Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment), Carolyn Rossi Copeland Productions, Inc. and Crossroads Live North America today announced casting for the limited engagement of iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE at The Chicago Theatre which runs from November 12 through December 1, 2024.

In the title role of "Annie" is Hazel Vogel, a 12-year-old from Towson, MD, who most recently appeared in the North American tour of Les Misérables. Returning principal cast includes Stefanie Londino as "Miss Hannigan," Christopher Swan as "Oliver Warbucks," Julia Nicole Hunter as "Grace," and Mark Woodard as "FDR." Also starring in the production are Rhett Guter as "Rooster" and Isabella De Souza Moore as "Lily St. Regis." Kevin, a 7-year-old labradoodle, stars as "Sandy."

The Orphans are Aria Valentina Aldea, Eva Lizette Carreon, Anna Dillon, Kylie Noelle Patterson, Olive Ross-Kline and Nora West, and the featured ensemble includes Stephen Cerf, Anthony DaSilva, Savannah Fisher, Alloria Frayser, Brooke Olivia Gatto, Caroline Glazier, Ryan Mulvaney, Joel Newsome, Melinda Parrett, Lawrence E. Street, Drew Tanabe and Stephanie Wahl.

"This show, with its iconic title character, continues to delight generations of theatre-lovers old and new by joyfully singing directly into the face of great adversity with perseverance, guts and guile," said director Jenn Thompson. "For decades, ANNIE has continued to shine brightly, not only as an appeal to our better angels, but also as an example of the thrill of hope, hard-won: promising a better 'Tomorrow' not only for Annie herself, but for all who need her message now more than ever."

ANNIE is a heartwarming musical that for generations has reminded audiences that "the sun will come out tomorrow." And now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production that celebrates family, optimism and the American spirit as the ultimate cure for the hard knocks that life throws your way. The original production of ANNIE opened on Broadway on April 21, 1977, and went on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin).

ANNIE is directed by Jenn Thompson, who at the age of ten stepped into the role of "Pepper" in the Original Broadway production. ANNIE is choreographed by Patricia Wilcox (Motown, A Night with Janis Joplin), with orchestrations by Dan DeLange. The tour music supervisor is Matthew Smedal. Talitha Fehr is the Music Coordinator and Andrew David Sotomayor is the Music Director. The design team includes scenic design by Wilson Chin (Pass Over), costume design by Alejo Vietti (Jersey Boys), based on lighting design by Philip Rosenberg, sound design by Ken Travis (Disney's Aladdin), hair & wig design by Ashley Rae Callahan and casting by Paul Hardt Casting, LLC. ANNIE was revived on Broadway in both 1997 and 2014 and has been made into a major motion picture three times – in 1982, 1999 and 2014.

The ANNIE tour stage management team is led by production stage manager Nykol DeDreu, stage manager Brigham Johnson and is supported by assistant stage manager Tara Tolar-Payne. The company management team is led by company manager Royce Matthews with assistant company manager Angela Strohbeck. 

Tickets for ANNIE at The Chicago Theatre start at $39 when purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at The Chicago Theatre and at $54.50 when purchased online at chicagotheatre.com/ANNIE. For groups of nine or more, please contact the Group Sales Department at 212-465-6080 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Accessible and companion seats are available via the Accessibility Services Department at 888-609-7599 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This production of ANNIE was licensed by Music Theatre International and is produced by Carolyn Rossi Copeland Productions Inc. and Crossroads Live North America. For additional information on this production of ANNIE, please visit AnnieTour.com.

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) welcomes back Mandy Patinkin. This time he will be joined by his wife for "A Conversation with Kathryn Grody & Mandy Patinkin" moderated by their son, Gideon Grody-Patinkin at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Inspired by their viral social media stardom during the pandemic, this up-close-and-personal event with the Grody/Patinkin family is a live conversation featuring family stories, professional anecdotes, and glimpses into their 40+ years of mostly marital bliss.

Actor and singer Patinkin is famous for his work in musical theater, television and film. Renowned for his iconic role as Inigo Montoya in "The Princess Bride" and his award-winning performances on Broadway in "Evita" and "Sunday in the Park with George," Patinkin's talent has been recognized by many. He continued his entertainment career and began focusing heavily on humanitarian work and political activism after meeting and eventually marrying his wife, Kathryn Grody.

