The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, presents four world premieres for the 14th annual Winning Works Choreographic Competition. Following the Joffrey's national call for ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) artists to submit applications for the competition, this year's winners include— Jainil Mehta, Martha Nichols, Manoela Gonçalves, Houston Thomas, and Chicago-based winner Xavier Núñez (Recipient of the Zach Lazar Winning Works Fellowship). Each will choreograph an original work for the Joffrey Academy Trainees and Studio Company, featuring a commissioned score by a chosen composer collaborator. With three additional performances added this year due to popular demand, Winning Works will be presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago's Edlis Neeson Theater (220 E. Chicago Avenue) on March 8-10 and March 15-17, 2024. Tickets for Winning Works are $30 and are currently on sale at joffrey.org/winningworks.

 "Winning Works, now in its 14th year, is one of the most impactful components of the Joffrey," says The Joffrey Ballet President and CEO Greg Cameron. "Weaving together each branch of the organization, Winning Works manifests Joffrey's commitment to ALAANA choreographers and uplifts the next generation of artists. We are especially grateful to Zach Lazar, for his stellar leadership as previous Chair of the Board and are honored to name Xavier Núñez as the Zach Lazar fellow. We also look forward to extending our stay at the MCA for an additional weekend due to the competition's growing popularity among Chicago audiences."

"Winning Works propels emerging artists forward, and, in turn, shapes the future of dance," says The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. "One of this year's winners, Houston, personifies the pipeline we have developed for artists, having started with outreach classes in our Community Engagement program, moving through our Joffrey Academy, and now presenting a world premiere for Winning Works. It is a delight to welcome Houston back to the Joffrey, in addition to working in this new capacity with Xavier, Joffrey Company Artist, while introducing Jainil, Martha, and Manoela to Chicago audiences."

"This year's program of choreographers brings an abundance of experience to the Academy students, who gain the opportunity of a lifetime to collaborate on five world premieres," adds Abbott Academy Director Suzanne Lopez. "We are incredibly fortunate to host this year's selected artists, as they collectively hold a broad spectrum of professional and academic backgrounds, individually bringing their distinct styles and artistry into the studio. Houston, Jainil, Martha, Manoela, and Xavier will unveil unique pieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art, each conveying complex ideas that speak to the concerns of our time."

ABOUT THE PROGRAM 

Manoela Gonçalves will present Ocean, a work that delves into the complexities of grief, addressing the challenges of saying goodbye to a loved one, a career, a relationship, and even oneself. The piece takes inspiration from personal experiences, Alice Phoebe Lou's lyrics, and the wisdom of Buddhist teachings on the cyclical nature of life and the metaphor of the ocean, where waves signify both the ending of life and a return to the vast, collective essence. The healing process is experienced by diving into your emotions in a transformative and, sometimes surprisingly, beautiful journey.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Gonçalves is a multi-disciplinary artist passionate about collaboration, connecting people, and weaving their unique stories into her work. After graduating from Maria Olenewa School from Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro, a scholarship was her gateway to London. During her time with the Zurich Ballett as a dancer, she created her first piece with Esther Pérez, Frida, for Young Choreographers, performed at the Zurich Opera House, where she received the Tanzpreis der Freunde des Balletts Zürich (Friends of the Ballet Zurich Award) that same year.

Last year, Gonçalves created Benteveo for the soloist Alessandro Cavallo, which received international recognition after being performed in Italy. Her work bridges the worlds of dance, film, and music through choreographing music videos for international artists, including Nightbell and Maria for Kerala Dust, in collaboration with artists from the Nederlands Dans Theater, Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal, Bayerisches Staatsballet, Ballett Zürich and many more. As a director, Gonçalves's film Lisa was featured at the San Francisco Dance Film Festival and the LA Dance Film Festival in 2021. Gonçalves' dance journey has taken her through European ballet companies, including the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, Leipziger Ballett, and Béjart Ballet in Lausanne, where she currently resides in Switzerland.

Jainil Mehta's new work explores the endless demands to consume, produce, and acquire in everyday modern life. During a recent visit with his family in India, Mehta observed the effects of striving for future material wealth on his loved ones' quality of life in the present, questioning the external factors that put pressure on their traditional way of life. With immense power and a feeling of momentum that cannot be stopped, Mehta's work contemplates whether reaching today's markers of success will ever be "enough."

Originally from Mumbai, India, Mehta is a former company dancer with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. He trained at Shiamak Davar International in Mumbai, India, for thirteen years and graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance with a Discovery Scholars Distinction. He has learned and performed works by esteemed choreographers like William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Jodie Gates, Barak Marshall, Alejandro Cerrudo, Dwight Rhoden, and Matthew Neenan. He has been featured in national press, including BBC News, Good Morning America, India Times, Brut India, Elle India, Hindustan Times, Official Humans of Bombay, and Quint, on his confidence and courage to break gender stereotypes within the Indian community. Mehta has choreographed music videos for artists such as Big Wild's "6's to 9's" and Falguni Pathak's "Jode Rahejo Raaj," in addition to teaching dance classes online and in person across India, Pakistan, China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and the United States. He was recently selected as a choreographer at the Playdate Residency, funded by the National Endowment of the Arts, and has choreographed and designed four dance productions, Ctrl Alt Delete (2023), DECODED (2018), Alankar (2017), and Chimera (2015).

Martha Nichols presents Carried by Thought, an abstract expression of our thoughts in a thinking process and how they guide us through our experiences. The work explores how thought triggers the partnership of memory and emotion, which then leads to processing, rationalizing and ends with the acceptance of both what is understood and unknown.

Nichols is the recipient of the 2021 Princess Grace, Brian, and Amy France Choreography Honor and is an award-winning choreographer, notable dancer, master teacher, and dynamic speaker. A multifaceted artist who believes dance is an experience, Nichols' credits include Spirited (Apple TV+), In The Heights the movie, The Greatest Showman, La La Land, The Louis Armstrong House Museum, The Metropolitan Opera, Khalid, Madonna, Rihanna, Moses Sumney, GAP, XBOX, Fire Island Dance Festival, Cirque Du Soleil, MTV's VMAs, The Oscars, The Grammys, Dancing with the Stars, MJ The Musical on Broadway, and more.

In addition to her work in the commercial industry, Nichols has been commissioned by Point Park University, Boston Conservatory, and Pace University, as well as directing and choreographing her first full-length evening work, The Wider Sun, with her project-based company, Martha Nichols Dance. She is the 2016 Capezio A.C.E. Award winner for choreographic excellence, one of Dance magazine's Top 25 to Watch, and can be found in numerous dance publications. Recently, Nichols wrapped as Associate Choreographer on Disney's newest live-action film, Snow White, to be released in 2024.

