Between a triumphant European tour and a highly anticipated return to North America, OVO by Cirque du Soleil has undergone a full ‘metamorphosis’ under the watchful eye of its original creators. The renewed show will be presented in Hoffman Estates at the NOW Arena in six performances only, February 13-16, 2025. Tickets for this family-friendly bug invasion are the perfect holiday gift and available now by visiting www.cirquedusoleil.com/OVO.

After performing in 40 countries and delighting audiences in the Middle East, Egypt, and Europe in recent years, the OVO insect colony returned to Cirque du Soleil’s headquarters in Montreal for a new look. Over the past year, a team of more than 135 professionals (including 53 artists of the show) and the original creators of OVO have developed this restaging, including a revamped set design, new acrobatic acts and characters, freshly designed costumes, and reinvented music.

"The challenge was to find the balance between preserving the essence of the show that made it a success and allowing it to continue evolving. Like the insects that bring it to life, the show is in constant transformation, in perpetual motion: that’s the magic of live arts! Revisiting a production created 15 years ago, with the original creators and the touring team that has made it shine around the world, is an exceptional adventure!" shared Chantal Tremblay, Director of creation in 2009 and 2024.

Cirque du Soleil is thus preparing to offer its audience an even more captivating experience, celebrating both its rich artistic heritage and its constant ability to innovate. To enjoy a special holiday promotion, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/OVO.

ABOUT OVO

From crickets bouncing on trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting into all sorts of shapes, OVO exudes an extraordinary sense of spectacle that tickles the imagination. Funny and chaotic, yet adorable and wonderful, OVO enchants one’s inner child with its gentle exuberance. Made up of 100 people from 25 different countries, including 53 artists, OVO ("egg" in Portuguese) showcases high-level acrobatic acts that redefine the limits of the human body.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the artistic entertainment company brings its creative approach to a large variety of artistic forms such as live shows, multimedia productions, long-from content, music, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from more than 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.

Follow #OVOCirque and #cirquedusoleil on Social Media

Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | //www.tiktok.com/@cirquedusoleil">TikTok

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice! You’ve summoned him once again, Chicago— BEETLEJUICE is back for another hauntingly hilarious run! Broadway In Chicago announced that tickets will go on sale Friday, December 20, for this ghoulishly fun musical comedy. Back by popular demand, the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit will haunt the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a strictly limited engagement from March 11 to 16, 2025. Individual ticket prices will start at $47.50, with a select number of premium seats available, and may be purchased by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com , or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Groups of 10 or more can secure tickets now by calling (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional ticket details and the performance schedule are below.

Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE  is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

BEETLEJUICE is directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!, Director of Warner Bros. forthcoming TOTO, the animated musical film adaptation of Michael Morpurgo and Emma Chichester Clark’s 2017 book) with an original score by Tony Award nominee Eddie Perfect (King Kong); a book by Tony Award nominee Scott Brown (“Castle Rock”) and Tony and Emmy Award® nominee Anthony King (“Robbie”); music supervision, orchestrations and incidental music by Kris Kukul (Joan of Arc: Into the Fire); and choreography by Connor Gallagher (The Robber Bridegroom).

BEETLEJUICE features scenic design by three-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (Hamilton); costume design by six-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long (The Producers); lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner (Kinky Boots); sound design by Tony Award winner Peter Hylenski (Moulin Rouge!); projection design by Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini (Dear Evan Hansen); puppet design by Drama Desk Award winner Michael Curry (The Lion King ); special effects design by Jeremy Chernick (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), hair and wig design by Drama Desk Award nominee Charles G. LaPointe; make-up design by Joe Dulude II; associate director is Catie Davis and associate choreographer is Michael Fatica; casting by The Telsey Office. 

Producers of BEETLEJUICE include Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Langley Park Productions and NETworks Presentations.

BEETLEJUICE opened at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre on Thursday, April 25, 2019, presented by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Mark Kaufman) and Langley Park Productions (Kevin McCormick), and won the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for David Korins’ scenic design and was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best New Musical. BEETLEJUICE had a history making run on Broadway - following the release of the musical’s original Broadway cast recording and Tony Awards appearance, the box office exploded, making it the surprise hit of the 2018/2019 season. BEETLEJUICE’s Tony Awards performance has gone on to be the most watched musical number from the broadcast with over 3,921,530 views. BEETLEJUICE became a sensation with fans everywhere including on TikTok, which lead to an additional burst of ticket sales from a new audience for Broadway, making the musical one of the top grossing shows on Broadway, going on to break the Winter Garden box office record. The smash hit musical BEETLEJUICE played 366 performances at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway before being shuttered with the rest of Broadway on March 12, 2020. BEETLEJUICE returned triumphantly to Broadway with performances on April 8, 2022, at the Marquis Theatre where it continued to haunt Broadway through January 8, 2023.

GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS and WARNER RECORDS released BEETLEJUICE – ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING for digital download, streaming and on CD. The album is produced by Tony Award winner Matt Stine, Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Tony nominee Eddie Perfect and three-time Grammy Award winner Kurt Deutsch and has surpassed 250 million streams in the United States and 760 million streams globally. These landmark numbers continue the remarkable success of the album, reaching the list of top 10 most streamed OBCRs of the previous decade. The show’s songs have placed in Spotify’s “Viral 50” charts in 13 different countries. In addition, “Say My Name,” one of the show’s breakout showstoppers, was chosen as Amazon’s “Alexa Song of the Day” in 2019. The incredible growth is partly a result of user-generated content on TikTok, where songs from the album have been used in over one million videos.

BEETLEJUICE is based on the 1988 Academy Award®-winning Geffen Company motion picture presented by Warner Bros. and directed by Tim Burton. The smash hit comedy starred Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder with story by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson.
 

Like BEETLEJUICE on Facebook at Facebook.com/BeetlejuiceBway/.
Follow on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram @BeetlejuiceBway.
For more information, visit www.BeetlejuiceBroadway.com.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets will go on sale Friday, December 20. Groups of 10+ can secure tickets by calling (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Single ticket prices will range from $47.50 to $132.50, with a select number of premium seats available. Broadway In Chicago subscribers can add tickets to their subscription by clicking here.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 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 Theatre 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.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook , Instagram, and TikTok #broadwayinchicago

Trap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its 31st season with a production of the renowned play, The Mannequins' Ball. Written by Bruno Jasieński, The Mannequins' Ball will be directed by Resident Choreographer Miguel Long, and Managing Director Nicole Wiesner. The Mannequins' Ball will play January 23 – March 1, 2025 at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W Cortland St. in Chicago. Tickets are now on sale at trapdoortheatre.com or by calling (773)-384-0494. 

On the one night a year when Mannequins can come alive and gather for a ball, one of them sneaks into the world of humans, becoming witness to a world of political intrigue, scandals and corruption. Jasieński's pivotal piece The Mannequins' Ball joins the absurdity of modern politics with the concept of human mechanization. Managing Director Nicole Wiesner and Resident Choreographer Miguel Long team up once more to tackle this powerful production.

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: The Mannequins' Ball

Author: Bruno Jasieński

Directors: Nicole Wiesner and Miguel Long

Cast (in alphabetical order): Marzena Bukowska (Levasin), Dan Cobbler (Arnaux), Genevieve Corkery (Gentlemen), Cat Evans (Angelique), Shail Modi (Mannequin Leader), Emily Nichelson (Solange) Gus Thomas (Gentleman).

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

Dates: Regular Run: Thursday, January 23 –Saturday, March 1, 2025

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 pm.

Press performance: Press are encouraged to attend opening weekend.

Tickets: $31 with 2-for-1 admission on Thursdays. Tickets are currently available at https://trapdoor.ticketleap.com/the-mannequins-ball/ or by calling (773) 384-0494.

Group tickets: Special group rates are available. For information, call (773) 384-0494 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Plan your visit:

Free street parking is available.

Buses: #9 (Ashland), #50 (Damen), #72 (North), #73 (Armitage).

Metra: Clybourn metra stop.

Accessibility:

Trap Door Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

There will be a captioned performance on Friday, February 14th.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces renowned Chicago director Ron OJ Parson will helm the North American premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn, making his CST directorial debut. Chakrabarti has re-imagined her play in the South Side of Chicago, following an acclaimed premiere at London's Almeida Theatre. The creative team also includes scenic and projection designer Rasean Davonté Johnson, costume designer Yvonne Miranda, lighting designer Jason Lynch, and sound designer and composer Willow James. The production runs April 29–May 25, 2025 in the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater. 