Grody is an American actress and writer. A recipient of two Obie Awards for her off Broadway work, she wrote and starred in autobiographical play, "A Mom's Life," and has appeared in numerous films including "My Bodyguard," and "The Lemon Sisters," alongside Diane Keaton and Carol Kane. In addition to showcasing her incredible talent in the entertainment industry, she has become known for her activism and advocacy work where she is committed to being outspoken on many social issues including women's rights, healthcare, and more.

During the heart of the pandemic, Grody-Patinkin began filming and photographing his parents' daily lives on social media. Their social media fame sparked after one funny Gideon-captured moment where Grody spoke on the fact that she and Patinkin "fought" during their recent anniversary celebration. Next came posts of pop-culture quizzes, entertaining responses and comical interactions from the witty couple as well as hundreds of thousands of views on their innocent-yet-hilarious videos. They currently have a following of 2.1 million followers on TikTok.

Tickets

The McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage, presents "A Conversation with Kathryn Grody &  Mandy Patinkin" moderated by their son, Gideon Grody-Patinkin at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Tickets are $75 - $100. For tickets visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000. The McAninch Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday, noon – 6 p.m. and two hours prior to performance.

About the MAC

McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage is located 25 miles west of Chicago near I-88 and I-355. It houses three indoor performance spaces (780-seat proscenium Belushi Performance Hall; 186-seat soft-thrust Playhouse Theatre; and a versatile black box Studio Theatre), outdoor Lakeside Pavilion, plus the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and classrooms for the college's academic programming. The MAC has presented theater, music, dance and visual art to more than 1.5 million people since its opening in 1986 and typically welcomes more than 100,000 patrons from the greater Chicago area to more than 230 performances each season.

The mission of the MAC is to foster enlightened educational and performance opportunities, which encourage artistic expression, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community. For more information about the MAC, visit AtTheMAC.org or @AtTheMAC on Facebook and Instagram.

Hell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to announce its 2024/25 Season, featuring a fan favorite and two world premieres. Now in its 23^rd year, Handbag continues to serve Chicago audiences with the best camp and parody – thus ensuring the preservation and celebration of this unequivocally queer art form. Season tickets are now on sale HERE.

Handbag's season kicks off this winter with the 25^th anniversary edition of Artistic Director David Cerda's* holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer (An Unauthorized Musical Parody), directed by Anthony Whitaker. This beloved and twisted musical parody of the animated 1967 children's television special features all your favorite misfits and Rudolph – the cross-dressing reindeer with a penchant for red hose and heels. In trademark Handbag style, Rudolph combines parody with heartfelt moments and a splash of scathing social commentary.

The 2024/25 Season continues next spring with the world premiere of Artistic Director David Cerda's* Scary Town, the tale of a bunny in search of himself. 

Merry Town is the happiest town where all the animals live in harmony and wear cute outfits. Devin Bunny and his friends have always believed this because that's what they were told. Just don't ask any questions. A combination of your favorite illustrated story books featuring anthropomorphic animals, Our Town and Peyton Place, Scary Town is about growing up in a lie and living happily ever after.

Handbag's 23^rd Season concludes next summer with ANNIE COKELEY, a rootin'-tootin', brand-spankin' new dark comedy by Ensemble Member Tyler Anthony Smith*, the undomesticated homosexual responsible for POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical and FRANKENSTREISAND.

Directed by Stephanie Shaw, this one-act play (you're welcome) stars Smith as famous American sharpshooter Annie Oakley, who is spending her summer of 1903 on sabbatical from show business, sunbathing her days away in the Wild Wild West. That is until newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst publishes a rumor that Annie is in prison for robbing a bank to support her cocaine addiction. Here's the thing: Annie sleepshoots instead of sleepwalks, refuses to cater to her husband Frank's foot fetish and has a tendency to drink badger urine – but she doesn't do nose candy! Or does she? Unwilling to back down, pandemonium ensues as Annie, Frank, their one-eyed maid Ethel, Annie's stillborn brother Aardvark, and Belladonna, an Italian psychic, lose their minds in an attempt to clear the Oakley name.

Handbag will also continue to present readings and entertainment scattered throughout the 2024/25 season including its newly established Pride readings in June of 2025.

Comments Hell in a Handbag Artistic Director David Cerda, "We're grateful to be able to present our 23^rd season with a celebration of our past and excitement about our future. Handbag has always prided itself on the presentation of home grown new work and this season reflects all of that."

