Buzz Center Stage

Buzz Center Stage

TimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th season—culminating in a long-awaited inaugural production in its new theatre currently under construction at 5035 N. Broadway in Uptown.

TimeLine’s new home will open with an “eerily prescient” (Entertainment Weekly) 144-year-old classic brought forward to today in a “smart, sharp and relevant” (Deadline), Tony Award-nominated new adaptation that speaks directly to our times.

Before opening its new theatre in Uptown, TimeLine’s 2025-26 season will launch with two productions at venues across the city—including a world premiere by one of Chicago’s most celebrated “triple-threat” artists and the sharply funny Chicago premiere of a story The New York Times hailed as “the perfect play for our age of disagreement.”

TimeLine Theatre’s three-play 2025-26 subscription season includes:

  • The world premiere of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars by Sandra Delgado, directed by TimeLine Associate Artist Kimberly Senior, hosted by Lookingglass Theatre Company in the historic Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, a captivating drama that mixes family dynamics with otherworldly wonder and shines a light on American identity.
  • The Chicago premiere of the Tony Award-nominated Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector, directed by Lili-Anne Brown, the Broadway hit satire of progressivism, parenting, and public health, hailed by Deadline as a “shiny, insightful and damn funny little gem”; presented at a venue to be announced.
  • The Chicago premiere of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, a new version by Amy Herzog, directed by TimeLine Company Member Ron OJ Parson, presented as the inaugural production at TimeLine Theatre’s new home, 5035 N. Broadway in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, a fresh, Tony Award-nominated take on the historic masterwork about what it means when citizens stand up to power.

“For 28 years, TimeLine’s mission has brought to life stories that examine our past, grapple with our present, and strive to improve our collective future,” said TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers. “As we embark on a milestone year—opening our long-awaited new home in Uptown—our 29th season deepens our commitment to that mission, at a moment when examining an unvarnished history feels essential.”

Powers continued: “This collection of stories furthers our belief in the importance of uplifting everyone’s history, while creating a space for contemplation and respectful discourse about complex issues. Individually and collectively, these plays—led by three of Chicago’s most accomplished directors— showcase the power of three playwrights working at the top of their craft. These are probing stories about how communities engage with one another, navigating thorny issues amidst periods of historic significance. With this collection of new, provocative, and timely plays, we are proud to embark on an exciting next chapter for TimeLine.” 

“This season is a striking reflection of TimeLine’s enduring mission and relevance, and we’re opening a new theatre that is an extension and expansion of our goal to foster connection, conversation, and reflection about the world we live in,” said TimeLine Executive Director Mica Cole

"We're thrilled to welcome TimeLine Theatre to Uptown,” said Chicago 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth. “Uptown has long been known for its world-class entertainment venues and shows, and TimeLine Theatre will be a great addition to this tradition.” 

“Uptown has a long history as an entertainment destination and we are thrilled to add TimeLine Theatre to the growing list of venues calling Uptown home,” added Sarah Wilson, Executive Director, Uptown United & Uptown Chamber of Commerce. “They are connecting two of Uptown’s historic districts: the entertainment district with the Asia on Argyle district. We are excited to work with TimeLine to connect their momentum with businesses and neighbors in the community.”

Save as much as 25% off regular ticket prices, enjoy impressive flexibility, and meet the moment of TimeLine’s 2025-26 season with a TimeLine FlexPass. Four options, priced from $134 to $278, are now on sale. For more information and to purchase, call (773) 281-8463 x6 or visit timelinetheatre.com.

Chicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in the 2025 - 2026 season. Subscriptions ($120 - $220) on sale beginning May 22, 2025, with individual tickets on sale at a later date, at www.raventheatre.com.  

The season opens with Terry Guest's return to Raven Theatre, with the Chicago Premiere and a Rolling World Premiere of OAK, directed by Mikael Burke, a Southern gothic exploring the world of three Black kids as they navigate a town where kids go missing, and there's no one to blame except the mythical creek monster. It then closes with OCTET, by Tony-winning NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 writer Dave Malloy, an a cappella musical directed by Keira Fromm, that examines the addiction and isolation caused by life online.

The season also includes Caryl Churchill's most famous play, TOP GIRLS, led by Chicago director Lucky Stiff, presenting a masterclass on feminism, class, and politics. Heralded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, TOP GIRLS navigates the shifting dynamics of a patriarchal society. 

This production will run alongside Raven Theatre's Resident Company The Story Theatre's POT GIRLS, a new riff on Churchill's play. The never-before-seen pairing of TOP GIRLS and POT GIRLS gives audiences the unique opportunity to experience both shows – either back to back or on separate nights – expanding Raven's longstanding partnership with The Story Theatre and fostering understanding of what constitutes the theatrical canon.

"In Season 43, we are leaning into bold theatrical experiences from award-winning artists whose work has been celebrated locally, nationally, and internationally," said Artistic Director Sarah Slight. "The season centers Chicago as a destination for acclaimed work – and Raven as a cornerstone for courageous stories that connect us – at a time when it's needed most."

Raven Theatre's 43rd Season is: 

OAK

Chicago Premiere

Written by Terry Guest

Directed by Mikael Burke

October 2 - November 9, 2025

Three kids, an old woman with a shotgun, and a mysterious creek monster. Set firmly in the southern gothic tradition, Terry Guest's OAK dives into the world of three Black kids as they navigate a community where children aren't safe, and the adults fail to protect them. It's 7pm, do you know where your children are?  

TOP GIRLS

Written by Caryl Churchill

Directed by Lucky Stiff

February 12 - March 22, 2026

Raven Theatre continues its commitment to timely plays in the theatrical canon, presenting Caryl Churchill's masterpiece on feminism, class, and politics, TOP GIRLS. From an Algonquin round table boasting some of history's most notable women, to the halls of the Top Girls Employment Agency, Marlene's exchanges with the women around her create a vivid and compelling exploration of their aspirations through time. Heralded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, TOP GIRLS navigates the shifting dynamics of a patriarchal society. 

On weekends throughout the run, TOP GIRLS will be paired with Raven Theatre resident company The Story Theatre's World Premiere of POT GIRLS, their riff on the same play, updated to present day. In dialogue with one another, audiences will have the opportunity to experience both productions with a double feature package.

OCTET

Chicago Premiere

Written by Dave Malloy

Directed by Keira Fromm

April 30 - June 7, 2026

In a church basement meeting room, a group of people –always eight—gather to sing. Told via chamber-inspired, a cappella music, OCTET investigates the total impact of internet and technology addiction on modern society, from Dave Malloy, writer of Tony-winning NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812.  

Chicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in the 2025 - 2026 season. Subscriptions ($120 - $220) on sale beginning May 22, 2025, with individual tickets on sale at a later date, at www.raventheatre.com.  

The season opens with Terry Guest's return to Raven Theatre, with the Chicago Premiere and a Rolling World Premiere of OAK, directed by Mikael Burke, a Southern gothic exploring the world of three Black kids as they navigate a town where kids go missing, and there's no one to blame except the mythical creek monster. It then closes with OCTET, by Tony-winning NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 writer Dave Malloy, an a cappella musical directed by Keira Fromm, that examines the addiction and isolation caused by life online.

The season also includes Caryl Churchill's most famous play, TOP GIRLS, led by Chicago director Lucky Stiff, presenting a masterclass on feminism, class, and politics. Heralded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, TOP GIRLS navigates the shifting dynamics of a patriarchal society. 

This production will run alongside Raven Theatre's Resident Company The Story Theatre's POT GIRLS, a new riff on Churchill's play. The never-before-seen pairing of TOP GIRLS and POT GIRLS gives audiences the unique opportunity to experience both shows – either back to back or on separate nights – expanding Raven's longstanding partnership with The Story Theatre and fostering understanding of what constitutes the theatrical canon.

"In Season 43, we are leaning into bold theatrical experiences from award-winning artists whose work has been celebrated locally, nationally, and internationally," said Artistic Director Sarah Slight. "The season centers Chicago as a destination for acclaimed work – and Raven as a cornerstone for courageous stories that connect us – at a time when it's needed most."

Raven Theatre's 43rd Season is: 

OAK

Chicago Premiere

Written by Terry Guest

Directed by Mikael Burke

October 2 - November 9, 2025

Three kids, an old woman with a shotgun, and a mysterious creek monster. Set firmly in the southern gothic tradition, Terry Guest's OAK dives into the world of three Black kids as they navigate a community where children aren't safe, and the adults fail to protect them. It's 7pm, do you know where your children are?  

TOP GIRLS

Written by Caryl Churchill

Directed by Lucky Stiff

February 12 - March 22, 2026

Raven Theatre continues its commitment to timely plays in the theatrical canon, presenting Caryl Churchill's masterpiece on feminism, class, and politics, TOP GIRLS. From an Algonquin round table boasting some of history's most notable women, to the halls of the Top Girls Employment Agency, Marlene's exchanges with the women around her create a vivid and compelling exploration of their aspirations through time. Heralded as one of the best British plays of the 20th century, TOP GIRLS navigates the shifting dynamics of a patriarchal society. 

On weekends throughout the run, TOP GIRLS will be paired with Raven Theatre resident company The Story Theatre's World Premiere of POT GIRLS, their riff on the same play, updated to present day. In dialogue with one another, audiences will have the opportunity to experience both productions with a double feature package.

OCTET

Chicago Premiere

Written by Dave Malloy

Directed by Keira Fromm

April 30 - June 7, 2026

In a church basement meeting room, a group of people –always eight—gather to sing. Told via chamber-inspired, a cappella music, OCTET investigates the total impact of internet and technology addiction on modern society, from Dave Malloy, writer of Tony-winning NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812.  

For a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape, and head to Marriott Theatre—Chicagoland's longest running musical theatre—as it continues its unforgettable 50th anniversary season with the world premiere of Always Something There..., previewing June 18, opening Wednesday, June 25 at 7pm, and running through August 10. Written by Sandy Rustin (Clue, The Cottage, Mystic Pizza), directed by James Vásquez (Marriott Theatre: In the Heights, Damn Yankees; Old Globe: HAIR, Cabaret), choreographed by Tyler Hanes (Marriott Theatre: Damn Yankees [Jeff Nom.]; Fulton Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar), and featuring music direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson, and arrangements and orchestrations by Geoffrey Ko, Always Something There... is a modern musical homage to all things 1980s.

"As a child of the 80s, I'm totally excited to bring Always Something There... to life with this rad team of creators and artists," said director James Vásquez. "It's a celebration of finding your voice and stepping into your authentic self, with the help of, like, the most awesome mixtape of 80s hits you can imagine."

Always Something There... is a vibrant new jukebox musical by Chicago-raised playwright Sandy Rustin. Set to an electrifying soundtrack of hits from the 1980s, this show delivers a fresh twist on the time-travel tale, promising a fun and relatable experience for audiences of all ages. When Samantha Craig wakes up on the morning of her 45th birthday in her 18-year-old life, she has a golden opportunity to relive her senior year of high school in suburban Chicago, 1989. Armed with the wisdom of her adult self, Samantha can reshape her teenage choices. She can rekindle friendships, reclaim her voice, and maybe even get a second shot at first love. Inspired by '80s teen-flicks and pop culture (think Sixteen CandlesBack to the FuturePeggy Sue Got Married), this meta, playful musical ultimately returns Samantha to the present where she emerges transformed by her ultimate "do-over" experience. Powered by a score of hits made famous by Madonna, Whitney Houston, Culture Club, Naked Eyes, The Go-Go's, and Tiffany, among many others, Always Something There... is a nostalgic love letter to the 80s and a celebration of self-discovery, second chances, and the power of music to heal old wounds.

Always Something There... stars Christina Priestner as "Teen Samantha Craig," Heidi Kettenring as "Adult Samantha Craig," Marina Jansen as "Camelia Shacklebaum,"  Ian Coursey as "Cooper Roy," Ty Shay as "Johnny Stevens," Matthew Hommel as "Winston Lee," with Leah Morrow, Jeremiah James, Genevieve Corkery, Gabriel Subervi, Caleb Mathura, Anna Louise Bramlett, Tiyanna Gentry, Logan Becker, Alejandro Medina, Cristina Benninghoff Uribe, Emma Ogea, Tony Mercado, Jason Richards and Savannah Sinclair.

The artistic team features Associate Choreographer Shanna VanDerwerker, Scenic Designer Collette Pollard, Costume Designer Amanda Vander Byl, Wig, Hair & Makeup Designer Miguel A. Armstrong, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Sound Designer Michael Daly, Media Designer Anthony Churchill, Props Designer Sally Zack, Intimacy Director Katie Johannigman, Stage Manager Colt Luedtke, Music Coordinator Trevor Jones and Conductor Celia Villacres.

NEW FOR 2025 WEEKNIGHT PERFORMANCE TIMES, Always Something There... is scheduled to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Call for group, dinner-theatre, student, senior, and military discounts. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets please call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.tickets.marriotttheatre.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information. Guests are also invited to visit Three Embers Restaurant before the show to experience a pop-up experience that will coincide with Always Something There..., transporting guests to another realm while enjoying a themed food and beverage menu led by the culinary team at Three Embers Restaurant.