Hymn charts the lives of two middle-aged Black men as they form a deep bond in an intimate exploration of the loyalties and betrayals of brothers, fathers, and sons. The play received five-star reviews in its UK premiere from The Observer, The Daily Mail, and WhatsOnStage, which hailed it as "mind-blowingly excellent."

"I wanted to write a story of two Black men who find love with each other—a familial, platonic love," says Chakrabarti. "My own male friends have often surprised me with their sensitivity, femininity, fussiness, insecurities, fun, kindness, and warmth—the list goes on. Hymn was born out of my desire to tell a different story. To reframe this play for Chicago is very exciting indeed, and I believe it will lend itself beautifully to this city's rich culture."

CST artistic director Edward Hall said, "In my brief time in Chicago it has not taken me long to get acquainted with the work of the brilliant Ron OJ Parson. Both Lolita and I felt he was the missing piece in this delicate jigsaw, and I am deeply happy that the play resonated so powerfully with him. This will be Ron's Chicago Shakespeare debut, and I am delighted to be welcoming the director of such a huge and important body of work into our company."

"I've long admired the work at Chicago Shakespeare, during my theater journey here in Chicago," said Parson. "I am truly honored to be working on Hymn by world-renowned playwright Lolita Chakrabarti. As my journey continues, what better play than a play about brothers, family, love, faith, and hope. What the world needs a lot of. Peace."

Lolita Chakrabarti won the Olivier Award for Best New Play for her adaptation of Yann Martel's novel Life of Pi, which later went on to a Tony Award-winning Broadway run and a national tour. Her adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel Hamnet premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the West End last year. Chakrabarti's debut play Red Velvet enjoyed an acclaimed run at CST in 2017.

Ron OJ Parson is the co-founder and former artistic director of Onyx Theatre Ensemble, a resident artist at Court Theatre, and an ensemble member at TimeLine Theatre. In 2022, he received the Zelda Fichandler Award from the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation and was recognized as the Chicago Tribune's Chicagoan of the Year for Theater. He has won three Jeff Awards for directing for Relentless at TimeLine Theatre, and Blues for an Alabama Sky and Fences at Court Theatre. Other credits include East Texas Hot Links, The Lion In Winter, Arsenic and Old Lace, Two Trains Running, King Hedley II, Radio Golf, Five Guys Named Moe, Gem of the Ocean, Seven Guitars, Jitney, and The Piano Lesson at Court Theatre, Trouble in Mind, Too Heavy For Your Pocket, and A Raisin in the Sun at TimeLine Theatre Company, Toni Stone and Sweat at Goodman Theatre, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and East Texas Hot Links at Writers Theatre.

Parson is joined on the creative team by scenic and projection designer Rasean Davonté Johnson, a two-time Jeff Award winner returning to Chicago Shakespeare after Measure for Measure and It Came From Outer Space, with other recent credits including Romeo and Juliet at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lucha Teotl at Goodman Theatre, and Her Honor Jane Byrne at Lookingglass Theatre; costume designer Yvonne Miranda, who makes her CST debut with recent credits including Leroy & Lucy at Steppenwolf Theatre, Primary Trust at Goodman Theatre, and The Hot Wing King at Writers Theatre; lighting designer Jason Lynch, a Jeff Award winner returning to CST after Beauty and the Beast, with other credits including Layalina and the ripple, the wave that carried me home at Goodman Theatre and Choir Boy at Steppenwolf Theatre; and sound designer and composer Willow James, who returns to CST after Twelfth Night, with other credits including A Christmas Carol, The Penelopiad, and The Nacirema Society at Goodman Theatre.

The press opening for Hymn is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m.

More information at chicagoshakes.com/hymn or on social media at @chicagoshakes.  

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game and adapted from the fan-favorite film, will go on sale today, Wednesday, December 18. The show will play at the CIBC Theatre for a limited engagement, February 18 – March 2, 2025. Individual tickets prices range from $35-$120 with a select number of premium tickets available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office.  Groups of 10+ are also on sale by calling (312) 977-1710 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The cast includes Christina Anthony as Miss Scarlet, Mariah Burks as the Cook, David Hess as Colonel Mustard, Joanna Glushak as Mrs. Peacock, Donna English as Mrs. White, John Shartzer as Mr. Green, Jonathan Spivey as Professor Plum (February 18 - 28), Jeff Skowron as Wadsworth, Graham Stevens as Professor Plum (March 1 - 2), Alex Syiek as Mr. Boddy, Teddy Trice as the Cop, and Elisabeth Yancey as Yvette. The understudies are Greg Balla, Mary McNulty and James Taylor Odom . Cast is subject to change. 

