By Rebecca Gilman
Directed By Robert Falls
“Deserves a broadway run”
– Chicago Tribune
Swing State
Oct 7 – Nov 13, 2022 in Goodman's Owen Theatre
Around 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission
Swing State “is perhaps the first of the great American post-COVID plays” (Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune).
It’s hard to know who your friends are in a world that’s more divided than ever.
Recently widowed, Peg tends to the native plants in her 40-acre rural Wisconsin prairie backyard, her solitary days interrupted only by visits from a family friend with a checkered past. When a mysterious theft alerts the authorities, a string of events unfold that forever changes their lives. Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright Rebecca Gilman and her longtime collaborator, Tony Award-winning director Robert Falls, team up again for their sixth Goodman production—a contemporary portrait of America’s heartland in a time when it feels like everyone’s way of life is in danger of disappearing.
Swing State is suggested for ages 14 and up. Please be aware that this production contains a gun shot and depictions of police violence and suicide. For more information contact the box office at 312.443.3800
Please Note: Masks are currently recommended, but not required, while in the theater. Policies may change based on prevailing medical guidance. Learn more about Goodman’s current Health and Safety Protocols at GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.
“This play will stay with me for a very long time.” Audiences react to Swing State—on stage through November 13.
First look—Scenes from Rebecca Gilman’s Swing State. On stage through November 13.
Mary Beth Fisher (Peg) in Swing State. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Bubba Weiler (Ryan) in Swing State. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Kirsten Fitzgerald (Sheriff Kris) in Swing State. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Ann E. Thomas (Dani) in Swing State. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Bubba Weiler (Ryan) and Mary Beth Fisher (Peg) in Swing State. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Director Robert Falls in front of the Swing State set, designed by Todd Rosenthal.
Photo by Liz Lauren.
“Swing Stateis a play that sees you.” The cast of Rebecca Gilman’s World Premiere production explore the themes within the play that will inspire us to feel hope for what’s possible in the future. On stage October 7 – November 13
Swing State director Robert Falls explores why audiences will be dazzled by the World Premiere of Rebecca Gilman’s new play featuring her incomparable muse, Mary Beth Fisher.
Critical Praise
-
“★★★★ (out of 4)…an extraordinary new play”
– Chicago Tribune
-
“Gilman, Falls and this enormously talented cast are a winning combination”
– Daily Herald
-
“The performances are superb”
– Chicago Sun-Times
-
“a rare piece of storytelling that you’ll be talking about for days afterward”
– Northwest Herald
-
Falls “brings out the best in his actors”
– Chicago Sun-Times
-
Gilman “has morphed into a great poet of the Upper Midwest”
– Chicago Tribune
-
Fisher “[is] doing the best work of her career”
– Chicago Tribune
-
“moves audiences from laughter to tears “
– Daily Herald
-
Swing State “blew me away”
– Chicago Tribune
Audience Feedback
-
It was excellent! A collective visceral reaction from the audience!
Becky B. via Facebook
-
Captivating and fascinating with the perfect cast.
Anonymous via Email
-
Standing ovation for the new production of Swing State by Rebecca Gilman! Talented cast, brilliant writing.
@JBing215 via Twitter
-
Stunning performances for all…a wonderful new play.
@svargato via Instagram
-
This show was so well done and brilliantly acted!
Rick S. via Facebook
-
What a powerful play this was!
Anonymous via Email
Artists
Recommended Reads
Review: Swing State at the Goodman is the best play yet to tap into our current divided nation
By Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
“Swing State is perhaps the first of the great American post-COVID plays, the first work I’ve seen not just to wrestle with what happened during the pandemic but also to explore, and call out, the fundamental changes it has wrought on our collective psyche…”
The Rest of the 2022/2023 Season
SPONSORS
