A Red Orchid Theatre — Attraction in Chicago

Wicked good theater. I saw Fulfillment Center this past weekend and was blown away by the intimacy and suspension of belief that I experienced in such a small space. Despite minimal sets and props, I felt totally immersed in the 90-minute show. Lighting design depicted everything from a sunny window to a buzzing factory... all the way to the minimal light of a car interior at night. Sound design was ANNOYING in the best way, with tense clicking sounds for some scenes and aggressive alarms inside the fulfillment center itself. Music before, during, and after the show was spot-on.

I saw shocking, personal, and familiar pieces of myself in each of the characters, but my favorite character was the older woman who depicted a down-on-her-luck hippie/bodyworker/estranged sister. I totally forgot she was playing a character until curtain call came and I was shaken out of my "theater trance." Overall, a phenomenal job by AROT. Can't wait to see what they...

I’ve been to about 10 shows here and each one has left me in awe. The small venue size makes you feel lucky to be part of such an exclusive performance by amazing actors and set design, while not being so smal that you feel like you might become a part of the show itself if you cough.

If anyone ever asks me for a tip on what to do in Chicago, Red Orchid is my answer. And despite how much everyone loves it who goes, combined with its star ensemble and location on Wells St. in Old Town, it remains a sort of underground secret.

I feel kind of cool knowing about it. Hopefully, you think I’m cool...

This is a very small space and the set design is minimal to the point of non-existence. There is no stage, just the floor. The show was very good. Three out of four actors we're Equity. An elaborate set isn't really a requirement for a meaningful performance. The entry process is kind of a bummer. Have to stand in line for "first come" seating. Many seats are reserved for subscribers of the theater so "regular" people are stuck on the sides of the house which kind of grates. It really was a...