Displaying items by tag: Wicker Park

The Den Theatre today announced its lineup of April 2026 comedy shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., This month's highlights include Sammy Obeid on April 3 – 4 and April 6; Mohanad Elshieky on April 10; Sugar Sammy on April 11; Young Black & Funny on April 16; Adam Conover: Special Taping on April 18; Sarper Güven on April 19, Emma Grede on April 21, Michael Longfellow on April 24 – 25; Tinder Live With Lane Moore on April 26; and Dewayne Perkins on April 30. Tickets are now on sale at www.thedentheatre.com or by calling (773) 697-3830.

Sammy Obeid

Friday, April 3, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $31 – $75

Sammy Obeid is a Lebanese-Palestinian American comedian born in Oakland, California. He double majored in business and mathematics at UC Berkeley before turning down a job at Google to pursue comedy full-time. Now the host of Netflix's 100 Humans, he has also appeared on NBC's Last Comic Standing and America's Got Talent, as well as TBS's Conan. He is best known for his world record of performing comedy 1,001 nights in a row, a story featured in Time magazine and The New York Times.

Mohanad Elshieky

Friday, April 10, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets: $22 – $40

Mohanad Elshieky is a New York-based, Libyan-born comedian who made his national TV debut on Conan and has been featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Don't Tell Comedy and Comedy Central. He has toured with Pop Up Magazine and is currently a writer/consultant for the hit podcast Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! He previously wrote for Lovett or Leave It and was one of the hosts of Lemonada's podcast I'm Sorry, where each week they unraveled the latest Twitter gaffes, petty beef and not-so-subtle shade.

He has also been featured in Kumail Nanjiani's Little America book. In 2024, Mohanad was selected as one of the SF Sketchfest Dozen, a spotlight series for comics on the verge of becoming the next big thing. In 2018, he appeared in an episode of Epix's Unprotected Sets and was listed as one of Thrillist's "50 Best Undiscovered Comics." Mohanad was also a digital producer on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

Elshieky combines a deceptively laid-back demeanor with a whip-smart perspective on politics and culture. The Portland Mercury called him "an undisputed genius of comedy," and he has been featured on podcasts including Lovett or Leave It, Pod Save The People and Harmontown. He has toured across the country with the critically acclaimed storytelling show Pop Up Magazine. Elshieky zeroes in on topics that seem off limits — then surprises you with how hard you're laughing.

Sugar Sammy

Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $25 – $55

Sugar Sammy is one of the hottest comedians on the international circuit. The New York Times calls him "a fearless comic with a talent for provoking both laughter and outrage." He has performed more than 2,300 shows in 32 countries.

Described as "fluent in funny" by The Washington Post, he tackles cultural, social and political themes with charm and finesse. He is a master of crowd work and audience interaction.

Sugar Sammy's international television credits include specials broadcast on HBO Canada, Comedy Central Asia, Comedy Central India, CTV, The Comedy Network, The Comedy Channel, Dutch TV and Showtime Arabia. A television star on both sides of the Atlantic, he currently serves as a judge on La France a un Incroyable Talent, France's version of America's Got Talent.

Additional praise includes:

"A fearless comic with a talent for provoking both laughter and outrage." — The New York Times

"Fluent in Funny." — The Washington Post

"Sugar Sammy is a provocateur." — The Guardian

"The funniest man in France is a Quebecer." — GQ France

"Master of the punchline, rhythm and improv." — Télérama

"Comedy's new rock star." — Quotidien

Young Black & Funny

Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets: $22 – $40

This show is produced by Jasmine Burton and Benny Nwokebia.

Jasmine Burton is a barred attorney from Los Angeles living and working in Washington, D.C. She has performed stand-up throughout the DMV, including Room 808, Hotbed, DC Comedy Loft, The Port and DC Improv, and has opened and hosted for Matt Rife, Lil Rel, Zainab Johnson, Tony Woods, Aida Rodriguez, Earthquake and Stavros Halkias, among others seen on Netflix, HBO and Comedy Central. A blend of West Coast and East Coast swagger, Burton is best known for her high energy, punchlines and infusion of the law and her life experience into her comedy. She brings an edgy, witty and intellectual humor that keeps audiences at the edge of their seats — or falling out of them.

