Stella & Lou
By Bruce Graham
Directed by BJ Jones
Originally produced at Northlight Theatre, Skokie, IL.
May 3, 2013 through June 9, 2013
About the Premiere Production
On a quiet night at Lou's bar, two kindred spirits seek solace as they navigate changing times and relationships past. From the author of The Outgoing Tide comes an intimate exploration of friendship, forgiveness, and the longing for companionship that grows with the passage of time. Stella and Lou explores the budding relationship between Lou, a widower in his late 60’s and owner of Lou’s Bar in south Philly, and Stella, an emergency room nurse in her late 50’s and a divorcee. The entirety of the play takes place in the present time at Lou’s Bar, where the two reminisce about their pasts, challenging experiences they shared and what their future looks like. Through humor and storytelling, the characters wrestle with the realities of aging, loneliness, loss and dreams unrealized. Stella’s devotion to her children and Lou’s inability to grow and move forward further complicate their relationship. Jointly, they must decide whether to explore a deeper relationship or move on.
Artistic Statement
The connection between our audience here at Northlight and our artists is of primary interest in the commissioning of Stella and Lou. Bruce Graham clearly struck a nerve with our subscribers and single ticket buyers through his piece The Outgoing Tide. In our desire to empower artists in the interaction with our audience, it only seemed right to give Bruce another opportunity to continue the conversation involving issues of aging and quality of life, and the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award will provide vital rehearsal time to complete our vision on Stella and Lou.
-BJ Jones, Artistic Director
Grant Statement
It is a rare granting organization that understands the demands of developing and producing new work and steps up with funding to encourage such endeavors. The Edgerton Foundation continues to impact the creation of new American plays and musicals in just such an important way. Their grant to Northlight Theatre for additional workshop and rehearsal for Stella and Lou allows the playwright, director, dramaturg and actors to explore and construct the best possible outcome for a new piece of theatrical art.
-Timothy Evans, Executive Director
Director: BJ Jones
Set Design: Brian Sidney Bembridge
Lighting Design: JR Lederle
Sound Design: Andrew Hansen
Costume Design: Rachel Laritz
Cast: Ed Flynn, Francis Guinan, Rhea Perlman
Additional Funders: Sullivan Family Foundation; Room and Board; Tom Stringer Design Partners
News
Northlight Theatre to Bring STELLA & LOU to Galway Arts Festival, July 16-21
BroadwayWorld.com
May 30, 2013
Wisdom, beer flow freely in Northlight's 'Stella and Lou'
Chicago Tribune
May 12, 2013