JEFFERSON PARK — A psychological drama that tells the story of a doctor who tries to help his patients while being haunted by his past is the latest production of the Gift Theatre's 2015 season.
"Good For Otto" was written by Tony Award-winning playwright David Rabe based on the book "Undoing Depression" by Richard O'Connor. The production, which opens Oct. 1, will be directed by Gift Theatre Artistic Director and Founder Michael Patrick Thornton.
The play tells the story of Dr. Michaels, a psychologist who tries to minister to patients at the health center he runs in a cluster of Connecticut hamlets and villages.
Described by producers as "absurd at times, sadly comic and touching," the characters in "Good for Otto" search for relief in this "whimsical, yet tornadic, ensemble piece."
The world-premiere production stars Cyd Blakewell, Brittany Burch, John Connolly, Paul D'Addario, John Gawlik, Alexandra Main, Kenny Mihlfried, Darci Nalepa, Lynda Newton and Jay Worthington.
Rabe won a Tony Award for best play in 1972 for "Sticks and Bones" and has been nominated for the honor three other times.
His daughter, Lily Rabe, stars in the "American Horror Story" anthology on FX and "The Whispers" on ABC.
Rabe said he selected the Gift Theatre for the world premiere of his play because of the strength of its acting ensemble.
"What every playwright wants to know is that the people doing their play will love it and care for it," Rabe said in a statement. "I watched The Gift do a cold read of 'Good For Otto' and was thrilled by what they did and revealed; the level of their acting is exceptional. It needs a true ensemble with heart and smart, humor and hurt, and that is precisely what The Gift is."
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 22 at the theater, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tickets, which range from $20 to $35, are available online at thegifttheatre.org or by phone at 773-283-7071.
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