Born in Washington, D.C., Benny Nwokebia is half Nigerian and half Ethiopian and grew up overseas in Geneva, Switzerland. He has performed in New York City (Broadway Comedy Club, Stand NY, Greenwich and others), Washington, D.C. (DC Improv, Comedy Loft, Hotbed, Drafthouse and others), and internationally in Switzerland, Mexico and Canada (Zoo Fest, Just for Laughs). He has worked with Matt Rife, DeRay Davis, Nate Jackson, Zainab Johnson, Josh Johnson, Ian Lara and Tony Woods, among others. Most recently, he took second place in the 2023 Seattle International Comedy Competition. He was named runner-up in the Magooby's 2022 Comedian of the Year competition and winner of DC Improv's Comedy Kumite competition.

Adam Conover: Special Taping

Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $25

Adam Conover is a comedian and the creator, writer and star of the hit series Adam Ruins Everything, an educational comedy that dispels common misconceptions. The New York Times calls it "one of history's most entertaining shows dedicated to the art of debunking" and refers to Conover as a "genial provocateur." On YouTube, his videos have amassed millions of views.

In 2022, his series The G Word premiered on Netflix. Produced in partnership with Barack Obama's Higher Ground Productions, it pulls back the curtain on how the federal government works using comedy and documentary storytelling.

Conover also hosted the Nickelodeon game show The Crystal Maze and recurs on the animated series BoJack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie. As a stand-up comedian, he performs regularly in top comedy clubs and colleges across the country.

Sarper Güven
Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:15 p.m.
Tickets: $30 – $55

Sarper Güven first gained worldwide attention as a reality TV star on TLC's hit show 90 Day Fiancé, where his bold personality and unique humor made him an unforgettable cast member. His presence on the show built him a strong international fanbase that now follows him to the comedy stage.

​​Quickly breaking into the U.S. stand-up scene, Güven delivers nearly one-hour sets filled with sharp, unapologetic takes on relationships, the struggles of marriage and the cultural differences of American life. His high-energy, fearless style and international perspective have already made him one of the fastest-rising comedians to watch.

Emma Grede: Start With Yourself Book Tour

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets: $22 – $70

Emma Grede is the ultimate modern mogul, turning big ideas into some of today's most influential consumer brands. She is the co-founder and CEO of Good American, a founding partner of SKIMS, the co-founder of Safely and Off Season, and the voice behind the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast.

A leader with purpose, Grede also lends her time and expertise to global impact organizations, serving on the board of directors for the Obama Foundation and Baby2Baby, and recently became a King's Trust Ambassador. Her journey proves that success and substance go hand in hand.

Grede lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Jens, and their four children.

Michael Longfellow

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $22 – $40

Michael Longfellow is a comedian and stepson from Phoenix who completed three seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Prior to SNL, he was one of eight comedians chosen for the inaugural "Netflix Introducing..." Next Stars of Comedy showcase at the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. He was also selected as one of TBS's "Comics to Watch" at the New York Comedy Festival and went on to make his late-night debut on Conan. He was a favorite on NBC's comedy talent series Bring the Funny. Longfellow regularly tours festivals and clubs around the country.

Tinder Live With Lane Moore

Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets: $22 – $50

Tinder Live! With Lane Moore is the critically acclaimed comedy show where Moore projects her dating app onto a screen, swipes through profiles live on stage, and the audience votes whether she swipes right or left, to cathartic, hilarious and surprisingly kind results.

Tinder Live is known as one of the best comedy shows around, selling out shows across the United States and Canada, headlining festivals such as SF Sketchfest, and maintaining a long-running monthly residency in New York City. The show has been named a critics' pick for Best Comedy Show by The New York Times, The Atlantic, Spin, The Guardian, Paper, VICE, Paste, Fast Company, Cosmopolitan, The Washington Post, Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, New York Magazine, The New York Post, Time Out, HuffPost, CBS and New York Observer.

Tinder Live regularly features special guests including David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, Anna Faris, Paul F. Tompkins, Amber Tamblyn, Sasheer Zamata, Ed Solomon, Lamorne Morris, Busy Philipps, David Koechner, Jon Glaser, Hari Kondabolu, Aparna Nancherla, Mara Wilson, Stacy London, Ashley Nicole Black, Jo Firestone, Laura Benanti, Amanda Knox, Stephanie March, James Urbaniak, Lizz Winstead, Heather Matarazzo, Scott Adsit, Grace Helbig, Sondre Lerche, JD Samson, Jean Grae and more.

