Continuing for the next two weekends on the Chicago Street Theatre stage in Valparaiso is Peter Shaffer’s one-act farce, Black Comedy, under the guidance of guest director, Scot Macdonald. The play is set in a London flat during an electrical blackout and is written to be staged with a reverse lighting scheme. What does that mean? The play opens with a dinner party beginning on a darkened stage, then shortly, a fuse blows and the stage lights come up. The audience will then see the characters scrambling around, unseen to one another. The story revolves around Brindsley Miller (Anthony Majewski of Valparaiso) and his fiancée, Carol Melkett (Erin Sharpe of Chesterton). They have “borrowed” some posh furniture from neighbor Harold (John Irak IV of Hobart) while he is away, in order to impress Carol’s father, Colonel Melkett (Thomas Olsen of Valparaiso). Brindsley, a sculptor, fears the Colonel will not approve of his daughter marrying a starving artist. Things quickly devolve once the lights go out. Others in the cast are Donna Rowland of Chesterton as Brindsley’s neighbor, Miss Furnival, Allison Granat of Valparaiso as Brindsley’s former mistress, Clea, Nikki Ameling of Merrillville as Schuppanzigh the electrician and Mark McColley of Valparaiso as Georg Bamberger, German millionaire art collector. Mistaken identities, surprise guests, Harold’s unexpected early return, all combine for nearly non-stop laughter. Set Design is by Jessie Howe of Portage, Lighting Design by Keith Loeffler of LaPorte, Sound Design by Scott Miller of Valparaiso, Costume Design by Andrew Brent of Valparaiso, and Wig Design by Bobbie Sue Kvachkoff of Crown Point makes this production a true collaboration of regional artists. The production runs through 3/21 with performances on Fri & Sat at 8 PM, a matinee on 3/15 at 2:30, and a Thursday performance 3/19 at 7:30PM. Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for Seniors 62+, Students under 21, and Vets. A group rate of $15 for 10 or more is available by contacting box office. Limited premium seating on the front row loveseats is available by calling the box office Tue-Sat 12N-4PM at 464-1636, Ext. 1. Black Comedy is presented by arrangement with Concord theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Also this coming weekend on Sunday, March 15 at 7PM is a fund-raiser for the Chicago Street Theatre featuring the locally based Disposable Theatre Improv Company. This event will feature a cash bar and they promise to make you laugh until you spew your drink through your nose! Seating is general admission with all seats $20. Premium seating on front row love seat is available by calling the box office.
Press Contact: Sheri Nash-Braun, Box Office Manager boxoffice@chicagostreet.org 219-464-1636, X 1