For all the play’s questionable framing of philosophic issues, it is a potent character drama. The real Queen Christina made a number of tyrannical decisions not emphasized by the play, but we do see her as a proud, aggressive, and deeply insecure yet entitled young woman. Turner deserves a great deal of credit for how far into Christina’s psyche and physicality she is willing to go.

The organization mostly serves public schools on the south and west sides, and also conducts programs with the Chicago Park District. If you’re curious about their work, you can see public performances twice a week. The stories, which are provided in their original form in the program, range from adorable to incomprehensible, and are all done in a spirit of great fun.