Always Something There... is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.mtishows.com

Lucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS AND WELLES was a breakout hit of summer 2024. In BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY, an anxiety-ridden college professor faces crises in her career, her marriage and her family relationships while planning an 80th birthday party for her overbearing mother. Neither medication, meditation, nor the tenets of Buddhism are enough to soothe her anxiety over the upcoming party or the ongoing challenges in her life. BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY will be performed at the Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago from August 1 – 17. 
 
BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY will be performed by a cast of Chicago stage veterans, led by Actors Equity member Kristie Berger as the insecure professor Pamela. Berger's career includes roles at the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Victory Gardens; as well as productions at storefronts including City Lit, Lifeline, Strawdog, and many others. Pamela's difficult mother Roberta will be played by Kathleen Ruhl, an ensemble member at Redtwist Theatre, where she has performed in nine plays. Ruhl's decades-long career includes two Jeff Awards (for supporting actress in DOLLY WEST'S KITCHEN and ensemble for THIS HAPPY BREED, both with TimeLine), and roles with Piven Theatre, Writers, and Shattered Globe. For Shattered Globe, she played the title role in FOR PETER PAN ON HER 70TH BIRTHDAY, written for her by her daughter Sarah Ruhl.
 
Paula's husband Lawrence, a self-assured philosophy professor, will be played by Christopher Hainsworth, a Lifeline Theatre ensemble member who has also performed with The Gift Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Factory, Strawdog Theatre Company, and The House Theatre of Chicago, among others. Harriet Fardon, a 2023 graduate of Northwestern University who has performed with Otherworld Theatre and other Chicago companies, has been cast as Pamela's young niece Jennifer, who defies family expectations but provides some lessons for Pamela.

Iris Sowlat, a Chicago-based director who holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she directed Sarah Ruhl's ORLANDO and Lauren Gunderson's EMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHATELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT, will direct BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY. Sowlat's previous Chicago directing credits include productions with Accidental Theatre Company, PrideArts, Piven, and others. The creative team will also include Kevin Hagan (scenic design) and Alvaro Ledesma (sound and lighting design).
 
BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY has been in development for over a decade, starting as a ten-minute play written for a Scene Shop Showcase at Chicago Dramatists in 2014. Crider expanded it into a full-length play for a Chicago Dramatists' Master Class in 2020, and it has received several readings since then.

Tickets for BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY are $40.00 and will be on sale beginning June 9 at  www.lucidtheater.com. Performances will be Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30, and Sundays at 3:00, from August 1 – 17 at the Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago.

 

LISTING INFORMATION
 
BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY
WORLD PREMIERE
Written by Amy Crider
Directed by Iris Sowlat.
Produced by Lucid Theater Company
August 1 - 17, 2025


Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30, and Sunday at 3:00
Edge Theatre, 5451 N, Broadway, Chicago
Tickets: $40, on sale June 9 at www.lucidtheater.com
Please visit www.lucidtheater.com for more information.
 
BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY is a comedy about anxiety, enlightenment, and raccoons. Pamela, an insecure history professor, is pressed by her husband to try medication for anxiety. She's always counted on the benefits of meditation. Stressed by her overbearing mother and some relentless animals, she learns that liberation is open to all of us in a moment of grace. In the end, her journey is only beginning, and the raccoons will always be with us.  

BIOS
 
Amy Crider (Playwright) studied comedy at Second City, and attended workshops with Chicago Dramatists, Jackalope Theatre, and LaMaMa. Her last production, WELLS AND WELLES, produced in Chicago in July/August 2024, was a nominee for the 2025 ATCA/Steinberg Award. Her plays have won the Tennessee Williams One Act Play Contest, Word Wave, and New Plays from the Heartland. Two of her plays have been published by TRW. She is also the author two novels published by the University of New Orleans Press. Her podcast Continuous Dream is on Spotify. You're welcome to find out more at www.amycrider.com
 
Iris Sowlat (Director) is a Chicago-based director who holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she directed Sarah Ruhl's ORLANDO and Lauren Gunderson's EMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHATELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT. This year, she directed Gunderson's THE BOOK OF WILL for Triton College (as Adjunct Faculty) and will direct COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Rozina Kanchwala for Eco Logic (June 2025). Favorite Chicago directing credits include ROMEO AND JULIET (Accidental Shakespeare Company), JOAN OF ARC and UNDERWORLD ANTHEM (RhinoFest), THE DAYS ARE SHORTER (Pride Arts), ABCD (Piven Theatre) and NARRATIVES OF ACHROMATOPSIA and TURN THAT THING AROUND(Chicago Fringe Festival), and three different sold-out fundraiser readings of Paula Kamen's JANE: ABORTION AND THE UNDERGROUND. She has also worked with Northlight Theatre, About Face Theatre, American Theatre Company, Chicago Dramatists, Collaboraction, Broken Nose, Stage Left Theatre (former Artistic Associate), Possibilities Theatre Company, NoPassport Theatre Alliance, and many others. Iris is one half of the leadership (with Allison Fradkin) of the DIY queer feminist theatre Violet Surprise. In 2018, she was named one of WINDY CITY TIMES  "30 Under 30." Find her on the web at www.IrisSowlat.com.
 
Kristie Berger (Paula) last appeared in THE MOUSETRAP at Citadel Theatre. Regional theater credits include Barbara Fordham in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and Frankie in  FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE at The Human Race Theatre in Dayton; the long-running national tour of THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION starring Barbara EdenVANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION, BUS STOP, and RESIDENT ALIEN at Nebraska Repertory Theatre.  Chicago area credits include Diane in THE BIRDS, Citadel Theatre; Jeanette in THE LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS, Illinois Theatre Center; THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE, and THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION, Apollo Theater. Other theaters she has worked with include the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, Equity Library Theater, City Lit, Lifeline, Strawdog, Mary-Arrchie, Touchstone, Center Theater, and Absolute.  She also works in TV, voice-overs, commercials, films, and industrial films. Kristie is a proud member of Actors' Equity.
 
Harriet Fardon (Jennifer) is an actor and writer living in Andersonville. Past roles include Grey in BINDERS by Erin Moughon in the Paragon Play Festival (Otherworld Theatre), Catherine in a reading of CANADIAN BOYFRIEND by Sam Springhorn (Worries if Not), Jewel/Dete/Clara in a reading of LIVE! AT THE PONY VILLAGE MALL by Joshua Fardon at Chicago Dramatists (Smoke & Mirrors Productions), and Catherine O'Leary in a reading of HOTBED by Connie Kuntz at Chicago Dramatists. She earned her bachelor's degree in Gender Studies and Fiction at Northwestern University ('23), where she had the pleasure of playing roles like Macduff in MACBETH and Betty 4 in COLLECTIVE RAGE.
 
