Chicago's Redtwist Theatre Presents PURPLE HEART by Bruce Norris, Now thru 1/27

The Redtwist Theatre will present Purple Heart by Bruce Norris from December 22 from January 27. In this twisted, dark comedy, company member, KC Karen Hill, and guest artist, Kathleen Ruhl, engage in ferocious battle as grieving Carla, and nitpicky mother-in-law, Grace. Clay Sanderson as mystery man, Purdy, and Nicky Roget-King as Carla's son, Thor, are the needy men who complicate her teetering world.

Carla has issues: a recently killed-in-battle husband, a terror for a son, a nattering mother-in-law, a mysterious suitor, weird medical problems, and an affection for vodka. Purple Heart is a sick, twisted, wickedly funny drama about love and hate that defies description and expectation, written by Bruce Norris, recent Pulitzer Prize-winner for Clybourne Park. Since its world-premiere at Steppenwolf in July, 2002, Mr. Norris has restricted productions of this explosive and volatile play. In July of this year, he granted the rights to Redtwist personally, via interview, which included approval of director, Jimmy McDermott.

The creative team includes Jeff Award-winner Jimmy McDermott (Director), Aaron Henrickson (Assistant Director), Allison Queen (Stage Manager), Olivia Leah Baker (Assistant Stage Manager), Sarah Burnham (Production Manager), Frank Sjodin (Tech Director), Dennis Mae (Set Designer), Christopher Burpee (Lighting Designer), Christopher Kriz (Sound Designer), Rachel S. Parent (Costume Designer), Jeffrey Shields (Prop Designer), Mary Reynard (Vocal Coach), Kevin McDonald (Dramaturg), Chris Rickett (Fight Director); Garvin Jellison (Master Electrician); and Jan Ellen Graves (Graphic Designer).

The show runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30PM and on Sundays at 3PM from December 22 through January 27. (The performance on Saturday, December 22 is at 3PM and there is no performance on Sunday, December 23.) Previews are tonight, December 19, Thursday, December 20, and Friday, Friday 21 at 7:30PM. Tickets for regular performances are $25 on Thursdays and $30 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (Seniors and students get $5 off.)

For reservations, call 773-728-7529, email reserve@redtwist.org, or visit www.redtwist.org.

Redtwist is located at 1044 W Bryn Mawr, 2 blks W of LSD, 2 blks E of the Red Line EL station Street parking (paybox until 9pm) is available on Bryn Mawr, side streets, and Broadway. Please reserve 48 hours in advance. Credit cards accepted by phone and online to guarantee seating.

More Articles by This Author...