Displaying items by tag: What is Left, Burns
Let it Burn; Steppenwolf NOW's debut show What is Left, Burns shines in the darkness
It’s no secret that Chicago is in for some dark months ahead. But in every darkness there are flickers of light to be found. Throughout history, the Arts are those flickers of light, providing entertainment, levity, and much needed escapism from everyday struggles and strife. In today’s virus-that-shall-not-be-named world, movies, books, paintings and music all provide the much needed escapism and lightness. Now, theater in Chicago is following suit. Adapting to the new virtual and socially-distanced world, Steppenwolf Theater has created a virtual stage, Steppenwolf NOW, showcasing pieces written, acted, and produced during the pandemic. They have kicked off this season with a bright light in What is Left, Burns.
The world premiere of What Is Left, Burns, the first of six works that are a part of Steppenwolf NOW virtual stage, was released for streaming this month. The play follows two poets separated by age and distance engaging in a video call rendezvous after fifteen years. Keith, a distinguished poet and professor of literature is moving towards retirement after a recent divorce from his wife. Ronnie, his younger former lover and mentee, has a New York Times bestselling book and a burgeoning career ahead of him. The two men wade through the connection they once had as they struggle with the desires that still bind them. Written by James Ijames and directed by Whitney White, the play was commissioned for the Steppenwolf virtual stage and features ensemble members K. Todd Freeman (Keith) and Jon Michael Hill (Ronnie).
The beauty of What is Left, Burns lies in its effortlessness. This seamless virtual stage plays out like any FaceTime chat, House Party, or any video conferencing app; two men, side by side on screen, their faces sometimes too close or angled oddly, moving casually about their homes, passing the phone from one hand to another while they chat. The play invited you into Keith and ROnnie’s chat, or like House Party, you simply virtually walked in. It could have been any of our friends’ or family’s conversation we were watching. It was simply two people connecting after a long time apart that initially draws you in. It’s then the subtleness of the social queues in their conversation that holds your attention; the compliments mistaken for criticism, the quickness to defense, the brush off with an odd joke or shrug. Beautifully acted, it was all so relatable yet fresh and inviting. What is it that burns between these two men? Everything about the production demands and holds your attention until...it’s over. As quickly as it began. A short, relatable, and effortless escape from today.
Associate Artistic Director Leelai Demoz summarizes this play best, sharing, “James Ijames has written this beautiful short play that feels like a complete experience... It feels so completely about the time we are living through now.” Coupled with stunning video and photography design by Lowell Thomas and Joel Moorman and set to an original soundtrack composed by Justin Ellington, this virtual production highlights the incredible talent, dedication and creativity of the ensemble cast and crews at Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf NOW Productions will be released throughout the year and members are able to stream all Steppenwolf NOW content through August 31, 2021.
When sitting in a darkened theater, the light shines brightest on the art of the production on stage. Virtual productions will prove to provide the same light in the darkness we might find ourselves in today. For viewing details, teasers, and more on What is Left, Burns, visit https://www.steppenwolf.org/whatisleftburns. Steppenwolf NOW is a new virtual programming stream featuring breakthrough stories written by America’s most talented voices. For upcoming productions, streaming, and membership details visit: https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/steppenwolf-now/.
Divergent Viewpoints Distract: The Birth of the Pill at Timeline Theatre
11 September 2026 in TheatreThere are always two sides to every story. The writer or playwright will tell a story offering key details and…
GDC Premieres New Work by Al Blackstone in "untamed passion" at the North Shore Center November 6th and 7th
10 September 2026 in Upcoming DanceGiordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America's original jazz dance company, returns to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501…
Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Chicago for first time in 10 years at The Auditorium October 17th
10 September 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Auditorium (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) begins its 2026-27 Dance Season titled North American Dance…
The Gift Theatre announces casting for Netta Walker's Hayward
09 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Gift Theatre, led by Artistic Directors Brittany Burch and Jennifer Glasse, continues its 25th Anniversary Season with the world premiere…
Steep Opens New Home with Simon Stephens' U.S. Premiere A Slow Fire
09 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteep Theatre will open its new theater this coming January with the U.S. Premiere of playwright Simon Stephens' A Slow…
2027 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards School Applications Now Available
09 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzBroadway In Chicago is delighted to invite high schools across the State of Illinois to participate in the 16th Annual Illinois High…
Full Casting Announced for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's ADIRONDACK CHAIR CIRCLE – October 22 – December 6, 2026 – World Premiere!
08 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to announce full casting for its world premiere of…
Porchlight Announces "Little Shop of Horrors" Cast & Creative Team
08 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the cast and creative team of the first mainstage production of…
Chicago Premiere of Tin Drum Theatre's A DARK WOOD to be performed at Greenhouse Theater Center, Oct 15 - Nov 1
08 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for the Chicago premiere of A Dark Wood, October…
Embrace The Change: Menopause the Musical® 25th Anniversary Tour to play Aurora’s Paramount Theatre Saturday, October 17 at 3 p.m.
