“Kate and Sam Are NOT Breaking Up”

[rating=2]The New Colony is one of our younger theater companies, bringing original works to their stage. The actors work with the playwright in working the script as they rehears until they have completed their story. Their current production, “Kate and Sam Are NOT Breaking up” was conceived/written by Joel Kim Booster and his cast of four actors have added their touch along the route, from idea to opening night. I have seen some of their other works and find them to be a sharp, bright troupe with solid motivation in bringing us quality theater at affordable prices. This particular production is not up to their usual standards, but is still worth the cost of a ticket ( many shows have less story at a higher price).

Let me tell you what the story is all about: Kate ( the lovely Mary Williamson) and Sam (Nick Delehanty) are movie stars who have become lovers offscreen as well as on. They are in the midst of a break-up and two of their fans, Bill ( deftly handled by Rob Grabowski ) and Becky (Stephanie Shum) have kidnapped them and are holding them hostage until they are re-united. A little more sit-com than I was expecting and although well acted by these four talented actors and decently directed by Sarah Gitenstein, the script is a bit long ( 90 minutes with an intermission) for the material. I would have preferred 90 minutes, no break and a little cut and trim to keep the flow going.

The set is a simple apartment and the furniture and props all add to the story, we watch these two super fans do whatever it takes in order to make this couple the couple THEY want them to be. We see some torture and some caring; we see two opposites , who have the same goal fail at what they think is the ultimate ending. The audience is in for a bit of a surprise as well. The lighting was a bit dark and the sound was fine with the exception of the noisy neighbor theater also located at Collaboraction, third floor at 1579 N. Milwaukee Avenue. There were moments when the music next door made it difficult for the audience to keep their concentration.

“Kate and Sam” will continue at this theater through December 14th with performances on

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 ( $10 students/sebiors) and can be purchased by going to www.thenewcolony.org

Parking is not easy in the area, but the meters do allow for two hours, so you should be okay. The Bus might be the best with North Avenue,Milwaukee and Damen being the intersection. Lots of dining in the area as well.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-up and click at “Kate and Sam Are NOT Breaking Up”.

NOTE: If you attend the performances on December 5th and 6th or 12th or 13th, you can stay after for a performance of another new show “The Terrible Magic Of Gertie Lazarus” at NO CHARGE.