Led by Broadway Director Casey Hushion (Associate Director of Mean Girls and The Prom, Associate Resident Director of Aladdin, choreography for the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, CLUE is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist. 

CLUE is based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn. Written by Sandy Rustin with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. It features original music by Michael Holland.

The production also features scenic design by Lee Savage, costume design by Jen Caprio, lighting design by Ryan O'Gara and sound design by Jeff Human.

The CLUE franchise began in 1949 with the manufacture of the ‘Cluedo’ board game. Currently owned and published by Hasbro, the game has since sold more than 200 million copies worldwide.  A murder-mystery comedy film by Paramount Pictures based on the board game was released in 1985 and went on to achieve cult classic status with a passionate fanbase.

The North American tour of CLUE is produced by The Araca Group, Work Light Productions, Lively McCabe Entertainment and Aged in Wood.

Originally produced at Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, Pennsylvania, Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman, Josh Fiedler, Producers. Developed by Cleveland Playhouse, Laura Kepley, Artistic Director & Kevin Moore, Managing Director.

For additional information, visit clueliveonstage.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday through Thursday performances are at 7:00 p.m. with a Wednesday matinee at 1:00 p.m. on Feb 26; Friday & Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm with Saturday matinees at 2:00 pm on Feb 22 & Mar 1; Sunday performances are at 1:00 pm with one evening performance on Feb. 23 at 6:30 pm. For more information visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

TICKET INFORMATION
Groups of 10+ are also on sale by calling (312) 977-1710 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Individual tickets prices range from $35-$120 with a select number of premium tickets available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office.  

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 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.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram , and TikTok  #broadwayinchicago

Today, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) unveiled the full program for the second performance series of its 2024/2025 season, Season 47: Winter Series. Featuring four captivating pieces, including a World Premiere by acclaimed choreographer James Gregg, the Series builds on the success of HSDC's critically acclaimed, sold-out Fall program at the Steppenwolf Theatre in November. The Winter Series will take place from Thursday, February 13, to Sunday, February 16, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph).

The program features a World Premiere by the innovative and genre-defying choreographer James Gregg and IMPASSE, Johan Inger's fantastical adventure praised by See Chicago Dance as "immensely entertaining." Also on the program is Into Being, a mesmerizing work by HSDC alums Alice Klock and Florian Lochner, who together are known as FLOCK. Adding to the excitement, Ohad Naharin's Black Milk, an impressive and physically demanding quintet, returns to the HSDC stage for the first time in over 20 years. Together, these extraordinary works weave a captivating tapestry of artistry and innovation, promising to make Season 47: Winter Series an unforgettable celebration of contemporary dance at its finest.

"At Hubbard Street, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what contemporary dance can express," said Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Artistic Director of HSDC. "This Winter Series, featuring a world premiere from James Gregg alongside the return of beloved works by Johan Inger, FLOCK, and Ohad Naharin, embodies the innovation, boldness and artistry our company is known for."

Tickets are now available by calling the Hubbard Street Box Office at 312-850-9744 ext. 5, or by visiting hubbardstreetdance.com and range from $20 to $110 plus a $9 per ticket handling fee. Midseason Subscription are also available for those interested in unlocking a great suite of benefits for Winter and Spring Series and beyond and start at $56 plus a one-time $12 handling fee. Visit www.hubbardstreetdance.com to learn more.

The Season 47: Winter Series schedule is as follows:

WINTER SERIES
Thursday, February 13 – Sunday, February 16, 2025
At the Harris Theatre for Music & Dance

Thursday, February 13 at 7:30pm
Friday, February 14 at 7:30pm
Saturday, February 15 at 7:30pm
Sunday, February 16 at 3pm

Featuring:
IMPASSE by Johan Inger
A World Premiere by James Gregg
Into Being by FLOCK
Black Milk by Ohad Naharin

Choreographer bios can be found HERE.

Hubbard Street is grateful to our Season 47 Partners Athletico Physical Therapy and the Illinois Arts Council for their continued support.

About Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's mission is to awaken the human spirit through contemporary dance, envisioning a dance landscape that is relevant and accessible to all.

For 47 years, Hubbard Street has been one of the most original forces in contemporary dance – bringing top choreographers and works to Chicago and beyond. Hubbard Street's ever-evolving repertory, created by today's leading choreographic voices, makes them a company that dancers aspire to join and performance venues all over the world are eager to host. To date, the main company has performed globally in 19 countries and 44 U.S. states.

At home in Chicago, Hubbard Street performs 20 times a year and delivers renowned education programs in 50 classrooms across 17 Chicagoland schools. HSDC Education utilizes the choreographic process to teach essential problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration - expanding our reach beyond traditional concert dance audiences, ensuring that everyone has access to world-class dance and instruction.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago grew out of the Lou Conte Dance Studio in 1977, and Conte served as Artistic Director for 23 years. Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell began her tenure at the company in March 2021. In January 2022, HSDC moved to their new home in Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue and acclaimed choreographer Aszure Barton was named Resident Artist in January 2023. Visit hubbardstreetdance.com for more information.

David Sedaris, author of the previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and regular National Public Radio contributor will be appearing for one night only at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre on Saturday, April 12 at 8 p.m., following the release of his newest books, Happy Go Lucky and Pretty Ugly. 

This is a unique opportunity to see the best-selling humorist in an intimate setting. As always, Sedaris will be offering a selection of all-new readings and recollections, as well as a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of Anderson’s Bookshop.

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.  

If you love David Sedaris’s cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you’re getting into at his live readings. You’d be wrong. To see him read his own work on stage allows his autobiographical narrative to reveal a uniquely personal narrative that will keep you laughing throughout the evening. Don’t miss this event!

Tickets to An Evening with David Sedaris go on sale to the general public Friday, December 13 at 10 a.m.

Tickets are $57–$67 and are subject to taxes and fees. All seats are reserved.

Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. For tickets and information, visit DavidSedarisOnTour.com, ParamountAurora.com, call the Paramount box office, (630) 896-6666, or purchase in person at the Paramount box office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and until show time on show days.

Hell in Handbag is pleased to host a special weekend of benefit performances during its upcoming 25^th anniversary edition of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer (An Unauthorized Musical Parody). Join the cast for a pre-show party including drinks and sweet treats, a raffle and silent auction with fabulous items to bid on Friday, December 20, Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Hoover Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. 

Benefit Schedule: Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21, the party starts at 6 pm with a 7 pm performance; Sunday, December 22, the party starts at 2 pm with a 3 pm performance.

Tickets: $60 general admission (includes sweet treats) and $125 VIP/reserved (includes reserved seating, sweet treats, drink ticket and gift bag). Are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1452754. All proceeds will support Handbag's mission to serve Chicago audiences with the best camp and parody – thus ensuring the preservation and celebration of this unequivocally queer art form.

Can't make the benefit? That's okay, we'll still take your money! The Red-Hosed Reindeer is back for a full holiday run from December 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025 at Hoover Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. 

This beloved and twisted musical parody of the animated 1967 children's television special features all your favorite misfits and Rudolph – the cross-dressing reindeer with a penchant for red hose and heels. In trademark Handbag style, Rudolph combines parody with heartfelt moments and a splash of scathing social commentary.

Written by Artistic Director David Cerda* and directed by Anthony Whitaker, the cast includes ensemble members David Cerda*, Sydney Genco*, Caitlin Jackson*, Lori Lee*, and Terry McCarthy* with Eustace Allen, Mark Bartishell, Kelly Bolton, Cameron Cai, Michael Hampton, Micah Mixon, TJ O'Brien, Shawn Quinlan, Michael Radford, Peter Ruger, Matt Sergot and Whitney Willard Wilkinson. Understudies include: Sophia Dennis, Douglas Levin, Al Duffy, Scott Sawa* and Vito Vittore.

The production team includes Marcus Klein (Scenic Designer), Marquecia Jordan (Costume Designer), Liz Cooper (Lighting Designer), Maya Reter, (Sound Designer), Maggie O'Brien (Props Designer), Jamal Howard (Choreographer), Chad Gearig (Music Director), Syd Genco* (Make-Up Designer), Keith Ryan* (Wig Designer), Veronica Kostka* (Production Manager), Tom Daniel (Technical Director), Jackson Mikkelsen (Electrician), Michael S. Miller (Graphic Designer), Nihan Baysal (Stage Manager) and Sara Blickem (Assistant Stage Manager).

