Displaying items by tag: on stage

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for A Christmas Carol, with a Metropolis Family Series run December 3 - 19 and a limited run of the full-length Metropolis Main Stage production on December 13, 20 and 24. A Christmas Carol is adapted by Johanna McKenzie Miller with original music and lyrics by Cory Goodrich. Goodrich also serves as the director and music director for the production. The family series (85 minutes) includes performances starting December 3 with Thursdays - Saturdays at 10 a.m. and additional 12:30 p.m. performances on Thursday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 17. The full-length performance (105 minutes w/ intermission) schedule is Sunday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. The performance on Friday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. will be closed-captioned, and there will be ASL interpreted performances by request. Tickets are now on sale for the Metropolis Family Series production for $16 general admission, and the limited-run Metropolis Main Stage production tickets are $29-49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121.

Metropolis' holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, returns for its 25th year. One cold Christmas Eve, the miserly Scrooge receives a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past, who takes him on a journey that will change him forever. Through the visitation of three ghosts – Christmas Past, Present and Future, Scrooge realizes that his greedy, selfish behavior has alienated and hurt everyone around him and resolves to change his ways. He awakes on Christmas morning renewed with the spirit of Christmas – generosity, kindness, community and love.

The cast of The Christmas Carol includes Cayenne Johnson (Fan); Patrick Dollymore (Scrooge); Jon Parker Jackson (Bob Cratchit/ensemble); Maya McEntyre (Belle/ensemble); Quinn Rigg (Marley/ensemble); Emily McCormick (Christmas Present/ensemble); Elsie Christiansen (Christmas Past/ensemble); Ben Brown (Christmas Past/ensemble); Spencer Curtis (Peter Cratchit); Lena Soszynski (Tiny Tim/ensemble); Harper Richards (Tiny Tim/ensemble); Ginger Johnson (Mrs. Cratchit/ensemble); Eldon Warner-Soriano (Fred/ensemble); Maya Hillman (swing) and Jacob Alexander (swing).

A Christmas Carol's creative team includes Cory Goodrich (director/music director); Samantha Flipp (stage manager); Caroline Mueller (assistant stage manager); Lauren Volkart (SM/ASM swing); Dan Frank (lighting designer); Christopher Kriz (sound designer); Emma Cullimore (costume designer); Kelli Lawrence (props designer); Renae Richmond (wig & hair designer); Lucas Banks (youth supervisor); Eddy Finch (youth supervisor swing); Carly Meyer (A1); Maya Reter and Elie Bufford (A1 swings) and Venus Petter (wardrobe supervisor).

ABOUT CORY GOODRICH, DIRECTOR AND MUSIC DIRECTOR

Cory Goodrich makes her directorial debut at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre with A Christmas Carol. Her career encompasses acting, singing, music direction, painting and composition. She is a Jeff Award recipient for her performances in Ragtime at Drury Lane Theatre and Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash at Mercury Theater Chicago. Goodrich previously served as music director and composer for Metropolis' 2025 production of A Christmas Carol, creating original music for the production. Her Chicago credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Mercury Theater and Ravinia Festival. She can be seen in "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Chicago Justice" and in the recently released movie "The OG Bootcamp." You can hear her folk albums W.O.M.A.N., Wildwood Flower, Long Way Around and an array of singles on your favorite streaming service and her book, "Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA" is available on Amazon.

ABOUT METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub that enriches the community through inspiring live performances, creative arts education and impactful partnerships. It fosters artistic excellence, cultivates multi-generational connections and offers inclusive experiences that engage and uplift all community members. Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, Metropolis is not just a theatre, it is the cultural pulse of the area, surrounded by premier shopping, dining and nightlife. Metropolis offers a dynamic year-round season of professional theatre, comedy, concerts and cabaret performances along with engaging arts education for ages 3 to 85 years old. Serving more than 65,000 patrons annually from across Chicagoland and beyond, Metropolis plays a pivotal role in the community. It provides arts education programs that support thousands of aspiring young artists, as well as community engagement initiatives like the Third Act Players (musical theatre for thespians over 50), Crescendo Chorus (for singers over 55), Flourish in the Footlights (for young artists with disabilities) and Clearbrook on Cue (for artists with disabilities). Metropolis is proud to partner with local organizations such as Endeavor Health, Arlington Heights Senior Center and Clearbrook. Scholarships are available for students at the School of the Performing Arts to ensure access to the arts for all.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for A Christmas Carol, with a family series run December 3 - 19 and limited full-length run December 13, 20 and 24. A Christmas Carol is adapted by Johanna McKenzie Miller with original music and lyrics by Cory Goodrich. Goodrich also serves as the director and music director for the production. The family series (85 minutes) includes performances starting December 3 with Thursdays - Saturdays at 10 a.m. and additional 12:30 p.m. performances on Thursday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 17. The full-length performance (105 Minutes w/ intermission) schedule is Sunday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. The performance on Friday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. will be closed-captioned, and there will be ASL interpreted performances by request. Tickets are now on sale for the Metropolis Family Series production for $16 general admission, and the limited-run Metropolis Main Stage production tickets are $29-49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for The Christmas Schooner, November 24, 2026 - January 3, 2027. The Christmas Schooner is presented with book by John Reeger and music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. The Metropolis production is directed by Patrick Tierney, music directed by Kailey Rockwell and choreographed by Jenna Schoppe. Previews are Tuesday, Nov. 24, Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. (no preview on Thursday, Nov. 26), Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with additional performances Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The performance on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. will be closed-captioned, and the performance on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. will be ASL-interpreted. There will be no performances on Thursday, Dec. 24, Friday, Dec. 25, Thursday, Dec. 31 or Friday, Jan 1. Tickets are now on sale from $25 to $49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121.

It is Christmastime in Manistique, Michigan, in the late 1880s, and a German-American family is preparing their home for the holidays. They receive a fateful letter from a cousin in Chicago, who writes with longing about her desire for a Christmas tree to rekindle the beauty and magic of their childhood holiday traditions. As it turns out, there are more than enough trees to go around in Manistique, and one man is brave enough to captain the journey through the treacherous Lake Michigan waves. His voyages become a yearly tradition, despite his wife's misgivings – until a fateful voyage makes her realize the true importance of his mission. The Christmas Schooner is a heartfelt tale of compassion, bravery and the commitment to make the world a better place, based on the real-life stories of the sailors who brought magic to Chicago families all those years ago.

The cast of The Christmas Schooner includes Arlo Beckwith (Karl Stossel, age 9);

Bennet Angsurat (Karl Stossel, age 9); Daniel Houle (Gustav Stossel); Jared Hoover (Peter Stossel); Jenece Upton (Alma Stossel); Cameron McCabe (Karl Stossel, age 15/Young Man); Xander Mendez (Karl Stossel, age 15/Young Man); Korey White (Rudy/Man #1); Ian Rigg (Oskar/Man #2); David Blakeman (Steve/Man #3); Matt Frye (Hans/Officer Wells/Man #4); Laura Quiñones (Enid/Woman #1); Amelia Tam (Martha/Kate/Woman #2); Janelle Sanabria (Olive/Rose/Woman #3); Molly Hamada (Mary Claire Daugherty/Young Girl); Layla Grace Robinson (Mary Claire Daugherty/Young Girl); Annie Beaubien (Swing); Kameron Rojas-Schueneman (Swing) and Xander Ramirez (Swing).