Xavier Núñez (Recipient of the Zach Lazar Winning Works Fellowship) takes inspiration from a large-scale digital artwork installed on State Street during the pandemic, Chamilia. The work follows the life cycle of a flower and how it grows, blooms, wilts, and leaves nutrients for the next generation. For Winning Works, Núñez translates Chamilia into a live piece made in close collaboration with the dancers of the Joffrey Conservatory, exploring the links between community, beauty, and sustainability.

Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Núñez embarked on his dance journey at age ten at The Hartt Community Dance Division in Hartford, Connecticut, becoming the first dancer in his family. He continued training at the International Ballet Academy in Cary, NC, under Miguel Campaneria in 2010. In 2012, he earned the silver medal at the World Ballet Competition, propelling him to join the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company under the guidance of Kevin McKenzie and Franco De Vita. He performed in international galas in Italy and France, performing George Balanchine's Tarantella and Alexei Ratmansky's Le Carnaval Des Animaux. Xavier's path led him to The Tulsa Ballet in 2013, where he performed in productions including The Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Cinderella. In 2017, Núñez took part in the Concours de Opera National de Paris, earning him 6th place and a contract for the 2017-2018 season with the Paris Opera Ballet.

In 2018, Núñez proudly became a member of the Joffrey Ballet, a momentous step in his career. Since then, he has been privileged to grace the stage in lead roles, performing in acclaimed productions such as Yuri Possokhov's Anna Karenina, John Neumeier's The Little Mermaid, and more. Beyond his onstage achievements, Núñez's entrepreneurial drive led him to co-found Action Lines, a video production company, with peers Dylan Gutierrez and Eric Grant.

Houston Thomas presents The Return Studies II, the next installment of a work he created for the New York Choreographic Institute in 2021 titled The Return Studies. The thematic core of the piece revolved around notions of homecoming and returning, resonating with the dancers who were re-entering studios following an 18-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Thomas, the first installment symbolized a personal return to his artistic roots at New York City's Lincoln Center, marking his reconnection after nine years of working in Europe. In The Return Studies II, Thomas delves into his homecoming journey to Chicago, revisiting the pivotal starting point of his dance journey at the Joffrey Ballet.

Born and raised in Chicago, Thomas began his dance training with the Joffrey Ballet's Outreach Program under Pierre Locket's direction. He later attended the Joffrey Ballet's Academy of Dance while also studying at the Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) under the direction of Lisa Johnson-Willingham. In 2011, Thomas enrolled full-time at the School of American Ballet. After completing his training at SAB in 2013, Houston joined the Dresden Semperoper Ballett, rising to the ranking of second soloist. After ten years with the company, Thomas decided to focus on choreography entirely, and in 2018, Thomas created his first work, Moonlit Variants, for the Semperoper Ballett's Young Choreographers evening.

In his first work for the New York Choreographic Institute in 2020, Thomas collaborated with NYCB Dancers in the film An Afternoon of Angelic Voices. Thomas created his second work with NYCI, The Return Studies, for its 2021 Fall Session, featuring NYCB dancers and SAB students. Thomas has since created works for Cincinnati Ballet, The Juilliard School, the School of American Ballet, ABT Studio Co., Hamptons Dance Project, Marcelo Gomes, and Ballet San Antonio. In July of 2022, Thomas premiered Follow the White Rabbit at the Young Emergent Choreographers Contest in Biarritz, France, winning a commission to create his work, Skywatcher, for the Opera National de Bordeaux.

Houston Thomas is generously sponsored by Patti S. Eylar.

Former winners of the Winning Works competition include Jeffrey Cirio (2016), current Lead Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet, Chanel DaSilva (2020), who choreographed a critically acclaimed world premiere for Joffrey's 2022-23 season opener Beyond Borders, Amy Hall Garner (2011), the choreographer of the free touring work for families Rita Finds Home co-produced by Joffrey and the Miami City Ballet, Stephanie Martinez (2015), a featured choreographer on the Joffrey's winter program The Times Are Racing, and Claudia Schreier (2018), Ballet Master to Juilliard President Damian Woetzel.   

The Joffrey Ballet gratefully acknowledges the generous support of 2024 Winning Works Sponsors Wilson Garling Foundation, William Blair with Joffrey Board Director Rita Spitz, Bill and Orli Staley Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ticket Information  

Tickets for Winning Works at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago's Edlis Neeson Theater are $30 and can be purchased at joffrey.org/winningworks. Performances take place on Friday, March 8 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, March 9 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 PM; and Friday, March 15 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 PM.

About The Joffrey Academy of Dance  

Founded in 2010, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, provides students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds with a world-class education built on a foundation of classical ballet.  

Based in the heart of Chicago's theater district, the 20,000-square-foot Exelon Education Center at Joffrey Tower, home to the Academy, boasts four state-of-the-art studios and facilities. In 2021, The Joffrey Ballet acquired two more state-of-the-art studios in the South Loop of Chicago.   

The Joffrey Academy received the Boeing Game Changer Award in recognition of its efforts to make dance accessible to everyone, and continuously works in collaboration with Joffrey's Community Engagement department to ensure aspiring dancers from all over the Chicago area have access to a first-class dance education.

The Joffrey Academy, located in Chicago, Illinois, is the only school that follows the organizational mission, training syllabi, and artistic vision of The Joffrey Ballet. No other program, including those holding the Joffrey name, is sanctioned by The Joffrey Ballet.  

For more information on the Joffrey Academy of Dance, the Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, and its programs, please visit joffrey.org/academy. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

CHICAGO (February 12, 2024) – Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce that LESLIE ODOM, JR. will be returning to Chicago for one night only in concert at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe) on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 pm. Ticket prices will range from $60 - $115, with a select number of premium tickets available. Groups of 10+ are now available for purchase by calling 312-977-1710 and current subscribers may add tickets to the show by calling (312) 977-1717. Single tickets for this event will go on sale this Friday, February 16. 

