The Roommate
by Jen Silverman
Citadel Theatre
February 1 – March 3, 2019
Equity Jeff Recommended!
Director’s Note in the Program:
“I guess everybody wants to start over. Just burn it all down and start over.”
– Sharon, Scene 2, The Roommate
On the surface, this story about two specific and unlikely roommates, a story that suggests smoking pot and online dating (two things I’ve never done) are required life experiences for anyone living in 2019, might not seem like a play with a personal connection for me. But in my own journey through life so far – navigating career shifts, becoming a mother, and simply getting older each year – I find so much of Robyn’s and Sharon’s journeys relatable. Finding the courage to start fresh again (and again, and again), developing a renewed sense of self and identity, the (re)awakening of a unique audacity and independence; these universal experiences jumped out at me upon my first reading of the script. Through the rehearsal process it has been a pleasure to explore these ideas and more, and it has been especially fulfilling to do so in a room full of intelligent and resourceful women artists.
My wish for you tonight is to have the courage to burn it all down and start over, if the need ever arises. Thank you for coming and for supporting live theatre.
Reviews
“The play by Jen Silverman, directed by Beth Wolf, is outstanding. Wolf has taken many important lessons from the production and hopes that the audience will do the same. … In this production, the lighting, costumes and set design are flawless and capture the tone of the play. … Sit back, enjoy the show and marvel at the skill of the crew and actors who were able to put on a production such as this.”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Jara Kider, Splash Magazine, 02.12.2019
“In Citadel Theatre’s lovely production of Jen Silverman’s THE ROOMMATE, with sensitive and engaging direction from Beth Wolf, two excellent actors explore the difficulties and rewards of creating friendships as adults… It’s a treat to see two wonderful actors embody fully-developed characters … This is a production absolutely worth seeing.”
CRITIC’S PICK
Elizabeth Ellis, Performink, 02.19.2019
“To my surprise and my delight, Citadel’s Beth Wolf brought this wonderful story to the much more intimate space they occupy with two very talented women to bring these characters to life. I loved what they did. … [a] near perfect production… on the technical side, this production is flawless! … The info as to who developed and found the music intervals/interludes is not in the program…but will say, they are sheer perfection.”
4 out of 5 stars
Al Bresloff, Around the Town, 02.07.2019
“In Citadel’s well-paced production, expertly guided by guest director Beth Wolf, secrets are divulged, tensions mount and the stakes are raised. …The small, personal moments that Silverman creates break through in this production with subtlety and a kind of gentle energy, under Ms. Wolf’s skillful direction. The story nicely plays out on Eric Luchen’s beautiful, meticulously detailed and realistic scenic design, where you can even smell the coffee brewing. …The excellent performances delivered by two of Chicago’s finest actresses cannot be overstated.”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review, 02.02.2019
“Compelling… Phelps and Rose keep the audience engaged through all of this. Both actresses have incredible energy and create believable characters as well as a convincing relationship…. This production was enhanced by its thoughtful and detailed tech…the almost dance-like choreography of the set changes moves the story seamlessly from one moment to the next as Sharon gracefully puts the dishes of one scene into the dishwasher, goes up the stairs and reappears moments later in her pajamas and robe to start the coffee for the next morning scene. These transitions keep the flow of the play moving and make even the scene changes and the passing of time interesting. … Director Beth Wolf’s vision helps bring out the tragedy in all of us as we try to rediscover who we are.”
Recommended (Green Light)
Karen MacBlane, Chicago On Stage, 02.20.2019
“…excellent portrayals of Ellen Phelps as Sharon and Laurie Carter Rose as Robyn… Perceptively directed by Beth Wolf.”
3 1/2 stars
Jodie Jacobs, Chicago Theater and Arts, 02.04.2019
Cast and Crew
Cast: Ellen Phelps (Sharon), Laurie Carter Rose (Robyn)
Production Staff: Beth Wolf (Director), Samantha Tink (Stage Manager), Eric Luchen (Scenic Design), Lily Walls (Costume Design), Bob Boxer (Sound Design), Marissa Geocaris (Lighting Design), Mark Holley (Props Design), Maureen Yasko (Intimacy Director)
Beth Wolf 