Christopher Hainsworth (Lawrence) is a Lifeline Theatre ensemble member, where he has performed in TREASURE ISLAND, NEVERWHERE, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, THE KILLER ANGELS, A TALE OF TWO CITIES, MISS HOLMES, FRANKENSTEIN and MISS HOLMES RETURNS; and penned the adaptations of HUNGER, MONSTROUS REGIMENT, MIDNIGHT COWBOY and FABLE-OUS! He has also worked for The Gift Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Factory, Strawdog Theatre Company, and The House Theatre of Chicago, among others.
 
Kathleen Ruhl (Roberta) Over many years in Chicago, Kathleen Ruhl has been lucky enough to have performed on a lot of stages with many wonderful actors and directors. She started on the Chicago City Players stage (four shows) which later became the TimeLine stage (three shows), where she won Jeffs for best supporting actor (DOLLY WEST'S KITCHEN) and member of a Best Ensemble (THIS HAPPY BREED). Kathleen did Shakespeare at the outdoor Court Theatre at the University of Chicago (MACBETH, TWELFTH NIGHTand AS YOU LIKE IT) and Noel Coward at the "new" Court Theatre (HAY FEVER). She studied with Joyce Piven and performed in seven shows directed by Joyce at the Piven Theatre. Some of the other stages she has trod in Chicago and the northern suburbs include those at Writer's Theatre (HEDDA GABLER), the Attic playhouse in Highwood (three shows), Shattered Globe (Peter Pan in FOR PETER PAN ON HER SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAYand Music Theatre of Hyde Park (Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS). Kathleen is currently a company member at Redtwist, where she has done nine shows.

ABOUT LUCID THEATER COMPANY
Lucid Theater Company has been producing plays since 2017. Previous productions include LEDA (2017), CHARLIE JOHNSON READS ALL OF PROUST (2019), METADATA (2021), and A LEGACY (Rhinofest, 2023). The company also produces the podcast series of audio plays CONTINUOUS DREAM.
 
Mission:
Lucid Theater produces original plays with a broad range of subjects and styles. We center ideas and emotions to evoke thoughtful reflection, courageous choices, and compassion. Our goal is to fight against numbness and awaken our audiences to the richness and depth of emotional experience. Rather than replicate reality, we seek to reveal subjective experience for its dreamlike sensibility.

Values:
We honor the artist by paying everyone involved.
We commit to a respectful work environment.
We strive to hire female directors and leadership.
We pledge to listen deeply and question authentically.
We vow to uplift the human spirit.

Monday, 19 May 2025 11:53

HAMILTON returns to Chicago in 2026

Broadway In Chicago announced today that HAMILTON will return to Chicago for a multi-week engagement beginning March 4, 2026 through April 26, 2026, at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe). Group tickets for 10+ are available now by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 312-977-1710. Current Broadway In Chicago subscribers can purchase tickets by calling the Subscription Office at 312-977-1717. Individual tickets will go on sale later this year. For more details, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation.

HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

HAMILTON features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, casting by The Telsey Office, Bethany Knox, CSA, Alexis Brown and General Management by Baseline Theatrical.

The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album and is available everywhere nationwide.

For information on HAMILTON, visit: HamiltonMusical.com
Follow HAMILTON on FacebookInstagram, & Twitter @HamiltonMusical

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, TikTok , Bluesky #BroadwayInChicago

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by ensemble member Tyler Anthony Smith* and directed by Stephanie Shaw. This gay fantasia on national themes... wait, wrong play. This one-act comedy/drama/cry for help about a diva (Queen Elizabeth I, previously played by Cate Blanchett), another diva (America's first superstar designer Halston) and a very sane normal person (Liza Minnelli) will play July 9 – August 3, 2025 at the Bramble Arts Loft – The Berry, 5545 N. Clark St. in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood. Tickets now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1690572

Please note: QUEEN FOR A DAY replaces Handbag's previously-announced production of ANNIE COKELEY, which will be staged at a later date.

The cast includes ensemble member Tyler Anthony Smith with Dakota Hughes and Will Lidke. Understudies include Wendy HayneCory McMenomy and Brandon Nelson.

About the Production:

American fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick (Will Lidke), known to the world simply as Halston, is down on his luck. He's packing up his chic-as-hell Olympic Tower office for reasons he doesn't want to discuss. To make matters worse, Elizabeth I (Tyler Anthony Smith*) is knocking on his door. Yes, Elizabeth I, whose reign as Queen of England spanned from 1558 to 1603. But it's 1984 in New York City. All that time spent at Studio 54 might be starting to catch up to the King of Minimalism's brain.

Elizabeth I demands that Roy (who hates being called that) make her a new gown to (she lets out a singular cough) die in. Oh, and she needs it by the end of the day, even though he seems to be in the midst of a breakdown. He takes her money and agrees, and the unlikely pair moves forward with the design of a lifetime. That is until Halston has to help his best friend, Liza Minnelli (Dakota Hughes), with her new act. Any questions?

The production team includes Taylor Dalton (Scenic Designer), Rachel M. Sypniewski (Costume Designer), Garrett Bell (Lighting Designer), Miranda Coble (Sound Designer), Maggie O'Brien (Props Designer), Syd Genco* (Make-up Designer), Keith Ryan* (Wig Designer), Tom Daniel (Technical Director), Tyler Anthony Smith* (Production Manager), Michael S. Miller* (Graphic Designer) and Jenna Raithel (Stage Manager).

*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member

 

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: QUEEN FOR A DAY

Playwright: Tyler Anthony Smith*
Director: Stephanie Shaw
Cast (in alphabetical order): Dakota Hughes (Liza Minnelli), Will Lidke (Halston) and Tyler Anthony Smith* (Elizabeth I). Understudies: Wendy HayneCory McMenomy and Brandon Nelson.

Location: Bramble Arts Loft – The Berry, 5545 N. Clark St., Chicago

Previews: Wednesday, July 9 at 7:30 pm, Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 pm and Friday, July 11 at 7:30 pm.
Regular run: Sunday, July 13 – Sunday, August 3, 2025
Curtain Times: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 4 pm & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 4 pm. Please note: there will be an added performance on Monday, July 28 at 7:30 pm (Industry Night).

Tickets: Previews: $25. General admission: $35. VIP reserved: $43. Tickets now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1690572.