Leslie Odom, Jr. is a multifaceted Tony and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy and two-time Academy Award-nominated vocalist, songwriter, actor, and New York Times bestselling author. With a career that spans all performance genres, Odom has received recognition for his excellence and achievements in Broadway, television, film, and music. Most recently, Odom made his long-awaited return to Broadway starring in, and co-producing, the new Broadway production of the classic American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by the legendary Ossie Davis, which opened in September 2023 to widespread critical acclaim. Additionally, he stars in the highly anticipated sequel to the original iconic film The Exorcist for Blumhouse and Universal Pictures out October 6, 2023. Odom recently starred in Rian Johnson's 2022 Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which broke records for Netflix and is currently streaming worldwide. In 2020, he starred as legendary singer Sam Cooke in the award-winning Amazon film adaptation of One Night in Miami..., directed by Regina King. His critically acclaimed and highly lauded portrayal of the soul icon and musical performance of original song "Speak Now" earned him multiple awards and nominations. He also starred in The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel to David Chase's award-winning HBO series The Sopranos, released in October 2021. Well known for his breakout role as 'Aaron Burr' in the smash hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Odom hosted "The Tony Awards Present: Broadway's Back!" on CBS in September 2021 (2022 Emmy nomination). Additional film and television credits include Apple TV+'s Central Park (2020 Emmy nomination), Hamilton on Disney+ (2021 Emmy nomination), Abbott Elementary, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Love in the Time of Corona, Harriet, and many more. Co-written with Nicolette Robinson, Odom's first children's book, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know, was published by Feiwel & Friends on March 28, 2023. The book debuted on the New York Times bestseller list at #7 in its first week. Odom is a BMG recording artist and has released five full-length albums. Released in November 2023, Odom's fifth full-length album and his first of all-new original music since 2019, When A Crooner Dies, features a collection of 10 newly penned, original tracks that mark his most personal body of music to date.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets will go on sale this Friday, February 16. Ticket prices will range from $60 - $115, with a select number of premium tickets available. Groups of 10+ are now available for purchase by calling 312-977-1710 and current subscribers may add tickets to the show by calling (312) 977-1717. Please visit BroadwayInChicago.com for more details and schedule. 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM (CT)

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Tickets for the Chicago world premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER go on sale tomorrow and will run for a limited five-week engagement, April 30 – June 2, 2024, at Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL). Ticket prices will range from $33.00 to $113.00 with a select number of premium seats available. The performance schedule and additional ticket information are below.

The Pre-Broadway World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER starring Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty (Wicked, Smash) as "Madeline Ashton" and Jennifer Simard (Company, Disaster), as "Helen Sharp", based on the classic 1992 film, is a drop-dead hilarious new musical comedy about friendship, love, and burying the hatchet...again, and again, and again.

Madeline Ashton is the most beautiful actress (just ask her) ever to grace the stage and screen. Helen Sharp is the long-suffering author (just ask her) who lives in her shadow. They have always been the best of frenemies... until Madeline steals Helen's fiancé away. As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that's to die for. After one sip of Viola's magical potion, Madeline and Helen begin a new era of life (and death) with their youth and beauty restored... and a grudge to last eternity.

DEATH BECOMES HER features an original score by Noel Carey and Julia Mattison, a book by Marco Pennette, and music supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell. DEATH BECOMES HER will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli.

The design team for DEATH BECOMES HER includes Derek McLane (Sets), Paul Tazewell (Costumes), Justin Townsend (Lights), Peter Hylenski (Sound), Rob Lake (Illusions), Charles LaPointe (Hair & Wigs), Joe Dulude II (Makeup), Ben Cohn (Music Director), and Tara Rubin Casting (Casting).

Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

DEATH BECOMES HER is produced by Universal Theatrical Group (UTG), overseen by Jimmy Horowitz (Chairman of Business Affairs and Operations, NBCUniversal), and led by Chris Herzberger (Senior Vice President, Universal Theatrical Group). UTG's Vice President of Creative Development and Production, Lowe Cunningham, oversees on behalf of UTG.

DEATH BECOMES HER is based on the Universal Pictures film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by David Koepp and Martin Donovan. For more information visit: DeathBecomesHer.com.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for DEATH BECOMES HER will go on sale tomorrow and range in price from $33.00 to $113.00 with a select number of premium seats available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday and Wednesday performances are at 7:30 pm with Wednesday matinees at 2:00 pm on May 15, 22 & 29; Thursday, Friday, & Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm with Saturday matinees 2:00 pm on May 11, 18, 25 & 6/1; Sunday performances are at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on May 5 & May 12; 5:00 pm on May 19; 2:00 pm on May 26; and 2 pm on June 2. For more information visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT UNIVERSAL THEATRICAL GROUP

Universal Theatrical Group (UTG) is the live theater division of the world-famous motion picture studio. UTG, which oversees both Universal Stage Productions and DreamWorks Theatricals, is currently represented by the record-breaking musical phenomenon Wicked, soon celebrating its 20th smash-hit year on Broadway. Wicked has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide, making it one of the most successful theatrical ventures of all time. In 2008, Universal's musical adaptation of Billy Elliot opened on Broadway and went on to win ten Tony Awards including Best Musical. Universal also produced the Tony-nominated Broadway productions of Bring It On: The Musical and Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn with Roundabout Theatre Company. DreamWorks Theatricals, which became part of UTG in 2016, was formed to develop live entertainment inspired by the studio's acclaimed library of animated films, including the Tony-winning musical adaptation of Shrek and the West End production of The Prince of Egypt. 

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop, including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago  #broadwayinchicago

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the cast and production team for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, starring Tony Award-nominated Sean Allan Krill and Broadway’s Kathy Voytko, Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m., at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. This concert performance includes music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine and is directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber and music directed by David Fiorello. Tickets are now on sale with a $150 subscription to Porchlight’s 29th season that also includes Anything Goes starring Meghan Murphy, now playing through February 25. Single tickets for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George ($75 - $125, subject to change) are on sale at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by phone with the Studebaker Theater box office at 312-753-3210. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday.

Porchlight celebrates the 40th Anniversary of one of Stephen Sondheim’s most beloved works with a new special event concert staging. Audiences will experience Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer-, Tony- and Oliver-winning musical masterpiece with the original Broadway orchestrations performed by musicians live on stage with an all-star cast at Chicago's historic and beautifully restored Studebaker Theater. Based on Georges Seurat's painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” which is on display just down the street from the Studebaker Theatre at the Art Institute of Chicago, this limited engagement brings to life the rich score telling the story of the months leading to the completion of Seurat’s famous work in 1886 and the effects of the artist and the art on people over the following 100 years.

