Subtext Premieres Chicago Immigrants, Biographical Story

A Bump On The Leg By Chicago Playwright Leigh Johnson
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 17th and continues through April 16, 2023. Performances will not be held on April 7, 8 & 9th. If you wish to interview either or both Mr. Mallon or Leigh Johnson, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 312-767-1393.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Theater, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. There are stairs but no elevator in the building. Full-priced single tickets are $30, group rates are $20.00 for a group of ten or more. Ticketing Here!
All programming is subject to change. For information, call 312-767-1393 or visit subtextnfp.org.