Chicago’s Filament Theatre (4041 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park) – nationally recognized as a pioneer in ‘anti-adultist’ theater-making and creating work for, and with, young audiences – announces the world premiere of the youth-curated, ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ inspired production, Think Fast, Jordan Chase!, opening March 18, 2023. This piece was developed through SPARK, Filament’s signature new works program where young people curate three projects for Filament to invest in each year with support and skill-building from their artistic and education directors. The show runs from March 11 – April 16, 2023 at Filament Theatre.
Think Fast, Jordan Chase! was created by Chicago playwright Sonia Goldberg through interviews and workshops with elementary students across Chicago. In 2021, Goldberg was the first artist selected to be in residence during Filament Theatre's inaugural season of SPARK. Two years later, the script developed during their residency receives its fully produced world premiere at Filament Theatre.
Written by Sonia Goldberg and directed by Jamal Howard, the Think Fast, Jordan Chase! cast (in order of appearance), includes: Christabel Donker (Jordan Chase), Joolz Stroop (Mahari), Xela Rosas (Ryan), RJ W. Mays (Grandma Nicky), Brittany Ellis (Ms. Fine). This magical story centers the voices of young people who are Black, Queer, and Disabled to tell an adventure-filled tale – with story-telling help from the audience – about old friends, new kids, and what it means to stay true to yourself.
Tickets to Think Fast, Jordan Chase! are on sale now at filamenttheatre.org/thinkfast. All ages are welcome, but Think Fast, Jordan Chase! will be best enjoyed by ages 8 and up. Audiences are invited to celebrate the theatre’s 15th anniversary season with $15 tickets to all 2022-23 season performances.
Cast from left to right: Christabel Donker, Joolz Stroop, Xela Rosas, RJ W. Mays, Brittany Ellis
Production Information
Think Fast, Jordan Chase!
By Sonia Goldberg
Directed by Jamal Howard
At Filament Theatre
March 11 – April 16, 2023
Think Fast, Jordan Chase! travels through time and space. We follow Jordan as she navigates the difficulties of making a decision that may jeopardize her relationship with her best friend, Mahari, and a decision that may harm the new student, Ryan. By transporting Jordan to outer space or a pirate-filled island or a fantasy land, the mystical Grandma Nicky sets Jordan on a journey to get to the root of the issue between Mahari and Ryan. Jordan will rely on the audience to help her choose the right path.
The Creative and Design Team of Think Fast, Jordan Chase! include Sonia Goldberg (playwright), Jamal Howard (Director), Monica M. Brown (Stage Manager), Noël Huntzinger (Production Consultant), Eleanor Kahn (Scenic and Properties Designer), Ellie Humphrys (Lighting Designer), Erika Wilson (Audience Engagement Designer), Nico Roy (Production Teaching Artist), Jazmin Aurora Medina (Costume Designer), Jeffrey Levin & Tyler Hughes (Sound Designers), Korey Joseph (Accessibility Representative & Consultant), David Pries (Technical Director), Jillian Leff (Fight Choreographer) and Danny Gadaj (Assistant Stage Manager).
Filament Theatre, on Chicago’s Northwest Side, has been creating innovative theater for young audiences since 2007. Filament’s mission is to create a more equitable society by celebrating and amplifying the perspectives and experiences of young people through the performing arts. Please visit www.filamenttheatre.org for more information.