Displaying items by tag: Lisa D'Amour
Airline Highway Recognizes the "Invisibles"
Steppenwolf Theatre’s Airline Highway focuses on those who are mostly forgotten, unseen or unfortunately, even looked down upon by many. In this case the story revolves around a group of outcasts who inhabit The Hummingbird Motel in New Orleans that have come to call themselves “family”. Each comes with their own heartbreaking story or unfortunate set of life circumstances that has led their way to become motel dwellers. Mostly scratching and clawing for another day of food and/or shelter, audience members are face to face with a reality that is mostly hidden, or conciously forgotten, from our daily lives. We inevitably see the caring that is shared amongst each other in such a group and realize that a self-made family of “invisibles”, as they are referred to, have the same hopes, dreams and capacity for love, whether giving or receiving, as anyone else.
As one walks into the theatre they are first met with a highly impressive set that recreates an aging motel with brick façade complete with an office, large vintage stand up sign (perhaps 1950s) and a litter-filled parking lot that one could swear is actual concrete. We see a stairwell, several room doors, an abandoned Honda Civic and a backdrop of an evening sky. As the play progresses we are introduced to one colorful character after another – a laid back office manager, an enthusiastic hippie who considers himself a poet, a vibrant transvestite, an maturing hooker, a stripper who idealizes about having an office job and a handyman who is always trying to make a buck by offer to make repairs around the motel.
It is soon uncovered that the group is planning to throw a party for Miss Ruby, a near death elderly resident who once owned a famous strip club and has also taken her share of wrong turns in life. But this is no ordinary party –it is a funeral – a living funeral. It was Miss Ruby’s request to have a send off while still alive. As the party is being put together, we learn many revealing aspects about the past of each resident. We also see a family bond that rivals most. When Bait Boy returns to attend the party (now considered somewhat successful by the group’s standards), another dimension is added to the group’s dynamic. Adding to his questionable homecoming, Bait Boy, now “Greg”, brings his girlfriend’s sixteen year-old daughter who plans to interview the “subculture” for a high school paper. This is unsettling for some of the Hummingbird residents.
Airline Highway can be funny at times and it is often moving. A slew of wonderful performances by K. Todd Freeman as “Sissy”, Kate Buddeke (“Tanya”), Caroline Neff (“Krista”), Scott Jaeck (“Wayne”) and Gordon Joseph Weiss as the eccentric and loveable “Francis” make this story as believable as it is enjoyable. It is hard not to appreciate every privilege we have experienced in life after seeing this production. Maybe it’s a few bad decisions or perhaps it’s a couple runs of bad luck, but in Airline Highway we see that anyone is susceptible to conditions that can make a life spiral downward. We also see displays of strength, love and courage. There are times we simply envy the closeness of the group and the protectiveness they have for each other.
Flowing at a pace that allows everything to develop with its own organic freshness, Airline highway is a delightful story that brings strong personal ties to the forefront and recognizes the fact that families come in all shapes and sizes, connected by blood or not.
Brilliantly directed by Joe Mantello, Lisa D’Amour’s Airline Highway is playing at Steppenwolf Theatre through February 8th, 2015. For tickets and/or more information, visit www.steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650.
*Above photo: (left to right) Carloyn Braver and Carloine Neff
*Below photo: The cast of Airline Highway currently being performed at Steppenwolf Theatre (1650 N. Halsted)
Elizabeth McGovern's AVA: The Secret Conversations to play in Chicago
06 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFollowing an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and NY City Center in New York, AVA: The Secret…
A Remarkable Story Based on Real Events: 'Six Men Dressed Like Stalin'
04 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Six Men Dressed Like Stalin,” now at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago and directed by dado, draws upon the…
TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is Now Playing at Cadillac Palace Theatre
03 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the smash hit TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre…
THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES JULY COMEDY SHOWS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Den Theatre today announced upcoming July 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including Sammy…
OPERA FESTIVAL OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR PAGLIACCI, JUNE 27 AND 29 AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, directed by Sasha Gerritson, conducted by…
It's Funny What Can Happen on a "Neighborhood Watch," Now Running at Jackalope Theatre
31 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewYou’ll want to join this “Neighborhood Watch," a fast-paced comedy having its world premiere in Jackalope Theatre’s performance space in…
Kokandy Productions Presents the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE
28 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with…
MJ THE MUSICAL is On Sale Wednesday May 28th!