The cast includes: Sean Allan Krill (he/him, Georges Seurat/George) and Kathy Voytko (she/hers, Dot/Marie) and in alphabetical order, Neala Barron (she/her, female ensemble swing); Bella Branshaw (she/her, Louise); Daniel de Cranie-Pierre (he/him, Boatman/Charles Redmond); Devin DeSantis (he/him, Jules/Bob Greenberg); Billy Dwyer (he/him, male ensemble swing; Andres Enriquez (he/him, Mr/Lee Randolph); Veronica Garza (she/her, Nurse/Mrs/Harriet Pawling); Tiyanna Gentry (she/her, Celeste #1 /Waitress); Cory Goodrich (she/her, Yvonne/Naomi Eisen); Cecilia Iole (she/her, Celeste #2/Elaine); Samuel B. Jackson (he/him, Franz /Dennis); Chris Khoshaba (he/him, Soldier/Alex); Iris Lieberman (she/her, Old Lady/Blair Daniels); Chamaya Moody (she/her, Frieda/Betty) and David Moreland (he/him, Louis/Billy Webster).

The creative team includes: Michael Weber (he/him, director); David Fiorello (he/him, music director/conductor); Rachel West (she/her, lighting designer & lighting director); Matthew R. Chase (he/him, sound designer); Bill Walters (he/him, stage manager); Drew Donnelly (he/him, asst. stage manager); Taylor Stageberg (she/they, asst. stage manager); John McTaggart (he/him, technical director); Tina Stasny (she/her, costume director); Samantha Anderson (she/they, assistant lighting supervisor/spot 2); Matt Reich (he/him, audio/ video director); Jack Zanger (he/him, wardrobe supervisor); Amanda May (she/her, hair & makeup supervisor); Heather Lynn Gervasi (she/her, production manager); Majel Cuza (she/her, director of production) and Frankie Leo Bennett (he/him, producing artistic associate).

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S 29th SEASON

Porchlight’s 29th season includes Anything Goes, January 13 - February 25, at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St.  and Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m. at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. As well as the Cole Porter Festival - A Celebration of the Man and his Music and the return of Porchlight’s special fundraising event, Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II,  Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at the House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn St. Subscriptions are on sale now for $150 which includes Anything Goes and Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George. Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II may be added to the subscription at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or 773.777.9884.

Performances, dates and participants are subject to change.

ABOUT SEAN ALLAN KRILL, “Georges Seurat/George”

Sean Allan Krill was most recently seen on Broadway as “Governor Slaton” in the Tony-winning revival of Parade. In 2020, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as “Steve Healy” in Jagged Little Pill. The cast recording of the critically-acclaimed musical received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Other Broadway credits include Honeymoon in Vegas, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever and Mamma Mia!. Off-Broadway: Joan of Arc: Into the Fire and The Brother/Sister Plays (The Public), Civil War Christmas (NY Theatre Workshop), Hit the Wall (Barrow Street Theatre). Regional: Sunday in the Park with George (Chicago Shakespeare and Skylight), Sense and Sensibility (Chicago Shakespeare - Jeff Award nomination & Old Globe - Craig Noel Award), Sideways (La Jolla Playhouse), Hot L Baltimore (Steppenwolf), Hamlet and Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare), Brigadoon (Marriott - Jeff Award nomination). Tours: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mamma Mia! TV: “Dopesick," “Godfather of Harlem,” “Search Party," “Dr. Death," “Mr. Robot,” “Blacklist," “Blue Bloods," "Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld." Film: “Intermedium.”

ABOUT KATHY VOYTKO, “Dot/Marie”

Kathy Voytko made national news when Hugh Jackman praised her in a curtain speech that went viral, for jumping into the lead role of "Marian Paroo" (played by Sutton Foster) with only a few hours’ notice on the fourth Broadway preview of The Music Man.

Her Broadway debut was in the original cast of the Oklahoma! revival, starring Andrea Martin and Patrick Wilson. She then performed in the Tony Award-winning Nine starring Antonio Banderas and Chita Rivera. Voytko originated the role of "Ariadne" in Stephen Sondheim’s The Frogs opposite Nathan Lane at Lincoln Center. She appeared on Broadway in The Pirate Queen, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal, the 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and the original Broadway cast of Tuck Everlasting.

She toured the United States as "Christine" in The Phantom of the Opera and was chosen by the legendary Hal Prince to play "Eva Peron" in the 25th anniversary tour of Evita. She was a frequent soloist in Boublil and Schonberg’s dream concert Do You Hear The People Sing? on its international tour, alongside Lea Salonga and Terence Mann. She was also a soloist in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber on its USA tour.

At Carnegie Hall, Voytko sang in Oscar Hammerstein & Jerome Kern’s Showboat and also in the live concert recording of Kristina by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. The company then reprised the concert live at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

She is a featured soloist with symphonies across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. She has portrayed "Clara" in Passion, "Fantine" in Les Miserables and Fiona in Brigadoon. She was honored with her first Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Musical as “Polly” in Crazy for You and her second as "Francesca" in The Bridges of Madison County and considers beautiful Chicago her alternate hometown.

She earned a BFA in musical theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory and grew up in lovely Johnstown, PA. She is married to Broadway and opera singer John Cudia; they are the proud parents of Alena and Evelyn.

ABOUT MICHAEL WEBER, director

Michael Weber is a nationally recognized, award-winning director, producer, actor and educator. He recently directed the Off-Broadway and European premieres of Call Me Elizabeth written by and starring Kayla Boye as Elizabeth Taylor. Under his artistic leadership, Porchlight Music Theatre was awarded Chicago’s Jeff Award for “Best Production” six times for A Class Act, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Sondheim on Sondheim, The Scottsboro Boys, Dreamgirls and Blues in the Night. Porchlight productions that he directed, include Cabaret, Gypsy, End of the Rainbow, Sweeney Todd, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Pal Joey, Assassins and Side Show, as well as Grand Hotel at Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place and She Loves Me at Theatre at the Center were each nominated for the Jeff Award for Best Production. He previously served as artistic director for the inaugural season of Chicago’s Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place (now Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse) and at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana (1998-2004). Directing credits include Living the History-125 Years of The Auditorium Theatre starring Patti LuPone and John Mahoney, Fifth of July and Talley’s Folly at the Oak Park Festival Theatre, The Petrified Forest at Theatre at the Center, Beauty and the Beast at Marriott Theatre, Over the River and Through the Woods at Mercury Theater, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Pheasant Run Theatre, and Cirque du Symphony at Sears Center Arena featuring stars of Cirque du Soleil with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards, he has been nominated for nine awards and he wrote and directed 14 Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremonies (2006-2018). Weber’s regional acting credits include The Merry Widow (starring Renée Fleming) at Lyric Opera, Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy (both starring Patti LuPone) at Ravinia Festival, The Winter’s Tale and Henry V at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Around the World in 80 Days at Cleveland Playhouse, Disney’s My Son Pinocchio at First Stage Milwaukee, It Had To Be You (starring Cindy Williams and Eddie Mekka) at Little Theatre on the Square, Angel Street at First Folio Shakespeare, and The Gifts of the Magi at Indiana Repertory. He is author of the play, WAR of the WELLeS (about Orson Welles’ infamous radio broadcast) and he is a longtime pledge host for PBS station WTTW channel 11.

