Chicago Street’s ‘Goat’ Opens Jan. 27

There’s a certain amount of shock value in Chicago Street Theatre’s first play of the new year. But that’s not what drew the directors to the show.

“The Goat,” also known as “Who is Sylvia?”, is a bold play that details Martin, a middle-aged architect whose scandalous confession to his wife, Stevie, is sure to end his marriage and career. The story centers around Stevie’s reaction to the dark secret her husband reveals.

“We both felt the level of what was being said far outweighed the shock of the subject matter,” explains Andy Urschel, who is co-directing with Justin Treasure.

Playwright Edward Albee, who also penned the Tony Award-winning “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?”, is described as a provocative, uncompromising, and controversial writer. His material in “The Goat” is no exception.

Not wanting to give away too much, Urschel simply says “the specifics of the subject are hard to process.”

But he isn’t worried about those who may be turned off by the show. “There is always going to be someone who is offended by something they see. As a director, this isn’t something you can worry about. As soon as a director starts worrying about what is being said and how people will react, it will begin to take away from what the author is saying and how he wants the audience to react.”

Urschel believes that even if someone hasn’t been in this plot’s specific scenario, the emotions displayed on stage will be relatable.

“It is essentially a story about adultery and the betrayal of trust. Once someone gets past the subject of adultery, I think most could see themselves reacting in the same way Stevie reacts,” Urschel says.

The Cast:

• Stevie – Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, Crown Point
  
• Martin – Jim Henry, Wheeler
  
• Ross – Steve Holm, Valparaiso
  
• Billy – Zachary Gipson, Valparaiso

The Goat Show Schedule

• Friday, Jan. 27 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Jan. 28 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Friday, Feb. 3 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Feb. 4 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Sunday, Feb. 5 @ 2:30 p.m.
  
• Thursday, Feb. 9 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Friday, Feb. 10 @ 8 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Feb. 11 @ 8 p.m.

Prices

• Adult tickets $18
  
• Seniors (62+) $15
  
• Students (21 and younger) $15
  
• Veterans $15

Call (219) 464-1636, Ext. 1 for tickets or purchase online at www.chicagostreet.org /”Buy Tickets” tab.