The Christmas Schooner's creative team includes Patrick Tierney (director); Kailey Rockwell (music director); Jenna Schoppe (choreographer); Katie Pohlheber (stage manager); Emma Lipson (assistant stage manager); Caroline Mueller (SM/ASM swing); Angela Weber Miller (scenic designer); Dan Frank (lighting designer); Sarah Ramos (sound designer); Ryan Suarez (assistant sound designer); Rachel Sypniewski (costume designer); Kelli Lawrence (props designer); Amber Wuttke (intimacy coordinator); Trevor Turner (technical director); Renae Richmond (wig & hair designer); Brett Baleksi (scenic artist); Taylor Repak (youth supervisor); Eddy Finch (youth supervisor swing); Maya Reter (sound engineer); Elie Bufford (sound engineer swing); and Venus Petter (wardrobe supervisor).

ABOUT PATRICK TIERNEY, DIRECTOR

Patrick Tierney is a longtime Chicago theatre artist, born and raised on the city's southwest side. Previous directing credits include: Little Women (Roosevelt University), Oliver! A Staged Concert (Metropolis), Gypsy (Beverly Theatre Guild), The Sound of Music and Hello, Dolly! (Beverly Arts Center), The Music Man (Children's Theatre of Winnetka) and Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish (Ghostlight Theatre). As an actor and proud member of Actors Equity, he has worked with the Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, Marriott Lincolnshire, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Metropolis and Chicago Kids Company, where he is currently directing several shows in their 26/27 season.

ABOUT KAILEY ROCKWELL, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Kailey Rockwell earned a bachelor of music from Columbia College Chicago and now works all over the Chicagoland area music directing, performing, arranging and teaching. Notable companies include: Paramount Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Music Theater Works, Goodman Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, North Carolina Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre and American Theatre Company. Rockwell is a proud member of AFM and MAESTRA.

ABOUT JENNA SCHOPPE, CHOREOGRAPHER

Jenna Schoppe returns to Metropolis after choreographing 9 to 5. Her other Chicago-area choreography credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Godspell and Once Upon A Mattress (Theo Ubique), Nunsense, Call Me Madam and Do Re Mi (Porchlight Music Theatre), Spongebob the Musical (Kokandy Productions), Mamma Mia and Kinky Boots (Highland Park Players) and Yank! A World War Two Love Story (Pride Films and Plays). In 2025, Schoppe made her directorial debut with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Clinton Area Showboat in Clinton, IA. She is currently on staff at Roosevelt University as an adjunct professor of dance.

ABOUT METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub that enriches the community through inspiring live performances, creative arts education and impactful partnerships. It fosters artistic excellence, cultivates multi-generational connections and offers inclusive experiences that engage and uplift all community members. Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, Metropolis is not just a theatre, it is the cultural pulse of the area, surrounded by premier shopping, dining and nightlife. Metropolis offers a dynamic year-round season of professional theatre, comedy, concerts and cabaret performances along with engaging arts education for ages 3 to 85 years old. Serving more than 65,000 patrons annually from across Chicagoland and beyond, Metropolis plays a pivotal role in the community. It provides arts education programs that support thousands of aspiring young artists, as well as community engagement initiatives like the Third Act Players (musical theatre for thespians over 50), Crescendo Chorus (for singers over 55), Flourish in the Footlights (for young artists with disabilities) and Clearbrook on Cue (for artists with disabilities). Metropolis is proud to partner with local organizations such as Endeavor Health, Arlington Heights Senior Center and Clearbrook. Scholarships are available for students at the School of the Performing Arts to ensure access to the arts for all.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for The Christmas Schooner, November 24, 2026 - January 3, 2027. The Christmas Schooner is presented with book by John Reeger and music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. The Metropolis production is directed by Patrick Tierney, music directed by Kailey Rockwell and choreographed by Jenna Schoppe. Previews are Tuesday, Nov. 24, Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. (no preview on Thursday, Nov. 26) and Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with additional performances Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The performance on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. will be closed-captioned, and the performance on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. will be ASL interpreted. There will be no performances on Thursday, Dec. 24, Friday, Dec. 25, Thursday, Dec. 31 or Friday, Jan 1. Tickets are now on sale from $25 to $49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121.

The Auditorium (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) proudly presents comedian Nate Jackson as part of Jackson’s international “Big Dog Tour”. The two-performance evening takes place on Friday, December 4, 2026 at 7:30 PM and a late-night show added at 11 PM at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Tickets on sale now at auditoriumtheatre.org or by calling The Auditorium’s Ticket Service Center at 312.341.2300.

Nate Jackson is one of the fastest-rising stars in comedy, with over 4 million TikTok followers and 700 million global views. Known for his viral content and electric stage presence, he’s currently selling out theaters across the U.S. and Australia on his Big Dog Tour. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Nate Jackson and his Big Dog Comedy Tour to The Auditorium for two shows,” said Rich Regan, CEO of The Auditorium.  “As we continue to expand the variety of comedy experiences we bring to our stage, welcoming a rising star like Nate is an exciting step forward. The Auditorium has always been a place where people come together to share unforgettable experiences, and we look forward to bringing Chicago audiences together for an evening of laughter with one of comedy’s most exciting emerging talents.”

On July 8th, 2025 Nate released his one-hour Netflix special, Nate Jackson: Super Funny which premiered to #3 on the Netflix Top 10. In his high-energy debut special, comedian Nate Jackson delivers bold, unfiltered comedy as he tackles everything from racially questionable cookies to everyday absurdities. Known for his sharp wit and undeniable charisma, Jackson seamlessly flows between masterfully honed material and his unique style of hilarious crowd work—fearlessly diving into taboo topics and leaving no subject off-limits.

In addition to his stand-up, Nate is currently shooting season 2 of Apple’s Bad Monkey and recurred in Peacock’s The Paper. He also shared the screen with Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer in Aziz Ansari’s Lionsgate feature Good Fortune. He previously had a recurring role on NBC’s hit series Young Rock as The Junkyard Dog and has made memorable appearances on Spirited (Apple TV+), Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO), Nick Cannon Presents: Wild’N Out (MTV), All Def Comedy (HBO), Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City (Comedy Central), and Comic View (BET).

About The Auditorium

The Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark in the heart of downtown Chicago, is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to bringing people together through extraordinary performances, education, and community engagement. Since opening in 1889, The Auditorium has been a defining part of Chicago’s cultural and architectural legacy, presenting world-class music, dance, theater, and a broad range of artistic and civic programming within its iconic building designed by legendary architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler. Located at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive - the center of Chicago, The Auditorium is committed to preserving and protecting its extraordinary historic home through ongoing preservation, restoration, stewardship, and care. Honoring its remarkable past while creating new experiences for audiences today, The Auditorium continues to inspire and connect people from Chicago and around the world.  For more information and a complete calendar of events, visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

GEA Live, in collaboration with Disney Concerts and Baz Luhrmann , along with Broadway In Chicago, are excited to announce the global tour of WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO + JULIET FILM IN CONCERT (www.romeoandjulietinconcert.com ), the cinematic live-to-film event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Luhrmann's groundbreaking 1996 film, will stop at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre for two shows only on January 30, 2027. Academy Award®-winning Leonardo DiCaprio and Emmy®-winning Claire Danes star as Romeo and Juliet in the bold retelling that made Shakespeare feel dangerous and romantic for a new generation and continues to influence fashion, music, and culture that still reverberates today.

