Home

Displaying items by tag: Bathsheba Doran

Following the lives of Charlotte and Jonny, The Mystery of Love and Sex cleverly explores a variety of subjects including sexual identity, race, political correctness and family undercurrents. Charlotte and Jonny have grown up together and have become the very best of friends. Charlotte is a white girl who had lived with her parents, her father Jewish and her mother converted, while Jonny, an African American had lived with his mother just next door. 

The story starts off with Charlotte and Jonny living together while attending college. They wonder if their longtime friendship can develop into something more. The two are stressed when Charlotte’s parents, Howard and Lucinda, come by for dinner unsure of what they might think of their living relationship and their possible future together. Howard, a  successful crime novelist accused of writing with racist and sexist overtones by Jonny ("Why are all black men able to dance? Why are most found victims women with no clothes on?"), is direct, concerned and, at times, a bit skeptical. “What is this? Like Bohemian?” He says referring to the couple’s table setting. It doesn’t help matters that Charlotte and Jonny are serving just salad and bread. But we quickly see how much Howard cares for both his daughter Charlotte and Jonny, who he considers his son, despite his oft coarse exterior. 

As the story progresses, Charlotte and Jonny show trepidation in pursuing a future together even questioning their own sexuality. Howard and Lucinda, who consider themselves liberal parents, just want their daughter to be happy. We are then taken on several plot twists and turns in both Howard and Lucinda’s marriage and the lives of Jonny and Charlotte that keep the story highly engaging.

Keenly directed by Marti Lyons and smartly written by Bathsheba Doran, The Mystery of Love and Sex provides four main characters that are each appealing in their own ways. The interactions between the four is fulfilling, as it is humorous, touching and true to life. Doran’s story is that of love, whether it be unconditional or the lengths taken to find it. It is a journey into life’s most sought after desire and a tribute to accepting those for who they are.  

"I have had the pleasure of following the impressive rising careers of playwright Bash Doran and Director Marti Lyons for the past few years and I am delighted to find a project that suited both their considerable talents so perfectly," says Artistic Director Michael Halberstam.

Hayley Burgess leads the way as Charlotte with a bold performance in her Writers Theatre debut. Charlotte has many layers that are revealed throughout the play and Burgess gently takes the audience by the hand into her character’s depth one step at a time. Best friend and confidant Jonny is well-played by Travis Turner who is also able to play up to the complexities in his role with much aplomb. Lia Mortensen is just fantastic as Lucinda, delivering her witty lines to perfection and getting several laughs in the way her character struggles to quit smoking. Cast in the role of Howard is Keith Kupferer. However, Kupferer had taken ill and was unavailable for the performance I had attended thrusting Mark David Kaplan into the role, who is simply remarkable. Kaplan steers his role with grit and finesse offering the clear predictability of Howard’s stereotype, but is also able to throw in a handful of surprising moments filled with a genuineness than can catch us off guard. Kaplan and Mortensen are terrific as Charlotte’s parents, bringing forth plenty of funny exchanges and throwing several well-timed darts at each other.

There is a lot to like in Doran’s The Mystery of Love and Sex from its tantalizing script to its well-executed performances. The play delivers a solid message in a uniquely crafty way that is entertaining from beginning to end. 

Recommended. 

The Mystery of Love and Sex is currently running at Writers Theatre (325 Tudor Court, Glenview) through July 2nd. For tickets and/or more show information click here

*This play contains frontal nudity.

Published in Theatre in Review

Review: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's "Love Song' at Theater Wit

26 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

When a play’s opening moment is mystifying and its closing moment is satisfying, the stuff in between must be doing…

Eddie Izzard performs Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" in limited engagement, April 19–May 4

26 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces today a thrilling addition to the season: Tony Award-nominated actor Eddie Izzard brings her celebrated solo theatrical performance of Hamlet to…

Identity Performing Arts presents spring concert “Muted”

26 March 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Identity's Spring concert offers a captivating performance with two dissimilar works in its dynamic. Join us for the premiere of choreographer…

Joffrey Ballet closes season with remount of crowd favorite, Alexander Ekman's "Midsummer Night's Dream"

25 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The Joffrey Ballet boldly closes its 2023-24 season with the return of Midsummer Night's Dream by internationally renowned Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman. Premiered by The…

Breaking Through The Winter Blues: Cirque du Soleil Crystal Sparkles at NOW Arena

23 March 2024 in Theatre Reviews

Like any good Chicago March, the city cannot make up its mind about what season it is in. This weekend…

Review: A Streetcar Named Desire at Copley Theatre

22 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

If there's one play every American should see in their lifetimes, without a doubt it's Tennessee Williams' perennial classic A…

