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Broadway In Chicago is excited to announce individual tickets for RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION will go on sale on Friday, February 21. RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION will play Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) for a limited one-week engagement, April 22 - 27.

RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION production photos here. RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION Sizzle Reels here.

ABOUT RIVERDANCE 30 - THE NEW GENERATION
RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time, RIVERDANCE will welcome “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago.

John McColgan, Director of RIVERDANCE, said “It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of RIVERDANCE and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots. On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming ‘The New Generation’ of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made RIVERDANCE a worldwide celebration of music and dance.”

Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class dancers, musicians and singers in the RIVERDANCE ensemble.

For the complete RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION 2025 North American Tour schedule and updates, please visit www.riverdance.com.

Since RIVERDANCE first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established RIVERDANCE as a global cultural sensation.

RIVERDANCE began its journey as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, produced for television by Moya Doherty. This electrifying and innovative seven-minute dance piece was then developed into a full-length stage show by Producer Moya Doherty, Composer Bill Whelan and Director John McColgan . With its fusion of Irish and international music and dance, the show broke all box office records during its world première run in Dublin in early 1995. When the show transferred to London the reaction was unprecedented. There followed a hugely successful tour starting in New York in March 1996, where eight sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall heralded the start of more than two decades of touring by RIVERDANCE companies throughout North America. Since its inception, RIVERDANCE has packed theatres throughout North America, Oceania, Asia, Europe, South Africa and South America.

RIVERDANCE 30 - THE NEW GENERATION is designed by lead designer Peter Canning, featuring sets by Alan Farquharson, lighting by Andrew Voller and video by Cosmo AV along with costumes by Joan Bergin and sound by Michael O’Gorman.

For more information, please visit:
Website: www.riverdance.com
Facebook: @Riverdance
X: @Riverdance
Instagram: @Riverdance
TikTok: @Riverdance

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for RIVERDANCE 30 – THE NEW GENERATION will go on sale to the public on Friday, February 21 and range from $35.00 - $95.00 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, The Auditorium, 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

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (RTE), Chicago's only women-centered Equity storefront theatre, ushers in its 30th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of No Such Thing by Rivendell Ensemble Member Lisa Dillman and directed by Malkia Stampley. No Such Thing runs March 22 – April 27, 2025, with a press opening on Tuesday, April 1 at 7pm.

Tickets are now available at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago, (773) 334-7728 or www.RivendellTheatre.org.

Ren was once a sought-after screenwriter. Now in late middle age, her career foundering, she finds her-self at a crossroads of social and professional invisibility. Seeking the intimacy that's been missing from her friendly but sexless marriage without capsizing the rest of her life, she begins an intricately construct-ed affair that blends sex and storytelling. Fact and fiction collide.

No Such Thing looks at the question of what makes a life story and charts the unpredictable changes to that story in a society that tends to downsize women out of some of their most productive years.

The cast of No Such Thing includes RTE member Jessica Ervin (Olivia) with Susan Gosdick (Ren), Matt DeCaro (Ted), Cheryl Hamada (Marilyn) and Josh Odor (Fallon).

The creative team includes: Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Evelyn Danner (Costume Design), Madeleine Reid (Lighting Design), Ethan Korvne (Sound Design), Lonnae Hickman (Props Designer), Shan-non Golden (Production Manager), Kristi Martens* (Stage Manager) and Autumn Dancy (Assistant Stage Manager).

"When I was younger, I had a bird's-eye view of my mother's experience as she transitioned into and be-yond middle age. It seemed as if a societal curtain had dropped—she gradually became invisible. What she experienced as she got older, I've since learned firsthand, is all too common for women in this country. When I experienced it myself, I admit it became a bit of an obsession," comments Lisa Dillman. "In writing No Such Thing, I set out to create a portrait of one woman's struggle to step over the societal boundary lines that so many women encounter as they age past society's view of who is relevant, attractive, and acceptable in our world. And I couldn't be more thrilled that this play is going to premiere at my longtime artistic home, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, whose mission it is to elevate the lives of all women through the power of theatre."

Artistic Director Tara Mallen comments, "No Such Thing is the absolute embodiment of Rivendell's 30 years of excellence – a new play developed through our Fresh Produce developmental series, featuring contributions from a cadre of genius artists, with a resonant story told from an all too often invisible perspective – a woman over sixty. We are delighted to offer Chicago yet another provocative and surprising work penned by our longtime ensemble member Lisa Dillman, and cannot imagine a better way to kick off our 30th anniversary season!"

The Production Sponsor is Michael Litt.