Presented on a cinema screen with the original dialogue and action intact, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO + JULIET FILM IN CONCERT features a hybrid ensemble performing the film's score and music live in sync with the full movie. Blending rock and orchestral musicians with vocals, electronics, and a DJ, they channel Luhrmann's signature fusion of classic storytelling and contemporary sound.

"One of the greatest surprises over the past three decades has been watching Romeo + Juliet find new audiences again and again. That's the enduring magic of Shakespeare and cinema,” says Luhrmann, a two-time Academy Award® nominee for Best Picture. “This concert celebrates both, while inviting audiences around the world to experience the film's emotion, music, and theatricality in a completely new way."

"Romeo + Juliet has influenced generations of filmmakers, musicians, and audiences, and its impact continues to be felt 30 years later," says Floris Douwes, Producer and Managing Director at GEA Live. "Our goal was to create a live experience that honors that legacy while giving audiences a fresh reason to fall in love with the film all over again."

Originally released on November 1, 1996, and opening number one at the US box office, Romeo + Juliet became one of Luhrmann's signature works, transforming Shakespeare's tragedy into a maximal, MTV-era pop opera that still feels timely three decades later. Romeo + Juliet's defining '90s music identity helped cement its status as a generational classic, powered by instantly recognizable tracks including "Kissing You" by Des'ree, "Lovefool" by The Cardigans, "Talk Show Host" by Radiohead, "#1 Crush" by Garbage, "Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)" by Quindon Tarver, "Young Hearts Run Free" by Kym Mazelle, and "You and Me Song" by The Wannadies.

For more information about WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO + JULIET FILM IN CONCERT, visit romeoandjulietinconcert.com and follow @bazluhrmann on Instagram and TikTok, and @BazLuhrmannOfficial on Facebook ; and, @DisneyConcerts on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook .

About Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmann is a pioneer of pop culture working across film, opera, theatre, live events, fashion, and music. His singular cinematic language continues to captivate audiences through a unique fusion of classical artistry and bold, contemporary style that has ignited imaginations around the world and made Luhrmann the most commercially successful director in Australia with four of the country’s top-ten grossing films.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Luhrmann's journey began in theatre, where his innovative productions won the acclaim of audiences and critics alike. He burst onto the scene with the first of his Red Curtain Trilogy, Strictly Ballroom, which premiered at the 1992 Cannes Festival. This film was followed by the ambitious modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996) and the Academy Award-winning Moulin Rouge! (2001). With these films, Luhrmann brought the movie-musical back into the zeitgeist with his infectious, trademark theatrical aesthetic and operatic sense of romance.

Returning to the stage, Luhrmann’s production company, Bazmark, went on to garner two Tony Awards for the Broadway run of Puccini’s opera La Bohème (2002), which he then followed up with the sweeping historical epic, the Academy Award-nominated Australia (2008).

His now-iconic screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (2013) won two Academy Awards and became Luhrmann’s highest-grossing film to date. Collaborating with Jay-Z on the Gatsby soundtrack, Luhrmann redefined cross-genre music in film, with the album peaking at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and setting a new record for the biggest digital sales week for a soundtrack in Billboard history.

Always pushing the boundaries of genre, Luhrmann collaborated with Netflix on his first series, The Get Down (2016), a critically acclaimed show about the birth of hip-hop in the 1970s South Bronx. His recent projects also include Faraway Downs, a six-part Hulu series reimagining his 2008 film, Australia.

Luhrmann’s 2022 film Elvis, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks and entirely shot on the Gold Coast, Australia, became the fourth-highest grossing Australian film of all time. Elvis received eight Oscar nominations including Best Picture, while also winning four BAFTAs and eleven Australian Academy (AACTA) awards. Butler took home a BAFTA and a Golden Globe and was nominated for the Academy Award. The film’s Grammy-nominated soundtrack, produced by Luhrmann through his label House of Iona, featured the hit single “Vegas” by Doja Cat, which charted on Billboard’s top 10 and was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Performance. Elvis is Luhrmann’s most nominated film to date.

Luhrmann lives between New York, Paris and the Gold Coast with his wife and creative partner, Oscar-winning designer Catherine Martin, and their two children. Luhrmann is currently in development on his forthcoming epic, Jehanne d’Arc at Warner Bros.

About GEA Live
GEA Live has established itself as the premier partner in location-based entertainment, combining creativity, excellence and credibility to deliver unforgettable events that bring iconic brands to life in all their glory. Working with renowned IPs from TV, film, theatre, music, gaming, and anime, GEA Live design, produces and distributes everything from symphonic and film concerts to immersive exhibitions and stage shows. With a vast portfolio of shows spanning more than 40 countries, GEA Live has collaborated with world-class brands like PlayStation, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Twilight, Dirty Dancing, Our Planet, and Demon Slayer, in addition to exclusively representing the legendary Ennio Morricone. As a trusted pillar of Sony Music’s Masterworks Live division, GEA Live has partnered with entertainment giants like Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, Viacom, and Warner Brothers, among others, delivering unparalleled value for licensors while further elevating the world’s most cherished brands.

About RoadCo
RoadCo Entertainment, formed in 2020, is a producing and distribution agency specializing in live entertainment experiences. A collaboration between Sony Music Entertainment and independent touring entrepreneurs Stephen Lindsay and Brett Sirota, RoadCo represents a broad roster of live events based on popular brands and intellectual properties, as well as all-new immersive and interactive attractions for audiences of all ages.

About Disney Concerts
Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras, choruses and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live-to-picture” film concerts, and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts that range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choirs. Showcasing concerts from the largest movie franchises in the world and the most iconic studios in entertainment –Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, 20th Century Studios and National Geographic – Disney Concerts delivers world-class specialty entertainment, from bespoke performances to blockbuster hits, classics to seasonal favorites, in many of the world’s leading venues. Current and upcoming titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Infinity Saga Concert Experience, Black Panther, Moana, Frozen, The Lion King, Coco, Waiting to Exhale, Disney Princess: The Concert, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Toy Story, Edward Scissorhands, Home Alone 2, and the hit Worlds Collide tours. For more information visit www.disneyconcerts.com.

About Bazmark
Bazmark is the internationally acclaimed creative studio founded by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Academy Award-winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin. Over three decades, the company’s singular work has defined and re-defined genres across film, television, music, opera, theatre, live events and luxury hospitality experiences and spaces. Bazmark’s iconic filmography – Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, Australia, The Great Gatsby, and Elvis – has garnered multiple Academy Awards and countless other global accolades. Bazmark continues to push the boundaries of cinematic and theatrical expression, creating culturally resonant works that captivate audiences worldwide.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Saturday, January 30 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION
Group tickets of 10 or more are now available by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling (312) 977-1710. Current subscribers can add these to their season package when renewing by  clicking here or calling (312) 977-1717. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. For more information, see below or visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 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, The Auditorium, 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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The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is proud to present its annual live production of "Ruth Page's The Nutcracker" featuring original choreography by the legendary Ruth Page and directed by the artistic team:Victor Alexander, Birute Barodicaite, Dori Rothschild, Chrissy Lacny, John Atterberry and Renardo Johnson.