About the Artists:

Tyler Anthony Smith (Playwright) is the unwell Hell in a Handbag ensemble member responsible for creating last season's megamusical, Poor People! Some other Chicago companies Miss Smith has worked with include: Haven (Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Jeff Award, Performer in a Principal Role - Musical), [producing body], Curious Theatre Branch (Rhino Fest), Sweetback Productions, The Neo-Futurists and Eclipse Theatre Company. Tyler appeared Off-Off-Broadway at La MaMa via Hell in a Handbag. He/She/They is/is/are represented by DDO. Instagram: @judithnightlight

Stephanie Shaw (Director) has presented her original solo performance work for a wide range of venues in the Chicago area, as well as NYC. An alumni member of the Neo-Futurists, she wrote and performed regularly for Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind for five years. She has directed a number of Solo Shows for Live Bait Theatre, The New York Fringe, Sweetback Productions and the simple pleasure of Tyler Anthony Smith and his audiences. She directed Tyler's Poor People! The Parody Musical, Frankenstreisand and Out! Darn Spot for Hell In A Handbag, as well as his People Do Do Such ThingsThe Kindness of Mangers and I Know You Need My Verve. She has directed for The Neo-Futurists, The New York Fringe, Oak Park Festival Theatre, MirrorBox Theatre (Cedar Rapids) and over a dozen plays and musicals for the theatre department of Columbia College Chicago, where she is a Professor of Instruction. Once upon a time, she was a theatre critic for the Chicago Reader.

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.

Broadway In Chicago announced today that individual tickets for Disney’s The Lion King, are now on sale to the public. Tickets ranging from $40 - $140 and a limited number of Extra Magic Package seats, which include an excellent seat in the theater and show merchandise, can be purchased starting today at BroadwayInChicago.com or by going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Reservations for groups of ten (10) or more are now being accepted by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 312-977-1710. The three-week return engagement of Broadway’s six-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical will run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 19, 2025. For more information and the performance schedule visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

Ticket buyers are reminded that Broadway In Chicago, Ticketmaster, and its approved outlets are the authorized ticket agents for all performances of The Lion King at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Broadway In Chicago and the Producer will not be responsible for counterfeit tickets purchased from unauthorized ticket resellers. Lost or stolen tickets for which replacement tickets have been issued will be voided and not honored. To address improper resale and counterfeit ticket concerns and otherwise, Broadway In Chicago may implement any necessary procedures for tracking ticket transfers and purchases, including but not limited to a paperless ticket system which may require the ticket holder to present the credit or debit card used for purchase prior to admission. For more information including the performance schedule, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 24 million theatergoers, making it North America’s longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre—where the production played to sold-out audiences in 2023.   

ABOUT THE LION KING
Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals of all time.  Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 30 global productions have been seen by over 124 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew FlattAnne Quart, and Thomas SchumacherThe Lion King has made theatrical history with two productions worldwide running 20 or more years and three others running 25 or more years. 

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), there are currently nine productions of The Lion King around the world: Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Toronto, Mexico City, and on tour across North America. The Lion King has played over 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica; its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.     

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. 

Director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor, the first woman to win a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical, remains actively involved in the show, launching new productions and maintaining the flagship Broadway production. 

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo MMark MancinaJay RifkinJulie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.

Elton John, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer all collaborated on the 2019 version of the film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone onto extraordinary worldwide success.

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated The Lion King feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), Anthony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor), Lisa Dawn Cave (production supervisor), Thomas Schlenk (general manager) and ARC/Mark Brandon, CSA (casting). Anne Quart serves as executive producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.comwww.facebook.com/thelionkingusa and www.instagram.com/thelionking

For the Chicago engagement performance schedule visit www.BroadwayInChicago.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.
 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @BroadwayInChicago on FacebookInstagramTikTok, and Bluesky
#BroadwayInChicago

Paramount Theatre’s smash hit Million Dollar Quartet, a “roof-rattling…rapturous celebration of early rock ‘n’ roll” (Daily Herald), won’t stop rockin’ anytime soon at Paramount’s new Stolp Island Theatre, where performances have just been extended an additional six months through January 4, 2026, by popular demand.

Paramount’s Million Dollar Quartet is like none other. Both Stolp Island Theatre and the production itself are custom built as an immersive experience inside a replica of the original Sun Records recording studio in Memphis, Tennessee, where music legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins came together on December 4, 1956, and recorded one of the most historic jam sessions in rock ‘n’ roll history. 

Paramount’s Sun Studio is lined with just three rows on either side, a total of 98 seats, so audiences are treated to an intimate, one-of-a-kind live musical theater experience anchored by incredible, up-close performances of some of the best songs in rock ‘n’ roll history, like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” “Hound Dog” and “Great Balls of Fire.”  As a result, audiences, including repeat ticket buyers, can’t get enough of this radically unique restaging of one of the most popular jukebox musicals of all time, fully immersed by amazing talent and the dazzling production values audiences have come to expect from Paramount. 

Dean Richards, WGN-TV/AM, said the experience is “like stepping into Sun Records where one special night took place."  The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones wrote “this exuberant new take really is all about trying to include the audience in the jam session” calling out Million Dollar Quartet as “another example of how much the success of the nonprofit, audience-focused Paramount has transformed the center of Aurora into a live entertainment destination.”

The current production stars Garrett Forrestal (Jerry Lee Lewis), Matt McClure (Carl Perkins), Bill Scott Sheets (Johnny Cash) and Alex Swindle (Elvis Presley), with Madison Palmer (Dyanne), Sam Pearson (Sam Phillips), Brandon Pollard (Fluke), Jake Saleh (Brother Jay), and Haley Jane Schafer (Marion).

Performance times through June 29 are Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and  Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. In July, the new performance schedule through October 2025 is Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., with an added 7 p.m. performance, rotating each week, on either Wednesday or Thursday evening (check the website for alternating dates). Starting in November, the performance schedule will be Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

When audiences step into the lobby of Paramount’s new Stolp Island Theatre, they feel like they’ve stepped back in time to December 4, 1956, right outside the Sun Records recording studio in Memphis, Tennessee. They can take selfies in front of the Sun Studios entrance or astride a motorcycle, check out displays revealing the history of the play, and step up to the Taylor’s Good Food concession counter to order an old-fashioned Moon Pie, a can of Elvis Juice IPA beer, or other snacks and beverages, all affordably priced.

They then walk through a replica of Sun Studio owner Sam Phillips’ office to enter a theatrical recreation of the actual recording studio, where music legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins came together and recorded one of the most historic jam sessions in rock ‘n’ roll history. The recording studio is lined on two sides with just 98 seats, where audiences are treated to a personal, intimate, one-of-a-kind live musical theater experience, fully immersed by amazing talent and the dazzling production values audiences have come to expect from Paramount.

