Have you ever told a lie?
Unless you’re lying, the answer is “yes.” Some fibs we shrug off as a way to avoid hurt feelings. Others, however, can get us into serious trouble.
“American Myth,” a new play by Christina Gormanopening March 13 at American Blues Theater, takes a look at the lies we tell. Dr. Douglas Graham is an author and professor who is beloved not only on his campus, but around the country. All of that changes, though, after a student accuses him of lying about his involvement in the Vietnam War.
Gorman based the play on an article she once read about a professor who actually did lie about his involvement in Vietnam. Terry Hamilton, who plays Henry Beebee, says Gorman wanted to explore the ramifications of that decision to lie, how it affected the professor’s family, friends and coworkers.
Among the show’s stars are two North Shore actors: Hamilton of Deerfield and Mick Weber of Evanston, who plays Dr. Graham.
“[Douglas Graham] is a real interesting guy,” Weber says. “He’s had a lot of success as a writer and teacher, but he looks at success with a jaundiced eye. He’s a humble man. He will either cut himself a break in order to cut corners, or won’t cut corners at all.”
Hamilton’s Henry Beebee is the dean of the history department and Douglas Graham’s closest friend on campus. After the accusation, however, Hamilton says the two find themselves on opposite sides of a moral and ethical question.
“I love the story,” Hamilton says. “I thought it was intriguing and a challenge. I particularly like Henry’s arc, going from being a really great friend—he’s really quite funny at the beginning of the play and has a very playful relationship with Doug Graham—and then once this revelation has been realized, the change that comes over Henry and the change that comes over their relationship. I thought it was a challenge as an actor and also fun to play.”
Hamilton adds that this world premiere has a little something for everyone.
“It hits anyone and everyone because of the subject matter,” he says. “Everybody lies. Hopefully it will raise some questions.”
Weber already has a few questions of his own: “Is there a place for fibs? Is there a place for untruths? And if so, where is that place?”
American Blues Theater’s “American Myth” runs through April 6 at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Tickets cost $19-49 and can be purchased online or by calling 773-404-7336.