*Denotes Handbag ensemble member

Hell in a Handbag's 23^rd Season:

December 5 – 29, 2024

Rudolph The Red-Hosed Reindeer (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) – 25^th Anniversary Edition!

By Artistic Director David Cerda*

Directed by Anthony Whitaker

Featuring ensemble members David Cerda*, Sydney Genco*, Caitlin Jackson*. Additional casting to be announced.

at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

Spring 2025

Scary Town – World Premiere!

by Artistic Director David Cerda

Featuring: ensemble members Ed Jones*, David Lipschutz* and Danne W. Taylor*. Additional casting and location to be announced.

Summer 2025
ANNIE COKELEY – World Premiere!

by Ensemble Member Tyler Anthony Smith*

Directed by Stephanie Shaw

Featuring: ensemble members Sydney Genco*, Ed Jones*, Elizabeth Lesinski* and Tyler Anthony Smith*. Additional casting and location to be announced.

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.

Toughest Man Productions, Executive Producer Lecy Goranson and producing consultant Beth Kligerman announce a return engagement for the world premiere of Royko: The Toughest Man In Chicago at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago. Playing to sold out houses in its original Fall 2024 run, the production returns for a limited time, November 14-December 22, 2024.

Tickets are available online only in advance at royko.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are available in-person one hour prior to available performances. Cash or Zelle QR code only are accepted as in-person payment. For inquiries and more information, call 847-920-7714.

Writer/performer Mitchell Bisschop comments, "Earlier this fall, Chicago embraced this production during its initial run. Mike Royko is a part of the history and fabric of Chicago, and his story strikes a chord with so many. We heard from audience members throughout the run—whether they were longtime Royko fans or were introduced to his writing during this production—that they experienced a piece of Chicago through the story of a writer who had opinions, shared stories and loved the city and its citizens. We are so proud to be able to remount the production, complete with a few script changes and additional columns, and to give more people the opportunity to revisit—or discover—the writings and humanity of Mike Royko." 

Royko: The Toughest Man In Chicago tells the story of cantankerous Chicago columnist Mike Royko, a 34-year newspaper veteran who wrote 7,500 columns in his career. Love him or hate him, he was a fixture amongst Chicago newspapers. Royko wrote about the city the way people like to think of themselves: cynical, humorous, and with compassion for the little guy.

In this multimedia solo show, writer/performer Mitchell Bisschop takes us back in time on a nostalgic journey told through the eyes of Royko as he is pitted against "The Daley Machine," corruption, and the changing face of the newspaper business.

A hit earlier this fall, the Chicago Reader said, "It's a nuanced and thoughtful look at quintessential Chicago history." Chicago Tribune explained, "...filled to the brim with his own words, a celebration of the man's journalistic brilliance" and New City wrote, "This play reminds us of what we once had, and what we still miss." The Sun-Times raved, "Royko star gets the look, the voice, the heart of the great Chicago columnist."

The creative team includes Eric Luchen (Set Designer), Christopher Kriz (Sound Designer), Garrett Bell (Lighting Designer), Smooch Medina (Projection Designer), Will Hughes (Technical Director), Duncan Hon (Master Electrician) and Faith Locke (Stage Manager).

Mitchell Bisschop (writer, performer) is a theatre artist living in Los Angeles. His past solo work has garnered him two Encore Awards and two Fringe Award nominations for best solo show, as well as successful runs in Los Angeles theaters. He is a seasoned theatre artist and playwright with over 20 years of experience with a background in sketch and improv (Second City, Annoyance, UCB, and The PIT). He is known for his previous solo works "I Can Hear You Now" and "Pit of Goblins." His career spans stages in Chicago (Over the Tavern, Mercury Theater Chicago), New York and Los Angeles.

Steve Scott (director) was the producer for more than 30 years at Goodman Theatre, where he oversaw more than 200 productions; he is now a member of Goodman's Artistic Collective. His Goodman directing credits include Ah, Wilderness!; Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; Horton Foote's Blind Date; Rabbit Hole; Binky Rudich and the Two-Speed Clock and No One Will Be Immune for the David Mamet Festival; Dinner With Friends; Wit; the world premiere of Tom Mula's Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol; A Midsummer Night's Dream (co-directed with Michael Maggio) and the 2011 and 2012 editions of A Christmas Carol. Other directing credits include productions at Northlight Theatre, Silk Road Rising, American Blues Theater, A Red Orchid Theatre, Redtwist Theatre (where he is a company member), Shattered Globe Theatre, Eclipse Theatre Company (where he is an ensemble member) and many others. He is a member of the Jeff Committee's Artist and Technical Team, a board member of Season of Concern and an advisory board member at Congo Square Theatre; he also teaches on the faculty of the Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University. His recent projects include a stages reading of August Wilson's Radio Golf at Alley Theatre, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night at Skokie Theatre and The Outgoing Tide at Buffalo Theatre Ensemble.

