JEFF CITATION AWARD
nominations
Ensemble • Actress in a Supporting Role (Melanie Keller) • Scenic Design (Melania Lancy)

Set in a pub in rural Ireland, The Weir focuses on the bar's regulars and a young Dublin woman newly moved to the area. As the bachelors swap ghostly stories to impress her, she astonishes them with a chilling tale of her own. Both haunting and funny, this eerie play demonstrates the transcendent quality of community and appreciation, and the vital need for acceptance.

Directed by ensemble member Christopher Prentice

featuring ensemble members Melanie Keller and Joseph Stearns with Ted Hoerl, Vincent P. Mahler and John Zinn

set: Melania Lancy, costumes: Laura M. Dana, lights: Julie E. Ballard, sound: ensemble member Anthony Ingram, props: Sarah Elizabeth M. & Devon MacGregor, dialects: Phil Timberlake, production stage manager: ensemble member Stephanie Ehemann

Jeff Recommended

"Prentice and his talented cast make magic … So convincing is this well-acted, well-paced production, you might find yourself tempted to order a pint and join in the conversation" — Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald full review

"The cast all but glows…The Weir runs a riveting 90 minutes, and we are never more sorry than when it’s over." — Mary Shen Barnidge, Windy City Times full review

"A note-perfect set by Melania Lancy and subtle, unhurried performances" — Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader full review

Critics' Choice "By the end of the evening we want nothing more than a pint of Guinness and the company of friends. That’s exactly the response this stirring production should provide" — Kris Vire, Time Out Chicago full review

"Not to be missed … This is a brilliant production of a fantastic play with five outstanding performances that unfolds as one mesmerizing night at the theatre. This is one of the finest plays of the year!" — Tom Williams, chicagocritic.com full review

"It's the Signal troupe, though, that deserves attention. The players emote with such a casual competence that you almost forget they're acting" — Michael Foreman, centerstagechicago.com full review

"Attractive and solid" — Venus Zarris, Gay Chicago