Better Late
By Larry Gelbart and Craig Wright
Directed by BJ Jones
Originally produced at Northlight Theater, Chicago, IL.
April 2, 2008 through May 11, 2008
About the Premiere Production: Chicago favorites John Mahoney and Mike Nussbaum star in this world premiere romantic comedy! When Julian is forced to move in with his ex-wife and her new husband, the situation quickly spirals out of control. As the laughter builds, the question becomes: how long will Julian have to stay? This bitingly funny December-December-December romance is not-to-be missed!
Artistic Statement: This season -- my 10th as Artistic Director -- Better Late represents an important and exciting cross-current of artistic purposes for myself and Northlight. It brings together several artists whose careers and talents have meant so much to Northlight and for whom Northlight has provided an artistic home at times. Mike Nussbaum was our first artistic director; he has either acted in or directed fully a dozen shows for us over our 33 years of production. John Mahoney worked as an actor at Northlight in the early years of Steppenwolf (his home company) and to this day has been a supporter and donor to Northlight. Craig Wright, partnered with Larry Gelbart, creates Better Late as Craig's second commission for Northlight; Lady was commissioned for last season after the critical success of Grace the season before. Thematically, Better Late speaks to our core audience: for over 8100 subscribers -- many of whom are mature -- Better Late illuminates a familiar life experience told with humor and insight, while bringing together many of our audience's favorite performers. There is not a more timely way to celebrate my first decade here at Northlight than in the company of gifted friends and collaborators, on new work written for expressly for them and for an audience hungry for a refreshing and insightful perspective on their own life's journey.
Director:BJ Jones
Subsequent Productions: Galway Arts Festival in Ireland – July 14-27, 2008
News
“A breezy entertainment on serious themes, Larry Gelbart and Craig Wright’s "Better Late" explores love, divorce, aging and death with a mature sensibility and a decidedly mainstream comedic tone.”
- Variety
Under the capable guidance of likewise seasoned director BJ Jones, Better Late exceeds our expectations, emerging an intelligent contemplation of choices and consequences to engage audiences of all ages.”
- Windy City Times