Beth Kligerman (producing comsultant) has more than 26 years of experience as a producer and casting director at Chicago's famed The Second City comedy. She is a consulting producer for multi-award winning HMS Media, a Casting Director for Norwegian Cruise Line, and a producing consultant for Just for Laughs in Montreal. Since January 2024 Beth has been the Road Producer for Tim Meadows, Matt Walsh, Joe Canale and Brad Morris performing improv shows as Meadows, Walsh & Friends. Beth has been part of countless national and international artistic partnerships, including the U.S.O., Vienna's English Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the John F. Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.

Lecy Goranson (executive producer) is a Chicago-area native best known for her role of Becky on Roseanne and The Conners. She has guest starred on Law & Order: Special Victims Unity, Sex and the City, Damages and Fringe.

FACTS:

Royko: The Toughest Man In Chicago

Written by and featuring: Mitchell Bisschop

Directed by: Steve Scott

Produced by Toughest Man Productions, Executive Producer Lecy Goranson and producing consultant Beth Kligerman

Dates: November 14 - December 22, 2024

Press Openings: November 14-17, 2024

Performance Schedule

Thursdays:       7:30pm (no show on Thanksgiving)

Fridays:           7:30pm

Saturdays        2:30pm (Saturday November 30 ONLY)

Saturdays:       7:30pm

Sundays          3:30pm

Location:

Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division St in Chicago

Tickets: $60 

Advance: Tickets are available online only in advance at royko.brownpapertickets.com.

In-person: Tickets are available in-person one hour prior to available performances. Cash or Zelle QR code only are accepted as in-person payment.

For inquiries and more information, call 847-920-7714.

Synopsis: A bittersweet multimedia portrait of a newspaperman who stood up for the little guy against the City's most oppressive powers.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in partnership with Second Site presents “A Night With You”

Written by Buzz Center Stage

"A Night With You"

A Writer-Centered Site- Specific Theatrical Experience!

This newly created performance piece features five original short plays composed within a three-week workshop by Black writers. These unique performances breathe new air into the Chicago landmark museum's current exhibitions while highlighting elements of Black history and activating the museum’s storied collection of artifacts.

In-Gallery Performance

Saturday, November 9th at 4:30 PM

Tickets: $30

Join us in an immersive exploration of the museum’s exhibitions at the DuSable Museum for "A Night With You."

As you tour the museum's current exhibitions, you will witness actors perform new plays created by five Black writers. This unique event presents thought-provoking and relatable stories that question what we bring to a museum and what we leave with. You will be part of the action, moving throughout the museum, following live enacted stories in the nation's oldest independent Black history museum.

Doors open at 3:30 PM ( Please arrive early).

Wine and refreshments begin at 4 PM in the AMES Auditorium

The event starts promptly at 4:30 in the AMES Auditorium.

Limited space is available!

"A Night With You": Scene Showcase and Artist Panel

Sunday, November 10 at 2 PM

Tickets: $10

Witness the compelling performance of five new plays by Black writers inspired by the museum's collection.

After the performance, you'll have the opportunity to meet the creative team and gain insight into their unique artistic process.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and seating will be available for those in need. While we won't have an ASL interpreter, we can provide written copies of the plays upon request.

This event begins promptly at 2 PM in the theater.

