Huc seems to be able to laugh off critical remarks made by anyone else, but takes deep offense to any negative comments made by Guest. Guest is dreadfully sensitive to each and every one of Huc's eccentricities, taking them as personal insults. In no time at all, Guest is plotting ways to get out of his current room and into any other, so long as Huc isn't there. The story, based on John O'Hara's short story The Christian Roommates is perhaps still a bit literary in the telling, but director Nell Cox has a good eye for visuals, so the story doesn't bog down. The message, obviously, has to do with tolerance and maturity, but, to its credit, Guest isn't the only character with things to learn.
Cox avoids sledgehammer approachs and unrealistic outcomes, so the lesson is quite palatable.
The Roommate is entertaining throughout. Guest is excellent in his role, as is Barry Miller as the impossible roommate. The rest of the cast is fine, as well. I was extremely satisfied with. Mockus Sr. is one of the more distinguished local actors from the Chicago stage scene.