Photo Flash: Inside The Den Theatre's FOUR PLACES

The Den Theatre presents a revival of Joel Drake Johnson's true-to-life drama FOUR PLACES, directed by ensemble member Lia Mortensen, playing May 24 - June 30, 2019 at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. (2B) in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.thedentheatre.com, in person at the The Den box office or by calling (773) 697-3830. The press opening is Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 pm.

FOUR PLACES features Amy Montgomery, Bruch Reed, Meg Thalken and Rebekah Ward.

Deceptively simple in its structure and unfolding in real time, this emotionally precise play deploys its spare components to devastating and darkly comic effect. A brother and sister have gotten word from their elderly parents' caretaker that they may be a danger to each other. The brother joins his sister and mother on their weekly lunch date, hoping that he and his sister can get a clearer picture of the situation. As the mother confronts the indignities of age and the children stare down a mounting list of losses and disappointments, a harrowing and true-to-life image of the family emerges. Ultimately, with unwavering clarity and sensitivity, Joel Drake Johnson explores the ways that familial love and knowledge create both hurt and comfort.

Comments Director Lia Mortensen, "I was drawn to this play because it examines the universality of family: love, secrets, trust, lies - while also navigating how alcoholism threads through the tapestry of this family. It is at once hysterical, tragic, and ultimately moving. We recognize ourselves in these imperfect humans."

The production team includes Jeffrey D. Kmiec (scenic design), Josh Prisching (lighting design, co-technical director), Melissa Schlesinger (sound design), Juan Solis (co-technical director) and Tina M. Jach (production stage manager).

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

Meg Thalken, Bruch Reed and Amy Montgomery

Bruch Reed, Meg Thalken and Amy Montgomery

Meg Thalken and Amy Montgomery

Rebekah Ward and Meg Thalken

Bruch Reed, Rebekah Ward, Meg Thalken and Amy Montgomery

Bruch Reed and Meg Thalken

Bruch Reed, Meg Thalken, Rebekah Ward and Amy Montgomery

Bruch Reed and Amy Montgomery