*** Recommended Sanctuary City, an angst-filled drama, was just not my cup of tea. I really didn’t like the stop-action staging, on an empty stage, often repeating the same line of dialogue over and over again in different areas on the stage. I found it distracting, making it difficult to concentrate on what the actors were saying, which meant I didn’t/couldn’t empathize with them. I ended up thinking B was whiny, G was mean. 3 Spotlights
B (Grant Kennedy Lewis) was a small child when his parents brought him to the United States. He was an illegal immigrant, even if he didn’t understand what that meant. He was raised here, went to school, got good grades and now he’s close to graduation and decisions about his future. He wants to go to college but he’s not eligible for financial aid since he’s undocumented. He could probably pay his own way since he has a job, but under-the-table cash-only jobs are all he can get.
G (Jocelyn Zamudio) is also a Dreamer. Her life is in the pits because her mother’s boyfriend is abusing her. B & G are friends because they’re outsiders. Their friendship helps them navigate an unfriendly world. When G gets her citizenship, they hatch a plan to marry so B will can be legal too. But G goes off to college and leaves B behind.
Years later, B is living with Henry (Brandon Rivera), a law student when G shows up. He’s gobsmacked when she announces she’s planning their wedding. She never explains why she never contacted him while she was in college. She just expects him to dump his lover and marry her.
Sanctuary City was written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Martyna Majok. It opened off-Broadway in 2021. The Steppenwolf production is directed by Steph Paul.
Sanctuary City runs through November 18th in Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater in Honor of Helen Zell, 1650 N. Halsted Street, Chicago. Self-parking is available in the Steppenwolf Garage, accessible parking in the lot north of Front Bar. Valet parking is also available. Running time is 95 minutes, no intermission.
Remaining public performances are Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 & 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm (through October 21st. Saturdays at 3:00 & 7:30 pm October 28th through November 18th. Tickets range from $20-$114. FYI (312) 335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org.
Sanctuary City is also part of the Steppenwolf for Young Adults series. Student matinees are weekdays at 10:00 am. Recommended for grades eight and up. Sanctuary City will have a robust study guide created by Steppenwolf’s education staff. Student tickets at https://steppenwolftheatre.wufoo.com/forms/z8y5sxf0h7nbfk/