About the Artists

Lisa Dillman (playwright) is a longtime ensemble member of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, where her plays American Wee Pie, The Walls, and Chiaroscuro all premiered. Her work includes Ground, Rock Shore, American Wee-Pie, Half of Plenty, The Walls, and Just Cause (co-written with Todd Logan), among others. In addition to Rivendell, her plays have been produced by Steppenwolf Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville (Humana Festival), American Theatre Company, Seattle Public Theatre, Rogue Ma-chine, Station Theatre, Tipping Point Theatre, and other companies as well as at universities across the country. Dillman has received commissions from Steppenwolf, Goodman, Northlight, Baltimore Center-stage, Rivendell, and the Chicago Humanities Festival and has developed work at the O'Neill, PlayPenn, Goodman's Playwrights Unit, Chicago Dramatists (where she is a Resident Alum), ACT Theatre/ Hedgebrook Women Playwrights Festival, and others. Dillman's work is published by Samuel French/Concord Theatricals, and Dramatic Publishing, as well as anthologized in collections from Heinemann, Playscripts Inc., Smith and Kraus, and New Issues Press.

Malkia Stampley (director) is a director, actor and Goodman Theatre's BOLD Artistic Producer. Select directing credits: Primary Trust and In My Granny's Garden (Goodman Theatre); Nunsense and Nina Simone: Four Women (Milwaukee Rep), The October Storm (Raven, Jeff-nominated, Best Director), Boulevard of Bold Dreams (TimeLine), STEW (Shattered Globe), Black Nativity (Black Arts MKE), The Gift of the Magi (American Players), Five Guys Named Moe (Skylight Music), Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (Farmers Alley), Exit Strategy (Northwestern). She is a Milwaukee native, Ensemble Member of Congo Square Theatre and co-founder of Bronzeville Arts Ensemble and Milwaukee Black Theater Festival.

Matt DeCaro (Ted) has most recently appeared as Winston Churchill in The Audience at Drury Lane Theatre where he also appeared as Big Daddy in A Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, for which he received a Joseph Jefferson Award. His recent credits include The Cherry Orchard at Goodman Theatre and Kansas City Rep's premiere of Flood. He was a company member for several seasons at Sarasota's Asolo Repertory Theater. Roles there include: LBJ in The Great Society, Oscar Hubbard in The Little Foxes, Gene in Frank Galati's Rhinoceros and Stan in Sweat. Matt has been fortunate to play in theaters across the country including Lincoln Center, Manhattan Theatre Club, Goodman Theatre, Guthrie Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Old Globe Theatre, San Francisco's A.C.T., and internationally in Dublin, Toronto and China. Some favorite roles include the Judge in David Mamet's Romance, Dave Moss in Glengarry Glen Ross, Boss Mangan in Heartbreak House, Boolie in Driving Miss Daisy, and Fa Hai in Mary Zimmerman's The White Snake. His TV and film credits include The Wise Kids, Eagle Eye, "House," "The Office," "Prison Break," and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," among many others.

Jessica Ervin (Olivia) is an ensemble member at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble where she originated the role of Annie in Rivendell's Jeff Award-winning production of Motherhouse. Other credits with Rivendell include: Dry Land (Jeff Nomination - Actress in a Principal Role), I Wanna F*cking Tear You Apart; The Firebirds Take the Field; and understudying Scientific Method, Alias Grace, and the tour of Women at War. Ervin's other theatrical work includes roles with Goodman Theatre, Minetta Lane Theatre, Strawdog Theatre Company, A Red Orchid Theatre, American Blues Theater, Walkabout Theater Company, Route 66 Theatre Company, Kalliope and Co., and Prop Thtr. On-screen, she has appeared on Chicago Fire (NBC), and in the films Princess Cyd, Provo, Teacher, Lucid, and Late Bloomer, in addition to other shorts and a commercial for CDW NetApp. Ervin is a graduate of The School at Steppenwolf and Ball State University.

Susan Gosdick (Ren) Recent performances include: My Fair Lady (Paramount Theatre); A Christmas Story (Theatre at the Center); Women Who Steal, Indian Blood, Our Town (Artists' Ensemble Theatre); Musical Comedy Murders 1940 (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Trial By Jury, Cox and Box (Transgressive Theatre-Opera); Nathan the Wise (Chicago Festival of the Arts); Henry V, Richard II, The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare Project), The Old Globe Theatre, Lincoln Center Institute, and Ma-Yi Theatre. As a dialect coach, she has worked with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Chicago Opera Theater, Pulse Theatre Chicago, Invictus Theatre Company, Music Theater Works, Shattered Globe, Artistic Home, and teaches voice / dialects at Columbia College Chicago and Roosevelt University.

