Third Coast Creatives

The Factory Theater concludes its 26 th season with a world premiere production of Prophet$, written by Anthony Tournis and directed by Wm Bullion.   Chicago winters can challenge even the hardiest soul, so when spring finally arrives, locals search for reasons to laugh.   Prophet$ offers plenty of opportunities for audience to laugh off the cobwebs of winter. Eric Roach, Anthony Tournis, and Eric Wang In The Factory Theater's Production of Prophet$ Photo by Michael Courier It’s 1988 and a time of excess.   We meet a trio of down and out hustlers as they watch their latest scam, selling bootleg pornography tapes to teenagers, come crashing down. Vic (played by Tournis), and his hapless cohorts Seth Levy (Eric Wang) and Owen (Eric Roach), are trying to figure out what to do next.   As they watch successful TV Evangelist Leslie Good (Timothy Amos must have received his evangelical training in Slytherin), soliciting contributions from his virtual flock, ...

Playwright Shannon O’Neill’s newest work, May The Road Rise Up , is like a glass of fine Irish whiskey on a cool Chicago night - filled with character intermixed with smoky secrets.   This play is not what you may expect.   This is an Irish family drama where no one dies. Contrary to expectations, May The Road Rise Up is not dark and dreary, but rather infused with humor.   This Jeff Recommended world premier only reinforces The Factory Theater’s reputation as a hidden jewel in Chicago Theater. Vic Kuligoski, Patrick Blashill, and Loretta Rezos in May The Road Rise Up at The Factory Theater Production Photo by Michael Courier The story revolves around the Murphy family and their circle of friends.   They have suffered a terrible tragedy. Everyone in their small town knows what happened, even if no one (including the family) talks about it.   Rather than deal with the grief, both family and friends choose to slap a band-aid over the pain and let th...