*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer (An Unauthorized Musical Parody)

Playwright: Artistic Director David Cerda*
Director: Anthony Whitaker
Cast (in alphabetical order): Eustace Allen (Tom Donner, Choo Choo), Mark Bartishell (Drag Beast, Ensemble), Kelly Bolton (Herbie), Cameron Cai (Spike/Ensemble), David Cerda* (Gladys Dasher), Sydney Genco* (Elfina, Choo Choo), Michael Hampton (Santa), Caitlin Jackson* (Mrs. Claus, Dolly), Lori Lee* (Yukon Cornelia), Terry McCarthy* (Connie Blitzen, TT Barbie), Micah Mixon (Jane Donner, Ensemble) TJ O'Brien (QMR, Ensemble), Shawn Quinlan (Andy Cohen), Michael Radford (Score, Half Naked Cowboy), Peter Ruger (Rudolph), Matt Sergot (Sam the Snowman) and Whitney Willard Wilkinson (Clarice).

Understudies: Sophia Dennis, Al Duffy, Douglas Levin, Scott Sawa* and Vito Vittore.

Location: Hoover Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago

Previews: Friday, December 13 at 7:30 pm & Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 pm
Opening/Press performance: Sunday, December 15 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025
Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be added performances on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 pm and Monday, December 30 (Industry Night).

Tickets: $29 previews, $39 early bird general admission, $45 general admission, $50 at the door, $52 advanced VIP/reserved ticket with no drink ticket, $60 advanced VIP/reserved seating with drink ticket. Group rates $36 for 10 or more. Note: regular prices do not apply to special benefit performances December 20 – 22, 2024. Tickets for all performances are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1452754.

About the Artists

David Cerda (Playwright) is a founding member and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions, now celebrating its 23^rd year anniversary. As resident playwright, he has written many Handbag productions as well as acted in them. His play, The Drag Seed was recently produced at LaMaMa Experimental Theater and his Golden Girls Lost Episodes parody shows have been produced around the country and was featured in Golden Con: Thank you for being a Fan, the world's first fan convention dedicated to all things Golden Girls at Chicago's Navy Pier. Cerda is a proud inductee into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and recipient of a Jeff Award for lifetime achievement for his 23 years (and counting) of work and service to the community. He lives in Chicago with his partner, Christopher.

Anthony Whitaker (Director) is happy to be returning to Hell In a Handbag after having directed the Jeff-nominated Murder Re-Wrote and a week-long run as Happy The Elf in The Golden Girls Save Christmas. They most recently appeared in Sign Of The Traveler, a self-written solo performance, Anything Goes (Porchlight Music Theatre), Cabaret (Metropolis Performing Arts Center) as Herr Schultz and La Cage Aux Folles with Ginger Minj (Music Theater Works). They are the Co-Artistic Director the New American Folk Theatre (newamericanfolktheatre.org), where they wrote and/or performed in productions of, Two from the Trailer Court, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Dark of the Moon, Trash. Hot Pink, My Life Is A Country Song and directed the Jeff-nominated The Summer of Daisy Fay, written by Ed Howard and based on a novel by Fannie Flagg. Some of their favorite Chicago performances include Whoop Dee Doo (Royal George Theatre), A Funny Thing Happened... (Porchlight), Hands on A Hardbody (Refuge Theatre) and Shockheaded Peter (Black Button Eyes). In addition to performing, Anthony teaches music and theatre in various Chicago area schools. They recently completed the short films, Shape Notes and The Caretaker, and has appeared on Chicago PD. They are represented by Big Mouth Talent.

About Hell in a Handbag Productions

Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit. For additional information, visit handbagproductions.org.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker has returned to Chicago by popular demand and is now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre through December 15, 2024. Individual tickets ($38-$136) and a select number of premium tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at BroadwayInChicago.com. Group orders of 10+ are also available by calling (312)977-1710 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Patrons can also participate in a digital lottery for a chance to purchase $25 tickets for each performance. In addition to the lottery, a limited number of day-of-show, in person $49 Rush tickets will be available for all performances. Click here for more info on Digital Lottery and In Person Rush.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is directed, choreographed, and co-created by Jennifer Weber – an Emmy winner and two-time Tony and Olivier award-nominee who also choreographed the international hit musical, “& Juliet” currently playing on Broadway. Executive producing is three-time Tony winner and two-time Olivier award-winning producer Eva Price, whose productions have garnered six Olivier Awards, two GRAMMY Awards, two Emmy Awards, and 19 Tony Awards. The re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic story turns the beloved Nutcracker score on its head. Hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music blend together for a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event that takes audiences on a journey celebrating love, community, and the magic of the holiday season.

