Does no one understand you?

You have depression.

Do you worry about the economy?

You have depression.

Does the sun set on you every day?

You clearly have depression.

"Smile! You Have Depression" is a sketch revue that attacks the illness the whole world is cozying up to. From its early manifestations to the way it ruins relationships to the wacky cures promised by Scientology, this show forces much-needed sunlight on an otherwise gloomy subject. Join the cast of six as they portray their way in and out of characters and scenarios begetting or bedazzling depression.

The neurotransmitters are a'flyin' in this show directed by Todd Edwards and written by Homer Marrs. It is presented by Reuptake Inhibiting Productions, the company that created the 2003 sketch comedy Fratricide.

WHEN: Saturdays at 10 p.m., July 11—August 15

WHERE: The Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL map

TIX: $15

RESERVATIONS: e-mail tickets@smileyouhavedepression.com or call (773) 263-5916. Include the number in your party and the date of the performance you would like to attend.

Cast and Crew

It's fair to say that Mary Lorenz (actor) is more than moderately excited to be a part Smile! You Have Depression. Previously, she helped write and produce the sketch revue Moral Fixation for Second City's Donny's Skybox Theater. She performs regularly around town with her independent improv team, Imaginary Friends. Sometimes, it's even in front of an audience. When not busy turning the world on with her smile, Mary is a big deal marketing copywriter at a super-fancy corporation located in Chicago's magnificent downtown Loop. Mary wants to thank God for the many awards she will win for this performance.

Homer Marrs (actor/writer) is a columnist for Chicago's Nightspots and an understudy with the Second City National Touring Company. In 2003 he wrote and performed his first full-length revue, Fratricide, which Newcity listed in their "5 Shows to See Now." In Sin City he hosted QRadio, appeared on A&E and the Travel Channel and was a staff writer for Las Vegas Magazine. Homer currently plays at iO on Archimedes and is an artistic associate of GayCo Productions, with whom he wrote Poked and has performed in six revues. He thanks Todd, the cast and crew, his family, bupropion and Stylus, the art and lit magazine of Boston College.

Jamie Newland (actor) is very excited to be doing his first show for whatever Homer's production company is called. He has performed and written sketch comedy with his own groups Asterisks and NIXON at the Playground and at Chicago Sketchfest. An artistic associate of GayCo Productions, Jamie has studied at Second City, the Annoyance and iO, where he performed with the teams Mammal '79, Honeyslide, Garbagé and Fashion Bug. He has performed in such plays as The Misanthrope, Richard III, Keeping Tom Nice and The Phantom Tollbooth in Chicago and Atlanta. Thanks to Homer and Todd and to Paul, who is the best.

Jay Austin Sukow (actor) has been performing with and without a script for the better part of the past 20 years. In that time, he has performed extensively throughout the United States as well as internationally. Jay is co-founder and Creative Director of The Riot Act, where seriously professional fun creates seriously successful events. He has amassed a wealth of valuable ideas and experience in his years writing and performing for Fortune 100 corporations. Jay could not do what he loves to do without the constant and remarkable unconditional love and support of his wife, Laura, and his kick-ass dog, Pittsie.

Stephanie Weber (actor) is a writer, actor, and student who has studied improv at the Annoyance and Second City. She performs sketch comedy with Half Naked Productions and Lives of Insignificance, for whom she also directs and writes. She is working toward her B.A. in theatre and English from North Park University.

Thomas Whittington (actor) is super psyched to be performing in Smile! You Have Depression. In fact, when he thinks about getting to work with such a terrific cast and crew, it makes him so happy that he cries for five hours straight. Thomas needs so much help to get through life, but lucky for him he has awesome friends. Thanks to all of them, but especially Todd, Homer, Archimedes, and Jenny.

Sights

Sounds

Homer and psychic Miss Cleo on the Windy City Queercast [link]

The Feast of Fun boys host Homer, who also performs a song from the show! (This one is for mature listeners.) [link]

Todd talks to Jamie and Thomas

Todd talks to Jamie and Thomas

Todd interviews Mary and Stephanie

Todd interviews Mary and Stephanie

Todd aggravates Homer and Jay

Todd aggravates Homer and Jay

Group convo with Todd, Homer, Jamie, Jay and Mary

Group convo with Todd, Homer, Jamie, Jay and Mary

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