THE LOOP — The stars were on stage — and in the audience — at the Goodman Theatre for the opening night of “Ashland Avenue.”
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder and “Better Call Saul” star Bob Odenkirk were among those spotted Monday night at the Goodman, 170 N. Dearborn St., to take in the new play directed by Susan V. Booth, written by Lee Kirk and starring Kirk’s wife, Jenna Fischer, best known as Pam from “The Office.”
Fischer plays Sam, the frustrated daughter of Pete (Francis Guinan), who was once known all over Chicago for his chain of TV appliance stores and whose empire has dwindled down to one dusty shop on Ashland Avenue. (His old catchphrase brings to mind similar earworms from Empire Carpets and car salesman Bob Rohrman.) While Pete longs to rebuild his business, Sam and her husband Mike (Chiké Johnson) have a different path in mind.
“Ashland Avenue” not only functions as “a love letter to the city” — with many references to local sports stars and byways — it has a lot to say about home, ambition and how our parents’ dreams for us may not exactly match up with our own. (Also, many props to Fischer for absolutely nailing that Chicago accent.)
The sold-out performance drew local luminaries and media personalities, including WXRT’s Marty Lennartz and Mary Dixon from WBEZ.
Vedder, apparently still in town after performing the seventh-inning stretch in the Wrigley Field bleachers Saturday with retired Cub Anthony Rizzo and supermodel Cindy Crawford, attempted to go incognito in a black baseball cap, but still gamely signed autographs for fans.
Odenkirk, a one-time “Office” guest star, could be spotted talking to some fellow actors.
Naturally, Fischer’s former “The Office” co-star Angela Kinsey was there in an upfront row, showing her support for her friend. The pair co-host the popular podcast “Office Ladies.”
Since arriving in Chicago, Fischer and Kirk have been taking their kids sightseeing across the city, as noted on Fischer’s Instagram. Of course, Kirk and the kids were also in attendance Monday, appearing extremely proud as well.
The high-profile play kicked off Goodman’s 100th anniversary season and runs through Oct. 12.
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