Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to open its 2024/25 Season 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, playing December 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025 at Hoover Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Tickets are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1452754. 

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

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

Benefit Weekend

Handbag will host a weekend of benefit performances Friday, December 20 – Sunday, December Sunday, December 22, 2024 with a pre-show party including appetizers, plus the option of VIP reserved seating, drink tickets and a gift bag. There will also be raffles and a silent auction with fabulous items to bid on. All proceeds will support Handbag's mission to serve Chicago audiences with the best camp and parody – thus ensuring the preservation and celebration of this unequivocally queer art form.

*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

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

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

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

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

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

Special Benefit Performances: Friday, December 20 at 7 pm, Saturday, December 21 at 7 pm and Sunday, December 22 at 3 pm. Please note early curtain times on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets: $29 previews, $39 early bird general admission, $45 general admission, $50 at the door, $52 advanced VIP/reserved ticket with no drink ticket, $60 advanced VIP/reserved seating with drink ticket. Group rates $36 for 10 or more.

Benefit Performance Tickets: $60 general admission (includes appetizers) and $125 VIP/reserved (includes reserved seating, appetizers, drink ticket and gift bag).

Tickets for all performances are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1452754.

About the Artists

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

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

About Hell in a Handbag Productions

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

Due to popular demand, Steppenwolf Theatre is pleased to announce Jane Lynch's A SWINGIN' LITTLE CHRISTMAS has added a sixth and final performance to its nearly sold-out engagement December 12 - 15, 2024 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. The newly-added show on Sunday, December 15 at 7:30 is now on sale at steppenwolf.org/christmas or by calling the Box Office at (312) 335-1650.

Five-time Emmy winner Jane Lynch takes the stage with Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet in this hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza that promises a delightful blend of comedy and music – and a swingin' good time! The group has brought their joyful banter to audiences across the country, with their holiday album A Swingin' Little Christmas hitting Billboard's Top 10 Adult Contemporary chart. Hollywood Digest calls it "captivating," the comedy "spectacular" and the vibe "absolutely precious."

Production Details:

Dates: December 12 - 15, 2024
Performance schedule: Thursday & Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 3 pm & 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $79 - $139. For tickets, visit steppenwolf.org/christmas or call the Box Office at (312) 335-1650.

Artist Biographies:

Jane Lynch is a five-time Emmy winner known for her portrayal of Sue Sylvester on Glee. She currently hosts NBC's Weakest Link and appears in Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. Additional television credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Good Fight and Two and a Half Men. Lynch's film credits include The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Julie & Julia and Best In Show. Along with Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and The Tony Guerrero Quintet, Jane tours the country with their annual holiday show, A Swingin' Little Christmas. The album is available on all music platforms.

Kate Flannery is best known for her nine seasons as Meredith the drunk on NBC's The Office. Kate was a fan favorite on Season 28 of ABC's Dancing With The Stars, touring live at Radio City Musical Hall and 40 cities. Television guest star appearances include Magnum P. I., Young Sheldon and Brooklyn Nine Nine. She can be seen in dozens of indie films including The Prank with Rita Moreno.

Tim Davis has been producing vocalists and music on film, television and artist recordings for countless projects for the past 28 years, including all five seasons of Glee on FOX. An accomplished singer himself, Tim has sung on hundreds of projects, and still performs with artists like Idina Menzel and Barbra Streisand.

The Tony Guerrero Quintet has been a staple of the Southern California jazz scene for many years. Featuring Tony Guerrero (trumpet/piano), Matt Johnson (drums), Mark Visher (sax/flute), Dave Siebels (keyboards) and David Miller (bass). In 2016, they released the holiday album A Swingin' Little Christmas, that landed a spot in the Top Ten of the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts. The title track, an original Tony Guerrero composition, went to #6 on the Billboard charts. The Tony Guerrero Quintet's own recordings have been a staple on jazz radio for over thirty years.

Accessibility:

Steppenwolf is committed to making the theatergoing experience accessible to everyone. Assistive listening devices 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. If you have questions or would like to make a specific request, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call our box office at 312-335-1650.

