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The October Storm

by Joshua Allen

directed by Malkia Stampley

May 11 – June 25

Thursday, May 11 at 7:30 pm
Run Time: 2 Hours, Including 15 Minute Intermission

In 1960s South Side Chicago, the solitary landlady Mrs. Elkins oversees her apartment complex, as well as her 16-year-old granddaughter, Gloria. Youthful adoration and generational disagreements regularly cloud their residence. But when a troubled war veteran moves in, everyone gets caught in an emotional whirlwind that changes their lives forever. Growing up and growing apart has its own twists and turns, but the looming storm is sure to rattle the branches of any family tree.

From Joshua Allen, playwright of the smash-hit The Last Pair of Earlies, comes a story of family, with fresh characters, new drama, all set in the city of Chicago!


SPECIAL DATES:
Neighborhood Night: Friday, June 2nd
Closed Captions*: Sunday, June 4th
Touch Tour*: Sunday, June 11th @ 1:30pm, 3pm Matinee
Black Out Night: Thursday, June 15th
Post-Show Talkbacks: Sunday, June 18th

Industry Nights
: $15 tickets every Thursday except closing. (proof of industry required)
*Please call to reserve for the Closed Captioning & Touch Tour.

CONTENT ADVISORY:
Atmospheric: TBD
Thematic: Available upon request
Click here to learn more about our content advisory process

Watch the Trailer

Reviews

  • Raven Theatre Chicago Raven Theatre Chicago Raven Theatre Chicago Raven Theatre Chicago

    "...one of the city’s newest and hottest Equity houses."

    "...fearless, powerful and- in your face.

    Chris Jone, Chicago Tribune
  • "Expertly written, exquisitely performed, steamy, and hilarious..."

    "Director Malkia Stampley doesn’t miss a single beat in this richly layered tale…"

    "A rich and nuanced exploration of identity, longing, trauma, and hope, The October Storm is as refreshing as the rain."

    Sheri Flanders, Chicago Reader
  • "Under the astute direction of Malkia Stampley the play has a freshness and immediacy."

    "The tension is thick throughout the story. The connections between the characters are real."

    "Allen has written a beautiful slow burn of a play."

    Wesley David, Buzz Center Stage
  • "Allen’s dialogue sizzles and is performed by a high-caliber cast."

    "Shariba Rivers gives a knockout performance as Mrs. Elkins…"

    "LaVonne is really good at transforming Gloria from a sweet girl to a viper…"

    Kathy D. Hey, Third Coast Review
  • "Ms. Stampley’s cast is led by the talented Shariba Rivers… her portrayal of this embittered woman, who only wants to connect with someone—anyone—is both powerful and heartbreaking."

    "…this is a captivating tale of people who, like all of us, are just trying to survive everything that life throws their way."

    Collin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review
  • "The play ends like a drop off a cliff, leaving bellies full of butterflies and heads full of questions."

    "...we are shown that an embrace of growth is synonymous with experiencing fear, and that we must take that leap even though it terrifies us."

    Tristian Bruns, Newcity Stage
  • "…this is a very American tale in that the characters want to seek their own path wherever that may lead. But at the same time, this is a very uniquely African American story. For example, while there are grandmothers in all cultures, there is a special relationship between the African American grandmother and her grandchild..."

    Julia W. Rath, Around The Town Chicago

Cast

Nathaniel Andrew…….Louis
Jaeda LaVonne…………..Gloria
Felisha D. McNeal……..Lucille
Shariba Rivers……………Mrs. Elkins
Brandon J. Sapp………..Crutch

Creative Team

Malkia Stampley……….Director
Christian Bufford………Asst. Director
Joshua Allen……………..Playwright
Izzy Patt…………………….Stage Manager
Jojo Wallenberg………Asst. Stage Manager/Covid Safety Manager
Alex Rutherford………Costume Designer
Jared Gooding………..Lighting Designer
Brenden Marble……..Asst. Lighting
Bren Coombs………….Props Designer
Sotirios Livaditis……..Scenic Designer
Christopher Kriz……..Sound Designer
Megan Pirtle…………..Wig Designer
Jyreika Guest………….Intimacy Director
Alyssa Ramos…………Asst. Intimacy Director
Chlöe Jackson………..Dramaturgical Consultant
David Moreland…….Technical Director
Catherine Miller…….Casting Director
AlJoya Hall………………Master Electrician
Caitlin McCarthy…….Production Manager