57th St, theater entrance near the parking

Please arrive early

Please direct questions to //This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hosted by Danny Dunson, Director of Curatorial Services and Community Partnerships

The creative team consists of

Produced by Jenni Lamb

Directed by Elana Elyce

Lead Artist Nathaniel Andrew -“Seeking

David Adams - “American Cycle”

Kisten Baity – “Unlimited Engagement”

Rachel DuBose – “Admission”

Jeffrey Hunter Jr. – “Staxis”

The cast includes Dionne Addai, Lewon Johns, Kris Lantzy, Danyelle Monson, Brandon Sapp, Marlene Slaughter, Elliott Sowards

Christopher Wayland

Second Site would not be possible without the work and process developed by Living Room Playmakers, who created new work in unusual spaces. They are a writer-driven collective devoted to creating new work in new spaces, often in collaboration with communities connected to them. While they primarily work with theatre-makers, they are not a theatre company. They strive to make work that allows a more active role for audience members in the way they experience their productions. www.second-site.org

The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to Broadway In Chicago, playing at the CIBC Theatre from December 10 to December 15, 2024. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, October 9, for the modern twist of Tchaikovsky's 130-year-old ballet.  Ticket information can be found below. Kurtis Blow is host and MC of the family-friendly holiday mash-up and contemporary holiday dance spectacle that has performed more than 250 times in 70 cities. Joining Blow on stage is the powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ, and an electric violinist.

Individual tickets are available at BroadwayInChicago.com. Ticket prices range from $38.00 - $116.00, with a select number of premium seats available for all performances. Groups of 10+ can be purchased by calling (312) 977-1710 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Subscribers can add tickets to their package by logging onto their account. For more details, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

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

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

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

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

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

About Jennifer Weber (Director/Choreographer)

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

About Eva Price (Executive Producer)

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

About Mike Fitelson (Writer/Co-Creator)

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

About New Jersey Performing Arts Center/NJPAC (Producer)

NJPAC, located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey's anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State's and the world's best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. www.njpac.org

About Maximum Entertainment Productions (MEP)

MEP (General Management) is a producing, developing, and management company founded by Avram Freedberg, Mary Beth Dale, and Eva Price; and is joined by Managing Director/General Manager Carl Flanigan. Select credits include Titanique, Redwood, Small Mouth Sounds; Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical; Verso; Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Broadway!; The Lion; The Hip Hop Nutcracker; and Colin Quinn: Long Story Short. www.maximumcompany.com

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago's Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Follow @BroadwayInChicago

Facebook ● Instagram ● TikTok 

Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater are proud to announce their Halloween co-production of Manual Cinema’s acclaimed Frankenstein has added an additional performance due to popular demand on Saturday, October 26 at 2 p.m. The production runs four performances only, October 25–27, 2024. For tickets and more information, visit fineartsbuilding.com/frankenstein.

In Manual Cinema’s thrilling version of the classic Gothic tale Frankenstein, the Chicago-based performance collective imaginatively combines shadow puppetry, cinematic techniques, and live sound effects and music in a haunting show unlike any other. The production stitches together the fictional story of Frankenstein with the biography of the original novel’s author, Mary Shelley, to create an unexpected tale about the beauty and horror of creation.

Tickets for Frankenstein at the Studebaker Theater (410 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago) are now on sale for $45-$65, with student tickets available for $20 with proof of ID. Performance times are Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 26 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit fineartsbuilding.com/frankenstein.

Frankenstein marks the first time the Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater are co-producing a theatrical work with another organization. Later this year, the venue will present Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol.

“Our Frankenstein adaptation has toured all over the world, from the UK to South America and all over the US—but it’s never looked or sounded better than on the Studebaker stage. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater to bring Frankenstein back to life for its hometown audience this month!” says Kyle Vegter, Co-Artistic Director of Manual Cinema.

Frankenstein is adapted from the novel by Mary Shelley, with a concept by Drew Dir. The production is devised by Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace and Julia Miller. Original music and sound design are by Ben Kauffman and Kyle Vegter.

Manual Cinema is an Emmy Award-winning performance collective, design studio, and film/video production company founded in 2010 by Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace, Ben Kauffman, Julia Miller and Kyle Vegter. Manual Cinema combines handmade shadow puppetry, cinematic techniques, and innovative sound and music to create immersive stories for stage and screen. Using vintage overhead projectors, multiple screens, puppets, actors, live feed cameras, multi-channel sound design, and a live music ensemble, Manual Cinema transforms the experience of attending the cinema and imbues it with liveness, ingenuity, and theatricality. The company was awarded an Emmy in 2017 for “The Forger,” a video created for The New York Times, and named Chicago Artists of the Year in 2018 by the Chicago Tribune. In 2020 they were included in 50 of Chicago theater’s "Rising Stars and Storefront Stalwarts" (Newcity). Their shadow puppet animations were featured in the 2021 film remake of Candyman, directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions. In 2022 they premiered Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About A Terrible Monster, an adaptation of two books by celebrated children’s author Mo Willems, and a live adaptation of their 2020 streaming hit A Christmas Carol. In 2023 Manual Cinema completed production on their first self-produced short film, Future Feeling, and will be touring with folk rock band Iron & Wine in 2024 creating live visuals on stage. For more information, visit manualcinema.com,

