Since its opening in 2019, the GhostLight Theater in Benton Harbor has added a rich element to the arts district in Benton Harbor. The theater has brought a diverse array of productions ranging from musicals to thoughtful dramas to its stage. This week they open Joshua Harmon’s ‘Significant Other’, a show that Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones called “a quite sophisticated exploration of the complex and changing dynamic between gay men and the women who love them.”
“GhostLight chose ‘Significant Other’ to champion the LGBTQ+ experience especially, in the 18-34 age range that is underserved on stage in our region. This contemporary piece celebrates the modern-day life of a gay man in New York City and presents a genuine slice of life – a series of events around one man coping with the joys and struggles of everyday life that are happening across America,” says GhostLight Theater Artistic Director, Paul Mow.
‘Significant Other’ is described as a hilarious coming-of-middle-age story, a wry comedy set in New York City, is about a late 20s gay man who is struggling to cope with losing the bond with his three best female friends as they find love on their own.
“We are delighted to share this story of love and friendship with our GhostLight community. It’s a delightful show. Moving and funny, but mostly it is completely relatable. Anyone watching will be able to identify with it and the vivid characters on stage.,” said the show’s director Les Rorick. “This play, that we’ve been working on for two years as it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a profoundly relatable, beautifully written comedy-with-heart. We believe that audiences will be moved to laughter and tears as they see the main character struggle with his fear of being alone.”
The play stars Matthew Bizoe (Jordan), Madison Mosher (Laura); Kelly Collins (Laura-Saturday June 11); Laura Martin (Vanessa); Terra Lenox (Kiki); Joey DiMaggio (Evan-Friday/Saturday); Alex Giogorio(Evan-Thursday/Sunday); Lucas Seven(Zach/Roger); Michael Bond (Will/Conrad/Tony); Carol Sizer (Helene).
Rorick says that working with this very talented cast has been a very fulfilling experience.
“One of the highlights is simply working with these great people who are committed to being a part of something important, artistically satisfying and “giving it their all.” The pandemic delayed our production but gave us the opportunity to explore the show and deepen our connection to it. The relationship between Jordan and his best friend Laura is critical to the story and tested throughout. It is the single most important element of the show and will be fascinating to watch play out,” says Rorick.
‘Significant Other’ opens on Thursday, June 9 and runs through Sunday June 19 with evening performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $12-$28 and available through the GhostLight’s Event Brite Page
Also, theater lovers are invited try to attend the popular “First Friday” AfterGlow at Bread+Bar with the cast and crew. It will be hosted by Tim Foley and his team at the restaurant following the June 10 performance. Bit of Swiss desserts, small bites and a cash bar will be available.
For more information about the GhostLight Theater, their upcoming schedule and some of their very fun summer camps for area kids, visit https://www.ghostlightbh.com.
Photos provided-Photo Credit Paige Mulick
Story written by MOTM Contributor Julee Laurent