The Joffrey Ballet's critically acclaimed reimagined classic, The Nutcracker by two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, returns to the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, in 25 performances, December 6 – 28, 2024. Set in Chicago's World's Fair in 1893, Wheeldon's The Nutcracker highlights the rich cultural heritage of Chicago and the wonder of the season.

New this year, The Joffrey Ballet offers a Discount Family Series package that provides up to 25% savings when families purchase tickets to The Nutcracker and Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, which takes place June 5-22, 2025. A holiday gift that extends beyond the season, the two-program subscription begins at $72. Tickets are available now at joffrey.org.

"A Chicago story of family and adventure, The Nutcracker is often the entry point for many people to witness the spectacle of the Joffrey," Greg Cameron, President and CEO, said. "Closing our 69^th season, we will offer another invitation into a world where dreams come to life with Christopher Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. We hope the new Discount Family Series is 'the gift that keeps giving' for many families in Chicago this year. Joffrey magic doesn't end with the holidays—it's here all season long."

"A cherished tradition, The Nutcracker brings us together to explore the true meaning of the holiday season," said The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. "For some, it's a nostalgic journey; for others, a new, enchanting adventure. Each performance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family, wonder, and belonging. Set against the backdrop of Chicago, The Nutcracker seamlessly blends our history with our dreams—a gift we are honored to share with our community each year."

Wheeldon's American tale of an immigrant family during the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 opens as young Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the Fair's iconic Statue of the Republic, host a festive Christmas Eve celebration. After a surprise visit from the creator of the Fair, the mysterious Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a whirlwind adventure with the Nutcracker Prince through a dreamlike World's Fair.

A ballet in two acts set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, The Nutcracker features an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch, Caldecott Medal Award-winning author Brian Selznick, Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer Basil Twist, Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz and Tony Award®-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy/59 Productions. The production was adapted in 2021 by Wheeldon to fit the larger Lyric Opera House stage.

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

With gratitude to The Nutcracker Presenting Sponsor Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company, and Production Sponsor AARP Illinois.

Schedule

The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker Friday, December 6–Saturday, December 28, 2024.

The full schedule is as follows: Friday, December 6 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 8 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; Thursday, December 12 at 7:00 PM; Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; Thursday, December 19 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Friday, December 20 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 22 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; Tuesday, December 24 at 2:00 PM; Thursday December 26 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Friday, December 27 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and Saturday, December 28 at 2:00 PM.

Single tickets start at $36 and are available for purchase online at Joffrey.org/Nutcracker, by telephone at 312.386.8905 or at Lyric Opera Box Office located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr.

About The Joffrey Ballet 

The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 69 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works. 

Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.

The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2024-2025 Season Sponsors: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Florian Fund, Gallagher, Anne L. Kaplan, and Live Music Sponsors: Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges Season Partners: Chicago Athletic Clubs, and Athletico Physical Therapy, official provider of physical therapy for The Joffrey Ballet.

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

 Lifeline Theatre brings their first MainStage production of the 2024-25 season to the stage with Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol. Tom Mula's holiday tale is presented as a one-man show, starring Lifeline ensemble member Phil Timberlake.

In Dickens' Christmas Carol, Scrooge gets a chance to amend his ways, but we never find out what happened to his partner, Jacob Marley. Audiences can find out at Lifeline Theatre's production of Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a one-man show written by Goodman Theatre's own Scrooge, Tom Mula, and performed by longtime Chicago actor and Lifeline Ensemble member, Phil Timberlake. This holiday tale features one actor, nineteen characters and two hours of good cheer.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol

By Tom Mula
Performed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Phil Timberlake

November 29 – December 22, 2024

Regular tickets $45; preview tickets $25

Previews: November 29 – December 1
(Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30 p.m.)

Regular Run:  December 6 – December 22
(Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.)

Tickets to Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol are on sale at lifelinetheatre.com/performances/2024-2025/christmas-carol/ Season memberships for the 2024-2025 are also available now. To purchase season memberships or for more information call the Lifeline Theatre Box Office at 773-761-4477, or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com.

ABOUT LIFELINE THEATRE
Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. Lifeline is easily accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/buses) and free parking is available at Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave, lot located on the corner of Albion and Bosworth). Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs. 

