Cast of Strangers & Romance - Video

Check out the cast of Strangers & Romance chatting about the show! Thanks to Jared Jeffries for his video work!

Strangers & Romance - "We all know about love..."

A note from our director, Doug Long:


"We all know about love. We know we need it, but we know that miscommunication can sever a relationship or prevent good people from connecting. Madison, Maddie, Miriam, and Mick - the characters in Barbara Lhota’s one-act plays Strangers and Romance – are all at relationship impasses. And it’s Christmas – not the best time to feel unloved or alone. In these plays, Barb explores our universal urge to push past communication breakdowns, and even tragedy, to re-connect and seek love and happiness. One of her talents as a writer is that she does all this with a great deal of humor. This humanizes our four characters - they feel just as fallible and funny as people we know.


Our designers have created the desolate locations for these stories of desolate people – after hours in a train station and chapel – in the appropriately intimate Trap Door Theatre. Interestingly, two of our designers have had weddings during this rehearsal and production process, perhaps a reminder that love and happiness is always possible.


It’s been a pleasure working with Strangeloop Theatre on this show. They are an energetic, well-organized, and talented (fairly) new company in Chicago. They specialize in developing and presenting fresh work. And they’re not the only ones in town who recognize Barb Lhota’s talent. Two other companies, Babes With Blades and 20% Theatre Company, are also producing Lhota plays concurrent with our run. Though she has been writing for more than 20 years, this is her time in Chicago theatre, and we on this production – and you as the audience – have the privilege of being part of it."


Strangers & Romance opens Friday night at Trap Door Theatre, with a special preview on Thursday. Details and tickets at www.strangelooptheatre.org.

Strangers & Romance leads a mini-fest for playwright

Not only is Strangeloop opening “Strangers” & “Romance” by Barbara Lhota this Friday night, but we’re also one of  three local theatre companies showcasing her work this fall.

20% Theatre Company Chicago includes Lhota’s Inheritance in their Snapshots showcase of short-plays written, produced, and directed by women, August 18-21, 2011 at Oracle Theatre.

Also, Babes with Blades Theatre Company will debut the world premiere of Lhota’s full-length comedy The Double, August 20-September 24, 2011 at Lincoln Square Theatre.

Check your programs when attending any of these shows for discounts on viewing the others!

Meet the Cast - Strangers & Romance opens August 19th!

Strangeloop Theatre is excited to announce the cast of our upcoming production of Strangers & Romance (opening August 19 at Trap Door Theatre).

Timothy C. Amos ("Romance") is so happy to be in his first Stangeloop production working with this great group of creative talent. Timothy is a proud ensemble member of the Factory theatre and has been seen recently such shows as "Easy Six", "1985", "League of Awesome", and "Mop Top" to name a few. He has also been seen on the stages of Circle theatre, (Escanaba in love) Porchlight Music Theatre (Ragtime) and the Oak Park Village Players (Elephant man) You can catch his Ravinia commercial around the airwaves as well.

Stacie Barra ("Romance") is so happy to be working with Strangeloop and adding a little Romance to your summer. A transplant from Texas, Stacie has made the Midwest her home where she has been lucky enough to work with the Milwaukee Rep, Griffin Theatre Company, The Factory Theatre, and Lifeline to name a few. She is also featured in the film Julie's Smile with EZ's Plan Productions which is nearing completion.

Tony Ketcham ("Strangers") from Aurora, Il. is a student of Illinois Wesleyan Univeristy. There he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts. He can be seen in shows in and around Chicago. This is his first performance working with Strangeloop.

Misti Patrella ("Strangers") is excited that this is her first production with Strangeloop Theatre. She has recently graduated from the Conservatory at Act One Studios. Her recent productions include: How the Other Half Loves (Fiona) - Studio Theatre at Act One, Cadillac (Robin) - Beverly Theatre Guild, and Quake (That Woman) - Gorilla Tango.

Coming Soon! Strangers & Romance

Rehearsals are underway for our upcoming show, Strangers & Romance, opening August 19! For more information and ticket details, visit strangelooptheatre.org.

The Trial of the Maiden

A scene from "The Maid of Orleans" - through May 29 at Trap Door Theatre. Tickets available at www.strangelooptheatre.org.

"Still greater wonders thou wilt soon believe."

Strangeloop Theatre presents "The Maid of Orleans" - Opening FRIDAY! With a special $5 preview on Thursday! Tickets available now at www.strangelooptheatre.org.

"NOW, your dread presence to the foe proclaim. By your loud battle-cry—God and the maiden!"

Strangeloop Theatre presents "The Maid of Orleans" - Opening FRIDAY! With a special $5 preview on Thursday! Tickets available now at www.strangelooptheatre.org.

"Up, valiant countrymen! The maid is near!"

Strangeloop Theatre Presents "The Maid of Orleans" - Opening May 6. Tickets available now at www.strangelooptheatre.org.

"Accursed one, prepare thee for the fight! Not both of us shall quit this field alive."

Strangeloop Theatre presents The Maid of Orleans - Opening May 6, 2011 at Trapdoor Theatre. Tickets available now!

“What should I believe? A maiden brings me conquest even now...

Strangeloop Theatre presents The Maid of Orleans - Opening May 6, 2011 at Trapdoor Theatre. Tickets available now!

"What strange power hath seized the maiden?"

Strangeloop Theatre presents The Maid of Orleans - Opening May 6, 2011 at Trapdoor Theatre. Tickets available now!

The Maid is near...

Coming in May from Strangeloop - The Maid of Orleans. http://goo.gl/MJhAe

Preparations for The Maid

Rehearsals underway for our upcoming show, The Maid of Orleans, opening May 6. For more information and ticket details, visit strangelooptheatre.org.