Cheryl Hamada (Marilyn) recently appeared in Token Theatre's premiere production of Zac Efron. Other stage work includes Chimerica (TimeLine Theatre), Washer/Dryer (Rasaka Theatre), Yohen and Golden Child (Silk Road Rising), Race (Lookingglass Theatre Company), A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre), ER: Emergency Room (Organic Theatre) and Innocent Thoughts, Harmless Intentions (Next Theatre-Jeff Citation). Her TV/Film credits include her work for the WTTW and national PBS pledge drives, hosting 4 seasons of the HGTV series Extreme Homes, one season of WTTW's Your Chicago Kitchen and film roles in About Schmidt, The Dilemma, Nothing Like the Holidays, Above the Law, Chain Reaction, Chicago Hope, Boss, Unsolved Mysteries and the indie film Relative. She also appeared recently in episodes of Chicago Med and the limited series Emperor of Ocean Park.

Josh Odor (Fallon) is excited to be back working with Rivendell where he previously performed in Scientific Method, The Firebirds Take the Field and I Wanna F*cking Tear You Apart. Most recently he was in Facility's Right Now (Jeff Award for Best Ensemble), No Man's Land at Steppenwolf Theatre and Origin Story in Cincinnati at Playhouse in the Park. Odor has worked with the Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, TimeLine Theatre, Steep Theater, Jackalope Theatre Company and the The Artistic Home Theater, among others over the past 20 years. TV/Film credits: The Chi, Chicago Med/PD/Fire, Boss, Betrayal, Janie Jones and The Express. He is represented by DDO Chicago and is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA.

Fact Sheet

Title:      No Such Thing

Written by: RTE member Lisa Dillman±

Directed by: Malkia Stampley

Featuring: RTE member Jessica Ervin (Olivia) with Susan Gosdick* (Ren), Matt DeCaro* (Ted), Cheryl Hamada* (Marilyn) and Josh Odor (Fallon).

Creative Team: Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Evelyn Danner (Costume Design), Madeleine Reid (Lighting Design), Ethan Korvne (Sound Design), Lonnae Hickman (Props Designer), Shannon Golden (Production Manager), Kristi Martens* (Stage Manager) and Autumn Dancy (Assistant Stage Manager)

Production Sponsor: Michael Litt

*= Member of Actors Equity Association

± = RTE Member

Dates: March 22 – April 27, 2025

Previews: March 22 – 29, 2025

Gala Opening: Sunday, March 30 at 6pm

Press Opening: Tuesday, April 1 at 7:00pm

Regular Run: April 3 – April 27, 2025

Schedule: Thursdays at 8:00pm

Fridays at 8:00pm

Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00pm

Masks Required performances: 

Saturday, April 5 at 4pm

Sunday, April 13 at 3pm

Special added performances include: 

Sunday, April 13 at 3:00pm

Monday, April 21 at 8:00pm (Industry Night) 

Sunday, April 27 at 3:00pm (Closing)

Performance with Post-Show Town Hall:

Saturday, April 12 immediately following the 4pm performance

Tickets: $39 General Admission

$17 Student, Educators, Military/Veterans, Industry (Limited quantity, first-come, first-served)

$28 Seniors 

$49 Sponsor Admission (to help us pay artists fair wages by covering the full cost of a seat at the performance)

$94 Angel Admission (1 Basic Admission, plus helping to cover discounted or free tickets to people who need them)

Membership / Subscription

RIV Pass: $95 (see Rivendell productions and other events as often as desired)

Box Office: (773) 334-7728 or www.RivendellTheatre.org

Parking and Transportation: There is limited paid and free street parking in the area. The theatre is easily accessible via the Clark (#22) or Broadway (#36) bus and is a short walk from the Bryn Mawr Red Line L station.

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble: 30 Years of Transformative Impact

After three decades firmly in the cultural landscape of Chicago, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has learned one very important thing: even in a small space you can tell big stories.

And telling big, impactful stories in an intimate environment is what Rivendell does best.

Serving as a narrative of change, Rivendell's 30th Anniversary Season continues to make a tangible difference in the world by giving voice to women through artistic recognition of their lives with the support of an award-winning ensemble of artists, combating the inequities experienced by women in the theater landscape through gender parity at all levels of theatrical production, and by creating a meaningful and rewarding experience for audiences and community by being a catalyst for conversation through relevant, insightful stories and outreach. 

Artistic Director Tara Mallen founded Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (RTE) in 1994 with a group of like-minded artists who understood that stories must be shared to open minds. And since its inception, Rivendell has grown to uniquely fill an important role in the Chicago and national theatre community as Chicago's premier women-focused storefront theatre. In its 30-year history, Rivendell has earned 12 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nearly four dozen nominations. It is recognized as a national force in new play development and as a home for women theatre artists, engaging over 200 artists and 3,000+ audience members each year through its mainstage season, new work development, and outreach.