The Fine Arts Building is a home for art in all forms: from pioneers like Poetry magazine’s founding publisher Harriet Monroe, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz illustrator W. W. Denslow, sculptor Lorado Taft and the Chicago Little Theatre, to the ongoing legacies of painters, musicians, booksellers, puppeteers, dancers, photographers and craftspeople who inhabit the building today, the Fine Arts Building is buzzing with more than a century of Chicago creativity and innovation. A Chicago Landmark since 1978, the building features original manually-operated elevators, Art Nouveau murals from the late 19th century and the recently renovated Studebaker Theater, one of the city’s oldest and most significant live theatrical venues. For more information, visit fineartsbuilding.com.

Kokandy Productions is delighted to announce its 2025 season, including two fully produced musicals and the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival.

Spend next summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact) with the Chicago premiere of Amélie, based on the 2001 film of the same name. Kokandy presents the charming tale of Amélie and the fantastical world of whimsy and romance that surrounds her. The entire Chopin basement, including the lobby, bar and cafe, will envelop audiences in Amélie's journey.

Just in time for Halloween, Kokandy embraces gothic horror with a revival of Jekyll & Hyde – the first Chicago staging of the macabre musical in over 15 years. The epic and sweeping score takes the company to the Chopin Mainstage for the first time, creating a chilling chamber for this haunting tale.

Full productions in the 2025 season will be presented at The Chopin Theater, 1543 W Division St. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Single tickets will go on sale Friday, April 1, 2025 at www.kokandyproductions.com.

After a successful return in 2024, Kokandy is also pleased to steward the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (dates and venue TBD). CMTF spotlights musical writers, composers, producers and fans with a festival of concert readings of exciting and challenging new works. Throughout the year, the company will continue the popular Kokandy Book Club, an intimate salon series celebrating theatre, music and community presented at The Understudy, 5531 N. Clark St. in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood. Each meeting will focus on a well-known play or musical – investigating the plot, themes and relevant tangents through a mix of musical theatre and pop/rock performance.

Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham says, "In 2025, we're looking to escape. A technicolor trip to France, a lamplit stroll through late-night London. No matter how far we go, we cannot escape ourselves. At first glance, Amélie's romantic daydreams seem to have nothing in common with Dr. Henry Jekyll's haunting hypotheses, and yet... both seek to explore what's hiding inside. This is an eclectic season for dreamers and nightmare enthusiasts alike. And with the idiosyncratic intimacy of Amelie against Jekyll's epic scope, we're challenging ourselves as a company to be both smaller and bigger than we've been before. Good and evil, light and dark, upstairs and downstairs – can't wait to play!"

Kokandy Productions' 2025 Season includes: 

Spring 2025 – Date/Venue TBA

Chicago Musical Theatre Festival

The Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (CMTF) features concert presentations of new musicals from Chicago and across the country. Originally produced by Underscore Theatre Company and now under the leadership of Kokandy Productions, the festival is a celebration of new work, designed to highlight emerging musical theatre creators.

July 17 - September 28, 2025
Amélie

Book by Craig Lucas

Music by Daniel Messé

Lyrics by Nathan Tysen & Daniel Messé

in the Chopin Downstairs Studio

Amélie is an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she'll have to risk everything and say what's in her heart. Be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection, and sees possibility around every corner.

October 10 - December 21, 2025
Jekyll & Hyde

Conceived for the Stage by Frank Wildhorn & Steve Cuden

Book and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse

Music by Frank Wildhorn

Based on the story by Robert Louis Stevenson

on the Chopin Theater Mainstage

An evocative tale of two men – one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman – and two women – one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and trusting only herself – both women in love with the same man and both unaware of his dark secret. A devoted man of science, Dr. Henry Jekyll is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind's most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde.

About Kokandy Productions

Founded in 2010, Kokandy Productions seeks to leverage the heightened reality of musical theater to tell complex and challenging stories, with a focus on contributing to the development of Chicago-based musical theater artists, and raising the profile of Chicago's non-Equity musical theater community.

