Displaying items by tag: FleetwoordJourdain Theatre
Review: 'The Light' at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
THE LIGHT has a cast of two, placing enormous demands on both actors, but Jazzma Pryor as Genesis and Rich Oliver as her partner Rashad rose to the challenge splendidly. Under the direction of Tim Rhoze, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s Artistic Director, THE LIGHT is an in-depth examination of heterosexual relationships, particularly those between Black women and men.
THE LIGHT begins on a high and happy note: Rashad has bought an engagement ring to celebrate his and Genesis’ two-year anniversary. The felicitous evening hits a snag, however, when Genesis objects to an event Rashad has arranged for them. In trying to understand Genesis’ demurral, a dark incident from the past is exposed; its toxic influence escalates as details grudgingly emerge. The script is tight and compact, without superfluous elements – unusual for a play that is focused on emotions rather than actions.
Loy Webb’s brilliant script depicts a relationship crumbling before our eyes – and theirs! It’s written from a woman’s point of view, displaying the male animal’s archetypal bewilderment regarding issues of emotion. Women are from Venus, men are from Mars. Everybody knows that.
But THE LIGHT goes far deeper. Webb uses Genesis and Rashad to examine a wide host of emotions: how they arise, how they are perceived, how they are countered – and particularly how they diverge, even contradict, between female and male. Yet despite its gynocentric bias THE LIGHT manages not to browbeat or bully the other half of the species. Men in the audience – the ones I spoke with, any road – did not feel threatened, but acknowledged that Webb’s depiction was authentic and perceptive. Other men may have gone home to stick pins into pictures of their moms. One never knows …
THE LIGHT is also focused particularly on Black couples, emphasizing those flavors of misogyny peculiar to Black men, and the stereotypical images of both women and men in Black culture. Still, I found Webb’s insights to be more broadly applicable – tough to do, but Loy Webb manages in THE LIGHT.
A two-person cast has special challenges for the director as well as the actors, and Tim Rhoze did an exceptional job. THE LIGHT was more than simply a beautiful play; it was contemplative and thought-provoking; even disturbing. It illuminated aspects of my own life and relationships, including some I would rather have left in shadow. This sort of reluctant introspection requires an exceptional script, brilliant actors to bring the words to life, and shrewdly mindful direction to interpret and guide the whole.
The set is, of course, the first thing one notices upon entering the theatre, and I was instantly riveted. Co-Set Designers Tim Rhoze and Shane Rogers used minimal furniture and Costumer Lynn Baber followed his lead with simple clothing. Both measures helped prevent distraction from the stunning background painted by muralist Jess Patterson. Half a dozen abstract women’s faces in shades of blue and crimson set the atmosphere and provided the backdrop for Lighting Designer Hannah Wein to use the lights as almost a third character, particularly during the final moments of the show. Kara Roseborough was Sound Designer, as well as (with Assistant Alexis Harris-Dyer) maintaining global oversight as Stage Manager.
I’ve been consistently impressed by the performances at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater. FJT has remained committed to its mission: to celebrate Black and African-American experiences through diversity and creative excellence. “Umoja! …. Working Together in Unity” is the foundation upon which FJT has built this exceptional venue. I saw AMERICAN SON in November 2022; my review begins: “You know that breathless moment of silence after the curtain falls and before the applause begins? That moment doesn’t happen often, and it always indicates a truly extraordinary performance.” This magic moment, this ultimate accolade happened again last Sunday at the close of THE LIGHT. Need I say more? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
THE LIGHT will play at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre through August 20.
