The Goodman Theatre in Chicago is hosting the world premiere of “Ashland Avenue,” a new play by Lee Kirk, featuring Jenna Fischer, best known for her role in “The Office.” Opening on October 7, 2023, the production has already garnered attention and was extended through October 12, 2023. The play serves as a love letter to Chicago and reflects Kirk’s deep connection to the city.
Kirk, a graduate of DePaul University, found inspiration for “Ashland Avenue” during a visit to Chicago to attend a friend’s play. He reminisced about his time in the city, sharing, “I realized how much I missed Chicago… the sense of community that I found when I lived there.” This nostalgia prompted him to set the play in a fictional storefront along Ashland Avenue, featuring a local character, Pete, played by Francis Guinan, who is ready to pass his family business to his daughter, Sam.
Fischer, who portrays Sam, relates to the character’s struggle between familial expectations and personal dreams. “I had to leave my family of origin and the city I’d grown up in to pursue my dreams of acting in Los Angeles,” she explained. “It’s a scary thing to do. And so I can relate to her fear of leaving what she knows.”
The play touches on themes of community and loyalty, portraying the relationship between Sam and her father as they navigate their differing aspirations. Kirk describes the character of Pete as a local celebrity whose past advertising campaigns have left a lasting impact on the community. One of these ads, inspired by a mix of Chicago’s iconic marketing styles, is woven into the play, enhancing its local flavor.
Kirk’s decision to set the story on Ashland Avenue was intentional. He noted that the street runs through various neighborhoods, allowing audiences to envision the setting in a way that resonates with their own experiences in the city. He envisions the play taking place in West Town, near the intersection of Ashland and Division, a location familiar to many Chicagoans.
In preparation for the play’s opening, Fischer and Kirk explored notable Chicago landmarks with their children, including the Art Institute and the famed Cloud Gate sculpture. Fischer expressed excitement about revisiting Lake Michigan, noting how its unique charm evokes fond childhood memories.
As part of the promotional campaign for “Ashland Avenue,” Fischer has become a familiar face around the city, appearing in advertisements and posters. She shared a humorous encounter with a passerby who recognized her from a bus stop advertisement, illustrating the local connection the play aims to foster among its audience.
Kirk believes “Ashland Avenue” serves as a counter-narrative to the negative perceptions often associated with Chicago. He commented, “Every city has their struggles, but I think Chicago has a soul like no other city I’ve been to.” Fischer echoed this sentiment, stating, “I love putting it in the spotlight through the lens of this play, which I think is a real love letter to the city.”
The production runs at the Goodman Theatre, located at 170 N. Dearborn St., until October 12, 2023. Tickets and additional information about the performance are available on the Goodman Theatre’s website.