Kurtis Blow is host and MC of the family-friendly holiday mash-up and contemporary holiday dance spectacle that has performed more than 250 times in 70 cities. Joining Blow on stage is the powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ, and an electric violinist.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a magical journey where tradition meets innovation, offering families and friends a holiday experience like no other,” says Blow, who paved the way for generations of hip hop artists and fans after scoring the first certified gold record rap song in 1980. Blow is also responsible for “Christmas Rappin,” acclaimed for being the first rap holiday song. “This show is proof that the magic of the holidays can be found in the most unexpected places.” Blow says the all-star cast, dynamic choreography, and stunning performances honor hip hop's rich history while celebrating a cherished holiday story.

Just like the original, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets, and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.

Created in 2013 by Weber and writer Mike Fitelson, the production has evolved into a masterpiece due to the creators' never-ending commitment to enhancing the production, and dancers who continue to raise the bar each year.

For tour dates and more information about where to purchase tickets to The Hip Hop Nutcracker, visit www.hiphopnutcracker.com. For the latest news and updates follow The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Facebook and Instagram ; #HipHopNutcracker.

About Jennifer Weber (Director/Choreographer)
Jennifer Weber is the choreographer of the international hit musical, & Juliet currently playing on Broadway and in Germany as well as touring across the US and UK. The show previously played Australia, Singapore and London’s West End. She received both Olivier & Tony Nominations for Best Choreography for her work on & Juliet. Broadway/Off Broadway KPOP (Tony Nomination, Best Choreography), American Idiot (CTG/Deaf West), Teenage Dick (The Public), Cruel Intentions (LPR/US Tour). Upcoming projects include Take the Lead (Papermill Playhouse) and Kane and Able (The Orb, Tokyo). Film: Disney Zombies 2, While You Were Gone (Emmy Win, short form entertainment) TV: The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Tony Awards, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Good Morning America, America’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing and Blue Peter; Commissions: Tulsa Ballet, LA Music Center, Baryshnikov Arts Center, NY City Center. Weber is the co-creator, director, and choreographer of The Hip Hop Nutcracker , featuring rap legend Kurtis Blow, touring annually across the U.S. and recorded for an Emmy winning PBS All Arts special. In 2022, she collaborated with Disney as Executive Producer / Choreographer on a film version of The Hip Hop Nutcracker for Disney+.

About Eva Price (Executive Producer)
EVA PRICE (Producer) is an NYCLU/ACLU honoree and a three-time Tony award-winning, and two-time Olivier award-winning producer. Her productions have garnered 6 Olivier Awards, 2 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, and 19 Tony Awards. Current: & Juliet (Broadway, National Tour); Titanique (Off-Broadway, International Companies)  The Hip Hop Nutcracker (Touring Live Show, Disney +). Upcoming: Redwood (Broadway); Take the Lead (Paper Mill Playhouse). Selected credits: Redwood (La Jolla Playhouse), A Transparent Musical (Center Theatre Group); Mindplay (Arena Stage & Geffen Playhouse); Jagged Little Pill (2 Tony Awards); Oklahoma!  (2 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, Best Musical Revival, National Tour, West End); Tina - The Tina Turner Musical; What the Constitution Means to Me; Angels in America (Tony-winning Broadway Revival starring Nathan Lane and Andrew Garfield); Dear Evan Hansen (6 Tony Awards, 3 Olivier Awards); Peter and the Starcatcher (5 Tony Awards) along with several solo shows and critically acclaimed concerts starring The Temptations & The Four Tops; Kathy Griffin; Lewis Black; Colin Quinn; and Hershey Felder.

About Mike Fitelson (Writer/Co-Creator)
Mike Fitelson is the CEO of the United Palace, the 94-year-old Wonder Theatre in Washington Heights, Manhattan’s 4^th  largest theatre. In 2014 as the executive director of the nonprofit United Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA) he co-created “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” with Jennifer Weber, adapting the story and supplying the images for the scenery, and produced its premiere. Fitelson has worked to build the Northern Manhattan arts community for 22 years. He co-founded the annual arts festival, the Uptown Arts Stroll, in 2003; served in every capacity of the Manhattan Times, the bilingual community newspaper of Washington Heights and Inwood, from 2002-2011; and helped found the nonprofit Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance in 2006. 

About New Jersey Performing Arts Center/NJPAC (Producer)
NJPAC, located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. www.njpac.org
About Maximum Entertainment Productions (MEP)
MEP (General Management) is a producing, developing, and management company founded by Avram Freedberg, Mary Beth Dale, and Eva Price; and is joined by Managing Director/General Manager Carl Flanigan. Select credits include Titanique, Redwood, Small Mouth Sounds; Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical; Verso; Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Broadway!; The Lion; The Hip Hop Nutcracker; and Colin Quinn: Long Story Short. www.maximumcompany.com

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 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
Facebook ● Instagram ● TikTok 
#broadwayinchicago
 

Charm, romance and humor abound in the 2001 comedic masterpiece Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Manchester by the Sea.  

Shattered Globe Theatre’s first production of 2025, Lobby Hero runs January 24-March 1 at Theater Wit. Shattered Globe Artistic Producer Nate Santana directs Lonergan’s “masterpiece… the best drama, the best comedy and the best romance of the year, all rolled into one” (TimeOut New York). 

It’s the graveyard shift at a mid-rise apartment lobby in Manhattan. A rudderless security guard, his demanding supervisor, a rookie cop, and her self-centered partner are forced to navigate the question of whether doing the wrong thing for the right reason can ever be justified. Confronting complex moral dilemmas, their choices reveal the blurred lines between right and wrong.

"Motives come in every shade but black and white," wrote Ben Brantley of the New York Times, calling Lobby Hero a "combustible brew of impulses.”  

“These characters all live in a world of light and shadow as they chase their dreams,” said director Nate Santana. “Filled with irreverence and sincerity, charm and ugliness, heart and animosity, two opposing ideas often show up at the same time, in the same place, with the same person, asking each to wrestle with the idea that both could possibly be true. When they look in the mirror what will they see? And what will they accept about themselves as they figure out what kind of person they want to be?”

Shattered Globe’s new take on Lonergan’s dark comedy features SGT Ensemble Member Adam Schulmerich as Bill, and three Chicago actors all making their Shattered Globe debuts: Emma Jo Boyden as Dawn, Elliot Esquivel as Jeff and Terence Sims as William. The production team includes José Manuel Díaz-Soto (set designer), Uriel Gomez (costume designer), Ellie Fey (lighting designer) Mariah       Bennett (props designer) Chris Kriz (sound designer) Greg Poljacik (fight director) Sammi Grant (dialect coach) Julia Farrell Diefenbach (dramaturgy) Isabelle Valet (assistant stage manager) Lucy Whipp (production manager) Ronald Hale (technical director) and Tina Jach  (production stage manager). 

The first preview of Lobby Hero, Friday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m., is Pay-What-You-Can. Previews continue Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, January 26 at 3 p.m, and Wednesday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. Previews are $10-$25. No show Friday, January 31. Performances run through March 1: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. There’s an added 3 p.m. matinee on closing day, Saturday, March 1. Performances are $15-$52. For group discounts, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (773) 770-0333.

Theater Wit is located at 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Tickets are $10-$52. Purchase tickets online at SGTheatre.org, call the Theater Wit box office, (773) 975-8150, or purchase in person at Theater Wit.

Access: Theater Wit is wheelchair accessible, and all patrons with disability needs are invited to purchase $20 access tickets with the code “ACCESS20” at Theater Wit’s checkout page. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ensure we can reserve the right seat for your access needs. Please do not use this code if you do not require these services. Go to SGTheatre.org and see the Accessible Ticketing info to find out about our Waived Ticket Program.

Assisted Listening Devices are available for all performances.

Audio Description and a Touch Tour will be offered on Friday, February 21. The Touch Tour begins at 6:15 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.

Open Captions will be provided at the 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, January 23.

Visit SGTheatre.org for more information, including content warnings, news of special events, accessible and waived ticket programs. Find and follow the company on social media @shatteredglobe on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.