For more information about Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, visit http://rivendelltheatre.org. Follow Rivendell on Facebook at Facebook.com/rivendelltheatre and on Instagram at @rivendelltheatre.

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is supported by generous grants from: SIF Fund at The Chicago Community Trust; TERRA Foundation for American Art, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Shubert Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; Sarah and the 2 C Dogs and Amazing Edibles.

 Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to announce full casting for the Chicago premiere of The Book of Gracean incendiary family portrait by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog), directed by Steve H. Broadnax III

The Book of Grace will feature ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Steppenwolf: BugTrue West–also Galway Festival, Seagull. Broadway/Off-Broadway: Pass Over. TV: American Rust) with Jerome Preston Bates (Broadway: Seven Guitars, Stick Fly, Jitney. TV: All My Children) and Zainab Jah (Broadway: Eclipsed. Off-Broadway: School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. TV: Only Murders in the Building).

The Book of Grace will play March 27 – May 18, 2025 in Steppenwolf's 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, April 6, 2025 at 6 pm.

About the Production:

Grace looks for the good in everything: in her husband's rules, in the border he patrols, in the return of his estranged son. But a want for goodness cannot unwind the past, as this taut family reunion explodes in all directions. Witness this startling reminder that the search for common ground can be bloody and brutal, leaving casualties on every side of the divide.

Steppenwolf is thrilled that the Chicago premiere of The Book of Grace offers playwright Suzan-Lori Parks an opportunity to revisit this "companion" to Topdog/Underdog, deepening and expanding the world of her play for the present day.

The creative team includes Arnel Sancianco (Scenic Design), Raquel Adorno (Costume Design), Jason Lynch (Lighting Design), Curtis Craig (Sound Design & Original Music), Rasean Davonté Johnson (Projection Design) Kate DeVore (Vocal Coach), Jonathan L. Green (Dramaturg), Patrick Zakem (Creative Producer), Elise Hausken (Production Manager), JC Clementz, CSA (Casting), Michelle Medvin (Production Stage Manager) and Jaclynn Joslin (Assistant Stage Manager). For cast and creative team bios, click here.

Production Details:

Title: The Book of Grace
Playwright: Suzan-Lori Parks
Director: Steve H. Broadnax III
Cast: Ensemble member Namir Smallwood (Buddy) with Jerome Preston Bates (Vet) and Zainab Jah (Grace),

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

Dates: Previews: Thursday, March 27 – Saturday, April 5, 2025
Press performance/Opening: Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 6 pm
Regular run: Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, May 18, 2025
Curtain Times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be performances on Tuesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, April 9 at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, April 22 at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, April 23 at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, May 10 at 3 pm or 7:30 pm; Sunday, May 11 at 3 pm or Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 pm; there will be an added matinee performance on Wednesday, May 7 at 2 pm.

Tickets: Single tickets for The Book of Grace ($20 - $102) 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.

Accessible Performance Dates:

Audio-described and Touch Tour: Sunday, May 4 at 3 pm (1:30 pm touch tour)
Open-Captioned: Saturday, May 3 at 3 pm & Thursday, May 8 at 7:30 pm
ASL-Interpreted: Friday, May 16 at 7:30 pm

Education and Engagement:

Throughout the 2024/25 season, Steppenwolf continues its commitment to the next generation of theatre learners, makers and appreciators with robust education and engagement programming. Programming includes dedicated student matinee performances during four of the five Membership Series productions including Noises OffLeroy and LucyFool 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.

Artist Biographies:

Jerome Preston Bates (Vet) Broadway: Seven GuitarsStick FlyJitneyAmerican SonDeath of a Salesman. Off Broadway: The Refuge Plays (Roundabout Theatre Company), The Public, Beckett Theatre, Abingdon Theatre, Circle Rep, Playwrights Horizon, New Federal Theatre, Negro Ensemble Company. Regional: Seven Guitars (opposite Viola Davis, world premiere, Goodman Theatre), Yale Repertory, The Kennedy Center, Hartford Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Arena Stage, Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Comedy of ErrorsKing Richard III), Old Globe (Macbeth), Folgers (King Lear in association with Classical Theatre of Harlem), Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre, Philadelphia Drama Guild, among others. Director: The Man in Room 304 (Luna Stage), Seven Guitars (Triad Stage), A Raisin in The Sun (Livingstone College), all 10 of the American Century Cycle at Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Writer: Electric LadyAugusta BrownMr. UnemployedJimi Hendrix (screenplay). Film: Shaft (with Samuel L. Jackson), PEEPLESMusical ChairsTio PapiThe Out of Towners. Television: All My ChildrenOzLaw and OrderSVUNew York UndercoverSesame StreetLights OutNotes from the Field with Anna DeVere Smith. Awards: seven time AUDELCO winner. Education/Training: LAMDA/London, University of Tennessee, Knoxville College, The New School, Professional Positions: Teaching Staff at Stella Adler School of Acting NY.

