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Four More Weeks to See 'The Royal Society of Antarctica' After Rave Reviews

 Brian Keys (Miller) and Aila Peck (Dee) in The Royal Society of Antarctica.
Brian Keys (Miller) and Aila Peck (Dee) in The Royal Society of Antarctica.
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Claire Demos

JEFFERSON PARK — A play that tells the story of a woman who returns to her birthplace in Antarctica to find answers about her mother’s disappearance will extend its run at the Gift Theatre after debuting to rave reviews.

"The Royal Society of Antarctica" stars Aila Peck as Dee, who takes a job at the McMurdo Station at the bottom of the world as a janitor to investigate her mother's disappearance.

The play's Chicago debut and the performance by the Jefferson Park theater's ensemble has won nearly universal raves, with Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones calling it "a really impressive new play" and giving the production 3.5 stars.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays through May 24. Originally, the play, which opened March 5, was set to close April 26.

The "wonderfully weird" play by Naperville native Mat Smart — who worked as a janitor for three months in Antarctica — is "perfectly suited to the Gift's intimate" 40-seat theater at 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave., said Michael Patrick Thornton, the Gift Theatre's founder and artistic director.

After the performance at 2:30 p.m. April 19, the Gift Theatre will feature a post-show conversation and drinks with Smart, director John Gawlik, the play's cast and crew and Jeanne Ropollo, the author of "Grandma Goes to Antarctica: A Journey of Discovery." Ropollo spent time with Smart during his time at McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

A ticket to the performance and after-show event, which includes food and drinks inspired by the play and continent, is $50.

The play also stars Gift ensemble members Paul D'Addario, Lynda Newton, John Connolly, Jay Worthington and Brittany Burch. In addition to Peck, the play also features guest artists Brian Keys and Kyle Zornes.

Tickets, which range from $25-$35, are available online at thegifttheatre.org or by phone at 773-283-7071.

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