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East Texas Hot Links

Written by Eugene Lee
Directed by Ron OJ Parson

October 19 - January 29, 2017

Location: 325 Tudor Court | Get Directions ›

Running Time: 90 minutes (no intermission)

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In the woods of East Texas, the Top o' the Hill Cafe offers comfort, solace and companionship for the regulars who come in each night. However, it is the summer of 1955, and times are changing. In the face of oppressive Jim Crow laws, seven strong-willed locals join forces to protect one of their own—until the unthinkable catches them by surprise, changing life at Top o' the Hill forever.

About
Showtimes
Artists
Reviews
Special Events

About the Play

WT Resident Director Ron OJ Parson, who directed past WT hits The Caretaker and The Old Settler, staged a critically acclaimed and deeply impactful production of this riveting play for Chicago's Onyx Theatre Ensemble nearly two decades ago. He now revisits this powerful tale of friendship and heroism that remains intensely relevant in today's America.

WARNING: Peanuts will be consumed onstage during this production.

ADVISORY: This production contains scenes of a potentially disturbing nature, including:

Scenes of violence
Multiple gunshots
Strong language

Patrons who experience anxiety or symptoms of PTSD are advised to speak with the House Manager before the performance.

Showtimes

Evenings
Tuesdays – Saturdays 7:30pm
Sundays 6pm

Matinees
Saturdays 3pm
Sundays 2pm
select Wednesdays at 3pm

Advisory: This production contains scenes of a potentially disturbing nature, including
• graphic scenes of violence
• multiple gunshots
• loud noises
• strong language
Patrons who experience anxiety or symptoms of PTSD are advised to speak with the House Manager before the performance.
This is a reserved seat venue. Doors to the performance space will open approximately 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the performance.
There is no late seating or readmittance.
For performances listed as “Sold Out,” contact the Box Office for more information about our standby and wait list options as well as for assistance locating currently available dates and times.

See Full Show Calendar ›

Meet the Artists

	Tyla Abercrumbie* (Charlesetta Simpkins)
	Willie B. (Adolph)
	Luce Metrius (Delmus Green)
	Kelvin Roston, Jr.* (Roy Moore)
	Namir Smallwood* (XL Dancer)
	A.C. Smith* (Boochie Reed)
	Antoine Pierre Whitfield (Buckshot)
	Alfred H. Wilson* (Columbus Frye)
	Jalen Gilbert (understudy Delmus Green)
	Kenneth Johnson (understudy Adolph, Columbus Frye)
	Tiffany Oglesby (understudy Charlesetta Simpkins)
	André Teamer (understudy XL Dancer, Boochie Reed)
	Byron Glenn Willis (understudy Roy Moore, Buckshot)

Eugene Lee (Playwright)
Ron OJ Parson, SDC (Director)
Jack Magaw, USA (Scenic Designer)
Christine Pascual, USA (Costume Designer)
Kathy A. Perkins, USA (Lighting Designer)
Joshua Horvath, USA (Sound Designer)
Reginald Edmund (Dramaturg)
Matt Hawkins (Fight Director)
Scott Dickens (Properties Master)
Rebecca Pechter* (Stage Manager)
Henri Watkins (Assistant Director)
Mallory Jane Bass (Assistant Stage Manager)

*Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers

Reviews

“A riveting piece of work… acted with blistering intensity.”

Chicago Tribune

“Highly Recommended! Animated by the kind of vividly defined characters and layered storytelling fans of August Wilson will appreciate.”

Chicago Sun-Times

"Loved this play! Brilliant acting, compelling story. Immensely moving."

WT Audience Member

“Exceptional! Director Ron OJ Parson has assembled a uniformly sensational cast.”

Chicago Sun-Times

"I loved the use of language. It was a slice of life. I felt like I was in that cafe!"

WT Audience Member

“A uniquely intimate group portrait deeply grounded in specificity.”

New City

“[The] seamless ensemble . . . earns high marks!”

Chicagoland Theatre Reviews

Special Events

Save the dates now for these special events!

Accessible Performances

ASL-Interpreted performance: Friday, December 2, 2016 at 7:30pm

Open-Captioned performance: Friday, November 4, 2016 at 7:30pm

Accessibility Services >>

Sunday Spotlight

Sunday, December 4, 2016 After the Matinee Performance

Are you curious about the world that surrounds your favorite plays? Sunday Spotlight offers access to the finest speakers, scholars and cultural leaders. This one-hour event will feature Harvey Young, Professor of Theatre and African-American Studies at Northwestern University, discussing the historical context of East Texas Hot Links and the history of black theatre in America. Reservations are requested to secure your seat. RSVP online at writerstheatre.org/events or by calling the Box Office at 847-242-6000.

The Making of... East Texas Hot Links

Monday, December 19, 2016 at 6:30pm

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of our productions? The Making of… series offers insight into a different aspect of creating theatre. Director Ron OJ Parson will talk about his history with East Texas Hot Links and his desire to produce it again, this time at WT. Reservations are requested to secure your seat. RSVP online at writerstheatre.org/events or by calling the Box Office at 847-242-6000.

Post-Show Conversation: The Word

Join us after every Tuesday and Thursday evening performance and after Wednesday matinee performances (excluding previews and extensions) for a 15-minute discussion of the play, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team.

Post-Show Conversation: The Artist

Join us after every Wednesday evening performance (excluding previews and extensions) for a 15-minute talk-back featuring actors from the production, facilitated by a member of the WT Artistic Team.