Founded in 1982, Lifeline Theatre is known for staging innovative adaptations of great works of fiction as well as commissioning original work. In 1987, Lifeline Theatre added KidSeries plays for children and families, and has been producing full seasons of programming for both adults and children ever since.  Over the course of its forty-two seasons, Lifeline Theatre has made not only an indelible mark on the Chicago theater scene, but an invaluable contribution to the theater world at large. Lifeline's dedicated artistic ensemble has developed one hundred and forty-six world premiere literary adaptations and original plays, nearly forty of which have had a life beyond their Lifeline premieres, with over three hundred subsequent productions spread across over forty U.S. states, six Canadian provinces, plus productions in England, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, and Guatemala. Additionally, four scripts developed at Lifeline Theatre have gone on to U.S. national tours, and over a dozen have been published. Lifeline Theatre has garnered a total of fifty-three Jeff Awards (Equity and Non-Equity), including sixteen for New Adaptation, New Musical, or New Work.

Individual tickets for SHUCKED, the Tony Award® winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls "flat out hilarious," will go on sale on Friday, November 8. SHUCKED will play Broadway In Chicago's CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited two-week engagement, January 7 - 19.

SHUCKED features a "superb book" (New York Post) by Tony Award winner Robert Horn, a score filled with "earworm songs" (The Daily Beast) by Grammy Award winners, Tony Award nominees and Nashville music superstars Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and direction with "an infectious spirit of glee and warmth" (Variety) by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien.

What do you get when you pair a semi-neurotic, New York comedy writer with two music superstars from Nashville? A hilarious and audacious farm-to-fable musical about the one thing Americans everywhere can't get enough of: corn. SHUCKED is the new musical comedy that proves sometimes tearing down a few walls, rather than growing them, is the only way to preserve our way of life. SHUCKED is turning musical theater on its ear and is offering a kernel of hope for our divided nation.

The cast includes Miki Abraham (Shucked on Broadway) as Lulu, Tyler Joseph Ellis ("The Sex Lives of College Girls") as Storyteller 2, Maya Lagerstam (The Gospel According to Heather) as Storyteller 1, Mike Nappi (Darling Grenadine) as Peanut, Jake Odmark (Kinky Boots) as Beau, Quinn VanAntwerp (Shucked on Broadway) as Gordy and Danielle Wade ("Cady" in the Mean Girls National Tour) as Maizy.

The cast also includes Zakiya Baptiste, Mackenzie Bell, Carly Caviglia, Cecily Dionne Davis, Ryan Fitzgerald, Sean Casey Flanagan, Jackson Goad, Erick Pinnick, Nick Raynor, Celeste Rose, Kyle Sherman and Chani Wereley.

With choreography by Sarah O'Gleby, and music supervision, music direction, orchestrations, and arrangements by 2023 Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award nominee Jason Howland, the design team for SHUCKED includes 2023 Tony Award nominee and Tony Award winner Scott Pask (scenic design), 2023 Drama Desk Award nominee Tilly Grimes (costume design), Tony Award nominee Japhy Weideman (lighting design), Tony Award winner and 2023 Drama Desk Award nominee John Shivers (sound design), Academy Award® winner and Emmy Award® winner Mia Neal (wig design), and Stephen Kopel, C12 Casting (casting director). SHUCKED is produced by Mike Bosner and Jason Owen.

The Grammy Award nominated SHUCKED – Original Broadway Cast Recording is available on all streaming platforms and CD HERE.  The album is produced by Jason Howland, Billy Jay Stein, and the show's composers Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark.

www.shuckedmusical.com

www.facebook.com/shuckedmusical

www.instagram.com/shuckedmusical

www.tiktok.com/@shuckedmusical>

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 12 at 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 15 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 19 at 1:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for SHUCKED will go on sale to the public on Friday, November 8 and range from $35.00 - $125.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more  information, 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, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

Chicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to announce the return of “Winter Wonderland,” Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. The total running time is currently two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. General admission tickets are $30 with VIP tickets are $75 including a pre-show reception beginning at 12 p.m. featuring coffee from Sip & Savor and sweets from Bittersweet and a special private guided tour of American National Treasure Reggio "The Hoofer" McLaughlin's Tap Dance archival museum. All tickets are available at Our.Show/cta2024 with more information at ChicagoTapTheatre.org or MADDRhythms.com.

