Shows

A Bump on the Leg

Subtext Theater Company (STC) will stage this spring a new play by Leigh Johnson entitled A Bump on the Leg.  This play is the biographical retelling of an event from the life of Chicago resident and Irish immigrant James Mallon.  Raised in Northern Ireland, the young Jimmy Mallon was diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg.  Doctors, who initially were going to proceed with amputation of the limb, opted instead for radiation treatment, which seemed to be ineffective.  Facing a grim prognosis, money was raised to send young Jimmy to Our Lady of Lourdes in France, where he was bathed in the healing waters of the divine sanctuary.  Returning home to Ireland, the tumor disappeared in a matter of weeks.  Was it divine intercession? A delayed reaction from the cobalt treatment? A misdiagnosis?  Or simply a testament to the powers of a mother’s love and faith?  All of these—and more–are lovingly examined in this whimsical, thought-provoking, and heartwarming new work.

Jim Mallon himself will be on hand along with the playwright after each performance to answer questions and talk about his experiences. This truly Irish tale opens on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17^th and continues through April 16, 2023. Performances will not be held on April 7, 8 & 9^th.

STC has also begun a campaign with St. Baldrick’s to raise $1951.00 for childhood cancer cures to coincide with the production. Jimmy Mallon was diagnosed and treated for bone cancer in his leg in 1951 so STC choose the amount goal of $1951.00 as a tribute to Mr. Mallon and the year of his story.