Zainab Jah (Grace) Broadway: EclipsedVenusBoesman and Lena. Off Broadway: School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (MCC); The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (Atlantic Theater Company). Regional: Hamlet (Wilma Theater); The Convert (LATC). Film: ReunionFarewell AmorAll Dirt Roads Taste of SaltBlack Panther: Wakanda ForeverFalse Positive. Television: The ContinentalThe BlacklistOnly Murders in the BuildingThe Good Lord BirdDeep StateInstinctBlindspotElementaryHomeland.

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

Suzan-Lori Parks (Playwright) is a multi-award-winning American writer/musician and the first African-American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Topdog/Underdog which recently enjoyed its twentieth anniversary Broadway revival. The production won the 2023 Tony Award, (Best Revival Of A Play). Last season she had new works which received world premieres, notably, at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Sally & Tom and, at Joe's Pub in New York City, Plays for the Plague Year (winner of The Drama Desk Award for Best Music in a Play). As a college student, Parks studied creative writing with James Baldwin, who encouraged her to begin writing for the theatre.

Steve H. Broadnax III (Director) Broadway: Thoughts of a Colored Man. Additional: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's Appropriate at the Old Globe, Suzan-Lori Parks's Sally and Tom at the Public Theatre/ Guthrie Theatre (World Premiere), Katori Hall's Pulitzer Prize Premiere The Hot Wing King at Signature Theatre, Lee Edward Colston's The First Deep Breath, Geffen Theatre (Jeff Awards Best New Work), Dominique Morisseau's Sunset Baby at Signature Theatre and Blood at the Root at the National Black Theatre (Winner of Kennedy Center's Hip Hop Theater Creator Award) and William Jackson Harper's Premiere Travisville Ensemble Studio. Ensemble Studio Theatre member, Associate Artistic Director at People's Light Theatre, Professor of Theatre at Penn State University, and Head of MFA Directing.

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:

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.

About Steppenwolf Theatre Company:

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

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

Do you hear it? The haunting hum of Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek's The Listeners will transfix audiences at Lyric Opera of Chicago from March 30 to April 11, 2025. Conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola and presented in the world-premiere production of Lileana Blain-Cruz revived by Mikhaela Mahony, The Listeners is a theatrical experience that blends traditional opera with innovative videography and unconventional projection elements. This genre-defying opera's unsettling narrative forewarns how isolation drives the search for human connection under the guise of an improbable sound.

The Listeners
, a brand new work co-commissioned and co-produced by Lyric, Opera Philadelphia, and the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, had its world premiere in Oslo in 2022 to thunderous critical praise. Now, in its longest run of stateside performances yet, The Listeners takes over Chicago's largest stage. Let the sound consume you — if you dare.

The seduction of sound. Claire, a school teacher, whose idyllic suburban life is shattered by the arrival of a persistent hum — an unplaceable droning sound that only certain people can hear. A group of other "listeners" quickly forms around stopping the plague of sound: the community begins to take on a cultish nature when the prophet-like Howard attempts to make this group his disciples of the noise for all the wrong reasons. The Listeners is a modern American exploration of relying on community when faced with unrelenting fear. At its core, this opera asks: how much are you willing to sacrifice everything you've known, just to feel like you belong?

An impressive cult following.
 Longtime composer and librettist team Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek have garnered widespread praise for their work on The Listeners, which made a brief American premiere at Opera Philadelphia earlier this season. The production has been hailed as "the unmissable opera of the season" by The New York Times and was listed on their "6 Performances Our Classical Critics Can't Stop Thinking About." The Listeners was derived from a treatment by Jordan Tannahill, who eventually published a novel of the same title, a work that was later adapted into a critically lauded television series, released on the BBC in 2024. But the hum's menace is most unsettling in its original operatic form.

This isn't the first time the talents of Mazzoli and Vavrek have created magic together. Previously, they received resounding acclaim for their 2016 collaboration Breaking the Waves, which won the inaugural "Best New Opera" award from the Music Critics Association of North America and was shortlisted for "Best World Premiere" at the International Opera Awards. The powerhouse duo will reunite once again for their upcoming adaptation of the beloved George Saunders novel Lincoln in the Bardo, commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera.