08 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe hilarious musical parody Menopause the Musical® is on a 25th Anniversary National Tour this fall, and Aurora’s Paramount Theatre is the…
Paramount’s Mean Girls Delivers a Fierce, Fetch Night Out
07 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThis new staging of Mean Girls the Musical, now playing at Paramount Theatre in Aurora’s downtown theatre district, brings Tina…
The Man Who Fell - Trap Door Theatre - Through September 19th
07 September 2026 in Now PlayingTrap Door Theatre is thrilled to begin its 33rd season with the World Premiere of The Man Who Fell with…
Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Dark Children’s Tale Translates to Stellar Show in ’The Man Who Fell with the Rain’
06 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAn exceptionally good show is now on stage at Chicago’s Trap Door Theatre. This wonder—The Man Who Fell with the…
'The Snow Queen' presented by The Impostors Theatre Co. November 6th through November 21st
04 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreAfter their award winning year, The Impostors Theatre Company (ITC) opens Season Eight with the highly anticipated world-premiere of The…
City Lit announces August Wilson's KING HEDLEY II October 16 through November 29 - here the cast
04 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFull cast and production team have been announced for City Lit's production of August Wilson's KING HEDLEY II, to play…
Standing Room Only Crowd for Chicago’s Leading Theater Artistic Directors
04 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzIt must have been heavenly for the creative leaders of Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare and Court, Chicago’s top regional theaters,…
Joffrey Ballet announces planned leadership transition: President and CEO Greg Cameron to depart in December 2027
04 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe Joffrey Ballet today announced that President and CEO Greg Cameron will depart in December 2027, concluding a 15-year tenure that transformed the…
The Best of Us: Marriott Theatre’s Come From Away
03 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewCome From Away begins from a place of deep uncertainty, yet what emerges is a story grounded in the steady,…
Steppenwolf Theatre Presents Revival of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG September 17 – November 1 / Rehearsals Underway
02 September 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to launch its 51st Season with Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Topdog/Underdog, helmed by Tony Award-winning…
Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project Gala: Radiant & Sumptuous at the Harris
01 September 2026 in Dance in ReviewThe first thing you notice about the meticulously curated Black dance performance held at the Harris Theater over the weekend…
Vape! The Grease Parody Is High-Energy Fluff
01 September 2026 in Theatre in ReviewVape! The Grease Parody, currently running at Chicago’s Apollo Theater through January, takes a satirical swing at the iconic 1978…
BrightSide Theatre Announces "Monte Carlo Night" 15th Anniversary Gala and Fundraiser on September 25
01 September 2026 in Theatre BuzzBrightSide Theatre will celebrate its 15th anniversary with "Monte Carlo Night," a gala and fundraiser, on Friday, September 25, 2026,…
GDC Hosts 19th Anniversary “Dancing With The Giordano Stars” Ballroom Dance Competition October 8th
01 September 2026 in Upcoming DanceGiordano Dance Chicago (GDC) hosts its highly anticipated 19th Anniversary "Dancing With The Giordano Stars" ballroom dance competition 7-11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8…
A Loving, Delight‑Packed Celebration: Joan Crawford Goes to Hell Marks 25 Years of Handbag
31 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewHell in a Handbag Productions celebrates its 25th year with a revival of Joan Crawford Goes to Hell, a sharp,…
An Immersive Sunday in the Park with George at Kokandy Productions
31 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewComposition, tension, balance, light, and harmony come together seamlessly in Kokandy Productions’ revival of Sondheim’s opus, ‘Sunday in the Park…
Robert Falls to Direct the World Premiere of FLYING MONKEYS, by L.C. Bernadine, at Redtwist Theatre, Dec 6 - Jan 17
31 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreAward-winning Redtwist Theatre, launching its 22nd season with Prayer Circle, September 17 - November 8, by Erik Gernand and directed by Executive Artistic Director Dusty Brown, announces today…
Buffalo Theatre Ensemble Names Daniel Millhouse as New Managing Artistic Director
31 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzBuffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE), the professional theater company in residence at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC), is pleased to announce that, in keeping…
Blood of the Lamb - The Den Theatre - Through October 3rd
31 August 2026 in Now PlayingPromethean Theatre Ensemble announced today it will offer post-show audience talkbacks following two performances of their Chicago premiere of BLOOD OF…
City Lit’s Shane Saddles Up a Classic Western With Fresh Heart
30 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewCity Lit Theatre’s world premiere of Shane, adapted for the stage and directed by Mark Pracht, brings a fresh, nostalgic…
In Sisters, Barrie Turns an AI Fable into an Impressive Character Study
29 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe rise of artificial intelligence raises many questions about its effect on humanity. What does it mean if we become…
Latest Articles
-
Divergent Viewpoints Distract: The Birth of the Pill at Timeline Theatre
Written by Kendall RoyzenThere are always two sides to every story. The writer or playwright will tell a story offering key details and scenes that move the story forward in the way that leads the audience to a message or conclusion the writer… -
GDC Premieres New Work by Al Blackstone in "untamed passion" at the North Shore Center November 6th and 7th
Written by Buzz Center StageGiordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America's original jazz dance company, returns to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd. at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday Nov. 7. The engagement, part of GDC's 64th season, features the… -
Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Chicago for first time in 10 years at The Auditorium October 17th
Written by Buzz Center StageThe Auditorium (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) begins its 2026-27 Dance Season titled North American Dance with a highly anticipated performance by the acclaimed American ballet company Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH). The evening marks the company's first…
-
The Gift Theatre announces casting for Netta Walker's Hayward
Written by Buzz Center StageThe Gift Theatre, led by Artistic Directors Brittany Burch and Jennifer Glasse, continues its 25th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of Hayward by Gift ensemble member Netta Walker, directed by AmBer Montgomery. Presented in Steppenwolf's 1700 Theatre, 1700 N Halsted St in Chicago, Hayward runs October 14 – November 15,…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.