“I Love You Nana,” from the award-winning playwright Christine Houston, will be coming to ETA later this month. The play will only be available during the matinee and for three weekends this month.
People will be able to watch an all-star cast perform:
- Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16.
- Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23.
- Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30.
On these days, they will perform the play at 3 p.m. Ben White will direct the cast as they act out their parts in “I Love You Nana.”
‘I Love You Nana’
The play is set in the 1970s and is about a grandmother, Nana, and her grandson, Melvin, whom she raised. Nana takes a bus to visit her grandson, however, Melvin’s wife, Doris, is wary of her due to her own past traumatic experiences growing up.
In her mind, Doris was raised by a very abusive aunt. However, that was not the case. She was just very strict and set in her ways. Doris took the strictness as abuse and has the mindset that all elderly people are like that.
Unpleased with Nana being a house guest for three weeks, Doris set out to cut the visit short. However, her plans go awry as she quickly learns why everyone loves Nana.
Christine Houston’s “I Love You Nana” is a heartwarming comedy that sheds light on some serious undertones. Throughout the whole play, the audience is captured by the funny moments, relatable situations, and the undertoning abuse many elderly are placed.
Celebrating 52 Years
The ETA is celebrating its 52-year anniversary. People can purchase tickets via their QR Code or by visiting their website (etacreativearts.org). Students can purchase tickets for $30 and the general admission is $40. They also have $35 tickets available for senior citizens. Additionally, the ETS offers those who purchase 10 or more tickets a discount rate of $28 per ticket. Or people can buy the house for $25 per ticket.
“I Love You Nana” is a great way to support the theater while getting a great laugh.
ETA presents “I love you nana”! You don’t want to miss out on this, get your tickets now. ????????️????#theater #eta #black #artist #blackartist #chicago #small #business #smallbusiness #nana #play #playwright #acting #performing #52 #52years pic.twitter.com/ISlv0Ud18C
— ETA Creative Arts (@etaCreative) July 3, 2023
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Christine Houston: Emails
The Advocate: UpStage Theater reopens Christine Houston’s ‘I Love You Nana’
The Advocate: TBR’s ‘Legally Blonde’ and UpStage’s ‘I Love You Nana’: There’s more than meets the eye
Images Courtesy of TNS Staff


















