CHICAGO, February 29, 2026 — Gwendolyn Whiteside, a celebrated Chicago actor, delivers a profoundly moving performance as Lola in William Inge’s “Come Back, Little Sheba,” currently playing at American Blues Theater.
A Return to Form for Chicago’s Whiteside
The acclaimed actor shines in a nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with regret and longing.
- Whiteside, known for her earlier stage work, returns to acting after focusing on directing and administrative roles.
- “Come Back, Little Sheba,” a mid-century classic, explores themes of lost dreams and marital disillusionment.
- Director Elyse Dolan stages the production in an intimate black-box space, enhancing the play’s emotional impact.
- While not flawless, the production is anchored by Whiteside’s courageous and vulnerable performance.
For those unfamiliar, Whiteside spent the last 15 years building a new theater for American Blues, transforming a former drugstore on Lincoln Avenue, and taking on directing responsibilities. But those who remember her onstage work from two decades ago will recognize the exceptional talent on display once more.
Whiteside embodies Lola, a character central to Inge’s exploration of domestic realism. The play, once a staple of American theater, has faded somewhat from prominence, its honest depiction of everyday struggles sometimes mistaken for sentimentality. Lola is a housewife married to Doc Delaney, a recovering alcoholic, portrayed by Philip Earl Johnson. Their relationship is rooted in a shared history of sacrifice and loss: Doc abandoned his medical studies after Lola’s pregnancy, and they later endured the death of their child—events that predate the play’s opening.
The symbolic “Sheba” of the title refers to a missing dog, but represents something far deeper. Inge, a Midwestern writer known for portraying the quiet desperation of ordinary lives, introduces Marie (Maya Lou Hlava), a young college student renting a room from the couple. Marie’s active social life with Turk (Ethan Serpan) and Bruce (Justin Banks) forces Lola and Doc to confront their own unfulfilled desires and the bitterness that has accumulated over the years.
Director Dolan’s staging utilizes the American Blues’ smaller studio space, arranging the audience around the periphery to create an immersive experience. Designer Shayna Patel’s set evokes the fragility of the characters without relying on excessive symbolism, providing a fitting backdrop for this intimate drama.
The production isn’t without its minor shortcomings. A traditional intermission, as originally written, might improve the pacing, and Johnson’s initially subdued portrayal of Doc could benefit from more energy. The play’s exploration of sexual desire doesn’t always reach its full potential.
However, these are overshadowed by Whiteside’s captivating performance. Her portrayal of Lola is multi-layered, courageous, and deeply moving—a performance that stands among the best interpretations of the role seen in recent years. It’s a vulnerability and optimism that will resonate long after the curtain falls.
Review: “Come Back, Little Sheba” (3.5 stars)
When: Through March 22
Where: American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.
Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Tickets: $34.50-64.50 at 773-654-3103 and americanbluestheater.com