Directors Jim Corti and Creg Sclavi worked with a “million dollar” production team: Kory Danielson, music director; Jeffrey D. Kmiec, scenic designer; Matt Guthier, costume designer; Greg Hofmann, lighting designer; Adam Rosenthalsound designer; Mike Tutaj, projections designer; Katie Cordts, wig, hair and makeup designer; Jonathan Berg-Einhorn, properties designer; Ethan Deppe, electronic music designer; Susan Gosdick, dialect coach; Max Fabian, fight and intimacy director; Devon Hayakawa, dramaturg; Bill Scott Sheets, associate music director; Rebecca J. Lister, stage manager; and Emily Hanlon, assistant stage manager. Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. Original concept and direction by Floyd Mutrix. Current understudies include Michael Kurowski, Roy James Brown, Brian Grey, Jordan Golding, Drew Mitchell and Haley Jane Schafer.

Stolp Island Theatre received a multi-year funding commitment from Verano, a leading multi-state cannabis company that operates Zen Leaf Aurora, located at 740 Illinois Route 59, and nine additional Zen Leaf dispensaries across Chicagoland. 

See Chicago Dance, the dance industry's nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce organizations and performers participating in Chicago Dance Month, May 31 - June 28. Now in its 12th year, Chicago Dance Month provides more than 30 artists and companies the opportunity to share why Chicago’s dance scene is so strong. This summer celebration, featuring many free events, begins with a Chicago Dance Month Kickoff Celebration, Saturday, May 31 at 3 p.m. at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

“For the last 20 years, See Chicago Dance has been connecting audiences to dance and dance artists to the resources they need,” said See Chicago Dance Executive Director Julia Mayer. “Dance Month is the most visible example of how we do both. This June, by partnering with Navy Pier and Night Out in the Parks, we are providing 34 artists and companies (out of 108 applicants) with performance opportunities in 14 different events. More than 50% of them are performing in Dance Month for the first time, demonstrating the relevance of this program and the vitality and growth of the Chicago dance community in recent years.”

Mayer continues, "Over the last 12 years of the program, curation decisions have been internally managed by SCD staffers. With recent organizational changes, we saw the opportunity to make the curation process more participatory and equitable. So, this year, we piloted the Community Curatorial Committee, a cohort of community members [makers, performers, administrators and the like] representing the breadth and dynamism of Chicago's dancing communities. We are thrilled with their selections and cannot wait for the larger public to experience this year's lineup!" In addition to the events listed below, See Chicago Dance will highlight the work of scores of artists and organizations during this citywide celebration. Chicago Dance 

Month events and Hot Deal discount offers will be added to future releases and updated regularly on the organization’s newly re-designed, state-of-the-art website, SeeChicagoDance.com.

EVENTS CURRENTLY SCHEDULED INCLUDE*:

Chicago Dance Month Kickoff Celebration Navy Pier’s Lake Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave. Saturday, May 31 3 - 5 p.m. FREE

Chicago Dance Month begins with an opening celebration at Chicago’s Navy Pier featuring a dynamic mix of performances from companies and artists that span genres and cultural traditions. Audiences are encouraged to bring a blanket, have a picnic and enjoy the performances.

The Chicago Kickoff Celebration performers include Ayodele Drum and Dance, Chicago Dance Crash**, Chicago Mexican Folkloric Dance Company**, Hiplet NEXT**, MOMENTA Dance Company, Natya Dance Theatre, Praize Productions, Inc. and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater.

Pier Dance

Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Platform, 600 E. Grand Ave. Wednesdays, June 4 - 25 6:30 - 8 p.m. FREE

Enjoy free dance lessons on Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Platform every Wednesday in June. These sessions are great for those who love socializing, learning new dances, and being outdoors. Make it a date night or social event by sticking around for Navy Pier’s iconic fireworks display every Wednesday night following these exciting dance classes.

Companies and individuals participating in Pier Dance are Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m.: Bollywood Culture and Groove** Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m.: Traffic Jam Swing**

Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.: Christopher “Mad Dog” Thomas** Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m.: Movement Revolution Dance Crew

Wave Wall Moves

Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Platform, 600 E. Grand Ave. Saturdays, June 7 - 28 4 - 5 p.m. FREE

In partnership with Navy Pier, dance comes to the Wave Wall stage, located across from the iconic Ferris Wheel grand staircase, with pop-up performances from a rotating roster of dance companies every Saturday in June.

Companies and individuals participating in Wave Wall Moves are

Saturday, June 7 at 4 p.m.: Dilshad Khan Kathak** and Phillip "Phree" Wood** Saturday, June 14 at 4 p.m.: Clinard Dance's Flamenco Project and Niko8** Saturday, June 21 at 4 p.m.: Chicago Tap Theatre and Yielded Vessels**

Saturday, June 28 at 4 p.m. - part of Navy Pier Pride: Fever Dream Dance Collective** and Queer Dance Freakout**

On the Move

Palmisano Park, 2700 S. Halsted St. Tuesdays, June 17 and 24 5:30 - 7 p.m. FREE

A series of short, site-specific performances that winds its way through public parks, inviting audience members to discover hidden pockets of movement.

  •     Tuesday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. with Silambam Houston**, Aerial Dance Chicago, Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council Ballet Folklórico, Chibuck Movement**,Raks Inferno and Shubukai.
  •     Tuesday, June 24 at 5:30 p.m. with Bodies of Water**, Chicago Flying Fairies Culture and Arts Center, Anniela Huidoboro Castro**, Michelle Haskell**, Sildance/Acrodanza, Symbiosis Arts** and Winifred Haun & Dancers.

*Performers, companies and programs are subject to change.

**First-time Chicago Dance Month performer.

ABOUT JULIA MAYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SEE CHICAGO DANCE

Julia Mayer, who was named Executive Director of See Chicago Dance in 2020, has been involved in and influencing Chicago’s cultural scene in a variety of capacities for more than 25 years, having worked at 3Arts Inc., The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Chicago Humanities Festival, Morrison-Shearer Foundation, and Museums In the Park. In addition, she has chaired and served on numerous committees from Links Hall to Chicago Dancemakers Forum to the Chicago Park District. Mayer has been a choreographer, teacher or consultant at Columbia College, University of Chicago and in Indiana at Valparaiso University and Saint Mary’s College. She has a master of fine arts degree in dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Chicago.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CURATORIAL COMMITTEE

Chicago Dance Month programming is intentionally curated to ensure a diverse range of dance forms and performances, offering a large platform for a variety of companies and performers while reflecting the cultural richness of Chicago. In early 2025, See Chicago Dance convened a group of seven community leaders to serve as a new Community Curatorial Committee to assist in the curation of Chicago Dance Month, a task previously handled internally by staff. This group focused on developing performance rosters for Chicago Dance Month’s Kick Off performance on Saturday, May 31, 2025 and “On the Move” with Night Out in the Parks, and included representatives from Asian Improv Arts Midwest, Ishti Collective, the Peruvian Arts Center and ReinventAbility.

