*** I am so excited to see another new company become part of Chicago’s theater scene. Welcome to 611 Theatre Company, who started in Mount Pleasant Michigan when they were in college and did art projects. Although they have left their “roots”, realizing that it was more than just a temp home, but in fact their “culture” so in 2016 the 611 Theatre Company was founded and for the last 10 years they have done work in various storefront venues. I just found them as they are doing an original work for the first time, and are at The Den Theatre and Comedy Club on Milwaukee Avenue. Welcome to our fair city!
The original work they are doing is called “Someone Else’s Nowhere” , written by Madeleine Bohn. This is a short, one act play that runs about 70 minutes in length and has a rare ending. In fact, this is a play that ends with the house lights coming up, leaving some of the actors on stage, enjoying a well-deserved picnic meal.
I am not one to give away plot lines, so let me try to keep this as simple as I can. The story is about a film crew doing a reality tv show. They are on their way to do an interview and film some inhabitants that are different and unique. That much I can give you, and the rest is yet to come ( when you see the play). On their way, one of their vans has a problem, taking them off course, and the burning up. They are now stranded in an area that appears to have zero cell power, so they are without communication and wheels in a place that seems to be quite deserted. While they do have some food and beverages on the van that didn’t burn, but there is very little.
As I said, this play, under the clever direction of Keeley Stanley, on a set designed by JR Bornemann, takes us on a very mysterious voyage as these six people learn to live together despite their differences, but during the time they are doing this, strange things happen. One of the crew members becomes not human, tents appear, and time stands still ( or does it?).Also , during the story unfolding, each of our characters steps out of the play for a brief moment to share something about their lives or career with us. in some cases, it will help us understand the attitude of the character better.
The main character ( although not the head person of the crew) is Daniel ( played to perfection by Avery Kiefer). He is in a way, the narrator and the first to lead us on our 70 minute journey into another world. The main crew director, Robert is played by Richard Bronson and the other two men on the crew are played by Reginald Wilson and Lucas Cosens. There are two women on the crew. They are Ashely ( deftly handled by Allie Jackson) and Meredes ( played to perfection by Madeline Gibb). Gibb as Mercedes, is probably the strongest of all the characters and when the final scene begins, you will truly understand why I say this.
The overall picture that is being painted by Bohn is that of conformity and each person understanding who they are and what is expected of them. Again, not wanting to expose the depth of where she goes, I will tell you that while some of what you see will make sense right away, the rest will not come to you until the final scenes when they learn what is what and who is who and where their lives are headed.
On the tech side, I was pretty impressed with the number of props (Rishard Bronson) assembled, the costumes (Madeleine Bohn), the lighting (Claudia Marsh) and the sound ( Allie Jackson). There is an old saying, “keep it simple- stupid”, and this production does just that, making it easy to understand and an easy exit, although I always feel bad if there is no curtain call. How will the actors know we liked ( and understood) the show?
“Someone Else’s Nowhere” will continue thru August 2nd at The Den Theatre located at 1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park
Performances are as follows:
Fridays 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays 7:30 p.m.
Sundays 3:00 p.m.
773-697-3830 for tickets
to learn more about the 611 Theatre Company, visit www.sixeleventheatre.org
The play is suggested for 18 and up due to some of the language.
I am unsure if this play has enough performances, but if you want to see how others reviewed it, go to www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click on “Someone Else’s Nowhere”.
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