LINCOLN PARK — The upcoming production of "Beautiful Broken" at the Greenhouse Theater Center is a romantic "dramedy" set in the world of Chicago Storefront Theater.
In essence, it's a play about a play.
"I think we were both excited about the prospect of doing something we are so familiar with, but also nervous about it because we wanted to make sure we were authentic about it because many of the people sitting in the audience are going to be members of the Chicago theater community," said Lincoln Park resident Spenser Davis, who plays "Alex" in the production.
The production is the world premiere of the play, and the second production by the Chicago-based Broken Nose Theatre company.
"Beautiful Broken" is Broken Nose Theatre's follow-up to "My First Time," the company's debut last summer.
The look behind the curtains of a theater production even includes a closed-off section of the Greenhouse Theater's seats to serve as the house of the play.
"I think you would come for the 'love story,' for the comedy that these characters simulate, but in the process you will see little tidbits of how a theater company works," Davis said.
During the actual play, the cast is performing two Shakespearean classics, "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
"Every theater company has one guy or girl who wants to be every place at once, wants to make everyone happy," Davis said. "That's what I play in this performance, the youngest company member."
"Beautiful Broken" debuts with preview performances on March 23, 24, 27 and 28 with the opening night at 8 p.m. March 29 in the Upstairs Mainstage at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. The play will run through April 21.
The company will stage two Sunday performances each week, one matinee and one at night.
"We understand many of our friends in the theater will be doing their own Sunday matinee performances," Davis said.
