entirety in 1924, is an epic drama of blue collar proportions involving a Scripture quoting father, his volatile son, a seducing stepmother, and two sons, swept away by the Gold Rush in California.
”O'Neill understands, perhaps better than anyone, the destructive brutality of love,” reveals director Chris Riter. “Desire Under the Elms epitomizes tragedy with one foot rooted in the Greek Oedipal dilemma and the other in a very American revolt against puritanical morality. The masterful strokes of the play evoke the paradoxical relationships between strength and weakness, beauty and wickedness, love and disintegration. Yet for all his wisdom into the human condition, it is O'Neill’s pen which inspires us 80 years later. The tools he has given us to embody this American classic are the words of his characters, and simply getting to portray them is a privilege in itself.”
The actors include GreyZelda veterans, Melissa Kuhlmann (Abbie) and Tom Gordon (Eben), joined by Aris Tompoulis as Ephraim, Ben Veatch (Peter), and Robert Oakes (Simeon). The designers of Desire Under the Elms are Heath Hays (set and lights) and Robert Filippo (original music and sound). Derek Jarvis is the assistant director and Rebecca Zellar will be helping out with costumes, advertising, and box office. Sarah Stec is the graphic designer.
Tom Williams from chicagocritic.com says:
"Aris Tompoulis play(S) the father as an overwhelming, intimidating wound-too-tight emotionally explosive character . . he telegraphs his wickedness . . . "
" I liked Tom Gordon’s take on Eben, the son who struggles with lust and conviction as he attempts to capture the farm away from his hated father."
" . . . real Eugene O’Neill fans will find this work engaging . . . "
Wednesdays are Industry nights. Tickets are $10.00 on Wednesdays!!! Tell your friends!!!
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