of the best moments performed by Mr. Kreimer – who plays various characters, dies several times, and portrays an amusing handyman – the show moves along at a good pace, never dragging. The script is engaging, the actors are enjoyable, and several moments leave you humorously bewildered.
In a small 20-seat theater, half of the audience is on either side of the room with an open space in the middle. The actors play immediately in front of you, so you feel as if you are part of the show and removed from it at the same time.
Some fun musical and audio choices fill the room because of the intimate setting. It is an extra kick to be enveloped like that as the actors change costumes or reset for a new scene.
Overall, Mercy Killing is an entertaining production that moves along quickly and purposefully, with fun characters and an unusual story. It makes for a fun evening out, so see it while you can!
Mercy Killing runs for 70 minutes with no intermission. There are deaths in this production, but nothing overly gory or upsetting. I would give this an age rating of 14 and up.
Open Space Arts Mercy Killing Chicago Review – Mercy Killing is playing at Open Space Arts through 12/1/2024. Tickets can be purchased on the Open Space Arts website or by calling (773) 773-7837. Open Space Arts is located at 1411 West Wilson Avenue in Chicago.