Chicago Tap Allstars’ “Winter Wonderland” includes M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Chicago Tap Theatre and some of Chicago’s finest independent Tap dancers, as well as young performers following in their footsteps including students from Footprints Tap Company, M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Academy, Rhythm of the Street Dance Studio, Sammy Dyer School of the Theater and The Senior Hoofers. The artists gather with some of the finest jazz musicians at the Harold Washington Cultural Center to share Tap pieces that celebrate the winter and holiday seasons in Chicago.

“Since the show premiered last December, people have been asking if “Winter Wonderland” was returning,” said M.A.D.D. Artistic Director Bril Barrett “I am happy to say “YES!” This year’s production has some of the favorite numbers from 2023 and new additions, too. We look forward to bringing old and new audiences back to our home in Bronzeville for this special dance celebration.”

“”Winter Wonderland” offers a rare opportunity to see young, new and professional Tap dancers on the same stage,” added Chicago Tap Theatre Artistic Director Mark Yonally. “With the addition of seasonal themes and live music, this performance should be on everyone’s list of must-see holiday productions.”

ABOUT M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS

M.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms, now in its 23rd year, is a phenomenal tap dance collective whose “SOLE” purpose is to spread the love and joy of tap worldwide. What started as Bril Barrett and Martin Dumas III’s formula for giving back, is a full-fledged 501 (c) 3 performing arts company, quickly gaining a reputation for representing the true essence of tap: RHYTHM! The company is composed of young, versatile tap dancers from all over Chicago ranging in ages from 17 to 48 years old, and their backgrounds are equally diverse. The one thing the company all have in common is a love for “the dance.”

M.A.D.D. Rhythms’ mission is to preserve, promote and contribute to this art form called tap. They teach its history, represent its culture and advocate for its future. M.A.D.D. Rhythms use this beautiful dance/music form to make a difference in the under-served communities of this world by connecting and caring for the youth of this world. Believing that having access and options gives a child a greater chance at a positive life, M.A.D.D. Rhythms spread the joy, love, discipline and expression of tap to as many children as they humanly can.

ABOUT CHICAGO TAP THEATRE

Founded in 2002, Chicago Tap Theatre is a growing and vibrant dance company dedicated to preserving the quintessentially American dance form of tap while taking it to the next level of creativity, innovation and quality. CTT performs exclusively with live music provided by some of Chicago’s finest musicians playing everything from Duke Ellington to David Bowie and many artists in between. Under the dynamic direction of master teacher and performer Mark Yonally, CTT has gained a loyal and sizable following in Chicago and continues to tour both nationally and internationally. Having pioneered the “tap opera” format, which tells stories with compelling characters and intriguing plots, CTT has used the language of tap dance, live music and narration to move audiences for more than 20 years.

Chicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to announce the return of “Winter Wonderland,” Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. The total running time is currently two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. General admission tickets are $30 with VIP tickets are $75 including a pre-show reception beginning at 12 p.m. featuring coffee from Sip & Savor and sweets from Bittersweet and a special private guided tour of American National Treasure Reggio "The Hoofer" McLaughlin's Tap Dance archival museum. All tickets are available at Our.Show/cta2024 with more information at ChicagoTapTheatre.org or MADDRhythms.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: 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 semifinalist 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..

American Blues Theater announces its 23rd Annual Production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra's film and directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! will run November 29-December 22, 2024. The press opening is Sunday, December 1 at 2:00pm.

Tickets are on sale at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.

George Bailey – the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty – has fallen onto desperate times. Only a miracle can save him from despair. Filled with original music and classic holiday carols, this warm "holiday favorite makes the bell ring every time." (Chicago Tribune)

For almost 25 years, American Blues has treated audiences to a live retelling of the Frank Capra classic in a 1940s radio broadcast tradition, making It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! the second longest-running holiday play in Chicago! 

Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside comments, "Nearly a year ago, American Blues Theater welcomed audiences to its first permanent home with this holiday favorite. Since then, the venue has been alive with Misery, The Last Wide Open, The Reclamation of Madison Hemings and countless special events and programming. We have seen decades-long loyal stalwarts of American Blues, along with our new neighbors who have joined us for the first time. We look forward to sharing this year's production in our new home, in a neighborhood that has been so supportive and welcoming to us."

The 2023 creative team and cast is returning to this year's production, including Audrey Billings* (Mary Bailey), Manny Buckley* (Joseph), Dara Cameron* (Violet), Ian Paul Custer* (Harry), Brandon Dahlquist (George Bailey), Joe Dempsey* (Clarence/Mr. Potter), Michael Mahler* (Announcer / Pianist), and J.G. Smith*. The understudies and Mackenzie Jones and Zack Shultz.

The creative team includes Gwendolyn Whiteside* (director), Michael Mahler* (music direction & jingle composer), Austin Cook* (original score), Grant Sabin* (scenic), Katy Peterson Viccellio (lights), Christopher J. Neville* (costumes), Elyse Dolan* (set dressing & props), and Michael Trudeau* (technical director & master electrician).

 *Denotes Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater

FRANK CAPRA (May 18, 1897 – September 3, 1991) was an Italian-born American film director, producer and writer who became the creative force behind some of the major award-winning films of the 1930s and 1940s. Among his leading films are It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can't Take It with You (1938), and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). During World War II, Capra served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and produced propaganda films. After World War II, Capra's career declined as his later films, such as It's a Wonderful Life (1946), performed poorly when they were first released. In ensuing decades, however, It's a Wonderful Life and other Capra films were revisited favorably by critics. Capra was nominated for six Academy Awards and won three. His films collectively garnered 53 Academy Award nominations between 1933 and 1961. He served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, worked alongside the Writers Guild of America, and was head of the Directors Guild of America. Frank Capra married twice and had four children. One of his sons, Frank Capra Jr., and grandson Frank Capra III have both made their careers in the film industry.

GWENDOLYN WHITESIDE (Executive Artistic Director/Director) is an Ensemble member of American Blues Theater and has served as Executive Artistic Director since 2010. In her tenure, she created the nationally-recognized Blue Ink Playwriting Award and new work development program, implemented community service into the company's mission, and adapted the arts education programs. She led American Blues through its reorganization in 2009, building the operational budget from zero to $1 million. She secured the company's first-ever operating reserve, endowment, and permanent home. Whiteside served on numerous panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and Board of Directors for Network of Ensemble Theaters and League of Chicago Theatres. She's a graduate of Northwestern University (BS), The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MFA), and a Kellogg Executive Scholar in Nonprofit management (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University). As a producer, she's received 16 Joseph Jefferson nominations or awards. As an actress, she's received 5 Joseph Jefferson Awards, Citations, and nominations; 2 After Dark Awards; and 1 Broadway World Chicago Award.

AUDREY BILLINGS (Mary Bailey) is an Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. Audrey was most recently seen as Emilie in the Jeff Award winning production of The Moors at A Red Orchid Theatre and Samantha in the American Blues' reading of 17 Minutes. Previous credits include: Christmas Eve in the long-running production of Avenue Q at the Mercury Theater, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, Antonia in Man of la Mancha, and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. She has worked at the Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, Lookingglass Theatre Company and is a proud member of Actor's Equity. 

MANNY BUCKLEY (Joseph) is an Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. He is a Chicago based actor, director, and writer. Directing credits include Seven Guitars (City Lit Theater), Driving Miss Daisy, The Bad Seed (Jedlicka Performing Arts), Kingdom, an audio play (Broken Nose Theatre), Uhuru, Cane, Origin Story, Mother of Pearl and The Reapers On Woodbrook Avenue (Blue Ink Festival), multiple short plays in the Ripped: The Living Newspaper, #ENOUGH: Plays to End Gun Violence, and The One Minute Play Festival. Acting credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Court, Victory Gardens, Chicago Dramatists, Next Theater, House Theatre, Shattered Globe Theater, Cincinnati Children's Theatre and Studio Theatre. Manny has numerous credits with American Blues Theater, including his critically-acclaimed, award-winning solo performance in Looking Over the President's Shoulder. Film credits: Proven Innocent, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, The US Navy, Northwestern University, and The Onion. He has received nominations for the Joseph Jefferson Award, the Helen Hayes Award and the 3Arts Award; he is the recipient of both a Black Theater Alliance Award and Black Excellence Award. Mr. Buckley was recently seen in American Blues Theater's sold-out production of Fences, The Reclamation of Madison Hemings, and annually in American Blues' annual production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