ABOUT DAVID FIORELLO, music director

David Fiorello is a music director, performer, director, composer and arranger who’s no stranger to Porchlight. He is the music director for the upcoming Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II and has served as music director most recently for Chicago Sings Broadway Pop, New Faces Sing Broadway 1951, Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree and previously for Porchlight’s Blues in the Night, Gypsy, Do Re Mi, Woman of the Year, several seasons of New Faces Sing Broadway as well as several Chicago Sings and ICONS Gala benefits. He also appeared onstage as “Joe” in Merrily We Roll Along. Fiorello currently serves as founder and artistic director of “The Beautiful City Project,” a theatre company committed to raising funds for local Chicago charities and nonprofits, using some of the city’s finest musical theatre talents. He’s music directed national and international tours, including John Doyle’s re-imagining of Sweeney Todd. He also served as music director for the Off-Broadway hit Danny & Sylvia: The Danny Kaye Musical. His orchestrations and arrangements have been heard across the nation, and on several albums. He’s taught and directed/music directed as part of the International Lyric Academy in Italy and is adjunct faculty at Columbia College Chicago. An in-demand vocal coach, Fiorello Studios has also provided unique cabaret programming featuring the music of The Indigo Girls, Jason Mraz, Kelly Clarkson, Eva Cassidy, Sara Bareilles and Colbie Caillat.

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Through live performance, youth education and community outreach, we impact thousands of lives each season, bringing the magic of musicals to our theatre home at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast and to neighborhoods across the city. Porchlight has built a national reputation for boldly reimagining classic musicals supporting new works and young performers, and showcasing Chicago’s most notable music theatre artists, all through the intimate and powerful theatrical lens of the “Chicago Style.”

Porchlight's 29-year history includes more than 70 mainstage works with 16 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Porchlight’s commitment to the past, present and future of music theatre led the company to develop the Porchlight Revisits and New Faces Sing Broadway program series, both quickly becoming audience favorites.

Porchlight's education and outreach programs serve schools, youth of all ages and skill levels and community organizations, most notably the ongoing collaboration with Chicago Youth Centers. Porchlight annually awards dozens of full scholarships and hundreds of free tickets to ensure accessibility and real engagement with this uniquely American art form.

The company’s many honors include 192 Joseph Jefferson Award (Jeff) nominations and 48 Jeff awards, as well as 44 Black Theatre Alliance (BTA) nominations and 12 BTA awards. In 2019, Porchlight graduated to the Large Theatre tier of the Equity Jeff Awards, and was honored with eight nominations in both technical and artistic categories and won three awards in its inaugural year in this tier, most notably Best Ensemble for Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies.

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the cast and production team for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, starring Tony Award-nominated Sean Allan Krill and Broadway’s Kathy Voytko, Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m., at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. This concert performance includes music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine and is directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber and music directed by David Fiorello. Tickets are now on sale with a $150 subscription to Porchlight’s 29th season that also includes Anything Goes starring Meghan Murphy, now playing through February 25. Single tickets for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George ($75 - $125, subject to change) are on sale at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by phone with the Studebaker Theater box office at 312-753-3210. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday.

Porchlight’s 2023-2024 season is dedicated to Jim Jensen in recognition of his outstanding generosity and 12 years of dedicated board service to Porchlight Music Theatre.

Lifeline Theatre continues their 2023-24 season of Big Stories, Up Close with a retelling of Native Son. Spearheaded by Lifeline Artistic Director ILesa Duncan (Middle Passage, Neverwhere,) audiences will experience Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley's "gutsy, powerful, and relentless" adaptation of Richard Wright's powerful introspection on race and justice like never before.

Set in Chicago's South Side during the 1930's, the play follows 20-year-old Bigger Thomas struggling to realize his dreams in a world that has shut him out. After taking a job in a wealthy white man's house, Bigger unintentionally unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate. Based on a true murder case, Nambi E. Kelley's adaptation is a powerful and suspenseful re-telling of Richard Wright's novel. Lifeline is producing the play on the 10th anniversary of its original staging and captures the power and suspense of the original work for a whole new generation. Native Son runs at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. in Rogers Park, from May 10 – June 30, 2024.

"It's an exciting challenge to delve into Nambi's fiercely passionate, highly theatrical adaptation a decade after its Court/American Blues Theatre debut," says ILesa Duncan. "Kelley deftly crafts a riveting experience of Bigger's journey that is both contemporary and historic."

Native Son

Based on the novel by Richard Wright

Adapted by Nambi E. Kelley

Directed by Lifeline Theatre artistic director Ilesa Duncan

May 10 – June 30, 2024

Regular tickets $45; preview tickets $25

Previews: Fridays, May 10 and May 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, May 11 and May 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, May 12 and May 19 at 2:30 p.m.

Press Preview: Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. Opening night: Monday, May 20, 2024 at 7:00pm.

Regular Run: May 24 – June 30, 2024: Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets to Native Son are on sale athttps://lifelinetheatre.com/performances/2023-2024/native-son/ Season memberships for the 2023-2024 are also available now. To purchase season memberships or for more information call the Lifeline Theatre Box Office at 773-761-4477, or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.

ABOUT LIFELINE THEATRE
Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. Lifeline is easily accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/buses) and free parking is available at Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave, lot located on the corner of Albion and Bosworth) with free shuttle service before and after the show. Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs. 

