Event

four play

If there's comedy in tragedy, it'd be nice if it had a soundtrack. The new musical, "four play" sets to music the lives of four 30-something Chicagoans as they confront their failed attempts at love, success in career and familial understanding. four play (all lowercase) opens to audiences on Wednesday, May 26 at StudioBe (3110 N. Sheffield Avenue, Chicago) and runs each Wednesday through June 16 at 8 p.m.

"It's a story about growing up, whether you want to or not," says Jamie Campbell, director and co-writer. "We start to become adults the moment we realize our actions have consequences. And sometimes these consequences make us laugh. That's where these characters are."

"four play" was written by Campbell and Amanda Murphy, who also wrote all of the original music and stars as one of the lead characters, Polly. Murphy is an accomplished musician, working as a musical theater performer, a choral and jazz singer, and as a music director for sketch and improv teams around Chicago. Joining the sweet and strong-willed Polly on stage are her brother, Charlie (Ted Sima), who has aspirations to open his own bakery and eventually bake cupcakes for Mayor Daley, Charlie's main squeeze, the self absorbed and damaged, but well meaning Lydia (Heather Bodie) and her ex, near baby daddy turned Polly's heartthrob and Charlie's best pal, Peter (Rich Baker), an overtly organized attorney who can't ignore a phone call from his controlling mother.

While this is the first time this play has been produced for the stage, it has gone through several readings and the receptions have been favorable. "It was a no-brainer for us to come on board and produce this show," says co-producer Phil Winkelman of The Number 10 Productions. "It's seen great audience reaction and it's an interesting and honest story relatable with fantastic music. Plus, it's funny. And we like funny."