Triple the fun in GreenMan Theatre's production of 'Love and Tear Gas'
Humor, sass and activism will take center stage during GreenMan Theatre Troupe's upcoming performances of the playwright and Emmy Award-winning TV writer Ken Levine's comedy "Love and Tear Gas."
Los Angeles-based Levine worked on the hugely popular TV shows "Cheers," "Frasier," "M*A*S*H" and "The Simpsons" and has crafted a wonderfully entertaining show.
This world premiere of Levine's new play will be held May 5-21. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at GreenMan's space at 232 S. York St., in the First United Methodist Church building in Elmhurst.
Tickets are $20 or $15 for seniors, age 65 or older, or youth; online fees apply. Tickets and more information are available through GreenMan's website, www.greenmantheatre.org. Tickets will be available at the door, but seating is limited so reservations are recommended.
"Love and Tear Gas" is a comedy taking place in Los Angeles in 1969 amid rioting and Hollywood glamour. Movie star Kim Carlisle hooks up with political activist Walter Arbogast and moves from her luxurious Bel Air mansion to his shabby, dangerous house. Their relationship gets a bit rocky when Kim tries to reconcile her old life with her new one, with the assistance of handyman Larry. When Walter says, "Oh by the way, I thought a baby would help our relationship," and hands her a newly adopted baby, the audience wonders if Kim will survive her new life.
The three actors have their own special reasons for being drawn to the characters they play in "Love and Tear Gas."
Chicago-based Annie Murtha, in the role of Kim, said she "loves Kim's passion for the human spirit. She's living a new life that's all about pursuing truth. She gets to know herself even better as the show goes on." As handyman Larry, actor Jay Battles of Chicago Heights was "draw in by Larry's sense of humor. He's always needling people and overall being a smartass," Battles laughingly said.
Activist Walter is played by Palos Park resident Joe Gomez, who said Walter has "his own path, vision and very specific goals. He's determined and passionate about what he believes in."
"Love and Tear Gas" director Craig Gustafson gets thumbs-up from Murtha, Battles and Gomez. "Craig is extremely passionate about telling the story in a way that's hilarious and honest," Murtha said. Battles, who is in his third play with Gustafson, likes how Gustafson throws out ideas during rehearsals to see if they will work and make the play better. According to Gomez, "Craig has a different way of working than other directors I've worked with. He comes in with a fully fleshed idea of what he wants. You can see his gears turning!"
Gomez said he thinks the audience will love the GreenMan Theatre production, especially people who remember the 1960s and '70s. The show "has a very good script, and the characters are well defined. The dynamic between the characters will make your head spin!" he said. Murtha added, "It's a hysterical show. There's no shortage of punch lines and jokes. But it's hard to call it simply a comedy. There's a depth that will be rewarding for the audience."
In its 19th season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts. GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003.
Past productions include "The Odd Couple," "Dracula," and "Pride and Prejudice." GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theater production. GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.