Theatre Review: Chicago Premiere of SOMETHING CLEAN

The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Sideshow Theater & Rivendell Theatre Ensemble’s co-production of SOMETHING CLEAN. Plus, some Kerry-related news.

LISTEN

The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Sideshow Theater and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble's co-production of SOMETHING CLEAN.

“It’s mostly about his parents, Charlotte and Doug, played by Mary Cross and Guy Massey, as they try to rebuild their own relationships and their own lives. And try to come to terms with their guilt and shame as parents, who believe they have done everything right in raising their son and can’t quite understand how they’ve ended up where they are at.” - Kerry Reid talking about the premise for Selina Fillinger’s new play SOMETHING CLEAN.

(left to right) Guy Massey and Mary Cross in SOMETHING CLEAN. Photo credit Jonathan L. Green

Sideshow Theater & Rivendell Theatre Ensemble are co-presenting the Chicago premiere of SOMETHING CLEAN.  The play comes from recent Northwestern grad Selina Fillinger, who wrote the 2017 Jeff Award nominated FACELESS.  That play was about a young American woman who becomes committed to radical Islam. SOMETHING CLEAN takes a closer look at the parents of a young man who has been convicted and imprisoned for sexually assaulting a student on a university campus.

(left to right) Mary Cross and Patrick Agada in SOMETHING CLEAN. Photo credit Jonathan L. Green

It’s a split decision from the Dueling Critics as far as a recommendation. But both Kerry and Jonathan agree Selina Fillinger is a playwright to keep an eye on.

Sideshow and Rivendell’s production of SOMETHING CLEAN continues through July 21st at Victory Gardens.

One more thing … The Arts Section congratulates Kerry Reid on her new position as the editor of theatre and dance for The Reader. Fortunately she will continue to review theatrical productions with Jonathan on The Arts Section as well.