Chicago-Charleston link results in local staging of provocative new play

“Hearts Full of Blood” is a savvy and urbane play by a young writer that premiered in Chicago by The New Colony, a company of savvy and urbane young theater folks.

And now it’s moving from the Windy City to the Holy City for its first offsite production. What If? Productions is mounting the show for a five-day run starting Wednesday at the Threshold Theatre, 84½ Society St.

Producing Artistic Director Kyle Barnette said ... well, he didn’t say too much for fear of giving away the plot.

“It’s an interesting little play about sex, relationships and a marriage with a secret,” is all he’d share. “So it’s a cliffhanger, a comedy and a tragedy all in one thing.”

The group of 30-something friends sip cocktails, swap sex stories and discuss contemporary culture.

“You need that balance of humor to really contrast the overwhelming twist and emotions that pour out of the show unexpectedly,” actor Beth Curley said.

Barnette and Curley are joined onstage by fellow actors Tara Benton and Darryl LaPlante.

Playwright James Asmus worked with the Chicago-based The New Colony, which has an interesting link to Charleston, Barnette said.

“Lots of their artists are College of Charleston graduates, including at least three founding members.”

Asmus also authored “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche,” which had its first staging outside of Chicago last year when What If? Productions mounted the show in Charleston.

Part of the company’s mission is to promote the works of new and emerging artists, Barnette said. What’s more, The New Colony provides a creative model he hopes to emulate.

What If? introduced its first Playwright Festival in July, after inviting writers in the Southeast to submit scripts. The winner, “The Practice Child” by Tyler Stuart, will be premiered by What If? at its second Playwright Festival next summer.