Fall under their masterful command. Lyric's Music Director Enrique Mazzola leads the Lyric Opera Orchestra in interpreting Mazzoli's thrilling and melodic score. Mazzola's extensive experience conducting contemporary works was seen by Lyric audiences in the 2023/24 Season with Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofer's Champion, and he previously demonstrated his agility with Mazzoli's composition These Worlds in Us with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 2021, providing a solid foundation for his work on The Listeners. Earlier this season at Lyric, he conducted Verdi's Rigoletto and Beethoven's Fidelio and he will also conduct performances of Sondra Radvanovsky in Concert: The Puccini Heroines and Lyric in Concert: A Wondrous Sound. The work of Lileana Blain-Cruz, who directed the opera's world premiere in Oslo, will be showcased on the Lyric stage for the first time. Currently the resident director at Lincoln Center Theater in New York, she was a Tony nominee for her direction of The Skin of Our Teeth. This spring, she will direct the new play Bust at Chicago's Goodman Theatre. Her production of The Listeners is revived at Lyric by Mikhaela Mahony.

Devout followers that lead the way.
 The radiant soprano Nicole Heaston makes her Lyric debut as Claire, a role that was specifically written for her singular dramatic and vocal talents, which she portrayed in this production's Oslo and Philadelphia performances. Alongside her recent performances in The Listeners, she most recently appeared in the title role of Samuel Barber's Vanessa presented by the National Symphony Orchestra. Veteran bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen returns to Lyric for the first time since his 2021/22 Season appearance as Doctor Dulcamara in Donizetti's The Elixir of Love, as the group leader Howard. He made his Lyric debut in the 2004/05 Season, when he appeared as Masetto in Mozart's Don Giovanni. Rising-star soprano Jasmine Habersham makes her Lyric debut in the role of Claire's daughter, Ashley. Her most recent engagement was as Juliet in Minnesota Opera's production of Gounod's Romeo and Juliet.

A hypnotic supporting cast. Howard's cult confidant, Angela, is sung by mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack in her return to Lyric following her debut as the Kitchen Boy in Dvořák's Rusalka in the 2013/14 Season. She has recently dazzled audiences as Frida Kahlo in Gabriela Lena Frank and Nilo Cruz's El último sueño de Frida y Diego, co-produced by San Diego Opera and San Francisco Opera. Tenor Jonas Hacker appears as Kyle, a high-school student who becomes tormented by the sound; Hacker starred as Timothy Laughlin in Gregory Spears and Greg Pierce's Fellow Travelers in Lyric's 2017/18 Season. Paul, Claire's husband who is overshadowed by her fixation on the hum, is sung by baritone Zachary Nelson. He previously appeared as Marcello in Lyric's 2018/19 Season production of Puccini's La Bohème. Nelson recently made an anticipated role debut as Alberich in Atlanta Opera's new production of Wagner's Das Rheingold, a role he returns to later this season in the composer's Siegfried. Baritone John Moore is Dillon in his Lyric debut; he recently appeared in performances across the United States as Steve Jobs in Mason Bates and Mark Campbell's The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.

An ensemble of twisted believers. Baritone Joseph Lim, an alumnus of Lyric's renowned artist training program, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, returns to Lyric as Thom, reprising the role he played in the Opera Philadelphia production. The cast of The Listeners also features several current members of the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble: sopranos Adia Evans and Gemma Nha, mezzo-soprano Sophia Maekawa, and baritone Finn Sagal.

Unapologetic creativity at its boldest. The Listeners is an unparalleled visual feat that combines modern technology with its storytelling. Through visual commentary with modern social media and "live" newscasting sequences alongside immersive sets and projections, this production envelops viewers in its cinematic spectacle. Set designer Adam Rigg, who recently designed the sets of Illinoise at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, creates the opera's key visual environments. Working alongside him are costume designer Kaye Voyce, lighting designer Yi Zhao, and video designer Hannah Wasileski, all in their Lyric debuts. Chorus Director and Head of Music Michael Black leads the Lyric Opera Chorus, and the original choreography of Raja Feather Kelly is recreated at Lyric by revival choreographer Zoe Scofield, both in their Lyric debuts.

Ready for the hum? Featuring a score sung entirely in English (and punctuated with profanity throughout), this work delivers a darkly comedic and thought-provoking experience for contemporary audiences. The Listeners is an immersive opera that will leave Lyric patrons fearing the inescapable spell of the hum — will it consume you, too?

Important to know:

  • Five chances to experience The Listeners: March 30 matinee; April 2, 5, 8, and 11.
  • Content Advisory: The Listeners includes explicit language and sexual content, along with brief mentions of self-harm and suicide, that may be triggering or uncomfortable to some audience members. This production also includes the occasional use of strobing/flashing lights and theatrical gunfire. Recommended for mature audiences.
  • Performed in English with projected English titles above the stage.
  • A total running time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
  • Ticketholders are invited to a free pre-opera talk by noted scholar Dr. Justin Vickers on the opera's composition history and social context; the talks begin one hour before each performance on the main floor of the theater.
  • Audio description and a guided touch tour of the set are available at the Sunday, March 30 matinee performance. American Sign Language interpretation and SoundShirts are available at the Wednesday, April 2 evening performance. Braille and large-print programs, high-powered opera glasses, assistive listening devices, and booster seats are available from the main floor coat check at all performances. For more information on these and other accessibility assets, visit lyricopera.org/accessibility.
  • Co-commissioned and co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, Norwegian National Opera, and Opera Philadelphia.
  • For more information and tickets, visit lyricopera.org/listeners or call 312.827.5600.
 