Chicago's longest-running "Nutcracker" has delighted tens of thousands of fans and begins this season with a special one-hour version of the celebrated production, "Ruth Page's The Nutcracker Suite," at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1 and 5 p.m.  The acclaimed full-length version comes to Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Pkwy., Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. The ballet returns to Northeastern Illinois University's Salme Harju Steinberg Fine Arts Center, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 1 and 5 p.m. The final weekend of performances is at the College of Lake County's James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St. in Grayslake, Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. Tickets, ranging from $17 to $59 (depending on venue), are on sale beginning October 1 at RuthPage.org.

Originally presented at the Arie Crown Theatre from 1965 until 1997, this production is Chicago's longest-running Nutcracker tradition, recreating highlights from Ruth Page's beloved original full-length staging. It features exquisite dancing, world-renowned guest artists, stunning costumes and magical settings in the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. International and local guest artists are featured alongside the talented dancers of the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program and students from Ruth Page School of Dance.   

About Ruth Page Center for the Arts

Having already established herself as an internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and arts patron, Ruth Page created a performing arts center where artistic expression could thrive. The Ruth Page Center, led by Executive Director Sara Schumann, is widely recognized as an integral part of the global dance community not only for its history through founder, Ruth Page, but also for the essential programs vital to the cultural landscape of Chicago. For more information about Ruth Page Center for the Arts and its programs visit RuthPage.org.

 About the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program

Established by Artistic Director Victor Alexander, the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program serves as a bridge between studio training and a professional dance career. Dancers train and rehearse daily throughout the school year focusing on refining ballet and contemporary techniques in an international environment of performers, educators and mentors. This program is designed for students between the ages of 17-25 who have completed high school and are preparing for a professional career. Dancers are guided and mentored by Alexander, alongside Associate Director Dolores Long and Artistic Associate Maray Gutierrez. They are joined in performances by notable guest artists and choreographers, expanding the sphere of their professional work.

Chicago's longest-running "Nutcracker" has delighted tens of thousands of fans and begins this season with a special one-hour version of the celebrated production, "Ruth Page's The Nutcracker Suite," at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1 and 5 p.m.  The acclaimed full-length version comes to Governors State University's The Center for the Performing Arts, 1 University Pkwy., Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. The ballet returns to Northeastern Illinois University's (NEIU) Fine Arts Center Auditorium, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 1 and 5 p.m. The final weekend of performances is at the College of Lake County's (CLC) James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington St. in Grayslake, Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. Tickets, ranging from $5 to $59 (depending on venue), are on sale October 1 at RuthPage.org.

The Joffrey Ballet announces the return of two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's The Nutcracker this holiday season. For the first time since its 2016 world premiere, The Nutcracker features all-new, immersive projections by projection designer Daniel Brodie that dazzle audiences amidst the spectacle of Chicago World's Fair. New features also include a three-dimensional Golden Statue (upgraded from two dimensions in previous years). A beloved family tradition where history and dreams intertwine, The Nutcracker is a fantastical adventure that captures the wonder of the season. The Nutcracker will be presented at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in 27 performances, from December 4–27, 2026.

The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE says, "We are proud to present an experience that is more immersive, vibrant, and captivating than ever before. The investment in new projections brings the magic and grandeur of Chicago's 1893 World's Fair to life with remarkable depth and detail, enhancing Christopher Wheeldon's visionary production in exciting new ways. Combined with the extraordinary artistry of our dancers, who are performing more boldly than ever, audiences will experience The Nutcracker with a renewed sense of wonder and theatrical magic."

"Chicago's holiday traditions carry a deep sense of place, and we are proud that families have made the Joffrey part of their celebrations," says Greg Cameron, President and CEO. "This year, spectacular new projections give audiences even more to anticipate, while our partnerships with the Driehaus Museum and Oberweis carry The Nutcracker into more corners of the season, from the treasures of the World's Fair to a scoop of the Nutcracker Peppermint Swirl. We look forward to celebrating the rich history of the city we call home and the traditions that bring Chicagoans together."

On a magical Christmas Eve, after awakening to an epic battle between Toy Soldiers and the Rat King, a flurry of snowflakes sweeps Marie away on a whirlwind journey to the dreamlike fairgrounds of the World's Columbian Exposition. Set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, Marie and her Nutcracker Prince experience sprawling attractions representing countries from around the globe: the dazzling Golden Statue, the mystique of an Arabian enchantress, vibrant Venetian masked dancers, Chinese dragons, and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.  

A ballet in two acts set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, The Nutcracker features an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch, Caldecott Medal Award-winning author Brian Selznick, Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer Basil Twist, Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, and new projections by Daniel Brodie. The production was adapted in 2021 by Wheeldon to fit the larger Lyric Opera House stage.

The Nutcracker features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.

With gratitude to The Nutcracker Presenting Sponsor Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company, and Production Sponsors AARP and Robert's Pizza and Dough Company. Additional thanks to The Nutcracker Official Hotel Partner, The Langham, Chicago.

Experience The Nutcracker Across Chicago

Driehaus Museum

On view from December 2, 2026 to January 3, 2027, the Driehaus Museum invites visitors to step into a world of Nutcracker-inspired history and wonder with an immersive installation of World's Fair memorabilia, souvenirs, and printed materials drawn from the Museum's permanent collection. The installation reflects on the material design and culture of the Gilded Age, including objects from the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company and Gorham Manufacturing Company, and will be presented in the first-floor galleries of the 1883 Nickerson Mansion. The Driehaus Museum will engage children and families with a story time featuring costumed dancers from Joffrey's The Nutcracker (December 12, 9:00am-12:00pm), a World's Fair scavenger hunt, and The Nutcracker-themed photo opportunities in the bedecked halls of the Museum. Learn more HERE.

Langham Nutcracker Tea
Experience the magic of the holidays at The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea in partnership with The Joffrey Ballet. Delight in the wonder and whimsicality of the season with an afternoon of culinary delight. Sip on proprietary teas and crisp bubbly while savoring artisanally crafted festive pastries and treats. Relax with loved ones as The Pavilion's expert tea sommeliers provide unmatched service, creating the perfect setting to embrace the spirit of the holidays. Enhance the experience with live musical entertainment and special appearances by acclaimed dancers from the iconic Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet on select dates in December, bringing the timeless wonder of The Nutcracker to life. Learn more HERE.

Robert's Nutcracker Pizza

Recognized as #35 among the top 100 pizzerias in the world, Robert's Pizza and Dough Company offers a slice of holiday magic with Robert's Nutcracker Pizza, inspired by The Joffrey Ballet's reimagined The Nutcracker. This festive favorite includes an olive oil base, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, dates, figs, finished with Calabrian pepper oil, burrata, speck, pistachios, toasted walnuts, and a balsamic glaze—available December 1-31 for dine-in or by ordering the Nutcracker Pizza Kit. Learn more HERE.