Praise for Tinder Live With Lane Moore includes:

"Truly addictive entertainment... it's ingenious. The way she manipulates tone and pace reveals an artist supremely confident in her form." — The New York Times

"Tinder Live is great, it's so funny. Fantastic. Highly recommend." — David Cross

"Consistently funny. One of the best comedy shows around." — Vulture

"Compassionate and hilarious... it's a smash." — Spin

"A hilarious comedy show. Moore isn't cynical about love; she's just put in a lot of time in the trenches." — New York Magazine

"Tinder Live captures all the magic of this truly ridiculous era in app-based dating in real time. You'll relate to Moore's live-swiping and laugh at her reactions and messages to would-be suitors." — Vulture

"Blisteringly hilarious. In anyone else's hands this could feel mean-spirited, but Moore makes it cathartic, a bracing comedic espresso shot." — Brooklyn Based

"Tinder Live makes light of just how absurd and soul-sucking swiping through an endless procession of other human beings can become. Moore expertly steers the crowd from mean-heartedness to substance with each match." — VICE

Dewayne Perkins: How Being Black And Gay Made Me Better Than You!

Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $22 – $40

Dewayne Perkins is a writer, producer, actor and comedian who has emerged as one of the most-watched Black creatives in film and television today. Named one of Variety's "Comics to Watch," Vulture's "Comedians You Should and Will Know," and one of The New York Times' "Queer Young Comics Redefining American Humor," Perkins has steadily built his comedic portfolio over the years. His work has earned him Emmy, WGA and NAACP Image Award nominations.

Perkins currently stars opposite Seth Rogen in the critically acclaimed, award-winning Apple TV+ comedy series The Studio, which premiered March 26, 2025, and quickly emerged as one of the most celebrated freshman comedies of the year. The series made history as the most Emmy-winning first-season comedy series of all time, earning 13 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. His role in The Studio followed his appearance opposite Keke Palmer and SZA in Sony's feature film One of Them Days, which was hailed by critics and earned a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In 2023, Perkins co-wrote, produced and starred in the award-winning feature film The Blackening (Lionsgate), based on his Comedy Central digital short of the same name that went viral with more than 15 million views. The film premiered as a 2022 Toronto International Film Festival Midnight Madness selection and was theatrically released in June 2023. The Blackening earned nominations from the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture, the GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Film and the Black Reel Awards for Outstanding Ensemble. Perkins received individual nominations for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture) and a Black Reel Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance. He is currently developing a sequel with MRC and Lionsgate alongside Tracy Oliver and E. Brian Dobbins.

Additional writing credits include Netflix's The Break with Michelle Wolf, Fox's Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Peacock's The Amber Ruffin Show, which earned him an Emmy nomination. He also holds producing credits on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Peacock's Saved by the Bell, and Amazon's Sausage Party.

As an actor, Perkins has appeared on Netflix's The Upshaws, Peacock's Saved by the Bell, and IFC's Sherman's Showcase. He has written for the WGA Awards, The Webby Awards and the White House Correspondents Dinner, where one of his jokes was listed in The New Yorker's "Best Jokes of 2018."

As a stand-up comedian, he has been named one of Comedy Central's "Up Next" comedians, a 2019 "New Face" at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, one of Time Out New York's "Breakout LGBTQ Comedians to Watch," and was a finalist on NBC's Stand Up. He has also performed at Comedy Central's Clusterfest, SF Sketchfest and NBC's Breakout Festival.

Perkins splits his time between New York and Los Angeles, where he continues to develop multiple projects.

Many of us know the story. Three women who work in an office and seek revenge on an abusive male boss. Who can forget Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda as they made a united stand for women in the now classic film “9 to 5”. Our women heroes are lovable, fiery and smart and, with that said, “9 to 5 the Musical” is playing at The Den Theatre and is a must see!

Recently, I have been on a Broadway kick and even bought season tickets and with a lackluster start of the season, I was ready to check out some local plays – something I encourage everyone to do. The Den Theatre is cozy, and the bar is nice as well. This wasn’t my first visit, but my first since they had renovated the space. With upgrades and newly created theatres, The Den is vastly improved and gives theatre goers even more reason to check out a play. The theatre is divided up in different sections across its three floors, each space unique from the other in order to hold different styles of plays.

The funny musical with music by Dolly Parton is put on by Firebrand Theatre which is all about empowering and employing women in the industry. With movements like “Time’s Up” and “Me Too,” it is great to hear about the work they are doing. “9 to 5” makes sense for Firebrand Theatre to produce as the story includes three strong women who are looking to bring in flexibility and positivity into the workplace.

