Humboldt Park, like most Chicago neighborhoods, is defined by immigration and change. The first residents were Scandinavian and Germans. Then came, Jews, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and African Americans. Their stories and that variety of cultural influences is what still makes this neighborhood special.

So where is theater by and for the residents in that mix? The Dueling Critics joined Eight Forty-Eight to provide a sense of the west side theater scene. But first, they reviewed a play in which narrative is driven by change and storytelling. New Leaf Theatre presents Lighthousekeeping at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Theater through July 17.

Music Button: Arroyo, Hernandez, Martinez, Rodriguez perform Kenny Dorham’s “Blue Bossa”