Founded in 1982, Lifeline Theatre is known for staging innovative adaptations of great works of fiction as well as commissioning original work. In 1987, Lifeline Theatre added KidSeries plays for children and families, and has been producing full seasons of programming for both adults and children ever since.  Over the course of forty seasons and over two hundred productions, Lifeline Theatre has made not only an indelible mark on the Chicago theater scene, but an invaluable contribution to the theater world at large. Lifeline's dedicated artistic ensemble has developed one hundred and forty-six world premiere literary adaptations and original plays, nearly forty of which have had a life beyond their Lifeline premieres, with over three hundred subsequent productions spread across over forty U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, plus productions in England, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, and Guatemala. Additionally, four scripts developed at Lifeline Theatre have gone on to U.S. national tours, and over a dozen have been published. Lifeline Theatre has garnered a total of fifty-three Jeff Awards (Equity and Non-Equity), including sixteen for New Adaptation, New Musical, or New Work.

Trap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its Trap Open Series with the show The Delivery. Written by Charlotte Jung, The Delivery will play February 12-20, 2024 at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W Cortland St. in Chicago. Tickets are now on sale at trapdoortheatre.com or by calling (773)-384-0494.

Full press release attached.

The cast includes Amy Jean Johnson, Juliana Liscio †, Emily Nichelson*, and Rio Ragazzone.

Sorting through an endless sea of boxes, Luce confronts her intense memories and unruly inner life locked up and stored away until now. A co-production with The Inclusive Playwright Project, The Delivery is an absurdist play touching on themes like fear, resistance and emancipation.

* Indicates Trap Door Theatre Company Member

† Indicates Inclusive Playwrights Project Member

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Location: Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland St. Chicago, IL 60622

Dates: Monday, February 12 - Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Curtain Times: Mondays and Tuesdays at 8PM.

Tickets: $15. Tickets are currently available at https://trapdoor.ticketleap.com/the-delivery-presented-by-the-trap-open-series/ or by calling (773) 384-0494.

Accessibility: The Monday, February 19th performance will include Audio Description and Open Captioning.

Jackalope Theatre Company is proud to announce its 16th season to be performed at its new home in Edgewater, Berger Park, 6205 N. Broadway Ave. The 2024 season includes the previously announced one-man thriller in rhyme, The Smuggler, February 16 – March 16, by Ronán Noone, directed by Gus Menary and starring Andrew Burden Swanson and shares the second production in the season, the world premiere of The Singularity Play, May 18 – June 22, by Jay Stull and directed by Georgette Verdin. Season subscriptions may be purchased for $55 with single tickets starting at $15. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now at JackalopeTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 773.340.2543.

“We’re thrilled to announce Jackalope’s 16th Season of plays, both housed at Chicago Park District’s Berger Park Coach House,” Artistic Director Kaiser Ahmed said of Season 16. “I'm incredibly excited to share these surprising and thought-provoking premieres with our Chicago audiences. The company's commitment to producing new works remains as unflinching as these two sharply written scripts. Come experience the awe up close in the intimate lakeside black box theater we now call home." 

Jackalope Theatre’s 16th season includes:

CHICAGO PREMIERE

The Smuggler

February 16 – March 16, 2024

Written by Ronán Noone

Directed by Gus Menary

Starring Andrew Burden Swanson

Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

Previews: Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $15-35

The Smuggler is a thriller in rhyme. It is 2024. Tim Finnegan is a clever and enterprising Irish immigrant tending bar on the island of Amity, an affluent summer enclave off the coast of Massachusetts. When his child falls ill and he loses his job, Tim is drawn into the dark world that exists only in the shadows of the wealthy island. One part “Breaking Bad,” one part Beowulf, The Smuggler is a ripping modern yarn of corruption, morality and giant rats that asks what it means to call yourself a "Citizen.”

WORLD PREMIERE

The Singularity Play 

May 18 – June 22, 2024

Written by Jay Stull

Directed by Georgette Verdin

Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

Previews: Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m., Monday, May 20 and Wednesday May 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets: $15-35

In an unused room at the Google offices in Manhattan, a theater troupe has gathered to rehearse a new play written by an advanced AI named "Denise." In an art that relies so substantially upon our human-ness, what does it mean to cede the stage to artificial intelligence? Who are we when reflected by the intelligence we’ve created?

ABOUT RONÁN NOONE, PLAYWRIGHT THE SMUGGLER

Ronán Noone (he/him) believes in playing with a myriad of elements to find the right way to tell a good story; a necessary story that tells us who we are, where we have been and where we are going. He believes in stories that resonate beyond the theatre’s door and that add ideas to the national conversation. He believes in the playwright as a thinker traveling in the direction of their fear. His play The Smuggler won the Best Playwright award at the 1st Irish Festival of New York in January of 2019. The Second Girl (Thirst) was the inaugural winner of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) Excellence in Playwriting Award (2015) and an Edgerton Award winner in 2014. Additional plays include The Atheist, Brendan, Scenes from an Adultery, The Lepers of Baile Baiste, The Blowin of Baile Gall, The Gigolo of Baile Breag (The Baile Trilogy), The Compass Rose, Little Black Dress and A Small Death.

ABOUT GUS MENARY, DIRECTOR THE SMUGGLER

Gus Menary (he/him) Most recently, Gus directed David Greig's adaptation of Stanislaw Lem's Solaris at Book-It Repertory Theatre in Seattle, where he served as Artistic Director. While there, he oversaw the pivot to audio plays during the COVID shutdown and produced world-premiere audio adaptations of authors such as Octavia E. Butler, N.K. Jemisin, and Oscar Wilde. As part of Book-It’s return to the stage, he produced world-premiere stage adaptations of Amy Tan’s The Bonesetter’s Daughter and Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, as well as many other modern adaptations. As director, he led the productions of Julian Glover’s Beowulf and Bilal Dardai's world-premiere adaptation of Jamyang Norbu's The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes. Previously, he served as the Artistic Director of Jackalope Theatre. Under his leadership, Jackalope produced world-premieres by Ike Holter (Prowess and The Light Fantastic), Lloyd Suh (Franklinland), Idris Goodwin (The Raid), and Calamity West (In the Canyon, Rolling), among many other national and regional premieres. Onstage, he directed Aaron Loeb's Ideation, Kenneth Lin's Life On Paper, Shawn Reddy's My Name is Mudd, Andrew Swanson's Lunacy! and Moonshiner, and Ike Holter's The Light Fantastic and Exit Strategy.  

ABOUT JAY STULL, PLAYWRIGHT THE SINGULARITY PLAY

Jay Stull(he/him )is a theater-maker from New York City. His work has been developed or produced by Ars Nova, The Alliance Theater, The Amoralists, The Bloomington Playwrights Project, New York City Center Off Center, the New Light Theater Project, New York Theatre Workshop, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, the Gym at Judson, PlayCo, Roundabout, The Tank and the Theater, Dance, and Media concentration (TDM) at Harvard College. His written work has been supported by Yaddo, the New York Foundation for the Arts and the New York State Council for the Arts and the Sewanee Writers’ Conference. He is an alumnus of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, The Civilians R&D Group and the Early Career Directing Fellowship at Clubbed Thumb. MFA: Columbia. 

