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Chris Vanderark

Recommended by Chris Vanderark

  • Mad Girls by Evalena Lakin
    20 Apr. 2020
    “ This play made me laugh a lot and also filled me with a lot of sadness. I love plays about unconventional families because nothing is predictable and nothing is a given. Mad Girls is part Ghost Story and part Tragedy - - with a hopeful ending that deals with grief and how we handle it. A great two-hander for two young actors. ”
  • The Ghost of Jimmy Dean by Stephen Douglas Wright
    9 Oct. 2019
    “ This is such a fun show. Just the right blend of absurdism and grounded emotions. Stephen has a really unique way of approaching abstract ideas and it makes for a really enjoyable play. ”
  • The Vanishing Point by David Narter
    15 Jul. 2019
    “ There's a monologue at the top of this play which I think about a lot. It's startling and snaps this play into life in a (possibly, depending on how it's delivered) terrifying way. The play that follows it is a eerily dark comedy that brushes its shoulders with Sci-Fi and Horror in a subtle and "on the edge of your seat" kinda way. The characters are down to earth, relatable, and recognizable (once you read the play, that could be taken in a lot of ways).
    A fun ride, would love to see what directors do with this play. ”
  • TREIF PLAY by Evalena Lakin
    15 Jul. 2019
    “ Evalena does a really great job of creating a rich setting for this play and for its characters to exist in. The Restaurant itself is a character we meet throughout the play through the interwoven plots that navigate their way through it. By the end, the narratives create some beautiful and heartbreaking parallels that feel very honest and fresh and very Chicago. I'm looking forward to seeing where this play goes next. ”
  • The Gravediggers Union by Brian James Polak
    1 Jul. 2019
    “ This play caught me totally by surprise. While listening to a reading of this play, my mind ran laps and laps imagining the many ways this play could be effectively staged. I laughed (a lot), I was touched, and an unexpected monologue towards the end made me cry.

    Brian is really funny and really smart. This play captures the essence of small towns while making sharp commentary on how big business intrudes on the lives of people in these settings. Charming, evocative, and moving. I can't wait to see this play staged. ”
  • Three Ways to Cover Distance (In Development) by Cara Beth Heath
    10 Jun. 2019
    “ An evocative and charming two-hander.

    Part femme-queer-Fantasy-Wild West-Epic
    Also a close look at a fading friendship between two millennial women told in reverse.
    And an intriguing Slice of Life Lyft Ride.

    Cara Beth weaves these three stories together to create a perplexing and profound experience.
    ”
  • ???? by Dizzy Turek
    10 Jun. 2019
    “ I really love this play. The world that Danny has created in it is so specific and unique and charming and full of surprises. Surprising and stylistic dialogue keeps you on your toes.
    Directors/Designers could also have a blast creating the world of this play.
    It's also really funny and really heartfelt. A great blend of moods. ”
  • Ideal House (PERMANENT PRODUCTION HIATUS, for reference only) by Cara Beth Heath
    29 May. 2019
    “ My favorite part about this play is Cara Beth’s distinct flavor of magical realism— blending surrealism with pop culture to create sometimes hilarious- sometimes poignant moments. This play is such a good time- another favorite part: An Absurd Spirit Guide JK Rowling who’s both hilarious and relatable demonstrating Cara Beth’s ability to be consistently surprising and thoughtful. ”
  • OUTLAWS by Cara Beth Heath
    5 Apr. 2019
    “ Equal parts humorous, moving, and devastating - - Cara Beth's play weaves together a compelling thread of the significant moments of Kathryn Kelly's life. The play moves smoothly, picking the perfect moments to break from realism, and the perfect moments to zoom in on life's simple moments that speak volumes.
    The grand scale of the world this play creates provides a rich challenge for directors and designers. The dialogue's depth and thoughtful characters give actors so much to dig into. I look forward to seeing this play staged! ”