After an incredibly popular preview run this past April, Moving Bench Theatre is bringing The Ballad of Lydia Pinkham to The Greenhouse Theatre Center. The hilarious, heartbreaking, (mostly) true tale of the first woman to ever be “trolled” through the media. With an eclectic mix of storytelling techniques, this musically driven play shines a comedic yet poignant light on how little things have changed for women in the limelight today.
The year was 1873 and all Lydia Pinkham wanted to do was to help her neighbors in a time when getting quality medical advice was nearly impossible for women. Testimonials called her Vegetable Compound a miracle cure, but when her
well-intentioned, dim-witted sons decided to use their mother’s face on all the products and ads, it lit a firestorm of criticism and cruelty from the public. Despite the success she was able to bring to her family, Lydia had to
face a question that seems as relevant today as it did 150 years ago: Am I brave enough to put myself out there and am I strong enough to withstand the harsh backlash of the public?
WHAT:
Moving Bench Theatre presents Jenilee Houghton’s
The Ballad of Lydia Pinkham’s Magical, Miracle, Sure-Cure for All Female Weaknesses
Written by: Jenilee Houghton
Direction & Staging by: Chris Causer
WHEN:
November 7* – November 24, 2019
Evenings: Thurs. – Sat. at 8pm
Matinee: Sun. at 2pm
*Preview Performance Nov. 7th
WHERE:
Greenhouse Theater Center / 2257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
TICKETS:
Tickets are $20, general seating.
§ Online at: https://www.greenhousetheater.org/theballadoflydiapinkhamtickets
§ By phone at: 773-404-7336
§ In person at: 2257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
THE CAST:
Sean Caron
Sarah Ford
Róisín Goebelbecker
Eddie Gray
Jenilee Houghton
Tim Huggenberger
Candice Kight
Olivia Rose Nathan
Zachary Sigelko
The show features original music by Todd Risenmay in collaboration with the cast.
The song “Dear Lydia” will also be featured on Risenmay’s upcoming album.
Leave a Reply