 
 
 
 
 

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists — magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

Join us @LyricOpera on InstagramTikTokYouTubeThreads and Facebook. #LongLivePassion

For more information, visit lyricopera.org.

Chicago’s Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company is proud to share its current 2025 season including two mainstage productions, Circus Quixote, January 30 – March 30, and Iraq, But Funny, May 29 – July 20; a wide variety of Circus Quixote accessibility, education and community events including juggling workshops, a Latine Night and talkbacks in collaboration with Teatro Vista and Instituto Cervantes; performances by Lookingglass Theatre’s Young Ensemble: The Portrait of Madame X, March 2 - 4: a dream inspired unGALA on March 20 and coming this summer, the latest edition of Sunset 1919 on July 27 and Summergglass Camps, August 4 – 15. Details are included below and may also be found at LookingglassTheatre.org.

The 2025 season includes the following programs, performances and special events:

Lookingglass Theatre Company presents

Circus Quixote

January 30 - March 30

Based on Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quijote of La Mancha”

Adapted and Directed by Kerry and David Catlin

Circus by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi

Produced in Association with Actors Gymnasium Circus School & Theatre Company

Featuring Michel Rodríguez Cintra, Micah Figueroa, Julian Hester, Laura Murillo Hart, Andrea San Miguel, Ayana Strutz and Eduardo Martinez

Previews: Thursday, Jan. 30 - Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 2 at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb 5 - Friday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m.

Performance schedule for February 9 - March 30: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 and 7 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

Joan and Paul Theatre at Water Tower Water Works, 163 E Pearson St. at Michigan Ave.

Tickets are $35 - $80

LookingglassTheatre.org

For more than 400 years, Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quijote of La Mancha has inspired readers and cultures across the globe. Lookingglass’ production, first incubated at The Actors Gymnasium, brings this literary classic to life anew in 2025. Somewhere in La Mancha there lived a man who read so many books about chivalry that his brains dried up. In this world premiere, Lookingglass transports audiences tiltingly and acrobatically into the dreamy madness of Don Quixote and his impossible folly-filled quest to bring good-deed doing back into the world … whether the world wants it or not.  

 

Circus Quixote Accessible Programming

Accessibility Performances:.

  • Mask Required Performance: Friday, Feb, 21 at 7 p.m.
  • Open Caption Performance: Wednesday, March 5 at 7 p.m.
  • Audio Described/Touch Tour Performance: Saturday, March 8 at 1:30 p.m.
  • Masked Required Performance: Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m.
  • Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Performance: Sunday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m.

An accessible entrance to Lookingglass is located at Pearson Street directly to the west of the main entrance at 163 E. Pearson Street using the wooden double doors.

Patrons may access The Joan and Paul Theatre at Lookingglass using the elevator or ramp located in the newly renovated lobby. Lookingglass offers accessible seating for all performances on the ground floor and balcony. These seats are accessible for all patrons who use a wheelchair, a scooter, walkers, other mobility aids or cannot use stairs. Lookingglass also has a variety of aisle seating options available.

Assistive listening devices are available for every mainstage performance at the box office free of charge. Attendees may pick up the device at the box office upon arrival.

Sensory Bags are available for every mainstage performance at the box office free of charge. Attendees may pick up the bags at the box office upon arrival.

Large print programs are available in electronic form at the box office.

If assistance booking is needed, please call 312.337.0665 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More information on these performances atLookingglassTheatre.org/Accessibility.

 

Circus Quixote Education and Community Programming

NEW

A LookinggClass: Juggling 101

Wednesdays, Feb. 12 – Feb. 26 and Sundays, Feb. 23 and March 9 at 6 p.m. 

Recommended for ages 8 years old and older

Tickets: $15

LookingglassTheatre.org/event/juggling-101-a-lookingclass/

This season, go behind the scenes of every Lookingglass show with workshops and classes designed to spark curiosity. During Circus Quixote, join Lookingglass and The Actors Gymnasium before select performances for a juggling lesson that will lift audiences’ spirits and get them ready to show off new party tricks.

Teen Takeover

Saturday, Feb. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

RSVP here to reserve your  $5 ticket

 

Theatre loving, Chicago area teens are invited for pre-show pizza and Circus Quixote artist chat before heading into the theatre for the performance. Tickets are LIMITED.

