The Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave., presents e. e. cummings' only full-length play, an absurdist comedy/drama titled "Him." The story follows a couple who are struggling to remain connected to one another as new stakes arise in their relationship. The male protagonist, called Him, is an artist desperate to finish writing a play — a task upon which he has hinged his whole sense of self — while his lover Me wrestles with a conundrum. Built around the motif of pregnancy, the narrative unfolds through the couple’s dialogues as well as through their dreams and thoughts and even Him’s play (a ribald and satirical vaudeville play within the play). "Him" was written in 1924 and defied American theatrical conventions of the time. Due to its momentous production and dramaturgical challenges, it has rarely been produced. Viaduct Theater co-artistic director Whitney Blakemore directs (and significantly cut the play for this production), and the show runs about two hours with one intermission. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
There is street parking and parking under the viaduct; the Viaduct Theater is easily reached by CTA buses on Western or Belmont avenues.
The play opens Thursday, May 26, at 8 p.m. with a reception following. It runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m., through June 25. There will be previews on May 24 and 25 at 8 p.m.
For tickets, call the Viaduct Theater Box Office, (773) 296-6024 (open 7-10 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, and 6-9 p.m. on Sunday). Tickets are $15 on Thursdays or Sundays; $18 on Fridays or Saturdays; $12 for previews.
The staff is composed of Viaduct ensemble members Whitney Blakemore (director), Robert Whitaker (scenic design), and David Lowenthal (production manager). Guest artists include Allison Siple (costumes), Rich Peterson and Heather Graff (lighting design), Jessica Hunt stage manager) and Sheri Reda (assistant director).
The cast features Viaduct ensemble members Julia Siple (Me), Ariel Brenner (Miss Stop Weird), and David Lowenthal (in multiple roles). Guest artists include David G. Schultz (Him), Paul D’Addario (the Doctor), Marssie Mencotti, Christine Cummings, Nico Tricoci, Julian Martinez, Lauren Vitz, Sarah McLaughlin, Joanna Peot, Kate Froehlich, Laura Millett and
Carmen Aiello.
The Viaduct Theater exists to build and promote theatre, film, and music in Chicago through a diversity of activities including producing plays and musical events; selecting and showing locally made films; and furnishing and maintaining an equipped production facility for theatre practitioners, filmmakers, and musicians that is also a venue for public theatre, film, and music events. Visit
www.viaducttheater.com. |
