The Story Theatre (original) (raw)

the love object

Written By

Justine Gelfman

October 10–November 3, 2024

6157 N Clark St

Directed By

Jasmine B. Gunter

This production of the love object was made possible through the generous production sponsorship of the Michael & Mona Heath Fund.

Synopsis

On the eve of Ramona’s sold-out stadium tour, her best friend and trusted assistant Paula announces she is leaving to pursue her own artistry. Fearing the loss of her closest confidante, Ramona reveals that a sex tape she made is about to be released, tainting her image (and ticket sales) forever. Will Paula stay and clean up Ramona’s mess one more time or finally escape the oppressive celebrity machine for good? A contemporary adaptation of Euripides’ Hippolytus, the love object examines the hyper-sexualization of women celebrities, the power struggles of interracial friendship and the tragedies of late-stage capitalism, all through the bubblegum veneer of an early 2000s pop superstar.

Cast

• Paula — Kaylah Marie Crosby
• Ramona — Emily Holland
• Simon — William Anthony Sebastian Rose II
• Tish — Cat Christmas
• Randy — Spencer Diaz Tootle
• Kylie — Mollyanne Nunn
• Paula u/s — Jordan Marie Ford
• Ramona u/s — Mollyanne Nunn
• Simon/Randy u/s — Freddy Mauricio
• Kylie/Tish u/s — Jacinda Ratcliffe

Creative Team

• Tianxuan Chen — Scenic Design
• Ben Argenta Kress — Costume Design
• Seojung Jang — Lighting Design
• Newt Schottelkotte — Sound Design, Original Composition
• Angelíca Grace — Choreographer
• Racquel Postiglione — Prop Design
• Courtney Abbott — Intimacy & Violence Director
• Stina Taylor — Technical Direction
• Ruby Lowe — Master Electrician
• Ariel Beller — Stage Manager
• Emma Johnson — Assistant Stage Manager
• Lucy Whipp^ — Production Manager
• Brenna DiStasio^ — Producer
• Paul Michael Thomson^ — Producer
• Terry Guest^ — Producer
• Ayanna Bria Bakari^ — Associate Producer

^denotes a member of The Story Governing Ensemble

The Story continued its commitment to Chicago playwrights with the second iteration of its now flagship program, The (W)rites of Summer 2024! This festival featured the work of SIX playwrights and over 30 local artists—including commissions from Mallory Raven Ellen Backstrom, Dillon Chitto, Kaeli Meno, and Gloria Imseih Petrelli. The (W)rites also featured elevated staged readings and workshop productions by Chicago luminaries Tyla Abercrumbie and Omer Abbas Salem. All of these world premieres were accompanied by community partnerships and educational resources!

Production Sponsors
The Iole Foundation

July 25, 2024

Who's Afraid of Deepak Chopra?

Written By

Tyla Abercrumbie

Directed By

Mikael Burke

July 26, 2024

"Reckon Revolt Revise"

A series of commissioned one acts featuring the following Chicago playwrights

Directed By

AmBer D. Montgomery

Blackbird

Written By

Mallory Raven-Ellen Backstrom

SPEECHaLICIOUS

Written By

Gloria Imseih Petrelli

Point of Order

Written By

Kaeli Meno

Tvshka

Written By

Dillon Chitto

July 27–28, 2024

Modern Women

Written By

Omer Abbas Salem

Directed By

Karina Patel

This project is made possible with contributions from 3Arts and individual donors as part of a 3AP (3Arts Projects) campaign.