Brave. Poignant. Inspirational.
These are the default adjectives writers are supposed to use when describing an autobiographical narrative centered around a cancer battle. And while they all certainly apply to Courtney vs. Cancer, there are more fitting labels for this show: Charming. Bold. Hilarious.
At 26, Chicago comedian Courtney Farney was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. That’s never news anyone wants to hear, but what made it even worse, as Farney discovers, is that the Make-A-Wish Foundation doesn’t grant wishes for 26-year-olds, regardless of how young at heart they might be.
That comical revelation is reflective of what you can expect from Courtney vs Cancer, Farney’s self-written reflection on her cancer journey, arriving at Raven Theatre in November for a two-week run. (This article is based on a summer preview show at iO I attended, with a different director and a mostly different cast. Delani Hamilton directs the November production. )
Though the subject matter may be serious, the immediately charming Farney makes it clear that it’s ok for audiences to laugh throughout this very funny production, though there are moments in which they’ll do so with a lump in their throats.
Farney recounts the so-called “highlights” of her experience from diagnosis to, fortunately, remission with witty, vulnerable narration, never shying away from sharing her inner monologue throughout moments including her doctor giving her a two-year prognosis, carefully announcing the news via a “moving Instagram post,” testing out a variety of drugs, getting laid off from the job she relied on for insurance, and watching friends made in oncology wards and support communities face their own cancer battles, some of whom sadly met a different end. These stories can be emotionally taxing, but Farney presents the most challenging moments as clever vignettes, depicting them via a ballet dance, a fashion show, a late night talk show, and a game show to allow humor to overpower discomfort.
Along the way, we meet characters like Dr. S, a quirky, matter-of-fact oncologist who goes on a month-long vacation to Cabo; Ellis, a wise friend who bonded with Farney over reality TV and a shared treatment plan and “wouldn’t trade more time for less life”; and of course “Prednisone Courtney,” who became unrecognizably difficult (“I need Frosted Flakes!”). Farney is never afraid to poke fun at herself or the many well-meaning yet decidedly not very self-aware family members, friends, and doctors she encountered along the way.
Even the finale refuses to dip into saccharine territory, remaining more reserved than inspirational—Farney isn’t aiming to be labeled a warrior; she just wanted to share her story in all its topsy-turvy, gut-wrenching, “if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry” glory. She owns her journey from beginning to end, and it’s evident that Farney’s is a comedic voice that deserves to be heard.
You can see Courtney vs Cancer at Raven Theatre, 6157 N.Clark St., November 7-16. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets ($20-30 plus $3 convenience fee) are on sale now.
