The Brightest Thing in the World
Written by Leah Nanako Winkler
Directed by AFT Artistic Associate Keira Fromm
March 14 – April 13, 2024
Tickets
This show has closed.
Location
The Den Theatre
1331 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Learn more about The Den Theatre…
About The Show
Charmingly free-spirited barista Lane is determined to win over her new regular, the reserved and intellectual Steph. Delightful romantic comedy ensues with poetry, homemade desserts, and sparks flying. But both women are carrying life-changing secrets involving addiction, past relationships, and family. What happens when the giddy romance wears off and Lane and Steph must do the work of building a lasting relationship out of honesty, compassion, and courage? The Brightest Thing in the World is a funny, heartfelt new play that celebrates love, family, and the people in our lives who shine the brightest.
“I love Leah Nanako Winkler’s use of language and the smart, messy, recognizable women at the center of the story. She has created a play that manages to be both a funny queer rom-com and a devastating portrait of addiction and the ways we’re all constantly in a state of recovery.”
–Director Keira Fromm
Content Notice
This performance explores the disease of addiction and depicts substance abuse. If you need help, don’t use. Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 800.662.4357 or text your ZIP Code to 435748. If you would like more specific content information, please email Education Manager Dionne Addai at dionne@aboutfacetheatre.com
Media
Videos
Videography by Starbelly Studios
Production Photos
All photos by Michael Brosilow
PreProduction Photos
All photos by Nathanael Filbert
Reviews & Awards
“a heartfelt portrait of romance, family, and addiction… one of the most honest and heartfelt explorations of living with addiction that I’ve ever seen onstage… What [AFT’s production] does best is remind us that the time to love someone and the time to take chances on your life is always now.” RECOMMENDED
–Chicago Reader
“The Brightest Thing in the World is the most sensitive, life-affirming story about the opioid epidemic that I’ve come across since Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 2022 novel Demon Copperhead… Without glossing over the complex and painful effects of the disease, Nanako Winkler tells Lane’s story with tenderness and compassion.” THREE STARS
–Chicago Tribune
“an honest, meaningful drama about love and substance abuse… a good deal of well-placed energy, breathless creativity and much love… This wonderful production is a sweet romance—a warm, equally funny and poignant story about addiction that’ll stay with theatergoers long after the final curtain.” HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
–Chicago Theatre Review
“This three-actor play, staged in a venue that holds under 100 people, packs a powerful emotional punch.”
–WBEZ
Jeff Awards Recommended
Show Events
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE SHOW
Thu, March 28th @ 6:00pm
Join AFT Education Manager Dionne Addai and comedian, activist, and storyteller John Michael for a special pre-show crafting and discussion meetup with S.L.A.Y.: Space for Leaders & Artistic Youth.
Sat, March 30th @ 3:00pm
Special post-show discussion with playwright Leah Nanako Winkler, facilitated by AFT Education Manager Dionne Addai.
Sat, April 6 @ 3:00pm
Special post-show discussion with addiction recovery specialists, facilitated by AFT Education Manager Dionne Addai. Includes an educational demonstration of how to use Narcan.
OPEN CAPTION PERFORMANCES
These performances will display the show’s dialogue and sound effects on a video screen.
Sat, March 30 at 3:00pm
Sun, March 31 @ 3:00pm
Sat, April 6th at 3:00pm
Sun, April 7th at 3:00pm
April 13th at 3:00pm
MASKS REQUIRED
Face masks will be required for all attendees of these performances. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.
Sat, March 30 @ 3:00pm
Sat, April 6 @ 3:00pm
UNDERSTUDY PERFORMANCE
Wed, April 10 @ 8:00pm
Artists
Cast
- Della Cyd Blakewell*
- Lane Claire Kaplan
- Steph Jojo Brown
- Della u/s Jess Maynard
- Lane u/s Amanda Giles
- Steph u/s Stephanie Fongheiser
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union
of professional actors and stage managers
Crew
- Director Keira Fromm**
- Dramaturg, Casting Director Catherine Miller
- Intimacy & Violence Designer Sheryl Williams
- Asst. Director Aimy Tien
- Scenic Designer Sotirios Livaditis
- Lighting Designer Conchita Avitia
- Costume Designer Gregory Graham
- Sound Designer Christopher Kriz
- Properties Designer Amanda Herrmann
- Technical Director Becca Venable
- Stage Manager Jean E. Compton*
- Asst. Stage Manager B Valek
- Production Manager Audrey Kleine
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union
of professional actors and stage managers
**Member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society