The company's artistic staff is comprised of Derek Van Barham (Producing Artistic Director), Scot T. Kokandy (Executive Producer), Adrian Abel Azevedo and Leda Hoffmann (Artistic Associates) and Jeff Meyer (Webmaster/Graphic Designer).

For additional information, visit www.kokandyproductions.com.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the world premiere of Ngozi Anyanwu's Leroy and Lucy, a bluesy and seductive play with music, directed by Awoye Timpo, playing October 24 – December 15, 2024 in Steppenwolf's in-the-round Ensemble Theater in Honor of Helen Zell, 1646 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. The press opening is Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 6 pm.

Tony Award-nominated ensemble member Jon Michael Hill (Elementary, Pass Over, Superior Donuts) returns following his critically acclaimed performance in Steppenwolf's world premiere of Purpose, joined by Obie Award-winning stage actor Brittany Bradford, also known for her TV roles in Julia, The Watcher and Dead Ringers.

About the Production:

Two lost souls meet at a crossroads, in the dead of night, deep in the Mississippi of it all. They laugh, they flirt, they make sweet music. Together, they conjure a familiar sound from long ago, one of wondrous deals and dangerous aspirations. In this sultry world premiere inspired by the myth of musician Robert Johnson, the Delta Blues fills the air, and every strum has the chance to change your life. 

The creative team includes Andrew Boyce (Scenic Design), Yvonne L. Miranda (Costume Design), Heather Gilbert (Lighting Design), Connor Wang (Sound Design), Jeremy Jones (Music Director & Composer), Adesola Osakalumi (Choreographer & Cultural Consultant), Arminda Thomas (Dramaturg), Maya Vinice Prentiss (Dialect & Intimacy Consultant), Marie Ramirez Downing (Voice Coach), Patrick Zakem (Creative Producer), Elise Hausken (Production Manager), JC Clementz, CSA (Casting), Michelle Medvin (Production Stage Manager) and Jaclynn Joslin (Assistant Stage Manager). For full cast and creative team bios, click here.

Production Details:

Title: Leroy and Lucy – World Premiere!
Playwright: Ngozi Anyanwu
Director: Awoye Timpo
Cast: Brittany Bradford (Lucy) and Jon Michael Hill (Leroy)

Location: Steppenwolf's Ensemble Theater in Honor of Helen Zell, 1646 N. Halsted St., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, October 24 – Saturday, November 2, 2024
Regular run: Tuesday, November 5 – Sunday, December 15, 2024
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 7:30 pm performances on Tuesday, October 29, Wednesday, November 6, Tuesday, November 12, Wednesday, November 13, Thursday, November 14, Tuesday, November 19, Wednesday, November 20, Thursday, November 21, Thursday, November 28 and Tuesday, December 10; there will be an added 2 pm matinee on Wednesday, November 27.

Tickets: Single tickets for Leroy and Lucy ($20 - $92) are now on sale at steppenwolf.org and the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. Steppenwolf Flex Memberships are also currently on sale: Black Card Memberships with six tickets for use any time for any production and RED Card Memberships for theatergoers under 30.

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. Programming includes dedicated student matinee performances during four of the five Membership Series productions including Noises Off, Leroy and Lucy, Fool for Love and The Book of Grace, 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. Additionally, Steppenwolf is reimagining their community engagement and will pilot new public programming, continue accessibility programming and offer opportunities for deeper explorations for audiences throughout the season. 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.

Accessible Performance Dates:

Audio-described and touch tour: Sunday, November 24 at 3 pm (1:30 pm Touch Tour)
Open-captioned: Saturday, November 23 at 3 pm & Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 pm
ASL-interpreted public performance: Friday, December 6 at 7:30 pm

Artist Biographies:

Brittany Bradford (Lucy) Broadway: Bernhardt/Hamlet. Off-Broadway: The Comeuppance (Obie Award, Signature Theater), Wedding Band (Obie Award, TFANA), Fefu and Her Friends (TFANA), Mac Beth (Hunter Theatre Project), Merrily We Roll Along (Roundabout/Fiasco Theater), TV: Julia (HBO Max), The Watcher (Netflix), The Gilded Age (HBO Max), Dead Ringers (Amazon), Fire Country (CBS), Fear the Walking Dead (AMC), New Amsterdam (NBC). Film: The Same Storm (dir. Peter Hedges). Classix member and HomeBase Theater Collective co-founder. Training: Juilliard.

