Open Space Arts’ ‘it’s been ten years…’ Is A Creepy Night Out
Plays that center around horror are few and far between. In the world premiere of it’s been ten years since everyone died at Open Space Arts, though, you’ll get a real good example of what that looks like on a stage.
I don’t watch a lot of horror films. I have an overactive auditory and visual memory and creepy music or imagery will stay with me for weeks. It has always been impressive to me, however, that something could impact me that way. Choosing just the right tones to play while building tension, it has a way larger influence than most dramatic or comedic genres. It’s actually quite the feat.
I didn’t know what I was getting into with the new Open Space Arts production, but I am definitely still thinking about it! And if you enjoy the horror genre and all of the tingles that go along with it, this is your show.
it’s been ten years since everyone died is a play about three survivors of separate mass murder situations that come together 10 years after the events to continue to work through their trauma at a therapy retreat. All three people know each other from high school, so it’s not as anonymous and supportive as any of them would have hoped for.
I would typically tell you a little more about the show, but for the sake of your experience and all of the secrets that are deliciously revealed, I’m going to leave it here.
This show is a black comedy/horror with some disturbing projected home movies (think The Blair Witch Project), frequently creepy music, actors screaming, and sudden loud noises. It does an excellent job of keeping the tension in the air, even during the scenes where you can relax a little bit and just flow with the narrative. You always know that something else is right around the corner, much like in a haunted house.
The 4-person ensemble (Alexandra Marusich, Noah Hinton, Alexis Queen, and Julia Toney) clearly has a great time performing, which makes it extra fun for the audience. Some of the topics mentioned are fairly wacky (playing into the black comedy) and it always increases your enjoyment and investment when you are “in on it” with the actors. There were a few times that I felt like we were all laughing together, which is a bonus.
This show is a unique experience and you will be talking about it long after the actors take their bow. Plan to grab a snack or dinner afterward so you can dissect it with your friends. There is a lot to sort through and you will be laughing while trying to put all of the pieces together!
it’s been ten years since everyone died runs for 90 minutes with no intermission. With themes like death, blood torture, murder, and cannibalism, this is appropriate for anyone 18 years old and up.
Open Space Arts it’s been ten years since everyone died Chicago Review – it’s been ten years since everyone died is playing at Open Space Arts through 4/6/2025. Tickets can be purchased on the Open Space Arts website or by calling (773) 773-7837. Open Space Arts is located at 1411 West Wilson Avenue in Chicago.