“The Targeted” reviewed by Frank Meccia

*** As Red Orchid Theatre concludes its 33rd season, it does so with a fascinating and unsettling world premiere, The Targeted, written by the acclaimed playwright Hanna Kime and directed by Chicago-based director Grace Dolezal-Ng. Presented at the historic Chopin Theatre, this production delivers a tense psychological thriller that feels like stepping directly into the ultimate conspiracy theorist’s nightmare.

Kime’s script introduces audiences to a world where everyone is a central figure in the story. There are no supporting characters here — every person plays directly into the fears, suspicions, and emotional unraveling of the others. The result is a constantly shifting atmosphere where paranoia and reality blur together so effectively that the audience becomes just as suspicious as the characters on stage.

The story centers around Jeff, played with conviction by Lawrence Grimm, who organizes a retreat deep in the woods for people who identify themselves as “Targeted Individuals.” These are people who believe they are constantly monitored, manipulated, tracked, and psychologically attacked by unseen forces using mysterious rays, implants, and nanotechnology. They are the people society dismisses as wearing tinfoil hats and hiding from invisible surveillance — but within this world, their fears become frighteningly believable.

Joining Jeff are three unforgettable women. Rhonda, played by Kirsten Fitzgerald, commands the stage with a powerful and intimidating presence. Rhonda believes completely in her ability to medically identify and remove the so-called implants and probes hidden beneath people’s skin. Fitzgerald gives the character a mix of authority and instability that keeps the audience constantly questioning her motives.

Then there is Didi, played by Natalie West, who hides herself beneath layers of protective clothing, convinced she is under nonstop attack from mind-altering rays and surveillance technologies. West brings both vulnerability and dark humor to the role.

The newcomer Sherry, portrayed by Sadieh Rifai, may be the most relatable of them all. She feels something is wrong with her life and believes she must abandon her family and disappear before whatever is following her finally catches up. Rifai plays the role with emotional depth, giving audiences a character they can emotionally connect with before the paranoia fully sets in.

Meanwhile, in another cabin are brother and sister Eric and Mia. Eric, played by Glenn Obrero, believes implants have destroyed his once brilliant mind, sending him through psychiatric institutions and devastating his family emotionally and financially. Obrero’s performance is heartbreaking and intense. His sister Mia, played by Stephanie Shum, arrives hoping to save her brother and uncover the truth behind the suicide of Eric’s friend Danny. As Mia investigates the retreat from within, the play slowly reveals deeper secrets hidden among the group.

Over the course of one long weekend in the woods, strategies are discussed, suspicions grow, and trust slowly evaporates. The audience is constantly left wondering: are these people truly delusional, or is there actually something terrifying happening beneath the surface?

One of the strongest aspects of this production is its immersive staging. The medium-sized space at the Chopin Theatre is transformed into a believable campground retreat complete with cabins, gathering spaces, and even a chapel. Scenic designer Lauren Nichols creates an environment that immediately pulls audiences into the isolation and unease of the story.

Costume designer Stephanie Cluggish deserves enormous credit for giving each character a wardrobe that perfectly reflects their personality and mental state. From protective layers to clinical authority, every detail tells part of the story.

The projections by Eme Ospina-Lopez are equally effective, especially during Mia’s investigations and throughout the conference scenes. The multimedia elements never overwhelm the production but instead heighten the growing tension and paranoia.

Everything about this production feels carefully calibrated and emotionally precise. For 90 uninterrupted minutes, the audience remains in suspense, never entirely sure what is real and what exists only inside the minds of these damaged and desperate individuals.

For over three decades, Red Orchid Theatre has built a reputation for fearless and intimate storytelling, consistently producing some of Chicago’s most daring work. With numerous awards and a long history in the Old Town theatre community, the company once again proves why it remains one of the city’s most respected theatre organizations.

The Targeted runs through June 14 at the Chopin Theatre. Free parking is available at the Catholic church one block east on Division Street.

Tickets are available through Red Orchid Theatre ( www.aredorchidtheatre.org) or by calling (312) 943-8722.

Show dates are as follows:

Thursday, Friday at 7 pm

Saturday at 3 pm and 7 pm

Sunday at 3 pm

Special performance on Monday, June 1st at 7 pm.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Targeted”.