Northwestern University | The Hanslick Girls

July 9, 2017

Vision For Country: Arts Alliance’s “Assassins”

Meet the Hanslick Girls: Gwen, Eleanor, and Dania. A fictional trio created by writer Zach Barr, their opinions on theatre are varied, resulting in vibrant discussions and disagreements. While Gwen tends to be more critical of the theatrical arts, Dania just wants to see a show that entertains enjoyably. Eleanor balances the other two as they trade opinions. Let’s listen in on what they had to say while leaving Arts Alliance’s “Assassins…”

As she left Shanley Pavilion, Gwen was almost shaking with glee.

“There you are,” said Eleanor. “We’ve been waiting.”

“I should have brought a warmer jacket,” Dania added, pulling her collar up.

“Sorry, sorry, I just had to tell everyone they did a good job,” Gwen replied. She folded and pocketed her program as they began to walk away.

July 9, 2017

Talking and Screaming: Arts Alliance’s “The Who’s Tommy” and WAVE Productions’ “The Language Archive”

—Originally published May 18, 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 two productions on the same day: WAVE Productions’ “The Language Archive,” directed by Anna Basile, and Arts Alliance’s “The Who’s Tommy,” directed by Hannah Fisher. Let’s hear what they had to say the following day…

In her small apartment, Dania lazily turned through the pages of the program for “The Who’s Tommy.” She began to count names as Eleanor entered the room.

“Is that the program for ‘Tommy?’” asked Eleanor.

“Yeah,” Dania responded.

Eleanor murmured something quiet and walked out of the room. Dania continued to count names.

July 9, 2017

Stories In Dust: Lovers & Madmen’s “Polaroid Stories”

—Originally published May 4, 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 Lovers & Madmen’s production of Naomi Izuka’s “Polaroid Stories,” directed by Elliott Hartman. Let’s hear what they had to say as they walked from the theatre…

“What time is it?” asked Dania, as she picked up her coat.

“Hold on,” said Eleanor, as she waited for her phone to turn back on.

Gwen looked at her phone. “It’s 12:50,” she said. “You know you can just put your phone on airplane mode, right?”

“Whatever, whatever,” Eleanor mumbled, shooing her away.

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.”

Category / Northwestern University