Oberweis Nutcracker Peppermint Swirl

Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy and The Joffrey Ballet are bringing back a sweet holiday tradition. Nutcracker Peppermint Swirl, the limited-edition ice cream first created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's The Nutcracker, returns this December. The rich, sweet sugar cookie ice cream swirled with a festive crimson peppermint ribbon will be available during performances at the Lyric Opera House and at Oberweis scoop shops and select grocery stores.

Schedule

The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker Friday, December 4–Sunday, December 27, 2026:

Friday, December 4 at 7:00 PM;

Saturday, December 5 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM;

Sunday, December 6 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM;

Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 PM;

Friday, December 11 at 7:00 PM;

Saturday, December 12 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM;

Sunday, December 13 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM;

Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 PM;

Thursday, December 17 at 7:00 PM;

Friday, December 18 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM;

Saturday, December 19 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM;

Sunday, December 20 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM;

Tuesday, December 22 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM;

Wednesday, December 23 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM;

Thursday, December 24 at 2:00 PM;

Saturday, December 26 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM;

Sunday, December 27 at 1:00 PM.

Tickets and Subscription Package

The Joffrey Ballet is the only official seller with the best prices. Be aware of ticket re-sellers offering overpriced or invalid tickets. Tickets are available for purchase at the Lyric Opera Box Office, located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.  

This year only, The Joffrey Ballet's 2-show subscription packages for The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty start at $86.

About The Joffrey Ballet 

The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 71 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works. Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.

The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2026–2027 Season Sponsors: The Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Florian Fund, Gallagher, Anne L. Kaplan, Lynda Sue Lane, M.D., and The Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet. Season-long sponsorship of the Company Artists is generously made possible by Margot and Josef Lakonishok.

Live Music Sponsors: Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges our Season Partners: ATHLETICO and Chicago Athletic Clubs.

For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  

Since premiering at Court Theatre in 2018, Manual Cinema's Frankenstein has stood as one of Chicago's most remarkable theatrical achievements. Returning for just five performances at the Studebaker Theater, the work remains every bit as mesmerizing today as when theatergoers first encountered it. More than an adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic Gothic novel, Frankenstein is a work of brilliant art, a breathtaking fusion of theater, film, music, and visual storytelling that pushes the boundaries of what live performance can accomplish.

Few companies blur the line between theater, cinema, and visual art as completely as Manual Cinema. Through the collective's signature combination of shadow puppetry, miniatures, projected imagery, live acting, original music, and meticulously crafted sound design, Frankenstein unfolds with the wonder of watching a dream take shape in real time. Perhaps most impressive is the dual experience the company creates, allowing audiences to become immersed in the finished cinematic image while simultaneously appreciating the artistry required to produce it.

What makes this version so compelling is its refusal to settle for a straightforward retelling. Rather than focusing solely on Victor Frankenstein and his doomed creation, the piece intertwines the familiar narrative with the life of Mary Shelley herself. Conceived and directed by Drew Dir and devised by Dir, Sarah Fornace, and Julia Miller, the work finds unexpected psychological depth in the parallels between creator and creation. The result is an emotionally resonant exploration of grief, ambition, responsibility, and the mysterious spark behind artistic creation. Shelley's experiences become inseparable from the tale she imagined, giving fresh dimension to a story many may think they know by heart.

Manual Cinema's Frankenstein. Photo courtesy Elly White.

Manual Cinema's technical accomplishments remain astonishing. The performers serve simultaneously as actors, puppeteers, camera and overhead projection operators, and illusionists, constructing intricate visual worlds before our eyes. Every shadow, every miniature landscape, and every carefully choreographed movement contributes to a cinematic language that feels both innovative and timeless. At times, the work's rich layering of imagery demands careful attention, but the payoff more than justifies the investment. Watching the mechanics at work only deepens one's appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. The production's richly imagined visual language owes much to an exceptional design team. Shadow Puppet Design by Drew Dir and Liza Breit, Projections and Scenic Design by Rasean Davante Johnson, and 3D Puppet Design by Liza Breit provide the foundation for the show's arresting imagery. Lighting Design by Claire Chrzan adds atmosphere and dramatic texture, while Costume and Wig Design by Meka van der Ploeg and Prop Design by Lara Musard enrich the world with thoughtful detail and period character.

Sarah Fornace is a force and anchors the evening with beautifully realized portrayals of both Victor Frankenstein and Mary Shelley, illuminating the parallels between the ambitious scientist and the visionary author who imagined him. Kara Davidson proves equally compelling as both the Creature and Elizabeth Frankenstein, bringing remarkable humanity and quiet complexity to each role. Together, their performances ensure that beneath the show's dazzling technical achievements beats a deeply human heart.

The evocative original score and sound design by Ben Kauffman and Kyle Vegter prove equally vital, transforming every scene into an immersive sensory experience. The music heightens the emotional stakes while the live effects establish an atmosphere that ranges from intimate reflection to Gothic grandeur. There is also something undeniably enjoyable about watching the musicians positioned around the stage assemble the show's haunting sonic landscape in real time, revealing yet another layer of Manual Cinema's theatrical ingenuity. The visual and sonic elements combine to produce an experience that feels as sweeping as a feature film while maintaining the immediacy and vulnerability of live theater.

That artistry was especially evident from our seats directly in front of percussionist Justin Peters (performing the night I attended), whose work became a captivating attraction in its own right. Surrounded by towering xylophones and an eclectic collection of suspended objects that ranged from hubcaps and planters to what appeared to be a kitchen sink, Peters coaxed an astonishing variety of sounds from each piece, his dexterity and precision adding another captivating layer to Manual Cinema's intricate theatrical machinery. The variety of instruments on display is every bit as fascinating as the sounds they produce. 

Sarah Fornace as Mary Shelley in Manual Cinema's Frankenstein. Photo by Drew Dir.

One of the evening's greatest delights came after the final curtain. Guests were invited to join the actors, musicians, projectionists, and artistic team onstage to discover firsthand how Manual Cinema brings its signature illusions to life. Visitors could handle puppets, experiment with projectors, appear on camera, and watch their own silhouettes become part of the visual storytelling. Beyond the opportunity to ask questions, take photographs and videos, and interact with the artists, the experience beautifully reinforced one of the company's central ideas: understanding the process does not diminish the magic - it makes it even more extraordinary.

Yet for all its technical and musical wizardry, Frankenstein never loses sight of its humanity. At its heart lies a poignant examination of loneliness, longing, and the desperate need for connection. The Creature emerges not merely as a monster but as a profoundly sympathetic figure whose search for acceptance speaks across centuries. Likewise, the portrayal of Mary Shelley reveals the often-painful relationship between art and life, suggesting that creation itself can be both beautiful and terrifying.

The Halloween season offers no shortage of spooky entertainment, but few works achieve the artistic depth, technical ingenuity, and emotional impact of Manual Cinema's Frankenstein. Years after its debut, it remains a defining achievement of Chicago theater and a shining example of the city's creative excellence. For those fortunate enough to experience one of its five performances only, October 28-November 1, 2026, at the Studebaker Theater, this extraordinary presentation serves as a reminder that great theater can still inspire awe.