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Spring Concert 2026 “EFFERVESCENT”
10 March 2026 in Upcoming DanceIdentity Performing Arts presents “Effervescent” with two original dance premieres: “Enthralled" created by Artistic Director, Ginny Ching Yin Lo, and…
World Premiere BOTH from Teatro Vista Productions & Steppenwolf Theatre Company
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, and Teatro Vista Productions are pleased to announce the world premiere…
IDLE MUSE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE THREE MUSKETEERS, MARCH 26 - APRIL 25 AT THE EDGE OFF-BROADWAY
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreIdle Muse Theatre Company launches its 20th anniversary season with The Three Musketeers, March 26 - April 25, written by…
Physical Theater Festival Chicago Announces 2026 Lineup and Companies for its 14th season, June 1 - 7
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatrePhysical Theater Festival Chicago is proud to announce the full lineup for its 13th anniversary celebration, June 1 - 7. The Festival…
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND BLUEY’S BIG PLAY RETURNS TO CHICAGO THIS YEAR!
10 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreWackadoo! Following a highly successful global tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are bringing Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show back to…
Northlight Theatre announces the inaugural season in the company's new home in Downtown Evanston
10 March 2026 in Theatre BuzzNorthlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, proudly announces its inaugural…
Static, Signals, and Surprises: City Lit’s Changing Channels Tunes In
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe year is 1952. Television is rapidly gaining popularity over radio, to the delight of some and the disgust of…
Beautifully Produced 'Two Sisters and a Piano,' But Script Misses the Mark
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIn “Two Sisters and a Piano” written by Nilo Cruz and directed by Lisa Portes, we soon learn these two…
CHUCK SMITH AND HARRY LENNIX REUNITE FOR A MAJOR REVIVAL OF MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, AUGUST WILSON'S ONLY PLAY SET IN CHICAGO, APPEARING AT THE GOODMAN STARTING MARCH 28
09 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreNearly 30 years after its box-office-record-setting 1997 Chicago premiere production, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom returns to The Goodman, helmed by Chicago…
Open Space Arts' Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, begins Friday, April 3
09 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOpen Space Arts has announced casting for its Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, a sharply funny, deeply compassionate new play…
Driehaus Museum announces spring activation dates for Brendan Fernandes: In the Round APRIL 10 & 11 AND MAY 6–9, 2026
09 March 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Driehaus Museum announces the Spring activation dates for Brendan Fernandes: In the Round. As the Museum's first artist-in-residence, Fernandes transforms the Museum's 1926 Murphy Auditorium…
producingbody Announces the Chicago Premiere of SPACEMAN, May 19 - June 13, at The Edge Off-Broadway
09 March 2026 in Upcoming Theatre[producingbody] is pleased to announce the Chicago premiere of Spaceman, by Leegrid Stevens and directed by Eric Slater, May 19 - June 13, at The Edge Off-Broadway, 1133…
A Night in Jellicle Heaven: Music Theater Works Delivers a Stunning 'Cats'
08 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAndrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats remains one of musical theatre’s most distinctive creations - a sung‑through, dance‑driven spectacle that swaps traditional…
The Lord of the Rings in Concert at the Auditorium with 238 piece Orchestra with movie playing on 60-ft Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14
06 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreDue to overwhelming demand, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring — In Concert has added a third performance…
Step inside Bunny’s bedroom in Goodnight Moon, Chicago Children’s Theatre’s immersive 20th season finale, dir. by Mikael Burke, April 11-June 7
06 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreIt’s been more than a decade since Chicago Children’s Theatre presented Goodnight Moon, the popular musical about a bunny who doesn’t…
Celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian Heritage Month with Asian American Arts' EVOLUTION: ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL, May 2 and 3
06 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAsian American Arts Chicago (AAAC) announces the Festival schedule and that tickets are now on sale for EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival, Saturday, May 2 from 12…
Filament Theatre announces world premiere of Farewell Opportunity
06 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFilament Theatre, the Northwest Side's premier theater for young audiences, is delighted to present the world premiere of Farewell Opportunity from May 2-17,…
TimeLine Theatre Company announces inaugural season at new Uptown home
05 March 2026 in Theatre BuzzTimeLine Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its 2026–27 Inaugural Season in the company’s first permanent home at 5035 N. Broadway…
Her Story Theatre's World Premiere "THE OFFICAL BIOGRAPHY" - Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm at The Den Theatre
05 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreHer Story Theatre has announced the World Premiere of Kurt McGinnis Brown's two-hander THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY, to play March 28 –…
WALKABOUT THEATER COMPANY CELEBRATES A RETURN TO ITS ROOTS WITH POOR POOR LEAR AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE, MARCH 12 - 15
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreWalkabout Theater Company returns to producing in Chicago with the production that launched the company in 1999, Poor Poor Lear,…
Steppenwolf Theatre Company Announces 2026/27 Season
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, under the leadership of Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis and Executive Director E. Brooke Flanagan, today announced its 2026/27 Season, marking the…
Three Plays to See This Weekend - Shattered Globe Theatre, The Story Theatre and American Blues Theater Should Be High On Your List!
