Opened: February 11, 1999 - Closed: April 25, 1999
Profiles' celebrated production of STRAY DOGS was the Chicago Premiere of Julie Jensen's autobiographical script. This gripping play explores the fate of a small town mother struggling to raise her two young boys in spite of her neglectful husband. Set in rural Utah in 1958, the play follows Nyda, a determined, yet good-humored woman, as she attempts to provide a decent home for her two sons, J. Ross and Reese, with little help from her absent husband, Myers. Nyda and her boys are drawn to Myers' brother, their soft-spoken Uncle Wells, who has become a surrogate father to the children and a mainstay of support for Nyda. When Myers returns home, the deep-seated animosities that beset the family surface with growing ferocity, and result in a fateful confrontation that will alter their lives forever.
"Recommended! An excellent production with superb performances. Exceptionally compelling and well crafted, this remarkably authentic piece haunts the mind after the show ends... well worth seeing!"
"With gripping realism and impressive portrayals, this play makes searing statements about the bitter plight of America's underclass. Profiles Theatre remains a bastion of thought-provoking theatre!"
"Remarkable performances... under the direction of Sarah Atkins, the cast of 'Stray Dogs' immerse themselves fearlessly in the play's unpleasant milieu, painting an intense portrait of commonplace corruption!"
Nominated for Joseph Jefferson Citation for Ensemble
Nominated for Joseph Jefferson Citation for Director -
Sarah Atkins
Nominated for Joseph Jefferson Citation for Principal Actress -
Kerry Cox
Nominated for Joseph Jefferson Citation for Supporting Actor -
Darrell W. Cox
Nominated for Joseph Jefferson Citation for Scenic Design -
Joe Jahraus