Welcome to American Blues Theater and our inaugural production in the Davee Studio! While this space has already hosted readings, concerts, an EDI seminar, and a dance party – you’re among the first customers of Jana’s Restaurant.
In April 2019, I asked playwright Audrey Cefaly to send us The Last Wide Open. In her original script, she writes: “The part of [the dishwasher] may be modified to fit whatever language / country of origin the actor is best suited for.” I asked if we could adapt her script to a Polish immigrant and set in Chicago. Without any hesitation, Audrey gave her approval. Then I explained my desire to stage it in our intimate studio for an immersive experience as if seated in a restaurant. While it is considerably less seats, it makes a bigger impact. She wholeheartedly agreed.
Chicago has the 2nd highest population of Poles outside of Warsaw. The Polish language is 3rd most spoken in Chicago, following English and Spanish. Polania’s contributions to Chicago’s rich history, politics, arts & culture, and restaurants are evident in every mile of this city. We intend for this experience to celebrate the Polish diaspora – a love letter to Polish-American citizens.
My vision for this production would not be possible without Artistic Affiliate Katarzyna Müller who tirelessly infused the Polish language, her personal insight, and cultural references with utmost care and honesty. Even if you don’t know a lick of the Slavic language, this production is accessible because love and longing are universal. Mikołaj might be your neighbor, co-worker, cousin, brother, father, or husband.
We have all wondered how differently our lives could have been if we altered just one choice – what if you went to a different college, chose the major your parents suggested, settled in a different city, or dated someone else. This is the foundation of The Last Wide Open.
Played brilliantly by Ensemble members and husband/wife duo Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron, we’re thrilled to share a glimpse into 3 alternate realities – think multiverse – of two people who keep missing each other. Our phenomenal design and production teams brought this cozy, intimate diner to life with painstaking care. Set dresser / properties designer Elyse Dolan spent countless hours creating Jana’s Restaurant with authentic pieces from Polish artists. (Special acknowledgment to dialect coach Matilda Szydagis too.)
Whether you believe in science, fate (your god’s plan), or a combo-platter of systems that help you sleep at night, we welcome you to our production that was years in the making. We trust you’ll feel full by show’s end – fed by Chicagoans for Chicagoans.
– Gwendolyn Whiteside, director