Leave all judgments outside the Dairy Queen for an Inanimate tale

The first Dairy Queen opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois and one can only wonder what the owners would think about Inanimate in 2024. Theater Wit explores a story about a young person on a journey with objectum sexual cravings within a small town.

J.G. Smith portrays Erica Grillo with emotional depth and conflicted angst as is required for the role. Grillo lives with her sister Trish and considers dating a local named Kevin Russell. There's only one thing standing in the way of these relationships, a Dairy Queen sign.

Faster than you can say Ace of Base, this sign opens up the eyes of everyone in sight about attraction to inanimate objects. The entire rainbow of a cast creates characters that are likable and relatable even when the material might seem foreign to some.

William Anthony Sebastian Rose II deserves special recognition for his fine performance as pansexual Russell. The humor in unique situations was spot on and worked thanks to a well-crafted storyline. 

Inanimate's set by scenic designer Joe Johnson provides the right environment for all the performers to convey suburban life in Massachusetts in a fascinating character study. 

Inanimate is based on a book by Nick Robideau, which feels current referencing TLC's My Strange Addiction while also being reminiscent of Edward Albee's play The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?

It's a tale that should be approached with an open mind to others in the world who don't fit in a conventional box found in common society. Leave all judgments outside the Dairy Queen before entering and take home a memorable soft serve treat. Prepare to see a unique coming-out story that might melt your heart.

Inanimate shines at Theater Wit, 1229 West Belmont Avenue, until May 4, 2024. For available tickets and to learn more please visit theaterwit.org.