Past Productions

Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy

by Jason Burkett and Sara Gmitter
based on the film by Dr. Randy Olson

view Sizzle program

New Suit Theatre Co. is proud to present its third show "Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy" - an adaptation of the documentary film of the same name. It follows Dr. Randy Olson, a scientist turned filmmaker, who is convinced that he can make a movie that will end the global warming debate just by interviewing scientists and placing their ideas side by side. When things don’t go as planned, it’s up to his sensible production assistant, his crazy producer, and his skeptical cameraman to help him maintain his faith in humanity.

“Sizzle” is a story that has its roots in the credibility crisis currently enveloping science in America. It is about the hilarious (and not-so-hilarious) ways we behave when unable to bring others to our point of view. It is about communication and miscommunication. Ultimately, it is about moving forward together.

Performed at the Raven Theatre Complex

Cast

Andrew Nowak ~ Randy Olson
Korri Givens ~ Tyra
Michael Reyes ~ Mitch
Jovan King ~ Antoine
Elliott Fredland ~ Dr. Cool
Michelle McKenzie-Voigt ~ Dr. Worthington
Liz Davis ~ Dr. Monroe/Zoo Keeper
Kirsten Benjamin ~ Sara/Heather

Understudy Johanna Middleton ~ Tyra u/s

Production Team

Aaron Henrickson ~ Director
Jon Cohen ~ Asst. Director
Adrienne Bader ~ Stage Manager
Harriet Sogin ~ Production Manager
Ellen Sidel ~ Costume Designer
Claire Sangster ~ Lighting Designer
Sally Weiss ~ Set Designer
Joshua Hurley ~ Props Designer
Dan Carlyon ~ Sound Designer

"Understated, dark comedy is entertaining yet informative."

Scotty Zacher ~ Chicago Theater Beat

"Andrew Nowak is excellent as the earnest filmmaker driven to near-breakdown and King makes for a charming skeptic foil ... Aaron Henrickson's direction is dynamic and sharp (especially in the nightmare scene that opens Act II), highlighting the frustrations of communication in a technology-ridden world..."

Suzanne Scanlon ~ Time Out Chicago

"...the acting is bright and expressive ... the use of lighting is supremely skillful ... 'Sizzle,' ... shows promise - both in its ability to engage with and educate the audience "

Brandon Goei ~ F Newsmagazine

Trans Form

Written and Performed By Rebecca Kling

Directed by Kristin Isdak and Kate McGroarty

Produced November 4 - December 5, 2010

At the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago, IL

Trans Form is a collaborative project between New Suit Theatre and Rebecca Kling, a Chicago-based performing artist with a particular interest in the exploration of identity. It is a one-person show detailing Rebecca's experiences as a transgender woman, questioning gender, self-expression, and what it means to be at home in one’s own body.Trans Form is a deeply personal piece and New Suit Theatre is collaborating with Rebecca to develop her work and bring it to the stage in a way that is accessible and meaningful to audience members both inside and outside the LGBTQ community. Beyond bringing our audiences a greater understanding of the issues facing transgender individuals in our communities, we hope to open a dialogue with our audiences about the meaning of identity and how we as individuals in a democratic society influence and are influenced by the prevailing culture of America.

"Trans Form is a brave and honest expression of what it means to be a transgender individual."

- Britany Robinson ~ Gapers Block 

"...when she is specific about her unique experiences...Kling’s story becomes accessible and enjoyable. And the journey, as difficult as it may be, comes to its only possible ending."

- Lisa Buscani ~ Newcity Stage

"There’s ample pop cultural discourse on promiscuous “trannies” (Kling’s word) and damaged souls caught in the wrong body ... but Kling doesn’t want to tell these stories. Happily, she neither sells these narratives out nor denies them as she (innovatively) rewrites trans life as mundane."

- Christopher Shea ~ Time Out Chicago

Production Team

Scenic Designer: Sally Weiss
Costume Designer: Kristen Ahern
Lighting Designer: Michael Warden
Sound Designer: Sarah Gilmore
Projection Designer: Rasean Davonte Johnson
Stage Manager: Lauren Lassus
Production Manager: Jordan Danz

JedIraq: Meghan's First War

By Jason Burkett

Directed by Erik Parsons

Staring Niq Tognoni and Carolynn Campbell

Produced February 14 - March 14, 2010

At the Piccolo Theatre in Evanston, IL

In 2007, Dustin Meghan, a self-absorbed college journalist is busy working away on his latest article in a coffee shop when he is interrupted by a person he will never forget. The innocent looking girl tells him of her plan to travel to war-torn Iraq and write him back letters about the things she learns there. When asked why she would ever consider doing something so dangerous, she gives him the only reply she knows, "Because I can't stand doing nothing."

What follows is a journey of understanding and risk that forces open Dustin's mind while simultaneously tying him in knots. As his articles are swept up in unexpected fame, he is left battling his own feelings of helplessness and compassion for strangers; a battle that pushes him to a decision that will ultimately determine how he lives the rest of his life.

"Jason Burkett is a crafty...dramatist" ... director Erik Parsons gets "whip smart performances" from the two-person cast.

Justin Hayford ~ Chicago Reader


Production Team
Scene Design:  Sally Weiss
Lighting Design:  Jeremiah Barr
Sound Design:  Lewis Miller
Original Music:  Michael Beach
Video Designer:  Brian Deyo
Stage Manager:  Jeanette Klemeyer
Production Manager:  Kathleen Petroziello
Dramaturgy:  Sara Gmitter and Megan McClain