Youthful indiscretion and tortured first love

Eugene O'Neill's spirited comedy is a testament to youthful hijinks and love, a huge departure from his more serious works including Long Day's Journey into Night. Goodman Theatre's lauded artistic director Robert Falls continues to explore the works of the prolific playwright, following his critically acclaimed production of The Iceman Cometh. This play follows the efforts of a lovestruck teenager Richard on the Fourth of July as he tries to woo his neighbour Muriel, despite her father's disapproval.

Richard, a studious and lonely character is devastated when Muriel's father bursts in at breakfast on Independence Day and demands that he stay away from her. The reason? Richard has been writing letters to Muriel, featuring some rather subversive poetry. Richard embarks on an evening of drunkenness, even rendez-vouing with a prostitute, but unable to follow through. In the end, he returns home, and with the help of his sister, manages the next night to meet with Muriel, who really does love him. A rare happy ending from the master of dark.