The caliber of talent in this show speaks for itself. The production’s set, through simple, with the phenomenal voices belonging to each member of the diverse cast really stuck out in my mind. Sharriese Hamilton who played Doralee, was fantastic. Her energy and flawless southern accent was perfection. We see her character being followed by an office rumor of her having an affair with the manager, Mr. Hart. It was quite disgusting to see Mr. Hart, played by Scott Danielson, degrade her and do things around the office that put her in such compromising positions.

Violet (Anne Sheridan Smith) and Judy (Sara Reinecke) round out the trio. With excellent performances and growth throughout in each character, I couldn’t get enough of the show!

“9 to 5” reminds me of how far we have come but is also a reminder that we still have so much more to go when it comes to the workplace. We should continue with the fight and advocate for fairness in all aspects of life. We should do better.

Go see the musical that includes a variety of fun songs, including its title number, at the Den Theatre (1331 N. Milwaukee) as soon as possible. The play will be running until May 20th and tickets costs $45 and well worth the experience.
“9 to 5 the Musical” is being performed at Den Theatre in Wicker Park through May 20th. For more show info visit www.firebrandtheatre.org.

When I think of Green Day’s American Idiot, the thought of the majority of our population blindly falling in line with the agenda of media conglomerates comes to mind. It's true. America’s youth (and not so youthful) is influenced by suggestive ad campaigns, TV and film brainwashing and so forth – thus, potentially becoming the “American Idiot”. Of course if you look even deeper (and it’s hardly a secret at this point) you’ll see that media is greatly controlled by corporations, which in turn largely influences the government and vice versa, so in fact Green Day’s album American Idiot suggests the average American is literally a sculpted product of the corporate world while choices and freedoms are merely an illusion to those who do not know better.  

Though I expected the production of “American Idiot” to even enhance the album’s overall theme a little more directly, it still made its point well. “American Idiot”, currently playing at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park, is the story of three youths that go in the wrong direction after unconscious exposure to selective, and purposely directed, life-long media blitzing – which is entertaining in itself, but as the show progresses it becomes more about rectifying wrongs, if possible. In short, three fed up friends take separate paths, all of which seem exciting at times, only to reunite as learned individuals at the end after their paths are simultaneously met with a longing for better lives on their own terms. It is also the story of succumbing to temptation, wrong choices, consequences and perseverance.  

Luke Linsteadt stars as “Johnny”, whom the story revolves around, and while exuding a tremendous amount of energy, he also lets loose a singing voice that works very well for the role. Linsteadt’s character is complex as it can be fun. “Johnny’s” friends “Will” and “Tunny” are played by Steven Perkins and Jay W. Cullen, both roles requiring their share of lead vocals. Perkins and Cullen both have their shining moments as does Krystal Worrell who is well cast as “Whatshername”, Johnny’s girlfriend who joins him in his journey of sex and drugs until they part after realizing their relationship is mutually damaging. The ensemble is fun and lively to the point we undoubtedly know each one of them are really enjoying their roles.      

An urban-like, graffiti-stained stage is background for the story, creating a simple, but sensible set. Intense dance numbers and rocking music pave the road for this quick-moving, never-boring production. Another refreshing facet of this production is seeing it removed from its usually big budget, large venue, Broadway-esque state - to which it becomes almost commercialized. Rather, The Hypocrites presentation of “American Idiot” at The Den Theatre is a much more intimate experience with a much more organic feel and genuineness that cannot be always be found in massive productions. Outside of a few vocal and instrument sound levels that could use a bit of adjusting, this is a show that really comes alive and reaches its audience in the way that it was probably originally envisioned.

What made the show even more enjoyable was the band playing in full view and the arsenal of Green Day songs played in their musical-ized versions. Different than most bands, musicians are interchangeable depending on the song and scene - a very entertaining aspect of this version as in “Who’s going to play drums on the next song?” Green Day songs in the show included, “Know Your Enemy”, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, “Jesus of Suburbia”, “Wake Me Up When September Ends”, “When It’s Time” and “American Idiot”. Musically, the show was a gratifying journey in itself. Kudos all around to a great production team and cast.

“American Idiot” is a 2010 Tony Award nominated Best Musical and 2010 Grammy Winner for Best Musical Show Album. This is a show that certainly has its share of energy, music and youth. Playing through October 25th at The Den Theatre, this is a show most should appreciate, Green Day fan or not. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.the-hypocrites.com.

Underscore Theatre Company proudly presents the second annual Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, featuring 13 world-premiere musicals by local artists. These musicals showcase Chicago’s emerging musical theatre artists. Chicago is home to musical theatre creators, giving the artists a safety net to fall back into when they make risky decisions and experiment with the performing arts. There was a disclaimer in the program. It stated that if theatregoers were to see a musical, it may not be any good. After all, musicals are risky business and very challenging.