ABOUT GEORGETTE VERDIN, DIRECTOR THE SINGULARITY PLAY

Georgette Verdin (she/her) is a Cuban-American freelance director, the associate artistic director of Northlight Theatre and a member of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. Recent directing credits include: Dial M for Murder (Northlight Theatre); the revival of Night Watch (Raven Theatre); the United States. premiere of The Writer (Steep Theatre); the world premieres of A Mile in The Dark (Interrobang Theatre Project/Rivendell Theatre Ensemble); Enough to Let the Light In (Teatro Vista); Chagall in School (Grippo Stage Company) and Spay (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble). Verdin is a three-time Jeff nominated director and was the 2022 Michael Maggio Directing Fellow at Goodman Theatre. From 2015-2023, she served as artistic director of Interrobang Theatre Project, an award-winning storefront theatre known for gutsy productions that tackled socially-relevant issues. She was profiled in NewCity’s 2023 “Players: Who Really Performs for Chicago Right Now” and in Chicago Reader’s “Best of Chicago 2022.” She is an associate member with Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

ABOUT JACKALOPE THEATRE

Jackalope Theatre Company expands the definition of American Identity by engaging with communities to produce works that celebrate diverse perspectives. Jackalope is a premier home for new and exciting Off-Loop Theatre based in Chicago's Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. They are committed to cultivating new voices that contribute to an expanding American culture and mythology. Each season, Jackalope produces full-length plays, new play development programming and provides free classes in partnership with the Chicago Park District.

Ronnie Marmo and Theatre 68 today announced two plays coming to the Richard Christiansen Theater of the Biograph Theater in Lincoln Park (2433 N. Lincoln Ave.). The critically acclaimed "Bill W. and Dr. Bob," the gripping true story spotlighting the two founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, is written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey. Marmo will be directing and starring in the Chicago production, alongside a cast of local actors, with performances beginning March 7. 

Marmo is also reviving his smash hit "I'm Not a Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce," written by and starring Marmo and directed by Joe Mantegna, at the Biograph Theater beginning March 14.  The two shows will run in repertory.  

About "Bill W. and Dr. Bob"  

In 1929, famous New York stockbroker Bill Wilson crashes along with the stock market and becomes a hopeless drunk. Dr. Bob Smith, a surgeon from Ohio, has also been an alcoholic for 30 years, often going into the operating room with a hangover. Through an astonishing series of events, the two meet and form a relationship, each helping the other to stay sober. The play tells the remarkable and humorous story of the two men who pioneered Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as the story of their wives, who founded Al Anon.

Artfully illustrating the two men's journey from the pain and isolation of alcoholism to the hope and inspiration they find in sobriety and helping others, the play originally opened at the New World Stages off-Broadway in New York, to outstanding critical acclaim and has been staged over 350 times across theaters, AA conventions and special engagements over the last two decades.

"I have been going to Alcoholics Anonymous since I was 17 years old, and I know that the organization saved my life," said Marmo. "The story of the founders is profound and meaningful, and the work that they did together has transformed the lives of millions since the 1930s. I'm very proud to share this story with Chicago audiences." 

Variety called the show "a remarkable story... By sheer dint of intelligent writing, a leavening of humor and the innate power of its biographical storytelling, this play touches its audience." LA Weekly hailed Marmo's direction, saying it "sensitively guides the action," while Backstage West raved "passion is felt in the urgency, honesty, and power of this simple staging." The production was also described as "an endearing portrait of friendship uplifted by warm humor" by The New Yorker, with the Huffington Post calling it "a reminder that there is power in community."

The play is written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey and is produced and directed by Ronnie Marmo. Janelle Marmo is the assistant director. The set is designed by Danny Cistone with lighting by Mathew Richter. Other cast members will be announced at a future date.  

About "I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce" 

Written by Ronnie Marmo, directed by multi award-winning actor and director Joe Mantegna, and produced in partnership with Lenny Bruce's daughter Kitty Bruce, "I'm Not A Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce" tells the story of the life and early passing of one of the most legendary comedians of all time. The play opened to rave reviews in Chicago in October 2019 and was subsequently presented at the Mercury Theater's Venus Cabaret Theater space before embarking on a national tour. Chris Jones with the Chicago Tribune raved "even the most devoted Bruce fan will leave impressed with Marmo," and WTTW called the play "brilliant" and "furiously funny," while the Daily Herald described it as "striking." Celebrated Chicago actress Bonnie Hunt said, "Ronnie Marmo delights as he channels Lenny Bruce. A thoughtful authenticity in performance, direction and script." 

An undisputed comic legend, Lenny Bruce was one of the greatest performers of the 20^th century.  His life and work have had an impact on poetry, politics, music, film and of course, comedy. Bruce's tempestuous personal and professional life was marked by great passion and great pain. His unwavering commitment to free speech led to numerous obscenity charges and arrests. No stranger to Chicago, Bruce was arrested for obscenity for his performance at The Gate of Horn in December 1962. Bruce fought for freedom of speech all the way to the Supreme Court. He died of an accidental overdose in 1966 while out on appeal. Bruce has not yet been surpassed at his particular brand of comedy; and if he were around today, he would be in as much trouble as when he was alive.  

"I'm Not a Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce" runs approximately 90 minutes, explores mature themes and includes strong language and brief nudity.  

"Chicago audiences have been tremendously supportive of this play, and I'm happy that there is a continued interest in celebrating the genius and lasting legacy of Lenny Bruce," said Marmo. "Lenny's voice continues to resonate, as he addressed so many issues that we continue to grapple with today. Over 50 years since his passing, all of the issues Lenny was fighting for are still so relevant and even radical today. 
 

Tickets for the two plays range in price from $69 to $79 and go on sale Friday, Jan. 26 at www.lennybruceonstage.com and www.billwanddrbobonstage.com respectively.

