NORTH PARK — Theater students from North Park University will test their chops on the professional stage as part of a collaboration with Adventure Stage Chicago.
Actors from both the university and the West Town-based theater company have teamed up for a production of "New Kid," with performances scheduled to be held at both the North Park campus and the Vittum Theater.
"New Kid" tackles the issue of immigration from a child's perspective. In a unique twist, the main character, Nick, speaks English while the other characters talk in a sort of "gibberish," replicating for the audience the sense of not being able to understand or be understood by those around you.
"With 'New Kid,' we're exploring the immigrant experience from the inside out. It's a play that will give the audience a different perspective on what it means to leave the familiar and make a life in a new place," producing artistic director Tom Arvetis said in a statement.
Adventure Stage ensemble members Brandon Wardell and Jessica Kuehnau Wardell helped bring about the partnership with North Park, where the two are also professors.
Each performance includes a pre- and post-show discussion.
Shows at North Park, 3225 W. Foster Ave., will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available for purchase online. Cost is $15 per person or $5 for North Park students, faculty and alumni.
Shows at Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., are scheduled for Nov. 7, 14, 20 and 21. Purchase tickets online: $17 for adults, $12 for children 14 and under and $7 for school groups.
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