Silkaitis assumes lead role in “exceedingly funny play” at Chicago’s Theater Wit

Carin Silkaitis, North Central College assistant professor of theatre, chair of art and theatre and theatre program coordinator, was cast to understudy the lead role in “Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England” at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Silkaitis knew her contract included at least one performance but had no idea she would need to step in so quickly.

With just one week of rehearsal, Silkaitis assumed the lead role when the actress playing the part had to leave the show suddenly. She plays Deen Wreen, the dean of a small liberal arts college in New England, who faces resistance about some campus renovations and problems in her personal relationships with an ex and new girlfriend.

The play runs through mid-May, but Silkaitis performs April 3-5 and 10-12 at 8 p.m. and on April 6 and 13 at 3 p.m.

Theater critic Chris Jones for the Chicago Tribune says, “… it’s an exceedingly funny play. The amusements therein are subtle, dry, quirky and very much based in character—if you like ‘Seinfeld’ or ‘Parks and Recreation,’ this affair at Theater Wit on Belmont Avenue might well be your thing. …I snickered and chortled all night long.”

Silkaitis has been a member of North Central’s faculty since 2002. She received her B.A. from Indiana University and her M.F.A. from The Theatre Conservatory, Roosevelt University.