Five Plays by Spanish Speaking Female Playwrights Selected for Series at Instituto Cervantes

20 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.), the city's primary non-profit center for Spanish language and cultural exchange, is pleased to present,…

Macbeth Gets Upended in ‘What the Weird Sisters Saw'

20 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

I love all things Shakespeare, particularly modern iterations and adaptations of his works, and I’ve had good experiences with Idle…

ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN Is Now Playing

19 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the smash-hit musical, ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is now…

Casting Announced for Drury Lane Theatre's production of Guys and Dolls April 10 – June 9, 2024

18 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Drury Lane Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for its first show of the 2024/2025 season, Guys and Dolls, making its triumphant return to…

Writers Theatre announces 2024-2025 season

18 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce Writers Theatre's 2024/25 season. The season launches with the Chicago premiere of the acclaimed musical Natasha,…

Music Theater Works’ ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ a sparkling and witty production

17 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Who will the best speller be? Who will be able to withstand the pressures of competition? Who wants it the…

BLACK SUNDAY, a new, dust bowl-era drama by Dolores Díaz, directed by Sandra Marquez, storms in as TimeLine Theatre's 2023-24 finale

16 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

TimeLine Theatre announces the world premiere of the latest play developed through the company’s Playwrights Collective—Black Sunday, by Chicago playwright Dolores…

Marriott Theatre Continues Thrilling 2024 Season with "The Music Man"

15 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Marriott Theatre continues its thrilling 2024 season with MEREDITH WILLSON'S THE MUSIC MAN, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy, directed and choreographed…

Red Theater presents HAMLET

15 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Red Theater is thrilled to present its second show of the 23/24 season: Shakespeare’s HAMLET, directed by Jeff nominated director Wyatt Kent, running April 26…

Margaret Atwood's 'The Penelopiad' Is a Zesty Romp, Even If a Bit Cerebral

15 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

“The Penelopiad” is a zesty romp and very entertaining. With a script by a writer I adore, Margaret Atwood of “The…

City Lit announces first season under incoming Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor

14 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

City Lit Theater has announced its programming for the 2024-25 season, the company’s 44th. The season is the first to…

GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO DEBUTS "GERSHWIN IN B" CHOREOGRAPHED BY EMMY AWARD-WINNER AL BLACKSTONE IN SPRING HARRIS ENGAGEMENT APRIL 5 & 6

13 March 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) presents their "Season 61 | UNLIMITED!" Spring engagement at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205…

Steppenwolf Theatre Announces 2024/25 Season

12 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, under the leadership of Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis and Executive Director Brooke Flanagan, today announced its 2024/25 Season, featuring a dynamic…

Pretty Woman is now playing at CIBC Theatre

12 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is now playing at Broadway In Chicago's CIBC Theatre (18 W.…

'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' Tells About AA Founders, and What It Was Really Like to be their Wives

11 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

“Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” in its Chicago premiere at the Biograph Theater, tells the exciting story of the 1935…

MOMIX: ALICE is Spectacular!

10 March 2024 in Dance in Review

I’ve seen quite a lot of wonderful, entertaining dance productions in Chicago lately - creations that include music and modern…

Review: 'Aida' at Lyric Opera Chicago

10 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

There’s a reason Elton John’s Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Aida’ was one the most popular musicals of the early aughts.…

Deathtrap: A Thriller to Die For

09 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

It was a dark and stormy night (yes, it really was!) – the perfect ambiance for taking in one of…

Pre-Broadway World Premiere DEATH BECOMES HER Announces Complete Casting

05 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago and Universal Theatrical Group announced today complete casting for the world-premiere Chicago production of the drop-dead hilarious new musical comedy, DEATH…

Black Ensemble Theatre's 'The Time Machine: A Tribute To The 80’s' celebrates a transformative era of music

05 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Black music in the 1980’s was transformative. It was the decade where Black music exploded in diversity and influence. It…

‘Meditations on Being’ an uplifting, healing experience

04 March 2024 in Dance in Review

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble (CDE) in collaboration with Duncan Dance Chicago has put together a production that undoubtedly will tap into…

The Joffrey Ballet announces 2024-25 season, opening with U.S. premiere of 'Atonement'

04 March 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, today announces the Joffrey's 2024–2025 Season at…

Skokie Theatre Cast and Creatives for The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical

03 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

MadKap Productions is pleased to announce the cast and creative team for The Lightning Thief: a Percy Jackson Musical, a…

Mrs. Doubtfire leaves no doubt, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

01 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

The Groundhog Day musical debacle left me wary of movie-to-stage adaptations. I saw them as cash grabs, mere shadows of…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

 

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 154 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.