Photo credit: North Shore Camera Club (L-R) Amia Korman and Jay Westbrook
To me, one purpose of theater is to help us reflect on what it means to be human- and maybe help us be better ones. The Citadel Theatre’s production of Lauren Gunderson’s I and You does exactly that.
I and You is a 90 minute play that takes place entirely in one night in high school senior Caroline’s (Amia Korman) bedroom. On this particular night, classmate Anthony (Jay Westbrook) has come by to work on a school project with Caroline who is stuck at home and can’t attend school due to an undisclosed liver ailment. Anthony and Caroline have not met before, but because their names were on a list, they are partners for a project on Walt Whitman. Anthony, a popular basketball player, is oddly poetic for a teen boy and shares his insights and his compassion with Caroline as we watch her slowly let her guard down and the two become friends. Through the short and touching story, we learn about life, humanity and mortality. A twist ending leaves the audience re-thinking everything they have just been through.
The intimate space of the Citadel is perfect for this intimate story. Set designer David Solotke created a soft, purply perfect teen girl’s bedroom. It felt both cozy-comforting and like the prison Caroline experienced by being homebound. Danielle Reinhardt’s color choices and designs in costumes used the blue sky tones and earth tones to connect with Whitman’s poetry while also highlighting the personalities and struggles of the characters. Together with lights designed by Jodi Williams, we all feel both comfortable and trapped in this space.
Scott Shallenbarger, retired high school theater director, brought his vast knowledge of the ways of high school students and expertly directed Korman and Westbrook to portray very realistic modern teenagers. The rhythm, banter and physicality of both actors was believable to this high school teacher and I felt connected to Caroline, Anthony and their story. While at times, the connections to Whitman and the mysteries of life seemed a little beyond that of two real teens, Korman and Westbrook kept their characters grounded in a high school world while at the same tugging at our heart strings.
I and You is a beautiful and touching piece—a reminder of the power of connection, the fragility of life, and the enduring impact of great storytelling. Don’t miss the chance to experience this heartfelt production.
I and You is now playing at the Citadel Theater, 300 South Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, through March 23. Performance times vary; check the website at Citadel Theatre. Find more information about current plays on our Current Shows page and at theatreinchicago.com.