ABOUT SEE CHICAGO DANCE

See Chicago Dance is a nonprofit service organization with the mission to advocate for the dance field and strengthen a diverse range of dance organizations and artists through services and programs that build and engage audiences. Its vision is to fearlessly inspire an ever-growing inclusive community to share in and spread the power of dance in Chicago.

See Chicago Dance is the source for all things dance with the city’s most comprehensive resource for dance information and one of the largest–and newly designed–websites in the United States dedicated to the art form. Its two-pronged approach focuses on building audiences while developing a more cohesive dance community.

For audience members, See Chicago Dance offers a dynamic calendar of dance performances and experiences, Hot Deal ticket discounts, professionally written reviews and previews, and listings for more than 200 dance organizations.

For dance artists and organizations, See Chicago Dance provides a full range of Programs and Industry Resources to help build audiences, improve skills, and foster appreciation of dance in all its forms.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Noah Diaz's whimsical, wild, unpredictable and deeply moving Chicago premiere of You Will Get Sick, directed by Artistic Director Audrey Francis (Noises OffPOTUS–Director), playing June 5 – July 13, 2025 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Single tickets starting at $20 are now on sale at steppenwolf.org or the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. 

Renowned ensemble member Amy Morton, a Tony Award nominee for August: Osage County and Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, returns to the Steppenwolf stage for the first time in nearly a decade, joined by fellow ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain (The Minutes, Superior Donuts) and Namir Smallwood (Pass Over, True West, Bug). Rounding out the cast are Jordan Arredondo (Steppenwolf debut) and Sadieh Rifai (First Look Repertory of New Work).

About the Production:

A young man with a secret. An older woman who will listen. A predatory flock of birds. An upcoming audition for The Wizard of Oz. Welcome to You Will Get Sick, a wildly imaginative new play that traces the hilarious and deeply moving saga of one man's illness and his unlikely caretaker's pursuit of her dreams. Admired as "lively, surreal and surprising" by the New York Times, Noah Diaz's Chicago debut is equal parts buddy-comedy, form-bending experiment and sober meditation on mortality.

The creative team includes Andrew Boyce (Scenic Design), Raquel Adorno (Costume Design), Jen Schriever (Lighting Design), Willow James (Sound Design), Skylar Fox (Magic and Illusions Design), Kate DeVore (Vocal Coach), Bryar Barborka (Dramaturg), Patrick Zakem (Creative Producer), Tom Pearl (Producing Director), JC Clementz, CSA (Casting), Laura D. Glenn (Production Stage Manager) and Kathleen Barrett (Assistant Stage Manager). For full cast and creative team bios, click here.

Production Details:

Title: You Will Get Sick – Chicago Premiere!
Playwright: Noah Diaz
Director: Artistic Director Audrey Francis
Cast: Ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain (#4). Amy Morton (#2) and Namir Smallwood (#1) with Jordan Arredondo (#5) and Sadieh Rifai (#3)

Location: Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, June 5 – Saturday, June 14, 2025
Opening: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 6 pm
Regular run: Tuesday, June 17 – Sunday, July 13, 2025

Curtain Times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be 7:30 pm performances on Tuesday, June 10, Thursday, June 19, Friday, July 4 or Tuesday, July 8; there will be an added 2 pm matinee on Wednesday, July 2.

Tickets: Single tickets for You Will Get Sick ($20 - $116.50*) are now on sale at steppenwolf.org and the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. Steppenwolf Flex Memberships are currently on sale: Black Card Memberships with six tickets for use any time for any production and RED Card Memberships for theatergoers under 30. Classic memberships starting as low as $160 are also on sale for Steppenwolf's 2025/26 Season. *Pricing includes an $8.50 handling fee

Steppenwolf offers 20 tickets for $20 (no added fees) for each performance of every membership series production. Use promo code 20FOR20 to redeem this offer online, available in advance until they're sold out for every main series show. Limit 2 tickets per person. You can also purchase by phone at (312) 335-1650 on the day-of show at 12 pm for main series performances. Limit 2 tickets per person.

Accessible Performance Dates:

Audio-Described and Touch Tour: Sunday, June 29 at 3 pm (1:30 pm touch tour)
Open-Captioned: Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 5 at 3 pm
ASL-Interpreted: Friday, July 11 at 7:30 pm

Education and Engagement:

Throughout the 2024/25 season, Steppenwolf continues its commitment to the next generation of theatre learners, makers and appreciators with robust education and engagement programming. During the school year, programming includes dedicated student matinee performances for four of the five Membership Series productions, in-school residencies in partnership with Chicago Public schools, workshops, panels and events specifically geared towards teens, as well as professional development trainings and resources for educators. During You Will Get Sick, Steppenwolf will host a dedicated "Teen Takeover" performance and continue expanding its community engagement through new public programming, our traditional Vet's Night performance and additional opportunities for deeper explorations for audiences. For additional information about Steppenwolf's Education and Engagement programming and to register your school for a field trip visit steppenwolf.org/education-and-engagement/steppenwolf-field-trip-series.

Artist Biographies:

Noah Diaz (Playwright) is a playwright and screenwriter from the Iowa/Nebraska border. Productions include You Will Get Sick (Roundabout Theatre, NYT Critic's Pick), Richard & Jane & Dick & Sally (co-production The Playwrights Realm/Baltimore Center Stage) and The Swindlers (Baltimore Center Stage). Commissions from La Jolla Playhouse, Roundabout Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club/Sloan, Baltimore Center Stage, Audible/Amazon Studios and Arena Stage. His work has been developed with Berkshire Theatre Group, Two River Theater, The Sol Project, First Floor Theater and The Playwrights Realm, where he was a Page One Resident Playwright. Noah is a recipient of the ASCAP Cole Porter Prize, a five-time recipient of playwriting awards from The Kennedy Center, and a nominee for the Outer Critics Circle's John Gassner Award. In television, he has written on Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu), Up Here (Hulu), Joe vs. Carole (Peacock), and has developed projects for ABC, Hulu, 20th Television, The Walk-Up Company, Nyle DiMarco and the team at Eva Longoria's UnbeliEVAble Entertainment. MFA: Yale School of Drama.

