Stage Left Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield Ave., presents LeapFest 2 — a unique theatrical event that exposes audiences to five new socio-political plays throughout the month of April. Post-show discussions follow each production, providing the cast and directors with useful feedback that will assist them in choosing one of these five plays for Stage Left’s Mainstage Season.
The five shows differ greatly in tone and political message. “Hiding Hannah” is a darkly comedic look at a kidnapping. “In Times of War” travels back to World War II and examines the relationship between a Jewish-American military attorney and the German citizen he is chosen to defend. “Superman is Dead” looks at the mysterious death of a freelance reporter who died while investigating the Reagan- and Bush-era United States Justice Department. “Fellow Travellers” follows two German artists in 1930s Berlin amid high political tensions and vast artistic censorship. And “Home Front” is a Dal�-esque dark comedy about the war in Iraq and its strange effects on a pro-Bush, conservative American family.
What distinguishes Stage Left from a lot of local theater ensembles is its consistent effort to produce socially and politically relevant shows. Stage Left is also a non-profit company that pairs each of its productions with a charity. Though the altruistic nature of the company has caused financial issues in the past, the company hopes to attract wider audiences with original and compelling works.
A complete schedule is available at www.stagelefttheatre.com. Tickets cost $12 for the first play and less for each performance attended thereafter. Tickets are available online or by calling (773) 883-8830.
— Rachel Wolff
