To celebrate their 60 seasons entertaining local audiences on the stages of the Chicago Street Theatre, Eric Brant, director of marketing, says they will revisit significant performances from throughout the years, one of which will be performed this month, “The Angels of Lemnos,” by Jim Henry.
The drama, which is described as poignant and funny, tells the story of Nathan Spandrel, a homeless man who has fallen through the cracks of society.
His world is turned upside down when he finds an infant he believes he must return to Heaven.
Brant says, “This play was written by Jim Henry, who joined us 23 years ago. Jim brought it to us for staged readings and we helped him develop it. It was a significant work for us and for him because it also helped to launch his career. Chicago Street has always had a niche for new and original works and Jim’s play represented the start of that for us. We’ve produced five of his shows and have been instrumental in furthering his career.”
Henry is a resident playwright at the Chicago Street Theatre whose play, “The Seventh Monarch,” had a three-month run off-Broadway at the Acorn Theatre in New York City and was winner of three playwriting awards, but “The Angels of Lemnos” is a special one for Henry.
“This play has been performed throughout the country and I always hear from audiences that they find it funny but it’s also very heartfelt. What they come away with is the understanding that everyone has a story,” Henry says.
Brant, who directs this performance, says he enjoys how all the members have contributed to the development of the show. “
“A lot of what the play deals with is mental health issues and I’ve worked in that area for about 15 years so for me it was about illustrating that and it’s an interesting look at what it would be like for a person to have a thought disorder. It’s tragic but there are parts that are hilarious and it’s a very rich piece of theater,” he says.
Henry is pleased with the group of performers at the Chicago Street Theatre and says he is proud to be involved.
“I know all of the actors who were cast in this show and they are seasoned veterans who have worked in Northwest Indiana theater and Chicago theater their entire careers, so we are fortunate to have this cast. They’re excellent actors,” says Henry.
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Cast members include Jason Utesch as Nathan, Don Taylor as Gertie, and Kelley Weisenbacher as Marcy/Ruby. They are joined by Caroline Rau-Geldernick, Kari-Anne Innes, Troy Yeager, and Donald Beck as the Forms.
‘The Angels of Lemnos’
April 10-25
Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W. Chicago Street, Valparaiso
Tickets: $17-$28
Information: 219-464-1636 or chicagostreet.org