04 March 2026 in Now PlayingChicago theatre‑goers have one of those rare, golden weekends where three very different companies are all firing at full power—each…
TIN DRUM THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF SOUTHERN RAPTURE, JUNE 11 - 28, AT THEATER WIT
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the Chicago premiere of Southern Rapture at Theater Wit,…
Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake - Goodman Theatre - Through March 22nd
04 March 2026 in Now PlayingTeamwork, bravery and fun are at the forefront of Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake, The Goodman's latest Theater for the…
A Wondrous Production of Oscar Wao at The Goodman Theatre
04 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewBased on the novel by Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao follows neurodivergent and perpetually lovelorn college…
In Timeless ‘Come Back, Little Sheba,’ American Blues Theater Speaks for Today, as Well
03 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWith spot-on performances across a large cast, William Inge’s 1949 script for “Come Back, Little Sheba” is receiving a definitive…
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical" featuring Meat Loaf's greatest hits at The Auditorium on April 9 - One Night Only
03 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Auditorium (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) presents Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical direct from London's…
THE JOFFREY BALLET ANNOUNCES 2026–2027 SEASON AT LYRIC OPERA HOUSE
03 March 2026 in Upcoming DanceAshley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, today announces the Joffrey's 2026-2027 season at…
BrightSide Theatre's PRIVATE LIVES April 10 - 26, Meiley-Swallow Hall in Naperville
03 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBrightSide Theatre has announced the full cast and artistic team for its production of PRIVATE LIVES, the third mainstage production of…
A professor finds himself in a firestorm in The Ally, the 2025 Pulitzer-nominated new play by Itamar Moses, at Theater Wit March 20-May 2
03 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFrom the Tony Award-winning author of The Band's Visit comes a provocative new play about identity, loyalty, and the complexities of unity.A…
Latest Articles
-
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Spring Concert 2026 “EFFERVESCENT”
Written by Buzz Center StageIdentity Performing Arts presents “Effervescent” with two original dance premieres: “Enthralled" created by Artistic Director, Ginny Ching Yin Lo, and "Critical Parts" created by guest choreographer, Braedon Barnes in collaboration with Identity’s performing artists. The program also features the return… -
Static, Signals, and Surprises: City Lit’s Changing Channels Tunes In
Written by Sarz MaxwellThe year is 1952. Television is rapidly gaining popularity over radio, to the delight of some and the disgust of others. Senator Joseph McCarthy has just been re-elected and is accusing hundreds of people of having connections to the Communist… -
World Premiere BOTH from Teatro Vista Productions & Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, and Teatro Vista Productions are pleased to announce the world premiere production of TVP Artistic Collective member Paloma Nozicka’s* BOTH, as a part of a new, multi-year partnership between the two…
-
Northlight Theatre announces the inaugural season in the company's new home in Downtown Evanston
Written by Buzz Center StageNorthlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, proudly announces its inaugural season in the company's new home at 1012 Church Street in Downtown Evanston. With its own venue built from the ground up,…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.