DARA CAMERON (Violet) is a proud Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. Favorite credits include The Last Wide Open, It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, The Spitfire Grill (Jeff nomination) and Little Shop of Horrors (American Blues Theater); Old Jews Telling Jokes (Royal George and Off-Broadway); The Secret of My Success (Paramount Theatre); Elf, Hero (Jeff nomination), South Pacific, October Sky, Sister Act, City of Angels, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof (Marriott Theatre); Addams Family (Mercury Theater); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre at the Center), and Sunset Boulevard, Seussical, and Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Drury Lane Theatre). She is a graduate of Northwestern University and a member of Actors' Equity.

IAN PAUL CUSTER (Harry) is a proud Ensemble member of American Blues Theater and Chicago actor and musician. American Blues credits include: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award, Best Ensemble, Best Musical – Midsize), The Columnist, Little Shop of Horrors, and It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (Jeff Nominations for Best Play/Musical of the Year).  Chicago credits:  Bad Jews (Theatre Wit/Royal George), 33 Variations (Jeff Award– Best Production, Midsize), and To Master the Art (TimeLine Theatre), Annie Bosh is Missing (Steppenwolf Theatre), High Holidays (Goodman Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Opera).  Ian has also had the pleasure of working with Porchlight Music Theatre, Marriott Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, MPAACT, Paramount and Court Theatre.  Regional credits: Hero: The Musical (Asolo Rep Theatre), Cymbeline (Notre Dame Shakespeare), Romeo and Juliet (Cardinal Stage), Peter Pan (360 Entertainment - London, England).  Television credits: Somebody Somewhere, APB, Empire, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD. Ian received his BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University.

BRANDON DAHLQUIST (George Bailey) is happy to return to Bedford Falls for his 8th season. He was nominated for Joseph Jefferson Award for performance (short run) of George Bailey. Chicago theatre credits include: Sound of Music (Marriott Theatre), Secret of My Success (Paramount Theatre), Miracle the Musical (Royal George), A Little Night Music, Arcadia, Oh Coward (Writers Theatre), Cabaret, Meet Me in St. Louis (Drury Lane), Sunday in the Park with George, Assassins (Porchlight). Broadway and Regional credits include: Bronx Bombers (Circle in the Square), As You Like It (Guthrie Theatre), The Glass Menagerie (Milwaukee Repertory), A Little Night Music, 1776 (A.C.T.), Shakespeare in Love, Rhinoceros, 1776 (Asolo Repertory), Dogfight, City of Angels (S.F. Playhouse), 12 Angry Men (Maltz Jupiter Theater), Sunday...George, Murder on the Nile, Lombardi (Peninsula Players). TV credits include: A League of Their Own (Amazon), The Chi (Showtime), Difficult People (Hulu), Chicago PD (NBC). Dahlquist is also a busy photographer and full-time dad. 

JOE DEMPSEY (Clarence/Mr. Potter) is an Affiliate of American Blues Theater where he has appeared in Scapin and Pledge of Allegiance. He also has acted at Lookingglass, Goodman, Steppenwolf, Northlight, Court, Chicago Shakespeare, Drury Lane Oak Brook, and Paramount and many other Chicago theatres as well as regionally at Milwaukee Rep, St Louis Rep, Centerstage (Baltimore), and City Theatre (Pittsburgh). TV work includes Somebody Somewhere, Chicago Fire, ER, and Early Edition and film work includes several indies you've never seen.

