Lightfoot is Chicago’s 56th Mayor, Pete Buttigieg is running, and TAKE ME opens at Strawdog Theatre!

Spring is here — sort of. Despite the on/off weather in Chicago, one big change is underfoot: We have a new mayor.

Lori Lightfoot, a reform candidate who quietly kicked off her campaign 12 months ago, will be sworn in as Chicago’s 56th mayor Monday. I’ll be there covering for the Washington Post. That morning the Post will run a page one feature I wrote about her campaign and how she represents a very different mayor for the city, one that talks openly about curbing corruption and has made it a priority issue. I talked with Lightfoot in her office last week and was impressed at her calm and strength. The story is online now. 

As we all know, the Midwest already produced a U.S. President in Chicago’s Barack Obama. Now, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg is vying to follow in his footsteps. Buttigieg was in Chicago for a fundraiser in Lincoln Park. For Crain’s Chicago Business I wrote a feature on how he too represents a different kind of candidate and also what his legacy looks like in that notable rust belt city. 

Finally, some theater news: My play TAKE ME opens at Strawdog Theatre Company on Monday! The show features the very excellent songs of Jon Langford of The Mekons and is inspired by a true story. Jon and I have worked for about five years on this show, the last two with Strawdog director Anderson Lawfer. The show features a cast of 10 and a four-piece live band and explores one woman’s journey into the world of alien conspiracy theories following the abduction of her son and loss of her husband.

Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune named is one of the shows to see this week. Jon, Anderson, and I also were invited as guests of WGN’s Extension720 radio show to talk about the play. Two of the leads, plus Jon, also sang songs from the show in a car!

The show runs through late June. I’ll post reviews and whatnot here once we get through opening. See you at the theater!