Displaying items by tag: Christopher Sheard
Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Dear Elizabeth' at Theater Wit
What a treat to have two of Evanston-native Sarah Ruhl’s plays running concurrently at Theatre Wit. Alongside the Shattered Globe Theatre’s Midwest premier of Ruhl’s Becky Nurse of Salem is Remy Bumppo’s production of Dear Elizabeth. Directed by Christina Casano, this epistolary play has all the elements that make Ruhl’s plays so enjoyable.
Dear Elizabeth is an intimate play that explores the letters between two of the world’s most celebrated poets: Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop. Ruhl crafts a tender narrative out of the beautifully written letters, and it’s wonderfully acted by Christopher Sheard and Leah Karpel.
Sarah Ruhl is one of America’s most popular playwrights because of her unique brand of quirky storytelling. Through her inventive style audiences who may not be familiar with the poets will walk away with more than just a book report. Though, this play will certainly tickle classic literature enthusiasts. The 90-minute play is crackling with trivia and humorous hot takes.
The dialogue in Dear Elizabeth may be contained to letters, but the contents of those letters whisk audiences all over the world. Both poets did extensive traveling during their careers, with Elizabeth Bishop residing in Brazil for some years. Through their words we get rich descriptions of where these characters are in their lives physically but more importantly emotionally. Though the romantic throughline is a bit mirky (as is often the case in life), the deep love between them is palpable.
Staging and visuals are important aspects of Ruhl’s work. Seeing how she sees her story, and seeing how a director and set designer interprets her vision are as moving as the words themselves. Catalina Niño’s design for Dear Elizabeth is nothing short of gorgeous. Though minimal in nature, the emotions certain moments conjure are haunting.
Dear Elizabeth is also a celebration of the art of letter writing. This is a theme Ruhl has touched on in other works as well. We may be living in the most advanced age of communication, but so much is lost in emojis and brief text messages. In these heartfelt letters there’s such depth and substance that you’re nearly envious of their loyal friendship.
If it’s Sarah Ruhl you’re after this season, look no further than Theatre Wit in Lakeview. Two of Chicago’s most esteemed companies impeccably bring her riveting works to life. Dear Elizabeth is a great showcase of Ruhl’s earlier style whereas Becky Nurse of Salem feels more like a new direction. And just like Robert and Elizabeth, they’re great companions.
Through November 17 at Remy Bumppo at Theater Wit. 1229 W Belmont Ave. (773) 975-8150
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C'est Drôle: Tartuffe, or, The Charlatan brings classic humor to Wrigleyville theatre
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A New Home, A Necessary Warning: Timeline’s Enemy Lands Hard
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Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces 40th Anniversary Season
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Chicago Dance Crash presents expo/sd — a genre-bending, world-premiere repertory performance!
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Steppenwolf Presents LAURA BENANTI: NOBODY CARES - August 6 – 9, 2026
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The Magic Parlour Extends Through December 31! Plus Special Guest Eric Jones Joins This Summer
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Satire With a Sword: City Lit’s Spirited New Musical 'Scaramouche'
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32C This Weekend: Three Wildly Different Shows, All Worth the Trip
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Citadel Theatre announces a mix of classics and 21st Century works for its 2026–27 mainstage season
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Promethean Theatre Ensemble to stage modern dress adaptation of Anouilh's ANTIGONE at The Den, May 31 – June 28
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CHICAGO TAP THEATRE PRESENTS SATURN RETURNS, JUNE 11 - 14 AT THE EDGE THEATER
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Chicago's Favorite Kids Show Returns This Summer The Second City's No Grown-Ups Allowed Starts June 6
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Asgard Amplified: Loki’s Rock Revolution at Lifeline
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E. Faye Butler directs stellar Chicago cast in comedy Nunsense this summer at Drury Lane
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Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces 40th Anniversary Season
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes announce today the company's 40th Anniversary Season. America's leading Shakespeare Theater curates a season rooted in Shakespeare and Chicago with a complement of world-class contemporary work—emblematic of the Theater's global, yet unmistakably…
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