Review: How to Feel Safe in the Suburbs
by Anh Lottman

Fear is something to be laughed at in Stephanie Walker’s one-act play, “How to Feel Safe in the Suburbs.” With the reporting of disasters and daily horrors by the news, it is no wonder many don’t feel safe in their own homes. Walker explores the nebulous feelings of fear vs. safety in a fast-paced, humorous manner.

            Set in a gated community in an affluent suburb in Chicago, Janet (Porter Kelly) doesn’t feel safe. With five locks on the door and five televisions in every room, Janet keeps in touch with the world while locking its dangers out. To help deal with her unwarranted worries, Janet hires a security expert, Randy (Dan Kinsella), to safe proof her home.

            Using his military and psychological expertise, Randy and Janet engage in a comedy of wits to not only safe proof her home, but to also make her feel safe. Randy achieves his goals with unusual methods that underlie the fact that feelings don’t mirror reality. People can feel safe when danger is near, or feel fear when they are safe behind their locks.

            Walker presents a sure touch, neatly balancing comedy against the foibles of human nature, to show us how silly we can be when we let our fears rule our lives. This is a lesson that goes down well with a cup of coffee and a lemon poppyseed muffin.

Also starring Fred Warner as Hank. Produced by Walker Kelly Productions. Premiered at EdgeFest. Visit www.edgefest.org or www.walkerkelly.org.