We all know that classic moment in a romantic comedy when a partner meets the parents for the first time. There are often nerves all around. What if the parents don’t like them? What if they say the wrong thing? What if they brought the wrong flowers and the entire evening is ruined? So many things could go wrong, and it’s natural for anyone to feel on edge.
Kevin Douglas’ world premiere takes that whole scenario and pushes it over the top with a very specific extra layer: Val isn’t only just meeting her boyfriend’s parents for the first time. She is also a vampire, and they just found out.
The Untitled Vampire Play follows Dom (Jordan Arredondo) and Val (Courtney Ricki Green)—a couple in the midst of the early months of falling head over heels for each other. When Dom introduces Val to his parents—Louie (Kareem Bandealy) and Alicia (Cynthia Kaye McWilliams)—everything goes about as smoothly as it can go. Louie makes a few uncomfortable dad jokes, and Alicia clearly doesn’t believe that Val is a vampire, but aside from that, things go fairly well. However, once Dom admits that he has no interest in becoming a vampire, a terrible trickle effect ensues. Suddenly this relationship might not feel as steady as it once did, and the couple must decide how “forever” this really feels.
Skillfully directed by Devon de Mayo, The Untitled Vampire Play is fast-paced and full of fun and horror. Her creative team appropriately leans into the camp—particularly in scenic designer Alyssa Mohn’s work that includes a set of coffins that rise up from the ground by remote control. Lighting designer Jason Lynch fills the space with shadows, which emphasizes the spooky feel for the audience. Actors enter from all sides of the space, and it becomes almost a game of guessing from where a vampire might enter next. Andre Pluess handles sound design and costumes are by Theresa Ham. To put it simply, Devon de Mayo and her team create a theatrical event, and we as an audience are all along for the ride.
The design is striking, but what really pushes this production over the top are the strong performances in the ensemble. Each finds an appropriate balance between campy humor and genuine vulnerability, which allows audience members to lean into the romantic comedy genre, wanting to see these humans succeed. Ricki Green and Arredondo certainly find that balance in their relationship.
The family dynamics within the play feel especially relatable—in particular that of Louie, Alicia, and Dom. Families tease each other and Arredondo, Bandealy, and Kaye McWilliams bring a sense of comedic timing to the roles that make the relationships feel natural. The humor makes the genuine, emotional moments stand out even more. When Dom is moving through a particularly tough argument with Val, Louie sits him down for some advice. While he begins with jokes, he transitions into a touching exchange, encouraging Dom to follow his heart and simply show Val that he cares. De Mayo clearly took the time to massage this father/son relationship, and Bandealy and Arredondo bring a grounded authenticity that pushes it over the top.
With heart, fun, and a touch of horror, The Untitled Vampire Play is an event that you will not want to miss.
The Untitled Vampire Play runs through July 12 at Lookingglass Theatre, 163 Pearson St. For tickets and information, see the Lookingglass Theatre website.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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