NOT  BITTER     

     NOR  SWEET     

Whether it’s self love, platonic love, romantic love, love gained or loved lost it has shapes us into who we are today. Come explore our devisers’ memories, dreams, and wishes and we ask each other an eternal question…what is love? Not Bitter Nor Sweet was Lazy Susan Theatre Co.’s second devised production. Performed during the 2025 Chicago Theatre Week.

This show is about love.

“The tone of the show is funny and quirky, but also very somber and thoughtful during various soliloquies. Which is what stands out about this production... Each time. It’s a great choice that is extremely effective and captivating.”

ALLI DOUBEK, ENTERTAINING CHICAGO

“This was a beautiful production and I’m excited to see what [Lazy Susan Theatre Co.] does next!”

LISA, @THEATERINCHICAGO

“The already unbelievable world further crosses the threshold—telephone cords are strung across the stage, post-it notes shroud a character in technicolor—is inventive and compelling. Indeed, many of the elements required for strong, attention-grabbing theater are present throughout the performance.”

CHARLES KENNY, NEWCITY STAGES

CAST & CREATIVE

*- DENOTES A LAZY SUSAN THEATRE CO. COMPANY MEMBER
†- DENOTES LAZY SUSAN THEATRE CO. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Manuela Álvarez
Performer

Jake Griffith
Performer

Hannah Loessberg*†
Director/Performer

Allison Ristaino
Performer

Nealie Tinlin*†
Director/Performer

Sarah Schorle*
Stage Manager

Allison Horvatin
Performer

Martha Hansen
Performer

Ella Boyd-Wong
Asst. Stage Manager

Amina Gilbert*
Lighting Designer

We started this company with a love for devised theatre and the idea of creating a piece of art from scratch with other artists in a collaborative process. Our first production with Lazy Susan was If the Moon Never Came Back which took the form of vignettes of our personal stories about the moons of our lives. From this production we learned so much and knew that more devising was in our future. For Not Bitter Nor Sweet, we knew we wanted to talk about love in its many facets, and how love or the loss of it shapes us all. And we knew it somehow took place in an office. Starting with this idea, we assembled a group of talented artists who brought in stories from their own personal lives and we set out to weave these stories together to create a play. This entire show was written, directed, and shaped in only four weeks. We didn’t have a script until the end of week two. Although we were a little nervous at times, we knew that this was a part of the process of creating something new, and working with other artists and crew. We kept reminding ourselves to trust the process. We did, and we believe something sweet and poignant came from it. We give special thanks to the Greenhouse for giving us a home and, our wonderful team here at Lazy Susan for supporting us throughout this process and making all our dreams come true. Sending love to our family and friends for accompanying us on this journey.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE