The Nostalgia Will Eat Itself is the inaugural production from Heller Launchpad, a new program designed to aid local artists in self-producing new works. The Nostalgia Will Eat Itself by John Fisher goes up January 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, and Feb. 1 at 8PM at Nightingale Theater. Nostalgia follows a Tinder date between a young man who rose to quasi-fame playing and discussing video games on YouTube and a young woman whose interest in gaming is tempered by the industry’s sexist attitudes. Both of them harbor secrets and, before the night ends, blood will spill. Tulsa native (and current Chicago resident) John Fisher blends traditional horror elements with the horrors of online dating and toxic masculinity in this reflection on nostalgia, misogyny, and fame in a post-GamerGate world.

This production is being self-produced by Nick Lutke, Thomas Hunt, and Luke Thompson under their “Write That Down Productions” label, with assistance from Heller Theatre Company through Heller Launchpad, and through Midwestern Theater Troupe. Nostalgia will star Thomas Hunt, Kara Bellavia, John Cruncleton III , and Ben Despain. Nick Lutke will direct, with Luke Thompson stage managing and co-directing the filmed portions. Anna Puhl will design lights and Cole Hutchinson and Benjamin McCulloch will write and perform original music for the production. 

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online (with no fees) at hellertheatreco.com/tickets