Pipe Dreams begins its 2026 season with the play Overtones.
Based on the book by Alice Gerstenberg, Overtones is a one-act play originally written in 1913 and published in 1915 that explores the psyche of two women, Margaret (Alida Fredrickson) and Harriet (Claire Walker).
“Think Inside Out, but feminism,” sophomore theater major Claire Walker said. “The play takes place over a tea party between two women. On the outside, there are two actors playing their inside thoughts. For my character, Harriet, her inside voice is named Hetty, and she says all the things I’m speaking but cannot say out loud.”
Margaret and Harriet are 1900s socialites, and as such, they are expected to maintain a certain poised and sophisticated attitude. But what happens when their bottled-up inner monologues demand release?
Maggie and Hetty happen.
Hetty (Amanda Spotts), as mentioned by Walker, represents Harriet but in a way that allows her to say all of the things that she would not normally be able to, while Maggie (Honor Crosby) provides the same opportunity for Margaret.
While this sounds like another Jekyll and Hyde type of split-personality situation, it is entirely unique and much more fun.
“This show is exciting and bursting with energy and is surprisingly comedic yet still serious,” freshman theatre major Lily Grochowski, the swing for the characters Margaret and Hetty, said. “There is so much tension and energy, but it makes for an eventful performance.”
So what should the audience expect from this show?
“I think the audience should know that this show is meant to be hilarious even though it offers a very realistic look into society,” Grochowski said. “It’s a short play but is sure to make you laugh.”
Walker also highlights the comedic nature of the show.
“I want people to know that this show is as funny as much as it is freaky,” Walker said. “There are some parts that the inner voices do that are very body-focused and moving in animalistic ways that deeply contrast the very prim and proper way a lady would behave at the time.”
Overtones will be performed at Pipe Dreams Theater (1099 West Wood Street, Decatur, IL) on February 26th, 27th, and 28th at 7:30 pm, as well as February 28th and March 1st at 2 pm. Tickets can be purchased online for $20 or for $10 cash at the door with a valid Millikin student ID. For tickets and accessibility info, please visit their website pdttgeater.org.
This weekend, Amanda Spotts, Honor Crosby, Claire Walker, and Alida Fredrickson, as well as the swings, Lily Grochowski and Rock Edwards, will take the stage to put on a hilarious, yet insightful, performance.
To those acting, break a leg! And to those viewing the show, get prepared for a wild ride.