Jon Michael Hill (Leroy) joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2007. Steppenwolf Theatre Company: Purpose, True West, Pass Over, Constellations, Head of Passes, The Hot L Baltimore, The Tempest, Kafka on the Shore, The Unmentionables. Broadway: Superior Donuts, Pass Over. Off-Broadway: The Refuge Plays (New York Theatre Workshop) Pass Over (Lincoln Center). Film: Pass Over, Widows, In the Radiant City, No Pay, Nudity. Television: Upcoming: A Man in Full (Netflix), Elementary (CBS), Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC), Eastbound & Down (HBO), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC) and Person of Interest (CBS).

Ngozi Anyanwu (Playwright) is a playwright, storyteller, and most recently a 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award winner. Her newest play, Last of the Love Letters, premiered at the Atlantic theater fall 2021. Previous productions include Good Grief (Vineyard Theatre in NYC / Center Theatre Group in LA) and The Homecoming Queen (sold-out world premiere run at the Atlantic Theatre). Good Grief was on the Kilroys List 2016 and a semi finalist for the Princess Grace Award, and won the Humanitas Award. The Homecoming Queen was on the Kilroys List 2017 and was a Leah Ryan Finalist. Her play Nike... (Kilroys List 2017) was workshopped at The New Black Fest in conjunction with The Lark and The Strand Festival in conjunction with A.C.T and Space on Ryder Farm. Ngozi also has commissions with NYU, The Old Globe, Two Rivers Theatre, The Atlantic Theatre and Steppenwolf. Anyanwu has also received residencies from LCT3, Space on Ryder Farm, the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, The New Harmony Project, New York Stage and Film and Page 73. She attended Point Park University (BA) and received her MFA in Acting from University of California, San Diego.

Awoye Timpo (Director) is a Brooklyn-based director and producer. Her recent New York credits include Elyria by Deepa Purohit (Atlantic Theater), Wedding Band by Alice Childress (Theatre for a New Audience), In Old Age by Mfoniso Udofia (New York Theatre Workshop), The Loophole by Jay Adana and Zeniba Britt (Public Theater), Carnaval by Nikkole Salter (National Black Theatre), Good Grief by Ngozi Anyanwu (Vineyard Theatre and Audible) and The Homecoming Queen by Ngozi Anyanwu (Atlantic Theater Company). Regionally she has directed The Bluest Eye (Huntington), Pipeline (Studio Theatre), Paradise Blue (Long Wharf), Everybody Black (Actors Theatre of Louisville), School Girls (Berkeley Rep), Jazz (Marin Theatre Company). Other projects include concert performances for independent artists as well as for the NBA, Ndebele Funeral (59E59, Edinburgh, South African Tour), "Black Picture Show" (Artists Space/Metrograph) and Bluebird Memories (Audible). Awoye is a Creative Arts Consultant for the African American Policy Forum and the Founding Producer of CLASSIX, theclassix.org.

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 (see dates above). Assistive listening devices and large-print 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:

Leroy and Lucy is supported in part by Conagra Brands Foundation. United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf is also grateful for the significant season support from lead sponsors Allstate Insurance Company, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Caroline and Keating Crown, Good Chaos, Joyce Foundation, Lefkofsky Family Foundation, Ron and Paula Mallicoat, Northern Trust, Anne and Don Phillips, John Hart and Carol Prins, Robert Rivkin and Cindy Moelis, Shubert Foundation, Inc, Walder Foundation, and Zell Family Foundation. Steppenwolf also acknowledges generous support from premier sponsors Anonymous, ArentFox Schiff, Andrew and Amy Bluhm, Michael and Cathy Brennan, Ann and Richard Carr, Chicago Community Trust, Conagra Brands Foundation, Steven and Nancy Crown, CRC Group, Rich and Margery Feitler, Julius Frankel Foundation, FROST CHICAGO, Goldman Sachs, Shmaila Tahir and Asheesh Goel, Bob and Amy Greenebaum, Kirkland & Ellis, Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Christopher and Eileen Murphy, The Orlebeke Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, Bryan Traubert and Penny Pritzker, Sacks Family Foundation, Smart Family Foundation of Illinois, Gary Sinise Foundation, Elliot A. Stultz, and Vinci Restaurant. Steppenwolf also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.  

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's premiere 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, 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.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.