←Recommendations of The Almost Emperor of the Unofficial Deestrick of Lake Michigan

A surrealist, Epic Theatre take on an oft-buried part of Chicago's history, Barsanti's furious, raunchy play keeps its tongue in its cheek and its heart on its sleeve. The story undergirding the play's ridiculous turns remains surprisingly timely, with questions about land ownership and self-delusion that still resonate. Ironically, by wallowing in filth, it made me see my city and its people as even more beautiful.

This play has no right to be as hilarious as it is. I promise you you're going to laugh and you're going to learn. I've lived in Chicago for over a decade and learned so much about the city's complicated history from this piece. Barsanti absolutely makes this "old" story incredibly relevant with parallels to today's biggest issues. Seriously I can't recommend enough. It's zany, it's dirty, and it's arguably the most fun play you'll read this year, or any year! Plus, you'll be thinking about the characters and the questions this story raises for years to come.

A history play with puppets - what's not to love? As a Chicago resident, I knew the very basics of how Streeterville came to be, but this play delves deep into the legend with puppets and razzle dazzle. It's raunchy and fun, unique and thoroughly enjoyable. Just like Chicago. You should give it a read, no matter where you live.

A delightful, freewheeling, irreverent take on a local Chicago legend, and a loving tribute to the hucksters, swindlers, and tale-spinners that made our fair city what it is today.