THE GUN SHOW Runs Through 8/2 at 16th Street Theater

16th Street Theater presents the premiere of EM Lewis' THE GUN SHOW directed by Kevin Christopher Fox in a limited engagement today, July 10 - Aug 2 at North Berwyn Park District's 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th Street in Berwyn, with a press opening tonight, July 10 at 7:30 PM. 16th Street Artistic Associate and actor Juan Francisco Villa turns the spotlight on Lewis' relationship with guns as he shares true stories from the playwright's personal experiences with firearms -- from a farming community in rural Oregon to Los Angeles and New York City.

We have a problem with guns in America. The problem is we really, really like them.

Everyone has guns in rural Oregon, where I grew up. Three shot guns leaned against the wall near our back door. I didn't think about them any differently than I did about having a toaster or a bicycle... But somewhere between there and here, and then and now, my feelings about them have grown complicated.

"EM Lewis has a very compelling perspective on guns, and one that may be foreign to those who reside in urban areas," states director Kevin Christopher Fox. THE GUN SHOW is Lewis' personal, socially-provocative-though-not-political series of five stories about her relationship with guns, culminating in one story you will never forget.

"When Kevin brought THE GUN SHOW to me," shares Artistic Director Ann Filmer, "he said it was the most socially activated he'd ever felt about a piece. He was dying to have it done here in Chicago. I read it as soon as it hit my inbox, felt the same way and told him, 'I'm in. Now, how do we get this Oregon playwright here for 5 weeks?' "

Oh right. We didn't tell you yet. Juan Francisco Villa plays Ms. Lewis in the play. Villa tells the story as if he is her. Until he reveals her identity, and points her out: sitting in the audience.

THE GUN SHOW is in one act with two parts. Running time is 70 minutes.