Her Story Theater Presents SHADOW TOWN II - THE JOHNS, Now thru 11/23

Her Story Theater's Shadow Town II: The JOHNS, written and directed by Mary Bonnett, premieres today, October 16 and runs through November 23, 2014 at the Mayer Kaplan Theatre, Skokie, IL. Following the 2013 highly-acclaimed play Shadow Town based on sex trafficking of girls in the Chicagoland area, Bonnett creates the second half of story-the 'demand' side and its impact on the purchasers, their families and the sex trafficked girls.

This 90-minute original stage play is based on Bonnett's interviews with dozens of people involved with sex trafficking in Chicago. The six-person ensemble creates a journey into the dual nature of our lives- lives that collide and clash in unexpected ways, leaving a lasting imprint on what we perceive as truth, accept as normal and reject as problematic.

A wake-up call for its participants, "Shadow Town II: The JOHNS" is told through the eyes of the Members of the Family along with Baby Girl, a young sex trafficked girl, the centerpiece of the story, whose very essence controls and defines the lives of the people who seek her out. Her unknowing invasion of The Family entangles their lives with hers, leaving in its wake revealed secrets and painful awakenings.

"Shadow Town II: The JOHNS" is a powerful, humorous, imaginative and important play for both men and women. It weaves together nontraditional drama, music and dance to present a thought provoking theatrical experience that just may move an audience to action.

Cast members include Brooke Bartlett, Adam Marcantoni, Mary McClenahan, Sarah Mellas, Caleb Probst, Lindsey Scalise, Doug Schuetz.

Original music written and performed by Brooke Bartlett, Choreography by Melinda Wilson, Lighting by Claire Chrzan, Set Design by Mary Bonnett.

Experts for Post Show Q & A: Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Federal Judge Virginia Kendall, News reporter Robin Robinson, NBC5 Anchorwoman, Marion Brooks, CTU President, Karen Lewis, Kaethe Morris Hoffer Executive Director CAASE, Detective Al Krok, Vice Squad Paul Olson, Laura Ng Executive Director Traffick Free, Judge Ann Breen-Greco and more.