MICHAEL MAHLER (Music Director, Announcer/Pianist) is an Ensemble member of American Blues. Past Blues productions: The Last Wide Open, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award – Best Music Direction), Little Shop of Horrors, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, and Side Man. Other recent roles include The Baker in Into the Woods (Writers); Jim Hardy in Holiday Inn, and Jack Singer in Honeymoon in Vegas (Marriott Theatre). Michael co-wrote the songs for the Netflix movie My Little Pony: A New Generation and contributed additional lyrics to Cameron Mackintosh's most recent Broadway production of Miss Saigon. Other works as a composer/lyricist include The Secret of My Success, Miracle (Jeff Award – Best New Work), Diary of a Wimpy Kid, October Sky, The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes (Jeff Award – Best New Work), and Hero (Jeff Award – Best New Work). Michael is married to fellow Ensemble Member Dara Cameron and proud father to their son Ezra.

J.G. SMITH (Foley) is an Ensemble member of American Blues. She has performed with Blues in The Last Wide Open, It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, On Clover Road, Ripped, and virtual readings of The Thanksgiving Play, On the Greenbelt, and The Cratichits (in America). Theatre: I And You (Peninsula Players); Mother of the Maid (Northlight); Plantation! (Lookingglass); The Art of Sisters (Vision Productions); MARYSHELLEYSHOW (National Tour, Chicago Fringe, TheTankNYC); Peter and the Starcatcher (City Equity Theatre); Alice in Wonderland, As You Like It, King Lear, A Christmas Carol (Alabama Shakespeare); and Censored on Final Approach (The GYM at Judson). Film/TV credits include Jennifer Reeder's Knives and Skin, MTV's Short Comings, The Dancing Monkey, Dreaming Grand Avenue, Pry Me Open, and Dorm Therapy. Her original films and performance art have shown at New Orleans' Hell Yes Film Festival, Williamsburg Circus, Salonathon!, Undiscovered Countries: The Infinite Fest, and TransVisions' virtual SOFT PALETTE festival.

Fact Sheet It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

Title:  It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

Adapted From: Frank Capra's Film

Director: Gwendolyn Whiteside*

Music Director and jingle composer:   Michael Mahler*

Score composer:  Austin Cook*

Featuring: Audrey Billings* (Mary Bailey), Manny Buckley* (Joseph), Dara Cameron* (Violet), Ian Paul Custer* (Harry), Brandon Dahlquist (George Bailey), Joe Dempsey* (Clarence/Potter), Michael Mahler* (Announcer / Pianist), and J.G. Smith* (Foley).

Creative Team: Grant Sabin* (scenic), Katy Peterson Viccellio (lights), Christopher J. Neville* (costumes), Elyse Dolan* (set dressing & props), Michael Trudeau* (technical director & master electrician).

*Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater

Dates: November 29 – December 22, 2024

Schedule:                    

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

Fridays:         7:30pm

Saturdays:     4:30pm & 7:30pm

Sundays:       2:00pm

The runtime is 90 minutes. Arrive 15 minutes before curtain for a fun interactive pre-show.

Location: American Blues Theater, 5627 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago

Ticket prices: $30-$75, plus a $4.50 ticket fee

Six VIP tickets are available per performance for an added $15 per ticker order. VIP seating includes complimentary parking, leather chairs in a dedicated area, and bar service to your seats.

Box office: Buy online at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.

• In the long tradition of honoring heroes during the run of It's a Wonderful Life, American Blues will honor a teacher at each performance with a "Teacher Tribute." Nominations are accepted at www.americanbluestheater.com. Selected recipients will receive complimentary tickets to a performance of It's a Wonderful Life and a live tribute during the show.

• American Blues proudly partners with NAMI Chicago, USO, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Complimentary tickets are offered to CPS teachers, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (IL chapter).

• The cast will be performing at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.

• Santa is scheduled to visit American Blues Theater on December 22, 2024.

About American Blues Theater

Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic American stories that ask the question: "What does it mean to be American?"

The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2024, the theater and artists received 238 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades. 

Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) has recently returned from a successful European Tour and  is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 season and that  Roxanne "Roxy" King is a new company member.  King began her tap career in the DC-Metro area and was one of the first and longest running members of the Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble where she traveled the country to study and perform amongst her peers. She has since expanded her tap dancing travels all over the world touring withcompanies such as Music from the Sole and Michela Lerman's Love Movement. King will perform with the full CTT ensemble in the company's 22nd season. For more information on the latest company updates and its 22nd season go to ChicagoTapTheatre.com

"Coming off a blockbuster 21st  season, we are incredibly excited for our upcoming year. Season 22 will feature many new choreographic premieres plus a commission from one of the leading voices in tap dance, Broadway veteran Lisa LaTouche. Add to that the addition of young phenom Roxy King and another full season of touring around the country spreading the word about Chicago tap dance and you can see why we are so jazzed for what this year will bring," shared Chicago Tap Theatre Founder and  Artistic Director Mark Yonally.

The 2024-2025 Chicago Tap Theatre season Includes, productions, in chronological order, and its 2024 - 2025 tour:

Chicago Tap Allstars

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.

Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

Tickets are $30-$75

Purchase tickets at our.show/cta2024

Chicago Tap Allstars' Winter Wonderland includes CTA Members Chicago Tap Theatre andM.A.D.D. Rhythms as well as some of Chicago's finest independent tap dancers,and  young performers following in their footsteps. The artists will gather at the Harold Washington Cultural Center for a Tap holiday performance commemorating the holidays with dances themed to Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and the winter season.

Chicago Tap Theatre presents

Chicago Tap Theatre's Spring Repertory Show

Friday, Feb 28, 2025 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2 p.m.  (Saturday, March 1 is the Gala Performance. There will be no regular tickets for this performance, only gala)

The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Ticket price $25-$75

Gala tickets: $150

Tickets on sale at a later date visit Chicagotaptheatre.com for more information. 

Join Chicago Tap Theatre for their mid-season production featuring new works by Tap Dancer, Historian, and Filmmaker Lisa La Touche, as well as the company's own Mark Yonally, Sterling Harris, and Molly Smith. A lively mosaic of choreographic talent, CTT's Spring Repertory show is not one to miss!

NOTE: CTT's annual fundraising gala will immediately follow the Saturday,  March 1 performance.

Chicago Tap Theatre presents

Chicago Tap Theatre's Summer Tap Dance Artist Spotlight Show Directed by Sterling Harris

The Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway Ave.

Thursday, June 5, Friday, June 6, Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Ticket price $35-$75

Tickets on sale at a later date visit Chicagotaptheatre.com for more information.

This summer, experience an all new tap dance production featuring direction by Sterling Harris, an undeniable standout amongst young artists in tap dance today, and choreography by CTT company members and guests.

Chicago Tap Theatre on Tour

Throughout 2024 - 2025, Chicago Tap Theatre continues to tour a variety of productions. For the most recent tour additions, go to ChicagoTapTheatre.com.

Current Tour Schedule includes:

Thursday, Oct. 17

Lakewood Cultural Center, Colorado Springs, CO

Tickets and more information

 Friday, Oct. 18

Louisa Performing Arts Center, Colorado Springs, CO

Tickets and more information

 Sunday, Oct. 20

 Lander Valley High School, Lander, WY

 Tickets and more information

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University, Lebanon IL

Tickets and more information

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Hamilton Performing Arts Center

Tickets and more information

 Wednesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 17, 2025

Des Moines Civic Center

Tickets and more information

Special appearances include:

Chicago Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Show

Friday, December 6, Sunday, Dec. 8 and Thursday, Dec. 12

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts inSkokie, Skokie, IL

ABOUT CHICAGO TAP THEATRE

Founded in 2002, Chicago Tap Theatre is a growing and vibrant dance company dedicated to preserving the quintessentially American dance form of tap while taking it to the next level of creativity, innovation and quality. CTT performs exclusively with live music provided by some of Chicago's finest musicians playing everything from Duke Ellington to David Bowie and many artists in between. Under the dynamic direction of master teacher and performer Mark Yonally, CTT has gained a loyal and sizable following in Chicago and continues to tour both nationally and internationally. Having pioneered the "tap opera" format, which tells stories with compelling characters and intriguing plots, CTT has used the language of tap dance, live music and narration to move audiences for more than 20 years.