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Superior Donuts – It’s a Baker’s Dozen!!! Pulitzer Prize winner, Tony Award winner and Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member Tracy Letts succeeds once again in "Superior Donuts." On the surface, the play explores the unlikely relationship between an ageing Polish American, Vietnam War dodging hippie and donut shop owner and his sole employee, a hip hop Gen X, insightful, intelligent African American man. Dig down a few layers and it examines fundamental, existential themes – action vs. paralysis; struggle vs. defeat; past vs. future; loss vs. gain.

When the play begins, donut shop owner Arthur is in a fog – he doesn’t even know what day it is. He operates on auto pilot having essentially checked out of his life. He simply goes through the motions as he observes life going on around him. In a world of Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, Arthur’s donut shop is an anachronistic vestige of the past generally and particularly, the past of Chicago immigrants. New employee Franco, with his boundless energy, pragmatic optimism and ideas for rejuvenating the donut shop represents hope and promise and is a foil to the passive, inert Arthur. Franco inspires Arthur to check back into life, to let go of the past and move into the unknown future. In the journey from the pull of the past to the lure of the future, Arthur and Franco are joined by a cast of colorful characters who embody the tensions and aspirations of the racially and ethnically diverse people of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.

This play is poignant and moving without being heavy. You will enjoy yourself! The play is hilarious with strong writing and great comic timing and delivery. The play is delivered in a tight, sparse style rather than the big, bold and in your face approach for which live, dramatic theatre is known. Those who are not big theatre goers, or who could take or leave a live performance, will enjoy this very accessible play. While it is accessible, it is subtle and touching. The soft touch of the play delivers a lot more than one thinks at first glance.

Ultimately, "Superior Donuts" is about the power of human relationships to inspire and the resiliency of the human spirit. The uplifting story of "Superior Donuts" is well worth your time.
 

 

-Lauren
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