TV vet Thomas Gibson makes Chicago stage debut in David Mamet’s ‘Henry Johnson’
The first phone call TV veteran Thomas Gibson (“Criminal Minds,” “Dharma and Greg”) made when he was offered a role in the Chicago premiere of David Mamet’s latest play was to fellow actor/director and Chicago native Joe Mantegna.
His friend and “Criminal Minds” co-star responded without hesitation.
“He said ‘I think you should do it,’” recalled Gibson, who said Mantegna — a frequent Mamet collaborator — had seen the play, “Henry Johnson,” during its 2023 world premiere in Venice, California.
The South Carolina native has filmed in the city but has never been on a Chicago stage until now.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Gibson of the production, a collaboration between Victory Gardens Theater and the Relentless Theatre Group. “I have a lot of respect for the stage actors who come out of Chicago and for the theaters here.”
The play is about the titular middle-aged character (played by Daniil Krimer) and his journey from a corporate office to a prison cell. Gibson plays Henry’s prison cellmate Gene.
“He (Gene) has been there a long time,” explains Gibson. “He knows not only the world of the prison, but he knows people (or believes he knows people) and helps Henry navigate life behind bars.”
Edward Torres, co-founder of Chicago’s Teatro Vista, directs the play, which also stars Keith Kupferer as a prison guard and Al’Jaleel McGhee as Henry’s boss.
“This is great opportunity for all of us,” Gibson said of the play that reflects classic Mamet themes of manipulation and self-interest. Who’s being manipulated? Are they aware they’re being manipulated? And are they OK with it?
As for mastering Mamet’s famously stylized language, Gibson relies on advice the playwright reportedly gave actors: just say the words.
“Don’t be lured into trying to look farther into the character than what he (Mamet) has given you,” he said. “He has basically given you everything.”
While the actor acknowledges “Henry Johnson” is hardly escapist fare, he believes audiences will be as captivated by the story as he was.
“It’s a great ride with a lot of provocative things to say,” he said.
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“Henry Johnson”
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday through May 4
Where: Relentless Theatre Group in association with Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, victorygardens.org
Tickets: $64-$69