'Slow to Anger' examines issues of fear and violence
A suburban theater company dedicated to using multicultural casts and tackling provocative subjects has added a new initiative: growth.
Up until now, the Hidden Talent Theatre Company mounted its productions in a small theater at the Valeo Academy in Hoffman Estates. But this weekend, the theater group will take its show on the road, staging its drama at Cutting Hall in Palatine.
The company will reprise the drama, "Slow to Anger," written by Chicago playwright Elaine Thomas and adapted and directed by Jim Gattone of Lake in the Hills, executive director of the company.
The play opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday and continues with shows at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday.
"Were taking it to Cutting Hall in response to requests from our patrons," Gattone said, "and as a step of growth for our company."
In the play, a suburban interracial couple quietly struggles to live up to expectations of their upper middle class community. When their adopted daughter returns home from college, issues simmering beneath the surface come to a boil.
Hannah Kye of Naperville plays the adopted daughter. Kye returned from Columbia College in New York where she studies theater, to reprise the role she played last summer.
Other principals include: Tim Smoot of Arlington Heights; Chioma George of Streamwood; Kathy Potter of Elgin; Chanda Schwartz from Bartlett and Rosa Sanchez of Roselle.
With this play, the suburban company follows a lead set by Steppenwolf Theatre, whose members are dedicated to mounting new works, along with mainstream productions.
Hidden Talent members have adopted their own mission, dedicated to direct funding and resources for Christian artists in staged theater, along with their more traditional shows during the rest of the season.
"We think this play opens itself up to actors and audience members of faith," Gattone said.
As a result, company members anticipate taking this play on tour to churches and community centers around Chicago.
Some of the issues that lurk beneath the surface in this drama are fear, violence and deception and the consequences of uncontrolled intimidation.
Audience members are prompted to examine their own thoughts after seeing the show, on whether violence that leads to murder demands the ultimate penalty, and it's that factor that's driving the company to take the show to other faith communities.
If you go
The Hidden Talent Theatre Company presents, "Slow to Anger"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St. in Palatine.
Tickets: $15 at the door; $13 for seniors and students.
More information: (847) 815-2409 or visit hidden TalentTheatre.org.