Arts & Entertainment
Citadel Theatre Stages “The Roommate”
Why does someone have a roommate? To share living space? Save on rent? Or make a new friend?
Take a look at “The Roommate” now being performed at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest through March 3. In Iowa, Sharon a shy, divorced 50-ish woman advertises for a roommate and in walks Robyn, a gay, pot-smoking vegan from the Bronx who’d looking for a fresh start, but has a few secrets to hide. On paper, these two could not have been more different, the consummate odd couple. But in the capable hands of playwright Jen Silverman, this 90 minute play (without intermission) shows how the relationship develops with lots of Midwest humor and a non-predictable ending. As Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, she opens herself up to new opportunities with a range of outcomes.
Directed by Beth Wolf, this dark comedy features Actor Equity members Ellen Phelps (Citadel co-founder) and Laurie Carter Rose as the two unlikely roommates living in Iowa City, Iowa.
Silverman’s comedy was a standout when it premiered at the 2015 Humana Festival. Since then, THE ROOMMATE has been produced at such leading regional theatres as California’s South Coast Repertory, San Francisco Playhouse, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and just this past summer, at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre.
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The always-excellent Ellen Phelps last appeared on stage at Citadel as the neurotic Sonia in Christopher Durang’s VANYA AND SONIA AND NASHA AND SPIKE. Laurie Carter Rose was seen most recently at Citadel as the stage diva Irene Livingston in Moss Hart’s LIGHT UP THE SKY. In “The Roommate,” the audience watches Phelp’s character develop into a new woman, leaving behind much of her Midwest sensibilities and niceness. Even her physical appearance changes, too. Robyn, also, shows signs of regret in encouraging Sharon to change and her own past. It’s a fascinating study of contrasts.
The production team includes Eric Luchen (Scenic Designer) whose cozy Iowa kitchen has all the right touches, Karen Kenyon (Costume Designer) and Bob Boxer (Sound Designer).
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The play is showing through March 3, 2019 with performances at Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3 pm.
Discounts available for groups, seniors and students. Citadel Theatre is located at 300 S. Waukegan Road in Lake Forest, IL. Tickets available online at www.citadeltheatre.org or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1
