Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

A BUMP ON THE LEG World Premiere to be Presented by Subtext Theater Company in March

A Bump on the Leg opens on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th and continues through April 16, 2023.

A BUMP ON THE LEG World Premiere to be Presented by Subtext Theater Company in March

Subtext Theater Company will stage this spring a new play by Leigh Johnson entitled A Bump on the Leg. This play is the biographical retelling of an event from the life of Chicago resident and Irish immigrant James Mallon.

Raised in Northern Ireland, the young Jimmy Mallon was diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg. Doctors, who initially were going to proceed with amputation of the limb, opted instead for radiation treatment, which seemed to be ineffective. Facing a grim prognosis, money was raised to send young Jimmy to Our Lady of Lourdes in France, where he was bathed in the healing waters of the divine sanctuary. Returning home to Ireland, the tumor disappeared in a matter of weeks. Was it divine intercession? A delayed reaction from the cobalt treatment? A misdiagnosis? Or simply a testament to the powers of a mother's love and faith? All of these-and more--are lovingly examined in this whimsical, thought-provoking, and heartwarming new work.

Jim Mallon himself will be on hand along with the playwright after each performance to answer questions and talk about his experiences This truly Irish tale opens on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th and continues through April 16, 2023. Performances will not be held on April 7, 8 & 9th.

The production is directed by STC Artistic Director and founding member Jonathan "Rocky" Hagloch. The cast consists of Wesley Prahl portraying the young Jimmy Mallon and Henry Bolzon as the older Jim Mallon. Other cast members include Eric Prahl, Hilary Hensler, Lauren Miller, and Andrew Pond. Managing Director/Artistic Director and founding member John Oster is the production stage manager. STC founding member and Artistic Director Leigh Johnson has received critical praise for his scripts A Brother's Keeper (2015) and A Prayer for the Sandinista's (2017) both produced by STC, Lefties (2013), Lotto Fever in the Sucker State (2014) and Little Stones (2018) all produced by the Saint Sebastian Players and Khe Sanh Bagman (2000) at Center Theatre.

STC is a professional, non-Equity 501c3 that was founded in 2015 and is dedicated to bringing powerful stories to the stage through an exploration of the meanings found inside, under and between the authors' words. For more information about the company and its founders visit subtextnfp.org

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Theater, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. There are stairs but no elevator in the building. Full-priced single tickets are $30, group rates are $20.00 for a group of ten or more. Ticketing at http://www.subtextnfp.org/box-office.html.

All programming is subject to change. For information, call 312-767-1393 or visit subtextnfp.org.



Photos: First Look at Redtwist Theatres BABEL Photo
Redtwist Theatre is presenting the second production of its 2023 season, Babel, written by Jacqueline Goldfinger and directed by Redtwist Associate Artistic Director Rinska Carrasco-Prestinary, playing through April 30, at Redtwist Theatre. Check out photos from the production here!

Photos: Idle Muse Presents THE LAST QUEEN OF CAMELOT Opening Tomorrow Photo
Idle Muse Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Last Queen of Camelot, adapted and directed by Artistic Director Evan Jackson, now playing through April 23 at The Edge Off-Broadway Theater, 1133 W Catalpa Ave. See photos from the production!

Photos: The Artistic Home Presents DYING FOR IT By Moira Buffini Photo
The Artistic Home presents Moira Buffini’s comedy Dying For It, directed by Monica Payne, playing March 18 – April 23, 2023 at The Den’s Bookspan Theatre. See first look photos from the production.

Comedian Hari Kondabolu to Perform at The Den Theatre in June Photo
The Den Theatre will welcome back comedian Hari Kondabolu for four stand-up performances on June 2 & 3, 2023 on The Heath Mainstage.


More Hot Stories For You


Photos: Idle Muse Presents THE LAST QUEEN OF CAMELOT Opening TomorrowPhotos: Idle Muse Presents THE LAST QUEEN OF CAMELOT Opening Tomorrow
March 24, 2023

Idle Muse Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The Last Queen of Camelot, adapted and directed by Artistic Director Evan Jackson, now playing through April 23 at The Edge Off-Broadway Theater, 1133 W Catalpa Ave. See photos from the production!

Photos: The Artistic Home Presents DYING FOR IT By Moira BuffiniPhotos: The Artistic Home Presents DYING FOR IT By Moira Buffini
March 24, 2023

The Artistic Home presents Moira Buffini’s comedy Dying For It, directed by Monica Payne, playing March 18 – April 23, 2023 at The Den’s Bookspan Theatre. See first look photos from the production.

Comedian Hari Kondabolu to Perform at The Den Theatre in JuneComedian Hari Kondabolu to Perform at The Den Theatre in June
March 24, 2023

The Den Theatre will welcome back comedian Hari Kondabolu for four stand-up performances on June 2 & 3, 2023 on The Heath Mainstage.

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre Presents DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEASTChicago Shakespeare Theatre Presents DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
March 24, 2023

This summer, Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents a 75-minute stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning film and Tony Award-winning stage musical Disney's Beauty and the Beast, directed and choreographed by Amber Mak. Dazzling production numbers, including the title song and the showstopping 'Be Our Guest,' will fill the Courtyard Theater, introducing young audiences to the magic of live theater.

2023 Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Resident Fellowship Awarded to Tonika Lewis Johnson and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble2023 Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Resident Fellowship Awarded to Tonika Lewis Johnson and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
March 23, 2023

The League of Chicago Theatres has awarded the 2023 Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Resident Fellowship to artist/activist Tonika Lewis Johnson and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble to collaborate on The Folded Map Project.