'The Guys' to open at Janus Theatre
Sean Hargadon isn't afraid to tackle the tough stuff. And the new play he's directing and producing for the Elgin Arts Showcase is full of it.
"The Guys," a play set in the week after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, centers on a New York fire captain's struggle to properly eulogize his fallen men and the journalist who helps him.
The play opens at 8 p.m. Friday at 164 Division St. on the eighth floor of the Professional Building in downtown Elgin. Additional performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $15 and can be reserved by calling the box office at (847) 841-1713.
Despite the somber setting, Hargadon insists that the play will not bring the audience down.
"People always ask me, 'Is this play depressing?'" Hargadon said. "It's cleansing. It's more about the healing power of words.
"You get a mix of emotions in this play. It has poignant, humorous and insightful moments."
Jim Pierce, a South Elgin actor who will be playing the fire captain, Nick, agrees.
"I don't think 'depressing' is the right word([to describe "The Guys")," Pierce said. "There's some humor in there. It's pretty intense - but it's a story that needs to be told."
The cast also includes Lori Holm, of Batavia, who will play the news editor, Joan. The entire show runs about 85 minutes.
Anne Nelson, a former journalist and current Columbia University journalism program director, wrote the play over the course of a week in Oct. 2001. The story is based on Nelson's own experiences after Sept. 11, 2001.
"I've wanted to do this play for a couple of years because - people forget things," Hargadon said. "I thought it would be timely. (Sept. 11, 2001) is still a very relevant topic. The past is still present."
Pierce hopes "The Guys" does more than just remind people about the events of 9/11.
"'The Guys' is as much a reminder as it is an eye-opener," he said, adding that he has found a new respect for the work fire fighters do every day and the potential dangers they face.
In addition to getting a new perspective on Sept. 11, audience members will also get a sneak preview of commemorative Sept. 11 art pieces created by Chicagoan George Kokines.
Kokines witnessed the 9/11 terrorist attacks and has spent the past three years creating several pieces from glass, concrete and wood.
The pieces will find a permanent home in Elgin's Gail Borden Library when they are dedicated on Sept. 11. However, they have been incorporated into the set of the "The Guys," providing everyone in attendance with a chance to view them before the dedication.
"The subject of 9/11 isn't very exciting," Hargadon said. "But this is something that needs to be talked about. This is a tough play to do."
For details, visit janustheatre.wordpress.com.
If you goWhat: Janus Theatre Company's production of "The Guys," a play about the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001When: 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3-5Where: Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., eighth floor, ElginTickets: $15Details: Call (847) 841-1713 or visit janustheatre.wordpress.comFalse20001328Lori Holm of Batavia rehearses her role of Joan in Janus Theatre's production of "The Guys," which opens today in Elgin.Courtesy John A. CongramFalse