JEFFERSON PARK — "Good for Otto," a psychological drama that tells the story of a doctor who tries to help his patients while being haunted by his past, will extend its run at Jefferson Park's Gift Theatre into December, officials said.
The play by Tony Award-winning playwright David Rabe and directed by Gift founder and Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton had been expected to close Nov. 22. Instead, it will resume shows from Dec. 3-20, officials said.
"I am deeply moved that this epic masterwork by American master playwright David Rabe has found its home and voice at The Gift Theatre in Chicago," Thornton said.
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Rabe based "Good For Otto" on the book "Undoing Depression" by Richard O'Connor.
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.
Rabe will discuss his body of work with Thornton and Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss at an event from 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 9 at the National Veterans Art Museum, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tickets are $100 and can be bought online or by calling 773-283-7071. Cocktails will be served throughout the evening, organizers said.
Tickets, which range from $25-$35, are available online at thegifttheatre.org or by phone at 773-283-7071.
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