Événement

Sleepwalk

The James Downing Theatre on Chicago's Northwest Side presents William Mastrosimone's thought-provoking comedy-drama, "Sleepwalk."

Young Dillon was inspired to follow his favorite rock musician's example in everything - until the star's suicide. Now, miserable and confused, he considers ending everything himself in "Sleepwalk."

Dillon may think his situation is hopeless, but in his dreams he is visited by his idol, Rock Star, who teaches him to overcome his fears, make different choices and seek help instead of giving up and giving in. Struggles that are usually internalized become real confrontations for Dillon with his conscience, ego and reason.

Playwright William Mastrosimone created this drama to explore the emotional struggles teens face and foster an open dialogue with teens and adults about counteracting depression and suicide. The story raises tough questions and offers alternatives to making impulsive decisions. Mastrosimone worked with mental health professionals to develop the material.

The show is performed without an intermission, but will be followed by a discussion with the audience, the cast, and director Thomas Akouris.

"'Sleepwalk' speaks to different people in different ways," says Akouris. "Ã,Ã,ÂIf you're a teenager, it tells you this can happen to anybody - everybody at one time or another has feelings like this. It talks about friendship, and teaches us we are never alone. It's a message that there is help readily available."

The show offers its own messages to adults whose lives touch those of troubled teens. Akouris says parents can learn, through example, how to be better observers when young people are hurting, and to realize that turmoil in their own lives can impact their families.

Stephen E. Fenstermacher as Dillon and Erik Enberg as Rock Star head the cast, which also includes Anisa Pashaj, Jessica Perelman, Yoni Hankin, Michael Mejia, Charles Wimmer and Eric Bruce. Lighting and sound design is by Steve Kedzierski. Set design is by Joshua Dlouhy. The stage manager is Mary Schenk.