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My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

What's FAMILIAR In Steppenwolf's Latest?

What's FAMILIAR In Steppenwolf's Latest?

The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of FAMILIAR.

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The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Steppenwolf Theatre's FAMILIAR.

“Sibling rivalries and culture clash nearly spin out of control. I would say it sounds like a sitcom set-up, and that’s exactly what the bulk of act one is. And the tone changes radically in act two, when a secret from the old country is revealed.” - Jonathan Abarbanel describing the differences between acts one and two in Steppenwolf’s FAMILIAR.

Cedric Young (Donald Chinyaramwira), ensemble member Celeste M. Cooper (Nyasha), ensemble member Ora Jones (Marvelous Chinyaramwira), Lanise Antoine Shelley (Tendikayi) and Jacqueline Williams (Margaret Munyewa) . Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Cedric Young (Donald Chinyaramwira), ensemble member Celeste M. Cooper (Nyasha), ensemble member Ora Jones (Marvelous Chinyaramwira), Lanise Antoine Shelley (Tendikayi) and Jacqueline Williams (Margaret Munyewa) . Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Written by Danai Gurira and directed by Danya Taymor, FAMILIAR is set in Minnesota, where a Zimbabwean-American family is preparing for the wedding of their eldest daughter. When an unexpected guest arrives and the bride surprises the family by insisting on a traditional African ceremony, pre-wedding stress explodes into a family feud.

Cheryl Lynn Bruce (Anne), Jacqueline Williams (Margaret Munyewa) and Luigi Sottile (Brad). Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Cheryl Lynn Bruce (Anne), Jacqueline Williams (Margaret Munyewa) and Luigi Sottile (Brad). Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

The Dueling Critics both applaud the performances by Celeste M. Cooper, Ora Jones and Cheryl Lynn Bruce

Cheryl Lynn Bruce (Anne), Cedric Young (Donald Chinyaramwira) and ensemble members Celeste M. Cooper (Nyasha) and Ora Jones (Marvelous Chinyaramwira). Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Cheryl Lynn Bruce (Anne), Cedric Young (Donald Chinyaramwira) and ensemble members Celeste M. Cooper (Nyasha) and Ora Jones (Marvelous Chinyaramwira). Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

The Chicago premiere of FAMILIAR continues at Steppenwolf Theatre through January 13.

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