Oakton Presents "At the Table" – A Comedy Exploring Communication and Privilege

Des Plaines (March 5, 2024) – Oakton College is proud to announce its upcoming theatrical production, "At the Table," written by Michael Perlman and directed by Jason Fleece. The thought-provoking comedy promises to captivate audiences by delving into the dynamics of communication, privilege and identity.

Set against the backdrop of an annual weekend retreat, "At the Table" follows six friends who embark on a journey away from the distractions of modern technology. With no social media, cell phones, or internet allowed, they have only one option: talk to each other. As the liquor flows and tongues start to loosen, no topic is off-limits.

"What happens when those with privilege are pushed to the periphery, and a marginalized minority suddenly finds its voice amplified?" asks Michael Perlman. This central question drives the play's narrative, challenging audiences to confront issues of inclusion, power dynamics and the complexities of human interaction.

Performances of "At the Table" will take place on the following dates:

• Thursdays, March 14 and 21, at 7:30 p.m.
• Fridays, March 15 and 22, at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays, March 16 and 23, at 7:30 p.m.
• Sundays, March 17 and 24, at 2:00 p.m.

Location: Studio Theatre, Des Plaines Campus

Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets at the Box Office or by calling (847.635.1900).

Director

Jason A. Fleece (director) has directed “Next to Normal,” “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot,” and “Sweeney Todd.” Some of his favorite productions outside of Oakton include “The Wild Party” (Blank Theater Company, for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award), “The Body of an American” (Stage Left Theatre) and “Ordinary Days” (BoHo Theatre). Fleece holds an MFA in directing from the Theatre School at DePaul University.

Cast

Danielle Lorae Byas (Lauren) has appeared in independent shorts, dove into the live theatre scene, and studied every step of the way; earning a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Columbia College Chicago. Bays recently moved back to Chicago and is excited to be back on stage tackling the role of Lauren.

Caleb Kurowski (Stuart) is a Chicago native who has been acting on-camera and on-stage since 2018. Some recent credits include Theater Lab’s production “Warden of the Mint” and an upcoming indie feature ”Simply Understanding.” Kurowski is also a freelance writer, producer and director. Some of his work can be viewed at www.calebkurowskiproductions.com

Justin Ostrem (Elliot) grew up in Wheaton and graduated from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in international business management. He has taken acting lessons at Acting Studio Chicago since August 2023. ”At the Table” is his first stage performance.

Joseph Schmidt (Nate) studied communications, theater (acting/improv/directing), and production at Wilbur Wright College, Concordia University Chicago and North Park University. Afterward, he worked with the Amazing Sammo Productions theater company to produce original works. His last time on stage was at Oakton, directing and acting in the Play On! Playwriting Festivals.

Samantha Halston (Chris) is thrilled to perform again in the Studio One Theatre. Halston studied acting at Illinois State University in Normal and Oakton College. Her favorite role was as Pearl in Oakton’s production of “These Shining Lives.” She also studied Improv at Second City and was a part of OMG Improv Troupe.

Miles Strong-Austin (Nicholas) attended Lane Tech High School and received an associate in arts from Wilbur Wright Community College and a bachelor’s in digital filmmaking from DePaul University. While he hasn’t seen the stage since Lane Tech, he’s excited to be making his theatrical debut at Oakton College.

Felix Fieldman (Lief) graduated from Northside College Prep and is currently studying theater at Oakton College. He has been involved in theater since grade school and has performed in Play On! Student Playwriting Festival, since attending Oakton. His favorite roles were in that show as Willow in “Static” and Rainbow Heart in “The Strand that Beads You.”

Ji Un Saw (Sophie) is excited to participate in another performance at Oakton. Her other credits include performing as Laura Wingfield in “The Glass Menagerie,” Amy Randall in a staged reading of “Tape,” Chairman Debbie Lee in “Powerless Gods” and as multiple characters, including Gail in a staged reading of “Nickeled and Dimed.”