Review: 'American Son is a story many of us need to see and experience'

Courtney Marie (L) and Shane Novoa Rhoades in American Son at Ghostlight Ensemble. (Photo by Maria Burnham/For Ghostlight Ensemble)

Ghostlight Ensemble’s production of American Son, written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Ebby Offord, continues this week with the first of five shows (including an understudy performance) beginning tomorrow.

Audiences and reviewers have felt the visceral impact of this timely story with the location, layered acting and strong direction driving home the reality of this drama.

“This play is fantastic, yet is a hard watch. It will make you feel confronted — which good theatre should do. Yes, sometimes theatre needs to be fun and give joy — and sometimes it needs to portray the harsh reality of our world.”  — Lisa with TheatreinChicago

American Son is a story about an estranged couple desperately seeking answers to the whereabouts of their teenage son, who has gone missing after an encounter with the police. As Kendra, a Black mother, and Scott, her white husband, wait for information, their clashing perspectives expose deep-seated issues of race, privilege and systemic bias.

“Ghostlight Ensemble’s production and the setting highlight the sad ongoing relevance of American Son for too many Black parents and their children, who battle microaggressions daily and hope they don’t escalate to something even worse, with no clear answers provided by the people sworn to serve and protect.” — Kerry Reid, The Chicago Reader.

The production is led by Ensemble Member Courtney Marie as Kendra and Ensemble Member Khnemu Menu-Ra as Lt. Stokes with Shane Novoa Rhoades as Scott and Derek Preston Ray as Officer Paul Larkin. Understudies are Terah Jené, Eric K. Roberts, Kyle Roth and Ryan Ken.

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 24; Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27. There is an understudy performance at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 28. The show runs through October 4 at Friendship Community Place (5150 N Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL 60630).

Tickets are pay-what-you-will and are available now.

American Son is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

The Holidays begin this Sunday!

The Holiday Cabernet is back for a fourth year this Sunday, December 11! Enjoy an evening of holiday classics (or not-so-classics) by favorite G.E.T. performers, emerging artists and surprise guests in a cabaret-style setting with a host who may or may not be toasted.

For year four, we've brought back the popular holiday vendor area so you can do some holiday shopping in addition to indulging in the holiday cheer. AND we've added Sloshed Snaps with Santa for all your holiday Insta feeds!

This year’s host will be the hilarious Bettie Attitude — a performer, dancer, storyteller and all around creative. Born and raised in Chicago, they are currently the Ensemble Manager of The Screwbelles and also known for their love of Taco Bell and spaghetti (not necessarily together, but also not necessarily NOT together).

Acts that will be performing this year include: Erin Baumrucker, Comedy Dance Chicago, Casey Daniel, Julia deGruchy, Improvised Jane Austen, Khloe Janel, Courtney Marie, J. Rohr and Nitty Gritty.

More information about these performers and our vendors, as well as parking and transportation options, is available on the Holiday Cabernet Show page.

The fourth Holiday Cabernet takes place at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613) at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 11. There is a suggested donation of $20.

G.E.T. into the holiday spirits and join us for a night of song, dance, theatre, good cheer and revelry. G.E.T. yule holiday fun on!