Frankenstein is more than a theatrical event. It is a masterwork of visual storytelling, a triumph of imagination and technique, and one of the most distinctive theatrical works to emerge from Chicago in the past decade.

Manual Cinema returns to the Studebaker Theater with A Christmas Carol for a limited engagement December 18-27.

Highly Recommended.

Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building

75 minutes – no intermission

Tickets and information: Fine Arts Building - FrankensteinFrankenstein

On Monday, October 26, 2026, the Harris Theater for Music and Dance became a gathering place for Chicago’s artistic community as 3Arts celebrated the artists whose creativity, commitment, and vision enrich the cultural life of our city and state. The 2026 3Arts Awards Celebration was more than an awards ceremony. It was an evening devoted to recognizing the people who make art possible, nurture the next generation of artists, and remind us why the arts remain essential to our communities.

The evening began with a welcoming reception featuring delicious canapés, drinks, and lively conversation. Honorees mingled with guests and fellow members of Chicago’s arts community, creating an atmosphere of genuine camaraderie. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the room, but also something more meaningful: an appreciation for the artistic labor being celebrated and the people behind it.

Guests were eventually ushered into the auditorium, where the formal celebration opened with How I Found My Feet Again, choreographed and performed by Keyierra Collins, a 2020 3Arts Awardee. The performance offered an inspiring introduction to an evening centered on artistic expression, perseverance, and the power of creativity.

Photos by Richard Rankin

Celebrating Chicago’s Artists

The program recognized eleven recipients of the 2026 3Arts Awards, each receiving $30,000 in unrestricted funding to support their artistic practice.

The awardees represented a remarkable range of disciplines. In Dance, the honorees were Kara Brody and Silvita Diaz Brown. Music was represented by Tahirah Whittington and Marvin Tate. In Teaching Arts, the recipients were John Chapman and Wisdom Baty. The Theater awardees were Ana Santos and Tina Fakhrid-Deen, while Visual Arts was represented by Luca Cruzat, Diana Solís, and Sandie (Chun-shan) Yi.

Together, these artists demonstrate the breadth of creative work happening throughout the Chicago region. Their disciplines may differ, but their recognition reflects a shared commitment to making art that engages, challenges, educates, and inspires.

The celebration also recognized ten recipients of the Next Level Awards, which provide $50,000 in unrestricted funding to artists who have previously received a 3Arts Award. The program reflects an important understanding: supporting artists should not be a one-time gesture but an ongoing investment in their creative development.

The Next Level Awardees in Visual Arts were Cecilia Beaven, Brenda Torres-Figueroa, and Farah Salem. Teaching Arts recipients were Stephanie Manriquez, Lional “Brother El” Freeman, Sydney Chatman, Meagan McNeal, and Wanees Zarour. Sandra Delgado received a Next Level Award in Music, and Miranda Gonzalez was honored in Theater.

By investing in artists at different stages of their careers, 3Arts recognizes that creativity needs room to grow. Financial support gives artists the freedom to experiment, take risks, pursue new projects, and continue contributing to the cultural life of their communities.

The evening also acknowledged the recipients of the Make a Wave Awards, an artist-to-artist program through which previous 3Arts Awardees select fellow artists to receive $2,000 grants. This peer-driven approach reinforces the spirit of generosity and mutual support that makes Chicago’s artistic community so vital.

Photos by Richard Rankin

The People Behind the Celebration

The evening’s presenters and organizers helped guide the celebration. Sidney Mori Burnett, 3Arts Director of Programs, Lauren Steinberg, Manager of Programs,and  Shariba Rivers, a former awardee represented the organization’s commitment to supporting artists. Executive Director Cat Tager joined William Estrada, a 2024 Next Level Awardee, in helping bring attention to the artists being honored. Event co-chairs Alicia Del Real and Remberto Del Real, a 3Arts board member, also contributed to the evening’s proceedings. DJ Lady D served as an event co-chair.

Their participation underscored that supporting the arts is a collective undertaking. Behind every award is an organization, a network of supporters, and a community that believes artists deserve the resources and recognition necessary to sustain their work.

The musical interludes added another dimension to the celebration. Sparkimami, a  jazz fusion band, brought an energetic presence to the program, while The Sandra Delgado Experience, featuring Sandra Delgado on vocals, captured the festive spirit of the evening. With its ensemble of musicians, the performance offered a joyful reminder that music can transform a formal ceremony into a shared celebration.

An Evening of Art, Community, and Generosity

After the honorees had been acknowledged, guests returned to the party room for dinner. The buffet offered a satisfying selection of dishes, including fresh garden salad,  roasted sweet potatoes, lentil cakes, pumpkin ravioli, and smothered chicken. Dessert followed with chocolate-covered pretzels, pâte de fruits, and assorted cookies.

The meal was another opportunity for guests to continue conversations, congratulate the awardees, and celebrate the artistic community that had gathered under one roof. There was something fitting about ending the evening around a shared meal after spending the night recognizing the work that brings people together.

What distinguished the 2026 3Arts Awards Celebration was not simply the number of artists honored or the financial support distributed. It was the recognition that artists contribute to the life of a city in ways that extend far beyond the stage, gallery, classroom, or rehearsal room. They preserve histories, challenge assumptions, cultivate imagination, and help us understand one another.

In a city as culturally rich as Chicago, that work deserves to be celebrated—and supported.

The evening at the Harris Theater accomplished both with warmth and generosity. From Keyierra Collins’s opening performance to the musical interludes, the recognition of the awardees, and the convivial after-party, the celebration honored not only individual achievement but also the collective spirit that sustains the arts.

Help Keep Chicago’s Arts Thriving

The celebration also serves as a reminder that supporting artists is a responsibility we all share. The talent celebrated that evening does not flourish on creativity alone. Artists need resources, opportunities, and the freedom to develop their work. Through its awards and programs, 3Arts helps provide that support, investing in artists across the performing, teaching, and visual arts.

You can help keep Chicago’s artistic community thriving. If you believe artists deserve the opportunity to create, teach, experiment, and inspire future generations, consider making a donation to 3Arts. Every contribution helps sustain an organization committed to supporting artists and strengthening the cultural life of our city.

To learn more or to make a contribution, visit 3Arts.org/support.

The 2026 3Arts Awards Celebration was a wonderful tribute to the artists who make Chicago a more vibrant, thoughtful, and imaginative place to live. The next step is to ensure that their work continues—not just through applause and recognition, but through the ongoing generosity of a community that understands the value of the arts.

3Arts, the Chicago-based nonprofit grantmaking organization, awarded $860,000 to Chicago artists and announced the recipients of its 3Arts Next Level Awards—$50,000 unrestricted awards given to past 3Arts awardees—during a festive celebration held last night at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. The 2026 Next Level awardees: music artists Meagan McNeal and Wanees Zarour; teaching artists Sydney Chatman, Lional Freeman and Stephanie Manriquez; theater artists Sandra Delgado and Miranda Gonzalez; visual artists Cecilia Beaven, Brenda Torres-Figueroa and Farah Salem.

Across its various grantmaking initiatives, 3Arts celebrated a milestone $10 million in artist funding over its lifetime. For the first time since the Next Level Awards were established in 2020, 3Arts expanded this year's awards to include two Next Level Music Awards and two Next Level Theater Awards, in addition to the visual artists and teaching artists the Next Level initiative has supported in its history.

