New Work | The Hanslick Girls

July 9, 2017

Making Snap Judgements: The Staged Reading of “Faceless”

—Originally published April 20, 2016—

Meet the Hanslick Girls: Gwen, Eleanor and Dania. Created by writer Zach Barr, they are a trio of Northwestern students who go to see plays together. They may not have the same opinions, but their conversations tend to make for an entertaining read. Recently, Gwen and Eleanor attended a reading of “Faceless,” a new play by Northwestern senior Selina Fillinger, slated for production at Skokie’s Northlight Theatre in February 2017. Let’s hear their discussion after getting home from the show…

Dania turned a page in her biology textbook and continued reading through the assigned chapter. Halfway down the page, a paragraph about coral reef conservation was accompanied by a photograph of the study’s leading scientist, Aban Marker Kabraji. Seeing another woman of color represented in the sciences, Dania snapped her fingers a few times in approval.

At that moment, Dania heard the front door open. The similar sounds of ruffling feet and argumentative tone told her that Eleanor and Gwen had returned home from a show.

July 9, 2017

Awaiting Closure: AMTP’s “The Museum of Broken Relationships”

—Originally published March 9, 2016—

Meet the Hanslick Girls: Gwen, Eleanor and Dania. Created by writer Zach Barr, they are a trio of Northwestern students who always go to see plays together. They may not have the same opinions, but their conversations tend to make for an entertaining read. Recently, Gwen and Eleanor saw American Musical Theatre Project’s reading of the new musical “The Museum of Broken Relationships.” Let’s hear what they had to say on their way back from the theater…

“Well, I know exactly what my first reaction walking out is,” Eleanor said confidently, as she exited the revolving door from the Torso Lobby in the Wirtz Center.

“What’s that?” Gwen asked.

“I really want to go there.”

“What, the museum?”

“Yeah.”

July 9, 2017

Divisive On Impact: Vertigo Productions’ “Moon & Back”

—Originally Published April 27, 2015—

Meet the Hanslick Girls: Gwen, Eleanor and Dania. Imagined up by writer Zach Barr, they are a trio of Northwestern students who always go to see plays together. They may not have the same opinions, but their conversations tend to make for an entertaining read. Recently, the Girls saw “Moon & Back,” a new play by Samantha Mueller presented by Vertigo Productions. Let’s hear what they had to say on their way back from the theater…

[WARNING: SPOILERS]

As the Hanslick Girls left Shanley Pavilion, Gwen looked to her right to see Dania wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

“Were you crying?” Gwen asked.

“No…” said Dania. A moment passed, and she added, “a little bit.”

July 9, 2017

Before Your Eyes: Imagine U’s “James and the Giant Peach”

—Originally published February 23, 2015—

Meet the Hanslick Girls: Gwen, Eleanor and Dania. Created by writer Zach Barr, they are a trio of Northwestern students who always go to see plays together. They may not have the same opinions, but their conversations tend to make for an entertaining read. Recently, the Girls saw “James and the Giant Peach,” a musical by Pasek and Paul, presented by Northwestern’s Imagine U’s theatre program for young audiences. Let’s hear what they had to say…

“I liked it,” said Eleanor.

“So did I…” said Gwen, with a hint of hesitation in her voice.

“Yeah.” Dania added.

The three girls walked quietly out of the theatre amid the chorus of small children that ran around them, dragging their parents out of the talkback that had followed the performance. In their turn, they spun through the revolving door out of the Torso Lobby of the Wirtz Center and into the biting February wind. Dania tightened her scarf.

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