Lombard native makes Chicago stage debut in 'Psychonaut Librarians'
Carlos Olmedo understands his character has annoying traits.
But the Lombard native says the library security guard that he portrays in the fantasy play “Psychonaut Librarians” is also lovable and provides necessary comic relief.
Olmedo makes his Chicago theater debut as PJ in The New Colony's production, which begins Wednesday, Jan. 11, at The Den Theatre in Chicago.
The story takes place amid a land of fairies, dragons and other imaginary characters, as well as in a library. The adventure tale revolves around a girl named Jane who is able to switch between reality and the fantasy world, called “anyverse.”
Olmedo's character works alongside a “collection of misfits,” he says.
“PJ is the essence of innocence. He wants to be friends with everyone, but he can be really annoying sometimes,” he says. “He doesn't have any friends, and he takes his job more seriously than he needs to, but it's what's most important to him. He's very protective of everybody, even if they don't like him.”
Everyone has a little PJ inside of them, Olmedo says.
“We want to impress people and say the perfect thing, and it just fails. But we don't get discouraged,” he says. “It's a quality that can be inspiring, because despite constantly being shut down, he just keeps moving forward. He's not the type of person to be spiteful or plot revenge; he's just constantly striving for happiness. He's a sweet character.”
The show is written by Chicagoan Sean Kelly. “We added 'Psychonaut Librarians' to (The New Colony's) season because we love Sean's ability to tackle issues our audiences are wrestling with in their normal lives, but through the lens of fantastical imagination,” says co-artistic director Andrew Hobgood.
Olmedo has been rehearsing since early November and is excited to make his Chicago stage debut. He began performing in middle school but didn't take acting seriously until attending Willowbrook High School, where he had a crush on a fellow actress. He ended up getting cast in the show she was auditioning for, and he realized a passion for acting.
“Psychonaut Librarians” is a unique show that utilizes storytelling devices like puppets, he says.
The show's message comes at a perfect time, he says, as people seem divided over, well, everything. “Psychonaut Librarians” encourages people to embrace the other side.
“We hope the audience embraces even the things they don't like,” Olmedo explains. “Without it, the adventure wouldn't happen.”
“Psychonaut Librarians”
Where: The Den Theatre's upstairs main stage, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, (773) 398-7028,
When: Wednesday, Jan. 11, through Sunday, Feb. 12
Tickets: $15 previews; $20 regular run