Audrey Francis (Director) currently serves as Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre, alongside Glenn Davis, where she has been an Ensemble member since 2017. She is an actor, director, educator and coach. Audrey directed POTUS in Steppenwolf's 23/24 season, and her Steppenwolf performing credits include: Noises Off (also Geffen Playhouse), The Thanksgiving PlayThe HerdBetween Riverside and CrazyThe FundamentalsThe Doppelgänger (an international farce) and Dance Nation. TV credits include Power Book IV: Force, Justified: City PrimevalChicago MedChicago Fire and Empire. Film credits include PerpetratorKnives and SkinLater Days and Distant Learners. She has taught acting in New York, LA, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as at The University of Chicago and The Theatre School at DePaul. Audrey is a professional acting coach for Showtime, NBC, Fox and Amazon, and is the co-founder of Black Box Acting.

Jordan Arredondo (#5) Chicago: SS! Midsummer Night's Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); In The HeightsBuddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Marriott Theatre); Guys and Dolls, Grease (Drury Lane Theatre); SweatFun Home (Paramount Theatre); Laura and the Sea (Rivendell Theatre); First Love is the Revolution (Steep Theatre); American JornaleroRomeo and Juliet (Teatro Vista); Waiting for Godot (Tympanic Theatre). Regional: American Mariachi (Two River Theatre); Sanctuary City (Cincinnati Playhouse); A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Repertory Theater). Film: Killing Eleanor. Television: Chicago Fire (NBC). "All the love to my family, Addie, & the Gray Talent fam! For Chris." @jordanayee

Cliff Chamberlain (#4) joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2018. Steppenwolf Theatre Company: Fool for LoveThe MinutesBellevilleClybourne ParkTheatrical EssaysSuperior Donuts. Chicago: The Seagull (Goodman Theatre); The Sparrow (The House Theatre of Chicago). Broadway: The MinutesSuperior Donuts. Television: HomelandAltered CarbonThe ActDirty John: BettyEasyState of AffairsChicago PDPaper GirlsThe Chair. Film: The Wise KidsWin it All and Netflix's upcoming RIP. Cliff trained at UCSB and The School at Steppenwolf. "Love to R + E + E + C."

Amy Morton (#2) ) is an actor and director. She has performed in or directed many plays at Steppenwolf including: Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Tony nomination), August: Osage County (Tony nomination), One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (also on Broadway), HirCherry OrchardThe Berlin CircleThree Days of RainThe UnmentionablesSpaceThe Royal Family and many others. She has directed Guards at the Taj (both Atlantic Theatre and Steppenwolf), Glengarry Glen RossClybourne ParkAmerican BuffaloThe DresserThe PillowmanTopdog/UnderdogEdward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Alliance Theatre), Awake and Sing (Northlight Theatre), and many others. Film: Rookie of the Year8MMFalling DownBackdraftUp in the AirBluebirdIt Ends With Us. Television: The BearBluebloodsGirlsHomeland, currently a regular on Chicago PD as Sgt. Trudy Platt. Before joining Steppenwolf, Amy was a member of the Remains Theatre for 15 years.

Sadieh Rifai (#3) Steppenwolf Theatre Company: August: Osage County (u/s), Ski Dubai (First Look). Chicago: Do You Feel AngerAn Evening at the Talk HouseGrey House (A Red Orchid Theatre); Support Group for MenChristmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); The HumansHedwig and the Angry InchSpeech and Debate (American Theatre Company); The Nativity Variations (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre). Film: The Wise KidsNate and MargaretOlympiaAll Happy Families. Television: Bettendorf TalksThe Red LinePatriotShining GirlsSomebody Somewhere. Sadieh received the Princess Grace Award in 2011 and is a graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. For Mom, Doug and Adal.

Namir Smallwood (#1) joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2017. Steppenwolf: The Book of GraceSeagull, BugTrue WestBLKSMonsterMan In LoveThe Hot L BaltimoreLast Night and the Night Before. Broadway: Pass Over. Off Broadway: PipelinePass Over (Lincoln Center). Chicago: Primary Trust (Goodman); Charm (Northlight Theatre); The Grapes of Wrath (The Gift Theatre); East Texas Hot Links (Writers Theatre). Regional: Marin Theatre Company, Pillsbury House Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Guthrie Theater. International: True West (Galway International Arts Festival). Television: Chicago FireBetrayalElementaryAmerican Rust (Showtime/FreeVee); Power Book IV: Force (STARZ). Film: Rounding, About Time, Bailey's Blues.

Accessibility:

As a commitment to make the Steppenwolf experience accessible to everyone, performances featuring American Sign Language Interpretation, Open Captioning and Audio Description are offered during the run of each STC production. Assistive listening devices (ALDs), large-print programs and Braille programs are available for every performance and all our spaces are equipped with an induction hearing loop. Our building features wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms, push-button entrances, a courtesy wheelchair and all-gender restrooms, with accessible counter and table spaces at our bars. For additional information regarding accessibility, visit steppenwolf.org/access or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sponsor Information:

You Will Get Sick is supported in part by CNA, Jenner & Block and PNC. United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf salutes lead sponsors Allstate Insurance Company, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Caroline and Keating Crown, Good Chaos, John Hart and Carol Prins, Joyce Foundation, Lefkofsky Family Foundation, Northern Trust, Anne and Don Phillips, Pritzker Traubert Foundation, Shubert Foundation, Inc, Walder Foundation, and Zell Family Foundation. Steppenwolf also acknowledges generous support from premier sponsors ArentFox Schiff, Andrew and Amy Bluhm, Ann and Richard Carr, Chicago Community Trust, Conagra Brands Foundation, Steven and Nancy Crown,  CRC Group, Julius Frankel Foundation, FROST CHICAGO, Kirkland & Ellis, Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, The Orlebeke Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, Sacks Family Foundation, Smart Family Foundation of Illinois, Gary Sinise Foundation, and Vinci Restaurant. Steppenwolf also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council. This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.   

About Steppenwolf Theatre Company:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's premier Ensemble Theater with 49 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions — from Balm in Gilead and Grapes of Wrath to August: Osage County, Downstate and The Brother/Sister Plays — have made this theatre legendary. Founded in 1976, Steppenwolf started as a group of teens performing in the basement of a church. Today, the company's artistic force remains rooted in the original vision of its founders: an artist-driven theatre, whose vitality is defined by its appetite for bold and innovative work. Every aspect of Steppenwolf is rooted in its Ensemble ethos, from the intergenerational artistic programming to the multi-genre performance series LookOut, to the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education and Engagement which serves nearly 15,000 teens annually. While grounded in the Chicago community, more than 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf also holds accolades that include the National Medal of Arts, 12 Tony Awards, two Pulitzer Prize-winning commissions and more. Led by Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Executive Director Brooke Flanagan and Board of Trustees Chair, Keating Crown — Steppenwolf continually redefines the landscape of acting and performance.

Steppenwolf's Mission: Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world. steppenwolf.orgfacebook.com/steppenwolftheatretwitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

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