 
About Ronnie Marmo 

Ronnie Marmo is currently on a National Tour and just celebrated six years and 438 performances of his critically acclaimed show, "I'm Not A Comedian... I'm Lenny Bruce". Marmo is an acclaimed playwright, director and actor who has starred in more than 60 feature films and television shows, most recently guest starring on "Criminal Minds" and "Lethal Weapon." He also starred in "Ammore E Malavita (Love and Bullets)," an Italian musical film which won the David di Donatello for best picture (the Italian equivalent to an Academy Award). Other credits include "Back in the Day" (streaming on Netflix now), "Deuces Wild," "Crocodile Dundee in LA," "West Of Brooklyn," "Pizza With Bullets," "Truck 20's Location," "Death Of A Tree," "Irish Eyes (aka Vendetta)," and "Limbo Lounge." He has guest starred in several hit television shows including "JAG" and "The Young and The Restless." He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor by the Indie Soap Awards for his role as Crotch in the series, "Adults Only." Marmo enjoyed a three-year run on ABC's "General Hospital" as Ronnie Dimestico. On stage, he has starred in more than 40 plays. Marmo recently completed the audiobook in which he portrays Lenny Bruce in Lenny's autobiography, "How to Talk Dirty and Influence People." He continues to serve as the Artistic Director of Theatre 68 (68 Cent Crew Theatre Company) in Los Angeles and New York City.  

Emery Entertainment, Inc. and Broadway In Chicago are excited to announce that CHURCHILL, starring acclaimed actor David Payne, will play a strictly limited engagement at Broadway In Chicago's Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St) from April 3 to April 7, 2024. Tickets for all shows are now on sale, priced at $75.00. Groups of 10 or more may book now by calling (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Broadway In Chicago subscribers may add the show by logging onto their season ticket account. Please visit BroadwayInChicago.com for more details. The performance schedule is below.

Winston Churchill has just been awarded honorary US citizenship by President John F. Kennedy. In recognition of this unprecedented occasion, The American-Oxford Society has asked the former Prime Minister to address them and discuss what this honor means to him.

In this often funny, sometimes touching, and always engaging one-man-show, veteran British actor David Payne brings Churchill to life onstage. Audiences will be delighted to hear of his exploits during the Boer War, his constant battles with Britain's fellow politicians, his special relationship with America and America's presidents. But most telling of all, Churchill enlightens the audience with intimate and touching details of the two special women in his life—his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth.

With elements of The Crown and The Darkest Hour, David Payne once again gives audiences an opportunity to spend an evening with one of the greatest historical figures in the world—Sir Winston Churchill.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE                                         

Wednesday        April       3                              1:30 PM

Wednesday        April       3                              7:00 PM

Thursday            April       4                              7:00 PM

Friday                 April       5                              7:00 PM

Saturday             April       6                              2:00 PM

Saturday             April       6                              7:30 PM

Sunday               April       7                              1:30 PM

Sunday               April       7                              6:00 PM

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway Classic, PETER PAN will go on sale on Friday, January 26. PETER PAN takes flight at Broadway In Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) for a limited two-week engagement, March 26 – April 7.

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill) with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play, What Would Crazy Horse Do?) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, The Who's Tommy).

"PETER PAN is one of the great treasures of the American Musical Theatre," said Lonny Price. "The show nurtures and inspires the imagination of its audience and reminds us to keep alive the child within us all."  

"I am thrilled to be part of bringing PETER PAN to life for a new generation," said Larissa FastHorse. "If you loved this musical before, you will still see the show that enchanted you, while discovering a PETER PAN that everyone can enjoy, without harm, for many years to come." 

The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including "I'm Flying", "I Gotta Crow", "I Won't Grow Up" and "Neverland." PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning - your entire family will be Hooked!  

Based on Sir James M. Barrie's classic tale and originally directed, choreographed, and adapted by Broadway legend Jerome Robbins, PETER PAN features an iconic and unforgettable score by Morris (Moose) Charlap; lyrics by Carolyn Leigh; additional lyrics by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, and Amanda Green; and additional music by Jule Styne. 

Nolan Almeida will play the iconic role of Peter Pan. An Orange County, California native, Nolan was most recently seen as Crutchie in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals and was featured in Christmas on Repeat on Hulu. Joining him will be Cody Garcia as Captain Hook, who most recently starred as Willy Wonka in the national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as Buddy in Elf; Emerson College graduate Hawa Kamara as Wendy; and acclaimed recording artist Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily.

Director Lonny Price is thrilled to introduce Nolan Almeida as the high-flying Peter Pan. "Nolan embodies all the beautiful contradictions of Peter. He's an extraordinarily gifted young actor, a wonderful singer and nothing short of magical. Cody Garcia as Captain Hook is utterly modern, surprising and one of the most engaging actors I've ever worked with."

"I also want to celebrate Hawa Kamara, making her professional debut as Wendy! A wildly charismatic young actress, who's as talented as she is beautiful. And rounding out this sensational group is Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily - brilliant multi-faceted recording artist and actress. This company is simply going to blow people away and I cannot wait for audiences across the country to fall in love with each of them."

The full cast is completed by Shefali Deshpande as Mrs. Darling, Kurt Perry as Smee, William Foon and Micah Turner Lee alternate as John, and Reed Epley and Jayden Guarneri alternate as Michael. The ensemble includes Charles Antenen, Jonah Barricklo, Eric Allen Boyd, Christina Hélène Braa, Brandon Gille, Ryan Perry Marks, Michael Marrero, Kenny Ramos, Hannah Schmidt, and Kiara Williams. The swings are Tony Collins, Bailey Frankenberg, Leo Gallegos, and Cheyenne Omani.

PETER PAN is directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa FastHorse, choreography by Lorin Latarro and flight choreography by Paul Rubin, with music supervision and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn, and dance arrangements by David Dabbon. The national tour has scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Kai Harada, projections by David Bengali, hair & make-up design by J. Jared Janas, fight direction by Rick Sordelet & Christian Kelly-Sordelet, and "Tinker Bell" design by Paul Kieve. The Associate Director is Matt Cowart and the Associate Choreographer is Travis Waldschmidt, with casting by ARC/Duncan Stewart, CSA and additional casting by Michael Donovan Casting. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International. The tour is produced by NETworks Presentations.

The PETER PAN tour is conducted by Jonathan Marro. The stage management team is led by Ashlynn Abbott with Kendall Stevens. The company management team is led by Luke Meyer with Kyle Hess.

Please follow the flight at:  

peterpanontour.com 

Instagram: @PeterPantheMusical 

Facebook: @PeterPanTheBroadwayMusical 

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PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (with a Wednesday matinee at 1:00 p.m. on April 3), Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (with an additional performance on Sunday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m.)

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for PETER PAN will go on-sale to the public on Friday, January 26 and range from $35.00 - $105 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more  information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop including the  Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

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