"Being an artist is inherently hard work, and financial pressure often forces creative vision to take a back seat to survival. We created the Next Level Awards to relieve that burden, offering significant, flexible support at moments when artists need the freedom to catch their breath, to take a risk, or reimagine what's possible," said 3Arts Executive Director Cat Tager. She added, "We are thrilled to expand this support into Music and Theater this year. When footing is uncertain, artists remain our most vital compass. They show us how to question, how to heal, and how to chart new paths. Fueling their fire moves all of us forward."

3Arts welcomed hundreds of guests to its 19th Annual 3Arts Awards Celebration, including leadership from the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, Paul Angell Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and The Reva & David Logan Foundation. The event also featured engagement by the 3Arts Board of Directors, and a Host Committee of civic and arts leaders whose longstanding support continues to strengthen 3Arts' mission. During the joyous event, 3Arts also recognized 11 previously announced 3Arts Awards recipients with $30,000 unrestricted grants and 15 artists who were selected by past 3Arts awardees to receive $2,000 unrestricted Make a Wave awards.

Guests were treated to powerful performances, including past 3Arts Awardees Keyierra Collins (2020 3Arts Awardee), Sandra Delgado (2018 3Arts Awardee), Sparklmami (featuring Ariella Granados, 2025 3Arts Awardee).

3Arts has distributed more than $10 million in grants to more than 3,050 artists since 2007. 3Arts awardees reflect 66% women artists, 74% artists of color, and 17% Deaf or disabled artists.

ABOUT THE NEXT LEVEL ARTISTS

[VISUAL ARTIST] Cecilia Beaven (she/her) is a Chicago-based visual artist from Mexico City. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from ENPEG La Esmeralda. Her multidisciplinary artwork has been showcased in solo exhibitions in Mexico City, Houston, and Chicago, and in group shows internationally. Beaven has painted murals in various cities such as Hiketa, Paris, Houston, Chicago, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Pachuca, Tepoztlan, and Tijuana, where she painted a segment of the border wall between Mexico and the U.S. Cecilia is a 2024 3Arts/Chandler Family Awardee and a 2024 Chicago Artists Coalition Resident. She has also received awards including the Radicle Studio Residency at Hyde Park Art Center, the Leroy Neiman Foundation Fellowship at Ox-Bow School of Art, and a Fulbright Scholarship. In 2022, she was named one of the "100 Most Creative Mexicans in the World" by Forbes Mexico, and in 2023, NewCity included her in the "Art 50 – Chicago's Artists' Artists" list. 

[TEACHING ARTIST] Sydney Chatman (she/her) is a Chicago-based director, educator, mentor, producer, and writer, and the founding director of Fly Black Girl Education & Theatre. As a teaching artist for more than two decades, Chatman uses theater to cultivate hope, justice, freedom, and joy, with a particular focus on social justice and empowerment for Black youth. Through her teaching and artistic practice, she advocates for new works that support, challenge, and create opportunities for Black children. In 2008, Chatman founded The Tofu Chitlin' Circuit, creating programs that connect South Side audiences with theater and the arts. Her community-centered work has included collaborations with the Adler Planetarium, Hyde Park Jazz Festival's Back Alley Jazz, Court Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts.  

[THEATER] Sandra Delgado (she/her) is a Colombian-Chicagoan writer, performer, and producer who creates joyful spaces of connection for all. She writes plays inspired by underknown U.S. and Chicago histories centering Latine lives and creates theatrical, music-filled communal experiences. She is best known as the creator and star of La Havana Madrid, her smash hit play with music, originally produced by Teatro Vista with runs at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the Goodman Theatre, and theaters nationwide. Her latest play, Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars, has been hailed as a "story that every American needs to hear." (Chicago Tribune) and her performance as Clara, a mother facing deportation "a theatrical force of nature." (Chicago Theatre Review). Her NALAC award-winning spiritual cabaret meets dance party, The Sandra Delgado Experience, has played across Chicago and has enjoyed repeat appearances at Joe's Pub. She is currently developing LIVE.LOVE.NOW, an uplifting show about death and grief. Delgado is a United States Artists Fellow, received the inaugural Walder Foundation Platform Award in 2024, and was named a Chicago Theatre Hall of Fame Player by New City Chicago in 2025. She is the recipient of the Joyce Award, the Illinois Arts Council Fellowship in Literature, and the 2018 3Arts/Community Award. 

[TEACHING ARTIST] Lional "Brother El" Freeman (he/him) is a Chicago-based composer, Live PA electronic artist, audio engineer, educator, and multidisciplinary creative whose work moves between sound, media, youth authorship, public-space activation, and community healing. Rooted in hip-hop aesthetics, DIY culture, improvisation, and South Side cultural innovation, Freeman uses electronic instruments, field recordings, and visual media to create immersive experiences that connect sound, storytelling, and community. As founder of The Beat Bank and Executive Director of Sonic Explorations, Freeman creates performances, workshops, media programs, and public activations that help young people and communities build creative confidence, technical fluency, and ownership of their own narratives. His practice treats sound as both an artistic language and a tool for connection, reflection, and liberation. 

[THEATER] Miranda Gonzalez (she/her) is a Chicago-born writer, director, producer, facilitator, and organizational strategist whose work centers storytelling, ensemble practice, and cultural transformation. She is the Producing Artistic Director of UrbanTheater Company (UTC), where she has led interdisciplinary projects that bring together theater, music, dance, and oral history to explore Chicago's histories and communities. A founding member of Teatro Luna, Gonzalez has been creating, devising, and developing new work since 2000, with a particular commitment to stories that reflect the complexity of Latino and Black communities. Her plays include Back In The Day: An Immersive 80's House Music Dancesical, Mascogos, and Fina (fee-nah), a time-bending Afro-Peruvian musical currently in development. She is a recipient of a 2022 3Arts/Walder Foundation Award, the Diane Rodriguez Teatrista Award, and the Leaders for a New Chicago Award. 

[MUSIC] Stephanie Manriquez (she/her) is an award-winning writer, radio producer, journalist, and teaching artist with a passion for highlighting social justice issues affecting Latino communities. She sees storytelling as a radical act for the Latinx community and has committed herself to developing spaces for diverse voices to be heard with a larger goal of increasing representation on public and alternative radio. As a journalist, she consistently speaks on topics that most affect her communities. As an educator, she is passionate about mentoring the next generation of Latinx media makers, helping them to become civically minded and artistically innovative. She is Executive Director at Contratiempo magazine and Director of Lumpen Radio. She was a Social Justice News Nexus Fellow at Northwestern University and led the National Museum of Mexican Arts youth journalism program. Manriquez was recognized in 2020 by the Field Foundation and MacArthur Foundation as one of 11 "Leaders for a New Chicago" and in 2023 received the "Public Humanities Award" from Illinois Humanities. 

