'The Outgoing Tide' Opens Sept. 29 at Theatre of Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL -- A compelling drama the explores the struggle of a family dealing with loss of memory and control is coming to the Cattell Theatre at the Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs.

“The Outgoing Tide,” by Bruce Graham and directed by TWS artist-in-residence Greg Kolack opens Sept. 29. Described as a drama with dark humor and powerful emotion, the play is set at a summer cottage on the Chesapeake Bay.

Gunner, a man in his 70s, has come up with an unconventional plan to secure his family's future, but he meets resistance from his wife and son who have plans of their own. As winter approaches, the three must find common ground and come to an understanding—before the tide goes out. While it’s assumed that Gunner’s dementia is the result of worsening Alzheimer’s, the disease is never named.

"’The Outgoing Tide’ is a beautiful, intimate story of a blue collar family facing decisions they never thought they would have to confront," Kolack said. "It's an emotional, complex, honest and even humorous look at how Alzheimer's disease both disrupts and brings together families that are forced to deal with it. The play is never preachy or flashy. It will make audiences to think long after they see it. Ultimately, it makes you think about what lengths you would go and what you would sacrifice for someone you love."

The cast includes John Archer, of Bolingbrook, Angelee Johns, of Willowbrook, and Tom Viskocil of Woodridge.

“The Outgoing Tide” premiered at Chicago’s Northlight Theatre in 2011, and featured John Mahoney (Moonstruck, Frazier) and Rondi Reed (Mike and Molly, The Astronaut’s Wife). The production won a Joseph Jefferson Award.
The Chicago Tribune called the play, "…superb…tightly focused piece about a family of three…(Playwright) Graham zeroes in on recognizable truths."

Kolack is returning for his third year as Artist-in-Residence at the Theatre of Western Springs, has been working professionally in Chicago for 40 years. He is the recipient of three Jeff Citations and three After Dark Awards.

He has directed and acted with theaters all over Chicago and the Midwest, has appeared in numerous commercials and films, and has designed multi media for productions at numerous Chicago theaters.

At TWS, he has directed "Is He Dead?", "Becky's New Car," "Time Stands Still," "Proof," "Black Comedy," "Sylvia," "New York" and "Calendar Girls."

Performances for “The Outgoing Tide” are at the following times:

• 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays – September 29, 30, October 1, 6, 7,
• 2:30 p.m. Sundays, October 2 and 9
• 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 1
• 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 2

Tickets are $20 and $22 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 708-246-3380 or online at The Theatre of Western Springs. go to: Tickets are $20 or $22. Call the box office at 708-246-3380.

Photo: "The Outgoing Tide" cast members (front) John Archer and Tom Viskocil. Back: Angelee Johns | Greg Kolack via TWS