“The Drowning Girls,” a work by three female playwrights that reflects on the misconceptions of love, married life and the not-so-happily ever after, has become a hot ticket at Signal Ensemble, 1802 W Berenice. And on Sat., May 30, the theater will welcome two of the writers – Beth Graham and Daniela Vlaskalic – for a talk-back and meet-and-greet following the performance. No special purchase will be necessary.
The play homes in on three women – Bessie, Alice and Margaret – who have two things in common: They are married to George Joseph Smith and they are dead. Surfacing from the bathtubs in which they were drowned, the three breathless brides gather evidence against their womanizing, murderous husband by reliving the shocking events leading up to their deaths. The Drowning Girls is both a breathtaking fantasia and a social critique, full of rich images, a myriad of characters, and lyrical language.
Meanwhile, Signal has announced its 2015-2016 season which will include:
+ “Butcher,” Canadian playwright Nicolas Billon’s taut thriller which deals with questions of justice, revenge and humanity as a mysterious man is left on the steps of a police station with a note that says “arrest me.” Bries Vannon will direct a cast featuring Vincent Lonergan, Simone Roos, Joseph Stearns and Andy Hager. Bries Vannon directs, with an opening set for Sept. 17, 2015.
+ “The Consultant,” a play by Heidi Schreck (whose “Grand Concourse” will be produced by Steppenwolf this summer). After a series of brutal layoffs, a precocious young consultant is brought in to save a middle-aged ad man’s job, and maybe his life. The cast will feature Ariel Begley, Courtney Jones, Joe McCauley, Maggie Cain and Ben Chang, with Signal’s artistic director Ronan Marra directing. It will open Jan. 21, 2016.
+ “The Southern Women,” Aaron Snook’s new takes on Euripides’ “The Trojan Women” will transpose the classic to the U.S. in the post-Civil War years. Snook will direct. It will open May 5, 2016.
For tickets call (773) 698-7389 or visit http://www.signalensemble.com.