Imagine driving down a long, empty road.
You’re instructed to park in a parking lot seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
You head down to an abandoned motel.
You enter the room on the end.
There’s gross and outdated orange carpet on the floor, dirty linens on the bed, and two by fours cover the window. It’s not a pretty place, but it’s the best place for the task at hand. This is where we see a mother try to find her daughter in ON CLOVER ROAD.
If there are no Goldstar Discounts when you click here, make sure to check the American Blues Theater Website to find out the full-price ticket availability.
American Blues Theater and The Mysterious Cult
For Kate, finding and bringing her runaway daughter back home has been a struggle for the past four years. She’s had a glimpse of hope when she is put in touch with a mysterious man said to be able to bring kids who have joined cults back home.
On this particular night, he’s supposed to bring her Jessie back where in this shoddy motel they’ll “deprogram” her from the cult beliefs.
However, when the supposed Jessie arrives, there’s no telling whose story we can believe. Is the real Jessie? Or is this someone else’s scheme is at play?
Bring On The Intrigue
Without knowing what is what or whose alliance lies with who, there’s a complete sense of doubt floating above ON CLOVER ROAD.
We’re never quite certain if anyone is telling the truth which leads us to grip onto every word our actors say, hoping for a clue or a semblance of truth.
With this uncertainty of who we can trust, this show makes it feel like a true thriller movie playing in front of us. This feeling is aided by slow, pulsing lights and timestamps appearing on a screen as the scenes change making it feel like we’re experiencing time lapses.
Twists and Turns at Every Corner
There’s surprises and intrigue around every turn with heightened emotions so we’re never sure what’s coming next. ON CLOVER ROAD might not be the best fit for someone who is looking for a more straightforward plotline. But if you love thrillers, twists, and uncertainty this show would be a good fit for you.
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Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
The cast of On Clover Road includes Philip Earl Johnson* (Stine), Gwendolyn Whiteside* (Kate Hunter), Jon Hudson Odom (Harris McLain), Grace Smith (A Girl), and Caroline Phillips (A Girl).
The creative team includes Lizzie Bracken (scenic), Alison Siple (costumes),Alexander Ridgers (lighting), Rick Sims* (sound), Mary O’Dowd (props) and Shandee Vaughan* (production manager). The stage manager is Kate Ocker.
When
Now through March 16, 2019
Thursdays: 7:30pm
Fridays: 7:30pm
Saturdays: 3:00pm & 7:30pm
Sundays: 2:30pm
Additional performances on February 6 & 18 at 7:30pm and March 13 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm
No performances on February 2, 9 & 23 at 3:00pm or March 15 & 16 at 7:30pm
Where
Stage 773
1225 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL
If there are no Goldstar Discounts when you click here, make sure to check the American Blues Theater Website to find out the full-price ticket availability.
If there are no Goldstar Discounts when you click here, make sure to check the American Blues Theater Website to find out the full-price ticket availability.
Tickets can be purchased online through the American Blues Theater website or by calling 773.654.3103.
Photos
Michael Brosilow
Note: Picture this Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
