**** Recommended BUST, An Afrocentrist Play, a world premier currently playing at the Goodman Theatre takes a rather scary look at encounters with the police, situations African Americans must face with unfortunate frequency. Although this play seems like it might be a comedy at the beginning (lots of laughs), as it progresses, things change drastically and dramatically. At the end, I thought it moved into the Twilight Zone, leaving everyone trying to figure out exactly what it meant. 4 Spotlights
As BUST opens, Retta (Caroline Stefanie Clay) and her husband, Reggie (Ray Anthony Thomas) are sitting on the balcony of their apartment, enjoying the evening. As Retta is on the phone talking with her mother, she notices Randy Woods (Keith Randolph Smith), a neighborhood acquaintance driving by. Suddenly, there are red and blue lights flashing behind his car. As she describes it, two policemen walk up to the car. When guns are drawn, she and Reggie get worried and try to hide.
Just then, their grandson Trent (Cecil Blutcher) comes out on the balcony. When he sees what’s going on, he starts recording everything on his phone. Suddenly there’s a big bang and everything changes.
The police officers, Tomlin (Mark Bedard) and Ramirez (Jorge Luna), try to figure out what to do with the situation. Tomlin has suggested a scenario and demands that a reluctant Ramirez back him up. Since Ramirez is a rookie, Tomlin explains that a police officer’s loyalty is always to his partner.
The second act opens in a classroom as Trent, Boobie (Ivan Cecil Walks), Paige (Victoria Omoregie) and Zeke (Bernard Gilbert) are watching the video. Boobie insists Trent should send it to the media. Just then, Krystal (Renika Williams-Blutcher) runs in. Ms. Pinto (Caitlin Hargraves) is not pleased.
When Krystal runs in late again – but is ready to take the quiz – Ms. Pinto tries to send her to the office. When she refuses to leave, security is called, things escalate, and there’s another big boom!
I would be giving spoilers if I tried to explain what happened next. Let me just say, you have to see the play! Kudos to Director, Lileana Blain-Cruz.
I have to give special mention to Matt Saunders, Set Designer. The different scenes are inside boxes that seem to glide smoothly on and off stage. There are also some dynamite special lighting effects designed by Yi Zhao, sound effects by Mikaal Sulaiman, and special effects by Jeremy Chernick.
By the way, BUST has a study guide for students and teachers available at https://www.goodmantheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/BUST-Study-Gui...
The world premiere of BUST, An Afrocentrist Play, a co-production with Alliance Theatre, runs through May 18th in the Albert Theatre, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Most reasonable parking option for the Goodman is the Government Center garage (entrance on Lake Street between LaSalle and Dearborn), online advance payment at www.interparkonline.com/goodmantheatre.
Running time is about two hours with an intermission. Performances are Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm; Wednesdays & Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $25-$85. FYI (312) 443-3800 or www.goodmantheatre.org.