Things To See

Alright, shameless plug time. I've been dramaturging two shows, and am incredibly proud of both of them. They're in previews now, and definitely worth a trip.

First off is Here Where It's Safe, at Stage Left, 3408 N Sheffield. It's a world premiere by Jeff winner M. E. H. Lewis, a moving story about an American couple, desperate to have a child, and the Indian surrogate they hire to help them. It's a gorgeous, involving play, and I couldn't be prouder of everyone involved. (The design is really stunning, too.) Previews are only $10, and they are tonight, tomorrow, Saturday, and Monday, all at 8 PM. We open Tuesday at 7:30, and the regular run is Thursday-Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM through April 3rd, with every Thursday being a "Pay What You Can" show. More info and tickets can be found at (216) 337-5281 or here.

Meanwhile, Fiddler on the Roof started previews last night at the Marriott Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, IL. You all know the story, but this is a particularly excellent production. Director David H. Bell has really led the cast to its very best work, and it's just sensational. The official opening is Wednesday the 24th, and it runs through April 25th. Tickets and info by phone at (847) 634-0200 or here.

So see these wonderful shows, with my recommendation, and let us know what you thought here.

(And I hope the lack of comments on the previous entry doesn't mean that nobody can think of a good theatre experience. That would just be too depressing.)

"Theatre Is Life, Television Is Furniture"

Last night was the annual benefit for Stage Left, and what a night it was! It was at the Theatre Building, and there was delicious food and drink, a large group of people, and a wonderful roast of our own Kevin Heckman. He was our Producing Artistic Director from 2004-2008, so there was plenty of material, as well as brief parodies of the plays he directed at Stage Left. It was hilarious--especially the surprise roast from his parents. At the end, Kevin got to deliver his rebuttal, but he mostly stayed away from the chance to get back at everyone (though they all certainly deserved it) in exchange for some ruminating on why he loves theatre and how to give a live, immediate experience to more people. It included the quote from the title of this post. I found out this morning that it's apparently also on a t-shirt, but that doesn't make it less true.

So thanks to everyone at Stage Left who helped to plan and execute this fantastic evening, and I hope all of you in the blogosphere will come see our final show in the old space on Sheffield, M.E.H. Lewis' Here Where It's Safe, February 13-April 3, 2010.

(See M. E. H.? I told you I'd put you in my blog!)