Production to end season at New Hazlett Theater
Photo courtesy of Patrick Jordan
By Alyse Horn
Beginning February 13, “A Steady Rain” will be performed at The New Hazlett Theater under barebones productions, concluding its 10th season.
The play will run until March 2, and will be held Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Patrick Jordan, founder and artistic director of barebones productions, said the play consists of just two actors, two chairs and a desk.
The actors play police officers who are from Chicago and have been best friends since kindergarten. Jordan said the play is essentially about testing friendships and “the moral gray area that goes into police work.”
Jordan said the play is also humorous, and not just a dark, melancholy play. It received national attention when its Broadway cast featured Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig.
The cast of two includes David Whalen and Jordan. Whalen has been featured in films such as “Jack Reacher” and “My Bloody Valentine,” and this is his first time working with barebones productions. Jordan has been featured in movies including “The Dark Knight Rises” and “She’s Out of My League.”
The artistic team is comprised of Director Melissa Martin, Lighting Designer Andy Ostrowski and Sound Designer Dave Bjornson.
Jordan said over a year of planning goes into a production like this, including fundraising and making decisions on where and when the show will be. But from the beginning of rehearsal to closing night of the play, it only takes six weeks.
With “A Steady Rain,” Jordan said there will be an extra week of rehearsal because “it’s just a mountain of a role for two actors.”
Some research into the play may show that it is loosely based around American serial killer and sex offender Jeffrey Dahmer, but that is not the case.
Jordan said that one of the deaths in the play may be a small reference to Dahmer, but it is not set around the killer at all.
Tickets for the play are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.barebonesproductions.com, through Showclix by visiting www.showclix.com/event/steadyrain or by calling 1-888-71TICKET. Discounted student tickets will be available at the door in limited numbers. Group discounts are available by emailing barebonesproductions@gmail.com.