Brian is an IT technician at the corporate headquarters of American Smoothie. He feels like his coworkers do not appreciate him and all the work he does for them. Poor Brian arrives to work every morning with demands such as, “Help me open this document!” or “Fix my computer!” He looks forward to speaking with Brie, his coworker, because he has eyes for her. Speaking to Brie is easier said than done and there are too many obstacles in the way. First, Brian’s inability to make a situation light and not-awkward, and second, Chad. Chad is Brian’s worst nightmare. Chad has loads of personality, always bright, and is a charitable human. Everyone at work has a large personality. Brian’s boss, Jerry, is very eccentric. Coworker, Samantha, has a bird fetish. Coal, Brian’s roommate and best friend, is a dedicated puppet game show host. Throw all these characters together in a play, things are bound to go wrong.

That was the shortest summary I could muster, skipping all the ridiculous details, without straying too far. This script went in so many directions, I could barely keep up. Although it was very creative and somewhat comical, the holes in the plot and the weak presence on stage was more apparent. It seems as if the cast missed out on bonding experiences and went straight into rehearsing. It made for rigid and timid presences on stage.  

However, some characters are worth noting. Brian (Brian Elliot) and Samantha (Cami Rene Philgreen) possess very strong voices. Chad (Jonathan Wilson) and Jerry (Michael Palmenderi) provide comic relief from a very confusing script. The ideas were great, but they didn’t blend and left me very confused.

The Chicago Musical Theatre Festival will be presented June 30 - July 19, 2015 at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets are available at www.cmtf.org

In Irish Theatre of Chicago’s newest production “The White Road”, performed at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park, we get exactly what we are hoping for – an intense adventure that pits man against nature at its most vicious form. Based on the true heroics of Irish-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, “The White Road” tells the story of yet another incredible undertaking where all hope lies solely in one’s will to survive.

Setting sail from South Georgia on December 5^th, 1914, Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctica expedition triumphantly leaves shore aboard The Endurance with a crew of twenty-eight with the intent on crossing the Antarctica continent from one coast to the other by way of the South Pole. Hopes are high and excitement is in the air as the crew embarks on a journey never before accomplished.  

Said Shackleton beforehand, "After the conquest of the South Pole by [Roald] Amundsen who, by a narrow margin of days only, was in advance of the British Expedition under [Robert Falcon] Scott, there remained but one great main object of Antarctic journeying - the crossing of the South Polar continent from sea to sea". 

As history tells, it was a plight that was never meant to be.

Upon approaching Antarctica they are met with pack ice that surrounds their sea vessel threatening to sink it. Completely alone and hundreds of miles away from any form of civilization, this is where one of the greatest tales of survival begins.  

In the two-hour-plus play, we meet a variety of characters that make up this memorable crew – and we like them all. From a nature photographer who keeps the camera rolling at all costs to life and limb, to an enthusiastic stowaway boy starved for adventure, to a whaler/banjo-plucker who lifts the men's spirits with song, we don’t just see a nameless crew, instead we really get to know a unique and diverse lot of individuals. Piven ensemble member Paul Dunckel’s performance of the fearless expedition leader makes Shackleton highly likeable, as the wise and self-sacrificing explorer. Dunckel leads this talented cast with the constitution and perseverance one would associate with an expedition leader, whereas he can convincingly make the tough decisions whilst his loyal troops still rally behind him.

Along with Dunckel, Irish Theatre Company ensemble members Kevin Theis and Matthew Isler are accompanied by Nicholas Bailey, Steve Herson, Neal Starbird, Michael McKeogh, Joseph Stearns, Stephen Walker and Gage Wallace, comprising this fine cast that generates a whirlwind of strong performances.   

Making this play even more entertaining is the way the set is used to put us aboard The Endurance smack dab in the middle of the frozen, glacier-filled waters. Sound effects are strategically used in tandem with projections to successfully create storm effects while creative choreography takes us on a deadly hike through icy mountains.

This is one of those true incredible adventure stories that are long forgotten by most that, thanks to storytellers like The Irish Theatre of Chicago, we now get to experience and share in the surprisingly unbelievable depth of human spirit brought on by fantastic circumstances.

I should note that though this is a wonderful story taken from the pages of early 20th century history, if you are thinking of bring a young adult, be aware that there is a scene containing as a crew member streaks across the deck of the ship. 

