Marking an important milestone in the company's history — one reached by only a few theatre companies — the Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) will present their 25th Anniversary Season, including three mainstage productions and the company's annual Monologue Matchup Competition.
The season opens with the drama "Days of Wine and Roses," by J.P. Miller, directed by SSP members Steven Walanka and Scott Rosengarden, Oct. 21 - Nov. 13. One of the earliest and most powerful dramas to address alcoholism, this heart-wrenching story examines the love affair between Joe and Kirsten, which eventually develops into a threesome — him, her and the bottle. Their relationship is a continual struggle of codependence, with their mutual passion for alcohol drawing them to one another, then threatening their intense passion for each other. Originally a television drama, then a well-known film starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick, this still-relevant work explores their enduring love along with the destructive consequences of alcohol on mind, body, spirit and relationships, while offering hope to those who need it most.
"Necessary Targets," by Eve Ensler, directed by SSP member Bill Brennan, will run Feb. 10 - March 5, 2006. Following the success of "The Vagina Monologues," Ensler turned her attention to the subject of women and war. A therapist appointed to a presidential commission travels with her young assistant to Bosnia to investigate atrocities committed against women in the recent war and to help the victims. Ensler's thought-provoking drama examines both the effects of war on these often-overlooked civilian targets and the uneasy relationship between the Americans and the Bosnian women they are supposed to help.
Concluding the season is "6 Rms Riv Vu," by Bob Randall, directed by SSP member Jeff Galus, April 28 - May 21, 2006. Paul and Anne meet each other while inspecting an apartment available for rent, but find themselves locked in. They find each other interesting. The fact that both are happily married complicates their mutual delight in each other's company with their moral struggles as to what could happen during their confinement. This humorous yet bittersweet encounter was popularized in the '70s by a television production starring Alan Alda and Carol Burnett.
One of SSP's most notable events during recent years has been its annual Monologue Matchup Competition, a one-of-a-kind fund-raiser, created by the company in 1993, that gives actors the opportunity to show off their best monologues before a panel of distinguished theatre directors while competing for a range of prizes. The 13th annual event, which is open to spectators as well as competitors, takes place this year on Monday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. Nancy Pollock is the producer.
The history of the Saint Sebastian Players is one of growth and success despite several challenges. Originally the Saint Sebastian Drama Club, the company started in 1981 as part of a parish renewal program at the former St. Sebastian parish located at Wellington and Halsted streets. As the company grew to include members of the community, the season schedule increased and the production values grew. In 1989, the church suffered a damaging fire — during one of SSP's performances of "Night of January 16th." In fact, one of the cast members, Rob McKersie, managed to save an unconscious man from the smoky church building and still make his crucial second-act entrance in the adjacent school building. Despite valiant efforts by parishioners to adjust to their circumstances and develop a plan of operation, the parish was closed as part of a wave of church closures throughout the city in 1989.
At that point, SSP relocated to its current location, St. Bonaventure parish. Since making a home there, SSP consistently has produced three to four mainstage productions annually, including several original works; occasional Sebastian Studio Projects, small-scale, short-run productions; the Monologue Matchup Competition; a series of original audience-participation murder mysteries; and other special events.
Full-price subscriptions for SSP's 25th Anniversary Season are $30; subscriptions for seniors and children younger than 12 are $15. Full-price tickets are $15, $10 for students with valid IDs, and $7 for seniors and children younger than 12. Group rates also are available.
SSP's schedule for all three productions includes performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. All performances and events take place at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey Ave., at Marshfield Ave. just west of Ashland Ave. Free parking is available in two lots. All programming is subject to change. For information, call (773) 404-7922 or visit members.aol.com/stsebplyrs. Tickets are also on sale at
ticketweb.com.
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