” the How and the Why”

[rating=4] TimeLine Theatre Company, the little theater that roars when it comes to quality productions has done it again! Another solid production on their intimate stage located at 615 W. Wellington ( at Broadway).  The show, a two woman show written by Sarah Teem and skillfully directed by Keira Fromm. Yes, it is an all female production, but is in no way a “feminist play”. The story deal with two women, both scientists, who meet for the first time the night before a large national conference is about to take place. Both of these women are brilliant biologists trying to gain success in a field that has always been male dominated.

There are many little mysteries that come forth during the play and in order not to ruin the story line for you, I will tell you that these two women share some ideas and ideals although there are many differences between them, there is also a “sameness” that will prove to be important as the story opens up to us.

The theater has been slightly altered from its usual layout to mak ethe viewing area a three sided one with a platform stage in the center. In the first act, we are in an office of one of the women and in act tow, we are in a bar ( that I found a little to dimly lit). The set (  is by Collette Pollard. Christine A. Binder did the lighting and Alison Siple, the costumes. The props ( of which there are many were well done by Julie Eberhardt and the sound by Mikhalil Fiksel and Connor Murray.

The story is not only about science, but rather about relationships, love, evolution, life’s balance between work and everyday life, genetics ( which will come out as part of a mystery) and once again, relationships! Again, I would never get into the detail of the mysteries that unfold in this one hour and fifty-five minutes ( there is an intermission) of theater magic, but I can tell you watching these two women on this stage is a work of art. We learn about the “how” and the “why” relative to the scientific theories of these women and also as it relates to life in general.

” The How and the Why” will continue at Timeline Theatre located at 615 West Wellington Avenue through April 6th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Fridays 8 p.m. ( no performance on 3/14)

Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m.

Sundays 2 p.m.( on 3/16 a 6 p.m. as well)

Tickets are $35- $48 General seating and can be purchased by calling 773-281-8463 or online at www.timelinetheatre.com. Studnets save $10 with valid ID

As always, in the theater lobby you will find much information about the subject matter  and there are many discussion events as well ( check on the site for specific events and dates)

Discounted parking is available at LAZ parking 3012 N. Broadway or Standard parking 2836 N. Clark ( Century) or the lot located at 2846 N. Broadway. Bring your card with for validation at the theater.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-up and click at “the How and the Why”.