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Northlight’s ‘White Guy on a Bus’ sparks crucial conversation

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Why does a “White Guy on the Bus” decide to strike up a conversation with a black single mom? “Part of it is sort of a mystery,” declared actor Francis Guinan who plays Ray, the title character, in the world premiere of Bruce Graham’s play at Northlight Theatre under Artistic Director B. J. Jones’ direction.

When Ray initially strikes up a conversation with Shatique (Patrese D. McClain) he gives the impression that “he’s simply a friendly white guy in his 60s,” Guinan said. “She’s a little surprised that he’s breaking into her privacy but he seems very pleasant.”

“Shatique is a hardworking single mom who just wants the best for her family,” McClain said. “She hasn’t been necessarily dealt the best hand of cards but she’s doing what she can with what she has — and she’s doing it all for her son.”

Shatique, who McClain described as “a loner,” is surprised when Ray begins talking to her but she speaks with him because “she’s not rude,” McClain said. “That’s why he succeeds in breaking down that wall that we all have when we’re on a bus and someone starts talking to you.”

The two ride the same bus every Saturday so their conversations evolve.

“It’s a break from the monotony of every day,” McClain said.

“It’s intriguing to find what’s going on,” Guinan said of their interchanges. “He’s very open about what he seems to be doing on the bus. It isn’t until later on that she discovers exactly what he wants from her — which is a bit more sinister.”

Jones has a long connection with playwright Graham. “He has a number of plays that are topical and edgy and in-your-face,” the director said. Northlight’s production of Graham’s “Outgoing Tide” won a Jeff Award. Their production of “Stella and Lou” was critically acclaimed.

In terms of “White Guy on the Bus,” Jones admitted, “It is challenging. I know it invites conversation — which I think is important right now.”

The play has become even more timely than it was when Jones chose it. “Ferguson was not on the horizon or Staten Island or Cleveland,” he noted. “That timeliness is serendipity but the truth is that the conversation should always be on the front burner.”

He described the structure of the play as “theatrically surprising” because scenes are not in chronological order.

“This show is a perfect social response to all of the racial and social/economic clashes that we’re having in our country right now,” McClain said. “It is so timely and appropriate. It really does ask the question, ‘What lives matter in this country?’”

Guinan concluded that one of the most interesting aspects of the play is that the way Graham wrote it, “You really can’t tell whose side he’s on — what his position is exactly politically or racially because he comes from such a character-specific point of view. It’s a real test for the audience. You can’t help but think about what your own position is.”

“To see a show and experience art that makes you feel, that is when you can start to have a dialogue,” McClain added. “It makes you feel something on a visceral level instead of preaching or protesting at you.”

‘White Guy on the Bus’

Northlight Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

7:30 p.m. Tuesdays (except Feb. 3, 10 and 24), 1 p.m. (except Feb. 11) and 7:30 p.m. (except Feb. 18) Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. (except opening on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m.) Fridays, 2:30 p.m. (except Jan.24) and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except. Feb. 1 and 8) Sundays, Jan.30-Feb. 28; previews are Jan. 23-29

$25-$78; previews are $25-$54

(847) 673-6300; northlight.org

 

 


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