Gwendolyn Whiteside is superb in "Come Back, Little Sheba"

Gwendolyn Whiteside, a celebrated Chicago actor, delivers a compelling performance in the American Blues Theater’s production of William Inge’s “Come Back, Little Sheba.” The play, running through March 22, 2026, marks a return to the stage for Whiteside, who has spent the last 15 years focusing on directing and administrative roles, including overseeing the creation of a new theater space for the company.

A Revival of Domestic Realism

“Come Back, Little Sheba,” once a frequently produced work, explores the quiet desperation of a marriage marked by regret and loss. The story centres on Lola and Doc Delaney, played by Whiteside and Philip Earl Johnson respectively. Their relationship began with an unexpected pregnancy that led to Doc dropping out of college and the subsequent death of their child.

Did You Know? The American Blues Theater is celebrating its 40th anniversary season with this production.

A Complex Narrative

The play’s dynamic is further complicated by the arrival of Marie, a young college student renting a room from the couple, portrayed by Maya Lou Hlava. Marie’s active social life forces Lola and Doc to confront their own past and the consequences of their choices. The missing dog, Sheba, serves as a symbolic representation of their lost hopes and dreams.

Director Elyse Dolan stages the production in the American Blues Theater’s studio, with the audience surrounding the performance space. The set design, by Shayna Patel, aims to evoke the fragility of the characters without relying on overly symbolic elements.

Expert Insight: Revivals of classic plays like “Come Back, Little Sheba” offer audiences a chance to re-examine enduring themes of regret, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships through a contemporary lens. The success of such productions often hinges on the actors’ ability to bring fresh nuance to well-known characters.

Performance and Potential Improvements

While the production is largely successful, a critic noted that the play might benefit from an intermission, as originally written. The initial pacing is somewhat slow due to Philip Earl Johnson’s portrayal of Doc in his sober state. However, these minor issues are overshadowed by Gwendolyn Whiteside’s powerful and moving performance as Lola.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the running time of “Come Back, Little Sheba”?

The play runs for 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Where is “Come Back, Little Sheba” being performed?

“Come Back, Little Sheba” is being performed at the American Blues Theater, located at 5627 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets range in price from $34.50 to $64.50 and can be purchased at 773-654-3103 or americanbluestheater.com.

What does it mean to grapple with a life shaped by missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams?

Gwendolyn Whiteside is superb in “Come Back, Little Sheba”