27 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreProducers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the highly anticipated return engagement of…
Evanston Salt Costs Rising: Stormy souls on salted streets at First Floor Theater
26 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewRecent Chicago-area winters have been relatively easy ones. Lest we forget howling blizzards or subzero temperatures, Will Arbery’s Evanston Salt…
Corn Productions has a new original play premiering in June - Support Group For The End Of The World
26 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCorn Productions announces the world premiere of “Support Group For The End Of The World” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June…
History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire - Scandalous Boy at
25 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewI’m a geek, I admit it; I love seeing theatre that’s … well … real. Like SCANDALOUS BOY – you’ve…
Writers Theatre concludes its 2024/25 Season with the World Premiere of Dhaba on Devon Avenue
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, concludes its…
TimeLine Theatre Company announces milestone 2025-26 season, culminating with inaugural production at its new home in Uptown
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreTimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th…
RAVEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES 43rd SEASON - Dave Malloy's A Capella Musical OCTET and Terry Guest's OAK Get Chicago Premieres; TOP GIRLS Explores Feminism Through History
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in…
Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Vibrant New Jukebox Musical, Always Something There…
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFor a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape,…
Lucid Theater to stage comedy BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider, August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreLucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS…
Review: HONEYPOT: BLACK SOUTHERN WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewHONEYPOT originated as a creative nonfiction book by E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University.…
The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of…
HAMILTON returns to Chicago in 2026
19 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago announced today that HAMILTON will return to Chicago for a multi-week engagement beginning March 4, 2026 through April 26,…
Hiplet Ballerinas: A Daring Dance Revolution at Auditorium Theatre
18 May 2025 in Dance in ReviewAn electrifying evening of artistic fusion unfolded at the Auditorium Theatre as Hiplet Ballerinas, the professional company of the Chicago…
Blank Theatre’s SWEET CHARITY Charms with Talented Cast and Standout Choreography
17 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewWe are inside the Pompeii Club. From everything Charity has told us, the club is the place to be, and…
The Antiquities: A Thought-provoking Look at Today from the Future
13 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewWith AI and other technological advancements continuing to change the landscape of how we work and interact with one another,…
![Riots of Laughter Greet World Premiere of 'R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]'](/media/k2/items/cache/63d6788acfa364724d695afe54efe853_S.jpg)
Riots of Laughter Greet World Premiere of 'R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]'
13 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewRiots of laughter greeted the City Lit Theater world premiere of “R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]” Wait. Could this be the…
Paramount Theatre extends Million Dollar Quartet until January 4, 2026
12 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreParamount Theatre’s smash hit Million Dollar Quartet, a “roof-rattling…rapturous celebration of early rock ‘n’ roll” (Daily Herald), won’t stop rockin’ anytime…
See Chicago Dance Announces 2025 Chicago Dance Month Performers and FREE Events
12 May 2025 in Upcoming DanceSee Chicago Dance, the dance industry's nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce organizations…
Tickets for Disney's The Lion King On Sale Now
12 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago announced today that individual tickets for Disney’s The Lion King, are now on sale to the public. Tickets ranging…
Cats pounces onto the Paramount stage taking the legendary musical to soaring new heights
11 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewI’ll just say it - Cats is going to blow your mind. Now running at the Paramount Theatre, this spectacular…
Trap Door's 'Galileo,' Beautifully Produced, Is a Knowing Parable for Our Times
11 May 2025 in Theatre in Review“Galileo” written in 1938 by German playwright Bertolt Brecht, tells the straightforward story of the 17th century physicist and astronomer’s…
Humble and Radiant: Charlotte's Web at Greenhouse Theatre
11 May 2025 in Theatre ReviewsThe adage goes that you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. Throughout our lives, we meet…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents World Premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY
09 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…
Latest Articles
-
Elizabeth McGovern's AVA: The Secret Conversations to play in Chicago
Written by Buzz Center StageFollowing an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and NY City Center in New York, AVA: The Secret Conversations, written by and starring Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-nominated actress and Evanston native Elizabeth McGovern (Downton Abbey, Ordinary People, Once Upon… -
Kokandy Productions Presents the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE
Written by Buzz Center StageKokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with the Chicago premiere of Amélie, the charming tale of young woman and the fantastical world of whimsy and romance that surrounds her. Amélie will…
-
THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES JULY COMEDY SHOWS
Written by Buzz Center StageThe Den Theatre today announced upcoming July 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including Sammy Obeid July 5 - 6; Martin Amini July 10 - 12; An Evening With Masood Boomgaard & Self-Help Singh on July 13; Jane Wickline & Liva…
-
Writers Theatre concludes its 2024/25 Season with the World Premiere of Dhaba on Devon Avenue
Written by Buzz Center StageWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, concludes its 2024/25 Season with Madhuri Shekar's Dhaba on Devon Avenue, directed by Chay Yew. Dhaba on Devon Avenue will run June 19-July 27, 2025 in the Alexandra C. and…
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.