vex
news
Article from The Daily Herald newspaper
September 9, 2005
Mamet
plays fill a void Vex Theatre finds in the suburbs
By
Melissa Hollander
As someone who loves the performing arts, I am delighted that my quiet little suburb has such a vibrant artistic soul. And now, a new theater group is adding its unique rhythm to Palatine’s artistic
heartbeat.
Vex Theatre Co. was founded last year by Palatine residents Cathleen Ann and Rich Geiger, as well as Oswego resident Michael Rios. It is committed to producing dramas, offbeat comedies and new works that are not often found in suburban playhouses.
“We wanted to bring more of a Chicago aesthetic … smaller productions that aren’t as common in the suburbs; more small-scale, intimate, edgier theater,” Ann said. “We think there’s a lot of astute theatergoers in the suburbs who appreciate all types of
theater.”
The company produced its first show, “The Designated Mourner,” in June in Naperville.Now, Vex Theatre is bringing its next effort — two plays by David Mamet — home to Palatine. The group will perform “American Buffalo” and “Boston Marriage” in rotation Thursday through Sept. 18 at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St. You can even make it a Mamet marathon Saturday and Sunday by viewing both shows on the same day, with a two-hour dinner break in
between.
“We liked the parallels. There are three men in ‘American Buffalo’ and three women in ‘Boston Marriage.’ One is a well-known play and one is little known. They’re very different settings. It’s a really nice dichotomy,” Ann said. “They’re very fast-paced shows. They clock in at about 90
minutes.
”Single play tickets cost $15, or see both plays on the same day for $25. For college students with an ID, tickets cost $10. Tickets are available at the door only. No reservations are
needed.
“Boston Marriage,” a sexy comedy of errors that centers on two Victorian society women, one hapless maid and several illicit assignations, will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday and Sept. 17 and at 3 p.m. Sept. 18. “American Buffalo,” the story of three desperate men and a botched robbery attempt, will be performed at 8 p.m. Sept. 16, 4 p.m. Sept. 17 and 7 p.m. Sept.
18.
Vex Theatre hopes to produce another show in Palatine next year. Ann said they have not yet set their season for next year, but they would like to continue to perform modern classics — some in larger theaters like Cutting Hall and some in smaller
venues.
For more information about Vex Theatre Co., visit www.vextheatre.org
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