April 9th, 2010 - May 8th, 2010

at Chopin Studio Theatre

Two chairs stand in a private Eden inhabited by a blissful young married couple whose spirited desire for each other is hardly interrupted by the coming of their first child. Soon, however, their playful sexual exploits are interrupted by a mysterious older couple who may (or may not) have sinister motives. Penned by one of America’s preeminent playwrights, The Play About the Baby is a dynamic black comedy, reminiscent of vaudeville in its high spirits and banter.  In this tale, Albee crafts a dizzying exploration of reality and the games we play to define it, and the agonizing bonds between parents and children.

 

Praise

“Yates and Pacas turn in dynamic portrayals of Man and Woman . . . “


- Christopher Shea, Time Out Chicago

“A focused, lively BackStage Theatre production . . .”


- Jack Helbig, Chicago Reader

“‘The Play About the Baby,’” the latest production of Chicago’s BackStage Theatre Company staged in the basement of the Chopin Theatre, is constructed as a self-aware little vaudeville, replete with banter, jocularity and slightly sinister epigrams. You don’t know who’s real or not any more than you know what’s real or not. Truth is a tricky business.”


“Cares, a strong and honest young actress, finds the truth in a production that reflects Reeder’s growing talent for creating concise yet resonant physical worlds (this is a fine space in which to do this play, and Reeder deftly exploits the intimacy)


- Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“Not often produced, it’s a treat that BackStage Theatre is mounting the rarely seen play . . .”


“Matthew Reeder’s production is surreal, hilarious, disturbing, intimate, and heartbreaking.”


“The cast deeply respects Albee. De Nicola is vicious yet infantile; Cares matches his vulnerability with soft-spoken empathy and a (occasionally disturbing) motherly quality. Paces and Yates are charismatic, funny, and sort of terrifying.”


“Reeder and BackStage bravely stage this tough script, and the cast never backs down from Albee’s challenges. Next season sees a flurry of Albee (both newer and older, but all of it is genius), and BackStage’s The Play About the Baby is a deliciously absurd first course.”


- Barry Eitel, Chicago Theatre Blog

3 Responses to “2010 – The Play About The Baby”

  1. Katie says:

    Sometimes, I see theatre that makes me forget to breathe and reminds me why I love this community and city and performing- and this was definitely one of those very lucky instances. Beautiful design and such a talented cast. Everyone “brought it” and didn’t back off an inch. I loved it. Great job to all involved.

  2. Angela Komperda says:

    It was great, and a really nice sunday afternoon break!!!
    I really appreciated it.
    Cast did a excellent job, and I had never been to the Chopin Theatre so it was a treat.

  3. Lauren says:

    Amazing. this is why live theatre is so much better than film. these actors are truely talented. I felt everything “girl” was feeling. I was there with them. and this script really makes you think. what was this really about? did any of it really happen? was it a metaphor for something else? a dream? the entire experience was indescribable.

Leave a Reply