a magical new play where you choose what happens next
Think Fast, Jordan Chase! travels through space and time. Follow Jordan Chase 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. With help from the audience, Jordan’s mystical Grandma Nicky transports Jordan to another world where she’ll get to the root of the issue between Mahari and Ryan. Jordan will rely on your help to choose the right path for her.
Think Fast, Jordan Chase!
Written by: Sonia Goldberg
Directed by: Jamal Howard
Dates: March 11th – April 23rd, 2023
Show Times:
Public Performances: Weekends at 2pm
Field Trips: Tuesday and Thursday Mornings
Ages: Best enjoyed by 8+ (more info below)
Price: $10-15
Address: 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641
Contact: boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org
Nothing’s too messy to be fixed.
About: A magical new choose-your-own-adventure-style play about old friends, new kids, and staying true to yourself. Think Fast, Jordan Chase! was developed through 2 years in conversation with young people about friendship, identity, and the power of choice.
Jordan Chase’s best friend Mahari has started to act like a bully. What can she do to make things right and help her friend through a difficult time? Jordan will ask YOU, the audience, for help as she resolves conflicts, deepens her friendships, and learns to listen to her inner voice. .
A word from playwright Sonia Goldberg: “This play is about bullying, but there are no villains. A ‘bully’ is always someone in the thick of navigating big emotions. We all have complex backgrounds, wants, and needs. Sometimes there are misunderstandings that get in the way of connection. If you learn to take a breath and listen, a world of opportunities opens up. I wrote Think Fast, Jordan Chase! with direct inspiration and life advice from youth. This play gives their own wisdom back to them!”
Run time: Approximately 75 minutes, no intermission
Ages: All ages are welcome at Filament but this play contains content most relevant to ages 8+
Content and Themes: elementary/middle school life, make believe, bullying, name calling, ableism (including use of derogatory language), queer experience (including use of derogatory language), tricky friendships, strained adult/child relationships, self acceptance, resolved conflict, social emotional wellness
THINK FAST, JORDAN CHASE!
Written by Sonia Goldberg
Directed by Jamal Howard
The Cast (in order of appearance):
Jordan Chase: Christabel Donkor
Mahari: Joolz Stroop
Ryan: Xela Rosas
Grandma Nicky: RJ W. Mays
Ms. Fine: Brittany Ellis
Understudies: will pettway & Lauren Paige
The Production Team
Stage Manager: Monica M. Brown
Assistant Stage Manager: Danny Gadaj
Production Consultant: Noël Huntzinger
Front of House: Krissi McEachern, Caroline Watson
The Design & Creative Team
Scenic and Properties Designer: Eleanor Kahn
Lighting Designer: Ellie Humphrys
Audience Engagement Designer: Erika Wilson
Production Teaching Artist: Nico Roy
Costume Designer: Jazmin Aurora Medina
Sound Design: Jeffrey Levin & Tyler Hughes
Accessibility Representative & Consultant: Korey Joseph
Technical Director: David Pries
Fight Choreographer: Jillian Leff
THINK FAST, JORDAN CHASE!
FIELD TRIP INFORMATION
A magical new choose-your-own-adventure-style play about old friends, new kids, and staying true to yourself.
Jordan’s best friend Mahari has started to act like a bully. What can she do to make things right and help her friend through a difficult time? Jordan will ask YOU, the audience, for help as she resolves conflicts, deepens her friendships, and learns to listen to her inner voice.
Field Trip Fast Facts
- Now booking: Tuesday and Thursday mornings, March 23 – April 20
- Best for: 4th – 8th grades
- Capacity: 75 (including chaperones)
- Run time: 75 minutes, no intermission
- Flexible pricing: by the classroom or per student & sliding scale based on free/reduced lunch
Free Workshop for Field Trip Teachers–Sunday March 26, 10:30 – 12pm!
to book or for more info email: boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org
This piece was created through SPARK, Filament’s signature new work development program where young people curate the entire production experience with support and skill-building from Filament’s artistic and education directors.
Thank you to the students of Portage Park, Belding, Murphy, and Winnetka Elementary for their contributions to this play.
To participate in Filament’s next youth collaborator process, contact education@filamenttheatre.org.
Press:
- A sneak peek of a new youth-driven production at the Filament Theatre. – FOX32 Chicago
- Interactive inclusivity – Chicago Reader
- Think Fast, Jordan Chase! Review – A Delight for All Ages – Splash Magazine
- Chicago’s Filament Theatre Marks 15th Anniversary Of Creating Revolutionary Theater For Young Audiences
- Think Fast, Jordan Chase! in Broadway World
Media:
The Sensory Friendly Performance of Think Fast, Jordan Chase! is on April 15th at 2:00pm. Discounted tickets available for sensory friendly families!
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or with other sensory sensitivities.
Learn more about Sensory-friendly performances at Filament Theatre
Audience Safety (as of January 2023)
At this time, masks are highly encouraged but not required for audience members. We encourage everyone to make decisions that keep themselves and others safe and comfortable.
If you or a member of your household is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, had a direct exposure, or has received a positive COVID-19 test, please stay home and contact us at boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org and we will exchange your tickets for a later date.
Our performers and facilitators are tested weekly for COVID-19 and follow a comprehensive safety policy. Please note that performers will be unmasked during performances.
Proof of vaccination & masking:
At this time, Filament is not requiring audience members to provide proof of vaccination for entry. Staff members, artists, and participants in our education programs are still required to provide proof of vaccination. All guests age 2 and older are encouraged to wear a KN95 or N95 medical or well-fitting cloth mask over their nose and mouth while in the theater, regardless of vaccination status. If you do not have an appropriate mask, one can be made available to you.
Please note that these policies are subject to change. In the event that Filament changes these policies to be more strict, we ask audiences to be flexible, understanding, and join us in practicing community care.
Questions? Read Filament’s full Audience Safety Plan
$15 for 15
For our 15 year anniversary, we’re making the pledge to never charge more than $15 per person to any public performances in our 22/23 season! Please consider matching us in this pledge by donating $15 or more to help us celebrate 15 years of affordable, accessible, and inventive fun at Filament!
Think Fast, Jordan Chase! was made possible through these amazing partnerships!
