Riverfront Playhouse presents dark comedy ‘Sordid Lives’ during Pride month
“Sordid Lives,” a stage play by Del Shores about life (and death) in Texas, opens at Riverfront Playhouse on Friday, May 22. In its original Los Angeles run, it was nominated for over 30 awards. The 2000 film adaptation, also by Shores, starred Olivia Newton John, Delta Burke, and Leslie Jordan.
After Peggy, the matriarch, dies in a seedy motel tripping over her lover’s wooden legs, hitting her head on the bathroom sink, her irreverent family must gather for the funeral. This includes a colorful cast of characters, like Latrelle, the eldest and most proper (played by Ann Keen); LaVonda, the liberal-minded worldly sister; Noletta, the betrayed housewife; Sissy, who picks the wrong day to quit smoking, and the surly men surrounding them in their conservative town.
It is set in the 1990s and narrated by Latrelle’s prodigal son, Ty (played by Noah Reilly).
Described as a “beautiful gay man on a journey” who leaves small-town life behind for New York City, until his initial return. Not only that, but Ty’s flamboyant uncle, Brother Boy, committed to an institution before he was born for dressing like Tammy Wynette, is coming home for the first time in 40 years.
With this bloodline, it’s no surprise Shores’ tagline for the rowdy plot is a black comedy about white trash.
Ann Keen is a SAG-AFTRA actress and 2025 Lou Award Recipient for Best Supporting Female Role in a Play has been a decade-long staple in Chicago’s fringe scene. Between theaters like Steel Beam, Wheaton Drama, and Polarity Ensemble or work in the Indies “Rink” on Amazon Prime — Keen brings her powerhouse as Latrelle in Riverfront’s closing production to a historic 49th season.
“She’s only ever wanted a traditional life and that is opposite of what’s happening at the beginning of the show,” Keen said in regards to her character’s uptight tendencies, which sets the bar for major conflict. “But she has been gravely misinformed and must navigate her way out of her archaic beliefs.”
Noah Reilly might look familiar because in 2022 he appeared alongside Brad Pitt in Paramount Pictures’ “Babylon.” Akin to his character, he lights up the stage while drawing from his own experiences.
“Although I was born here, I was raised in a small Southern town,” Reilly said, who also left rural life to act in film, television, and theater in major hubs like Los Angeles and Chicago. “To find the similarities and differences between myself and Ty is not only fun, but necessary to bring him to life and provide justice for his individuality — something hopefully everyone can relate to.”
“Sordid Lives” being produced during Pride Month and in tandem with Aurora Pride isn’t happenstance. Although the show touches on themes such as religion and dysfunction, it revolves around identity and acceptance.
Riverfront will also hold events with similar positive themes, open to the public throughout the five-week run of the show. Such as marching in the Aurora Pride Parade on June 14, followed by a “Love is Love Cabaret” where women sing songs traditionally sung by men, and vice versa.
There will also be a NOH8 photo campaign, a charitable organization to promote human equality during Aurora’s First Friday on June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m., preceding that evening’s 8 p.m. performance.
Directed by Patrick Deering, the cast and creative team rounds out with Julie Do, Kathy Racine, Cheri Heinz, Sarah Hall, Gary Wendel, John Button, Mark Geiger, Brenda Scharlau, and Mark Fazio as the ensemble cast; Tyna and Hans Ashman as set design and Luke Harmon as lighting design.
Riverfront Playhouse at 11-13 S. Water St. in Aurora opens “Sordid Lives” on May 22 and continues to June 20.
Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, including 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays, May 31 and June 7. The show contains mature themes (language, sexuality) and is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Tickets are $20 or $18 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at riverfrontplayhouse.com or (630) 897-9496.