[MUSIC] Meagan McNeal (she/her) is a Chicago-born vocalist, recording artist, producer, curator, and creative entrepreneur whose work lives at the intersection of music, community, and possibilities. Known for a voice that is both commanding and deeply human, McNeal's practice is rooted in soul, storytelling, and connection. Her national appearances include NBC's The Voice as a member of Team Jennifer Hudson and The Kelly Clarkson Show. In 2026, she made her Lyric Opera of Chicago debut as Safronia Booker in safronia, expanding her artistic practice into theater at age 40. McNeal is also the founder of Pink Elephant Creatives, a creative logistics company that connects artists and ideas with opportunity through curation, production, strategy, and consulting. A 2020 3Arts Award recipient, she is committed to creating sustainable pathways for artists and imagining new models for cultural work that center access, autonomy, and economic opportunity. 

[VISUAL ART] Farah Salem (she/her) is a Kuwaiti-Iraqi interdisciplinary artist and art therapist based in Chicago. Salem's studio practice is rooted in photography, expanding through video, performance, fiber-materials, and installation. Through relational merging and mapping of human and geological bodies, she envisions their liberation. By doing so, she examines themes of agency, making the invisible visible, and potential erosion of socio-cultural conditioning distorting our shared realities. Salem holds a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her artwork has been featured at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, EXPO CHICAGO, Bolivia Biennial, Paris Contemporary Art Fair, Sharjah Art Foundation (UAE),Contemporary Art Platform (Kuwait), and more. 

[VISUAL ART] Brenda Torres-Figueroa (she/her/ella) is a Puerto Rican-born interdisciplinary artist, educator, curator, and cultural practitioner based in Chicago. Her work bridges installation, performance, sound, photography, text, public art, and community-based practice, exploring memory, migration, embodiment, and the transmission of cultural knowledge across generations and diasporic communities. Drawing from Afro–Puerto Rican Bomba traditions, archival materials, oral histories, and material memory, she creates spaces for storytelling, connection, and collective transformation. Torres-Figueroa is the founder and director of El Schomburg, an interdisciplinary arts space in Chicago, and co-leads Colectivo Sayba, a Chicago-based Afro–Puerto Rican Bomba ensemble. She is an alumna of the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and a 2021 3Arts Make a Wave awardee. Her work has been presented at institutions including the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. 

[MUSIC] Wanees Zarour (he/him) is an award-winning Palestinian-American composer, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and community leader with a deeply rooted background in Middle Eastern Music and a pioneer in exploring its intersections with jazz and other traditions. He is the co-director of the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra, director of the Middle East Music Ensemble (70-piece orchestra) at the University of Chicago, and leads "East Loop," a project that explores the intersection of jazz and Middle Eastern music, pushing the parameters of both traditions. Zarour's work focuses on bringing communities together through music, transcending borders, and creating a robust musical ecosystem that centers the global traditions represented in Chicago and the U.S. He has collaborated and performed with renowned artists across the globe, while directing multiple projects that have become fixtures in Chicago's music scene.  

The 2026 recipients of the unrestricted $30,000 awards are dance artists Silvita Diaz Brown and Kara Brody; musicians Marvin Tate and Tahirah Whittington; teaching artists Wisdom Baty and John Chapman; theater artists Tina Fakhrid-Deen and Ana Santos; and visual artists Luca Cruzat, Diana Solís and Sandie (Chunshan) Yi.

 
About 3Arts

Founded in 1912 with a history centered on women artists and reimagined as an arts service organization in 2007, 3Arts supports artists in the Chicago metropolitan and greater Carbondale areas working in the performing, teaching, and visual arts, including women-identified artists, artists of color, and Deaf and disabled artists. The 3Arts Awards were launched in 2007 to provide unrestricted awards, project funding, residencies, professional development opportunities, and promotion to help artists take creative risks, build sustainable careers, and contribute to the cultural vitality of Chicago and the broader region.

3Arts extends special thanks to the 2026 Award Partners: The HMS Fund, The SIF Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation, Stan Lipkin & Evelyn Appell Lipkin, and MSU Federal Credit Union.

3Arts gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its 2026 event sponsors: Lead Sponsors, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Morningstar; and Corporate Friend, Center for Advanced Emotional Intelligence.

One 3Arts Award is the 2026 3Arts/MSUFCU Community Award celebrates the collective generosity of artists and supporters across Chicago, whose contributions made the award possible.

3Arts also recognizes support for the Next Level Awards from an anonymous donor at The Chicago Community Foundation, the Paul Angell Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

For more information about 3Arts, please visit www.3arts.org.

The nonprofit Guarneri Hall, a state-of-the-art, custom-built classical music venue in the heart of downtown Chicago at 11 E. Adams St., proudly announces Revolutions, a two-day music series exploring the intersections of political, social, technological, and musical change at two pivotal moments in world history. Two distinct programs take place on Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday November 12, 6:30 p.m., focusing on the French Revolution in 1796 and the Russian Revolution and post-World War I in 1918, respectively. Audiences will hear works by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Ravel, Stravinsky and Janáček, paired with lectures that provide socio-political context of the eras. Adding to the intimacy, each musical evening includes a post-concert reception where audience members and performers can interact over quality libations and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased at guarnerihall.org, with general admission priced at $50 and student discounts available.

Revolutions 1 explores the music and politics of 1796, in the midst of the First Industrial Revolution and the aftermath of the French Revolution. The program includes Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Sonata for Violin and Piano in E minor, K. 304; Joseph Haydn (1732-1809): Piano Trio No. 35 in C major, Hoboken XV:21; Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Piano Trio Op.1, No. 3. Performing artists are Chelsea Wang, piano; Nathan Meltzer, violin; and Alexander Hersh, cello. Violinist and violin expert Stefan Hersh will explain how changes in bow design led to changes in music that helped to usher in the heightened emotional range of the Romantic era that followed, and how post-revolutionary Paris was home to a revolution in the development of the bow.

Revolutions 2 zooms in on 1918, in the wake of World War I and the Russian Revolution. As monarchies dissolved and empires transformed, boundaries that had previously constrained composers gave way and new compositional freedoms burst forth, as evidenced in works by Ravel, Stravinsky and Janáček. Social scientist Andreas Glaeser will add perspective to what promises to be a three-way conversation between scholars, musicians and the Guarneri Hall audience. The program includes Maurice Ravel (1875-1937): Duo; Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): L’Histoire du Soldat; and Leoš Janáček (1854-1928): Quartet No. 1, “The Kreutzer Sonata”. Performing artists are Chelsea Wang, piano; Nathan Meltzer and Eric Gratz, violin; Brian Hong, viola; Alexander Hersh, cello; and Katherine Jimoh, clarinet.

The Revolutions festival follows Guarneri Hall’s previous series on the connections between key historical events and the transformative power of music, seen in programs such as Sounds of the Cold War in 2024, and 1945 in 2025.

About Guarneri Hall

Guarneri Hall NFP delivers extraordinary chamber music experiences to a broad and diverse audience through a curated mix of live performances and original music videos. Located in a custom-built, 60-seat venue in the heart of downtown Chicago, Guarneri Hall is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, designed by Threshold Acoustics, and its uniquely intimate concert setting. Founded in 2018 by violinist and violin dealer Stefan Hersh of Darnton & Hersh Fine Violins, Guarneri Hall is named after the famed Italian family of luthiers whose legacy rivals that of Stradivari. Learn more at guarnerihall.org.