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2025 New Plays from the Heartland
Three Winning One-Act Plays from Midwest writers presented as staged readings
Sponsored by Chris Kaufman & Mark Austill
BREAD AND ROSES by Laura Mazzuca Toops, Merrillville IN
Directed by Darlene Lloyd
Synopsis: In the early 1960s, Florence Scala was a Chicago activist who fought City Hall and then-Mayor Daley to save Jane Addams’ Hull House and the predominantly Italian neighborhood where the University of Illinois Chicago campus now stands. Twenty years later, having failed in her efforts, Florence owns a small restaurant in what’s left of the vibrant West Side Italian community she grew up in. She still has the heart of a reformer and regularly helps local immigrants navigate the complexities of living in a new country. But when a young journalism student comes to interview her – and her own altruism could be putting her home and business at risk — old wounds are reopened, and the activist-turned-restaurateur is forced to confront her past and make peace with the woman she’s become.
DAD’S COMFORTABLE DINNER WITH HIS FAMILY by David Hawley, Creve Coeur, IL
Directed by Lynda Rettick
Synopsis: On a hot summer night in a river town in the 1960s, a mom fixes dinner for her family. There is a dash of anger, a cup of disappointment, a pinch of fear, and a sprinkle of dreams. Mom wants out of this nasty life in this nasty part of town – but who will find the way?
TABLE STAKES by Marc Jennings, Clarksville IN
Directed by Natasha Warloe
Synopsis: Christopher Wilson brings the long-awaited foreclosure paperwork to the home of recently widowed Sam Garrison one evening. While playing hands of poker, Sam shares stories of Christopher’s deceased father and reveals their decades old secret. Instead of leaving with a signature Christopher leaves with something much greater, a plan to help his alcoholic son while helping his father’s best friend maintain his home.
Performances: JULY 11,12 – 2025 at 7:30 pm and JULY 13 at 2:00 pm.
Reservations or Online Tickets recommended.
Run time: Under 2 hours, including one 15-minute intermission. $10 Donation. Flex Passes DO NOT apply. This is a grant-funded project.
For information on our Assistive Listening system, click here.