Fittingly directed by ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric and written by Karen Tarjan, the world premiere run of “The White Road” is being performed at The Den Theatre through June 13^th. For tickets and/or more information visit www.irishtheatreofchicago.org. 

As Samuel Beckett once stated, "Nothing is funnier than unhappiness, I grant you that. ... Yes, yes, it's the most comical thing in the world. And we laugh, we laugh, with a will, in the beginning. But it's always the same thing. Yes, it's like the funny story we have heard too often, we still find it funny, but we don't laugh anymore.” Unhappiness and the complete surrender to misery is found aplenty in Beckett’s Endgame now being performed at The Den Theatre and though humor can be found in the dialogue and in the mundane actions of its characters, we can’t help being overwhelmed by the story’s hopelessness.    

The set is almost too good – the interior of a nightmarish, dilapidated house complete with a water-stained ceiling, worn, dirt-filled walls that are peeling, boarded up windows and bottles of urine lined up in the rear of the living room. The characters are as dilapidated and bizarre as the house. It is a dwelling of utter neglect – something you might imagine that has gone terribly wrong in the B.J. Gigglesnort hotel or perhaps a home you might expect the family from Texas Chainsaw massacre to live in. Director Halena Kays explains, “Our design team is full of long-time collaborators who will create an absurdist landscape that will involve and heighten the audience’s experience with this classic.” Not only is the set visually lush in itself but the theatre is decorated with hanging lighted picture boxes, a seating area that closer resembles a birthday party and carnival-like assortments scattered throughout the floor.

This one act, four character tragicomedy stars Kurt Ehrmann as the aging “Hamm” who is blind and cannot use his legs. He is bound to a makeshift wheelchair comprised of a beat up sitting chair atop a wooden cart with wheels that he obsessively insists be placed in the center of the room. He whistles for his caregiver “Clov” (Brian Shaw) to whom he barks one order after another and in his despair of existence is always asking if it is time for his next painkiller. “Clov” too is broken down, a creature of compulsive routine. When asked by “Hamm”, who recognizes the verbal abuse he so often dishes out, why he doesn’t leave, “Clov’s” response is simply “Where would I go?” It’s hopelessness at its best.

Ehrmann skillfully rips into one soliloquy after the next with rampant passion and we laugh at his anguish yet are haunted by his words at the same time. “Hamm” often speaks with his parents who appear from two garbage cans while “Clov” uses a kaleidoscope to check the on goings by the sea through a small, exposed portion of window that he can only access by hobbling awkwardly up his stepladder. In all, we see a frightening story of two decrepit men who have completely lost touch with anything normal about life who are trapped with each other and feed on pain and bleakness. And, in true Beckett fashion, we somehow find humor in that.

The Hypocrites production of Endgame is playing at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park through April 4^th. For tickets and/or more information visit www.the-hypocrites.com.

*Photo - (left to right) Kurt Ehrmann, Brian Shaw and Donna McGough in The Hypocrites production of ENDGAME by Samuel Beckett, directed by Halena Kays.  Photo by Evan Hanover.

Four strangers are quarantined together as the Black Plague sweeps through London. They must struggle through personal and social prejudices as they try to survive being cooped up together for weeks. Fear of contamination and imminent death from the agonizing plague, hope of escape, and sexual strain haunts their daily confinement. Will the fittest survive not only the plague, but each other?

Director Jeffrey Clark Stokes has brought a team of newcomers and old hands returning to the stage to create his directorial debut. The highlight of the cast is Caroline Phillips, the young actress playing Morse, a strange girl who sneaks into the boarded-up house and has a profound effect on the wealthy owners’ lives. Her belief in each moment is governed with a direct simplicity and a strong voice, bringing bewitching contrasts of innocence and depravity to this ravaged setting.

A fresh look at a small space, the audience is in effect taken into the quarantined room and has the chance to experience the ghastly confinement through all-around, staggered seating, bringing actors and audience close together. Stripping away any semblance of presentation, a tension-filled realism is achieved as these family-like relationships tauten and wind around themselves.

A brilliant score by DePaul student David Samba ushers us into this hellish house utilizing murmuring winds, groans and repetitive dripping and tapping. The score emphasizes Wallace’s poetic wordplay and grotesque imagery, which startles, horrifies, and repulses even as it invites a closer look into the physical agonies of life in the Black Plague era.

Ghost Light Productions’ One Flea Spare runs July 13-25 at 7:30pm at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave, in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. The show runs 2:10 with a 10 minute intermission. Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com.

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