Northlight Theatre’s New Home Welcomes ‘The Front Page’

Northlight Theatre’s newly opened venue in Evanston sets the stage for a classic satire, The Front Page, by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. First performed in 1928, this play highlights the unpredictable world of Chicago journalism, set in a time rich with newsprint.

The story takes place in the press room of Chicago’s old Criminal Courts Building. A mix of colorful characters, inspired by real figures at the City News Bureau, congregate there. Known as a starting point for famous names like Mike Royko and Kurt Vonnegut, the Bureau is famous for the journalistic principle, “If your mother says she loves you, check it out.” Hecht and MacArthur, drawing from their days in Chicago journalism, capture the essence of this volatile period.

The plot centers around reporter Hildy Johnson and editor Walter Burns as they try to hold onto an exclusive story about an escaped convict. Personal stakes rise when Johnson plans to leave journalism for a respectable job and marriage—an idea foreign to the press room culture. In Hecht’s original version, Johnson is a man, but the Hollywood adaptation His Girl Friday famously reimagined Hildy as a woman, adding romantic tension between her and Burns.

Adhering to the gender swap from Hollywood, Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation at Northlight stars married actors Kate Fry and Timothy Edward Kane. While Hatcher introduces themes around women in the workplace, some argue that keeping Hildy’s relentless pursuit for a story could have offered a subtler comment on gender roles. Despite this, the play remains a compelling satire rather than a light comedy.

Standout performances include Tim Kazurinsky as a bumbling delivery man from the governor’s office. Joe Dempsey, Mark David Kaplan, Kelan M. Smith, and Guy Van Swearingen deliver strong portrayals of their journalist characters. William Dick and John Lister entertain as archetypal politicians, with additional performances by Peter Moore, Rae Gray, and Cindy Gold as civilians entangled in the news frenzy.

The theater’s intimate design by Jeff Kmiec enhances the performance, offering audiences a close connection to the production without compromising its quality.

Chris Jones, a critic for the Tribune, reviews The Front Page through October 25 at Northlight Theatre.

Details: Runs through Oct. 25. Tickets are available for $55-$103. For more information, call 847-563-8400 or visit northlight.org.