Synopsis
Charm depicts the colorful inner workings of an etiquette class taught by Mama Darleena Andrews, an African-American transgender woman, in an LGBTQ organization known as The Center. Mama attempts to share her rules of proper behavior with a youth group ranging in sexuality, race and gender identity from a Latina transwoman to a cisgendered straight black couple to a gay suburban teen. Though her students initially struggle to see how etiquette relates to their daily battles with identity, poverty and prejudice, Mama’s powerful love and unapologetic attitude eventually win them over. Inspired by a true story, Charm carries a message of peace and dignity, as Mama and her students must ultimately find a new way to respect each other and to redefine what “having charm” means.Running Time
Running Time: 2 hours 10 minutes, including 1 Intermission
Content Advisory
Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
Special Performances
Open Captioning
Saturday, October 24 at 3:00pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Saturday, October 31
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
Post-show discussions
Following every Thursday 8:00pm and Saturday 3:00pm
With Special Guests: Thursday, October 22
Scout Bratt, Outreach and Education Director, Chicago Women's Health Center
Saturday, October 24 3pm
Josie Paul, Director of TransLife Center, Chicago House
Thursday, October 29
Bonsai Bermudez, Executive Artistic Director, Youth Empowerment Performance Project
Saturday, October 31
Myles Brady, Transgender Outreach Coordinator, Howard Brown Health Center
Saturday November 7 3pm
Dr. Robert Garofalo, Director, Lurie Children's Hospital Gender and Sex Development Program
Saturday, October 24 at 3:00pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour
Saturday, October 31
Touch Tour: 1:30pm
Curtain: 3pm
Post-show discussions
Following every Thursday 8:00pm and Saturday 3:00pm
With Special Guests: Thursday, October 22
Scout Bratt, Outreach and Education Director, Chicago Women's Health Center
Saturday, October 24 3pm
Josie Paul, Director of TransLife Center, Chicago House
Thursday, October 29
Bonsai Bermudez, Executive Artistic Director, Youth Empowerment Performance Project
Saturday, October 31
Myles Brady, Transgender Outreach Coordinator, Howard Brown Health Center
Saturday November 7 3pm
Dr. Robert Garofalo, Director, Lurie Children's Hospital Gender and Sex Development Program
Watch & Listen
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author: Philip Dawkins
- Costume Design: Izumi Inaba
- Directed by: BJ Jones
- Sound Design: Lindsay Jones
- Lighting Design: J.R. Lederle
- Stage Manager: Jonathan Nook
Reviews
"Utterly charming...This true ensemble cast just crackles with life. Exceptionally moving and resonant."
- Chicago Tribune
"A beautiful portrait of pain, kindness and an LGBTQ community in transition. Director BJ Jones does fantastic work...He brings Dawkins's brilliant script to Technicolor life, and delivers a story that not only demands our attention but endlessly rewards it."
- Time Out Chicago
"Northlight Theatre takes audiences to 'Charm' school"
- Windy City Times
- Chicago Tribune
"A beautiful portrait of pain, kindness and an LGBTQ community in transition. Director BJ Jones does fantastic work...He brings Dawkins's brilliant script to Technicolor life, and delivers a story that not only demands our attention but endlessly rewards it."
- Time Out Chicago
Articles
"Northlight Theatre takes audiences to 'Charm' school"
- Windy City Times