“The Ridiculous Darkness” opens with an announcement – and apology to the indigenous tribes of Illinois for stealing the land to build Chicago. The play concludes with news reel footage taken from street riots and the Viet Nam war. I haven’t a clue what that any of that has to do with an expedition into the jungle.
The basic story is rather disjointed. A pirate from Mogadishu is speaking in a German courtroom about his capture when the stage is hijacked by two German officers who have been sent to find and kill a renegade officer. All of the characters in the play are men but they’re played by women.
The cast, Meagan Dilworth, Nichole Green, Kenya Ann Hall, RjW Mays, Jasmine Traylor, Lisa Troi Thomas and Brittani Yawn, do the best they can but they didn’t have a lot to work with.
Sideshow Theatre’s production of “The Ridiculous Darkness” runs through April 28th at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, Chicago. Valet parking is available.
Running time is 2 hours, no intermission. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:30 pm. Tickets range from $20-$30. FYI (773) 871-3000 or www.victorygardens.org