On Friday, May 10th, Americana songwriting legend Jon Langford (Mekons, Waco Brothers) and veteran journalist and playwright Mark Guarino are debuted the world premiere of their new musical Take Me, which opened at Strawdog Theater in Chicago.
Inspired by true events, Take Me is the story of Shelly, a woman trapped by the trauma of a husband in a coma, a missing son, and the chaos that followed. Looking for solace, she finds herself pulled in to the realm of wild alien conspiracy theories. Voices from the sky tell her the answer to all her problems is to build an alien themed amusement park in Roswell, New Mexico. Take Me is a comic fantasia, a story about having faith in a world where there are more questions than answers.
Strawdog Theater is one of the longest-running theaters in Chicago. Founded in 1988 and now in 31st season, Strawdog is home for its celebrated ensemble to work and play with the most sought-after artists in Chicago theatre along with the best emerging talents in the city’s theater scene.
TAKE ME is directed by Strawdog co-Artistic Director Anderson Lawfer, who is an actor, writer and director with decades of experience in Chicago and his hometown of Louisville. TAKE ME features ensemble members Nicole Bloomsmith, Kamille Dawkins, Carmine Grisolia, Michael Reyes, Kristen Alesia, Megan DeLay, David Gordon-Johnson, Loretta Rezos and Matt Rosin. The show runs Thursday-Sunday. Visit strawdog.org for ticket prices and online ordering.
Running through June 22nd, TAKE ME is the first musical featuring all-new original songs by Langford written specifically for the show. However, it is the second collaboration between Langford and Guarino since the success of ALL THE FAME OF LOFTY DEEDS, produced by The House Theater of Chicago. That show, which played to sold-out audiences throughout its run, featured reinterpreted songs from throughout Langford’s long career.
Today Glide is excited to premiere one of Jon Langford’s tunes from the play, “So Beautiful”, which serves as the opening soundtrack for act two. Sang in a lullaby fashion, the tune captures a more tame Langford than the rabble-rousing punk troubadour that often graces stages across the world. There is a dreamy, playful quality to this lilting piece of folk, and it makes you want to know what will be happening onstage during this part of the play.
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