"The Return of Herbert Bracewell" or "Why Am I Always Alone When I'm With You?", Andrew Johns' nostalgic tale of an aged actor planning his comeback with his three companions, makes its Chicago premiere on Nov. 11, opening Nov. 13 and closing Dec. 19 at Theatre Building Chicago. The comedy will star veteran Chicago actors Art Kassul and Ami Silvestre, and will be directed by multi-Jeff Award Winner William Pullinsi.
The story begins in early in the 20th century when Herbert Bracewell retires to the attic of his New York home with plans to stage a comeback in a one-man review of his long if undistinguished career. He begins to ad-lib ideas for his show, straining to pull down dusty manuscripts from atop overflowing shelves of vintage souvenirs, using Homer, a stunt double, as a co-star, and conferring often with his pet, a stuffed crow. Florence, 20 years his junior and a once-successful actress, comes to join him for their nightly tęte-a-tęte and toast the new year, and becomes caught up in his production plans, first with good-humored derision, then with the suggestion that she join him in the comeback attempt.
Through a series of barbs, playful reminiscences, and impromptu "performances," the audience learns of the strains this relationship has endured, Florence's infidelity and success, and that Herbert is endearingly closer to losing his mind than the audience may have suspected. But the audience also senses that, through all their trials, Herbert and Florence have been sustained by the magic of their first love—the theatre.
Performances will be Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.. Tickets are $25, with a 20 percent discount for those over the age of 65. During previews, tickets are $12.50 each. Theatre Building Chicago is located at 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Valet parking is available. For tickets, phone (773) 327-5252. Group discounts are available. |
