Dreams chased, dreams fulfilled: This is a classic trope of American life and literature. From a young age, we are taught to pursue our dreams no matter the cost, with the implication being that a hard-won goal is worth whatever it takes. But what if chasing a dream leads to some serious collateral damage — like the loss of love? This is precisely the situation facing Robert Charles Wilson, a Marine who became a hero at Iwo Jima and then trained as a classical opera singer. Robert relentlessly pursued his vision of becoming a famous singer — but his wife, Gwen, did not wish to join him on that journey, and the couple separated. As Robert prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his enlistment (and readies himself for his only son's visit), the memories crash over him. See the world premiere of The Montford Point Marine, staged by the Black Rep at 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday (May 27 through June 26) at the Grandel Theatre (3610 Grandel Square; 314-534-1834 or www.theblackrep.org). Tickets are $17 to $47.
Thursdays-Sundays. Starts: May 26. Continues through June 26, 2011