DRAMATIC PUBLISHING

Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 2:00 PM

Full-length Drama

Aura is the story of a pure soul, an eccentric man named Mike who can see color auras surrounding others, revealing their vitality—or imminent demise. It is a probing exploration of how Mike copes with knowledge that one should not even possess, let alone share. How does a thoughtful person live from day to day with a gift/curse of soul-wracking sensitivity and mind-numbing thoughtfulness such as this? Earl, a still young and vital senior struggling with his wife's recent death, meets Mike on his daily walk in the park, and Earl's world is forever transformed. Amanda, a young mom, and Dr. Emily Wallace, a psychiatrist to whom Mike turns for help with his unique visions, are both profoundly affected by Mike and are drawn to this kind and peculiar man with unique gifts.

“This is an excellent play—filled with humor, memorable characters and a thought-provoking theme.” —Chicago Critic

“Aura is a swiftly paced and tightly written new play. You’ll not soon forget this story of a pure soul. Tommy Lee Johnston is a talented playwright/actor.” —Chicago Critic

“A cross between Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story and an episode of The Twilight Zone.” —Chicago Reader

“The plot becomes increasingly fascinating because it challenges conventional ideas surrounding love, reality and mortality.” —The Urban Coaster

“Tommy Lee Johnston brings a Tennessee Williamsesque lyrical quality, use of language and characters that are beautifully drawn, poignant and funny.” —Showbiz Chicago

“A writer of great magnitude, human understanding and one of the finest new playwrights I have seen in quite a while.” —Showbiz Chicago