Reflect Panel Discussion Series in partnership with Teatro Vista

“Chasing the Dream: Reclaiming Cultural Narratives”

Sunday, Feb. 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Free with Circus Quixote ticket, following the show

The REFLECT Panel Discussion Series draws on a theme or social issue inherent in the current production and gives space to speak on them and with each other.

Lookingglass Ensemble Member and Teatro Vista Producing Artistic Director Wendy Mateo and Teatro Vista Managing Director Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel examine Cervantes’ text as a tool for cultural colonialism and speak about their personal intersections as Latinas with “Don Quixote.” Lookingglass Ensemble Member and Creative Producer Kareem Bandealy hosts/moderates.

REFLECT takes place following the Sunday matinees and is held, after a short break, in the Joan & Paul Theatre.

 

Latine Night

Friday, Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Free with Circus Quixote ticket

Latine culture is the world. And the world is here in our Chicago.

The fiesta begins at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-show mixer featuring full bar service and a vast curation of Latine Music spun by a surprise guest DJ. The evening continues with the main event – the night’s performance of Circus Quixote. and concludes with a tri-lingual (Spanish, Portuguese, English) post-show discussion featuring the cast and hosted by Lookingglass Artistic Associate J. Salomé Martinez, Lookingglass Assistant Director of Development Carlos García León and Circus Quixote Dramaturg Gabriela Furtado Coutinho.

Reflect Panel Discussion Series in partnership with Instituto Cervantes 

Dawn of Quixote: Iberia Pre & Post Reconquista

Sunday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Free with Circus Quixote  ticket, following the show

The REFLECT Panel Discussion Series draws on a theme or social issue inherent in our current production and gives us a space to speak on them and with each other.

Teresa Hernando Rojo (Gestora Cultural at Instituto Cervantes) and public media personality Narimon Safavi engage in a fascinating discussion on Iberia pre- and post- Reconquista and the diverse cultural influences that would have been a part of Cervantes’ Spain. Lookingglass Ensemble Member and Creative Producer Kareem Bandealy hosts/moderates.

REFLECT takes place following the Sunday matinees and is held, after a short break, in the Joan & Paul Theatre.

Young Ensemble Returns with The Portrait of Madame X

Lookingglass Young Ensemble

The Portrait of Madame X

Written by Ensemble Member Phil Smith based on an adaptation of Alexander Pushkin’s “The Queen of Spades” by Tommy Rapley and Dennis Watkins

Directed by Ensemble Members Louise Lamson and Phil Smith 

Sunday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 4 at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $35 (General Admission) and $10 (students)

LookingglassTheatre.org/young-ensemble/

 

Who is really holding the cards at Madame X’s high stakes Gaming Parlor? Find out as the one and only Lookingglass Young Ensemble unspools their feverish take of Alexander Pushkin’s unrivaled tale of gambling and the supernatural, “The Queen of Spades.” 

Now in its 26th year, The Lookingglass Young Ensemble is a group of Chicago-area young adults, ages 13-18, committed to building their theater skills, lifting their voices and developing their creativity through collaborative creation. The 2024/25 Young Ensemble is composed of 16 teens from all over Chicago.  

“There’s always something new I can learn and I have a very different understanding of what theatre meant,” said Young Ensemble Member Natasha Friedman. “Lookingglass is a place where everyone wants to learn and are so ready to put their whole selves in the process and that’s an important tool for growing your craft.” 

The annual Young Ensemble production weaves together language, visual spectacle, music and the unique talents and contributions of the ensemble. Inclusive, rigorous, playful and endlessly creative, the Young Ensemble builds not only better artists, but better collaborators, thinkers, and leaders.

 

unGALA: DREAM

Thursday, Mar. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

The Casino Club, 195 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, IL

Tickets: $750 (Sponsorships begin at $2500)

LookingglassTheatre.org/event/ungala-dream/

Join Lookingglass for an unforgettable experience that takes guests on a dream-like journey through the first night of spring—featuring an epic pajama party.

This year’s unGALA invites all to join the Lookingglass Board of DirectorsEnsembleArtistic Associates and guest artists for an evening that pushes boundaries and defies expectations—celebrating creativity, artistic innovation and the shared experience of dreaming beyond the ordinary.

WORLD PREMIERE

Iraq, But Funny

May 29 – July 20

Written by Atra Asdou

Directed Dalia Ashurina

Joan and Paul Theatre at Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave.

Tickets: $30 - $80

LookingglassTheatre.org/event/iraq-but-funny/

A raucous satire about five generations of Assyrian women reclaiming their stories, as narrated by a British guy. Making its world premiere at Lookingglass Theatre, Ensemble Member Atra Asdou’s original dark comedy jauntily marches through the Ottoman Empire to modern-day U.S.A. exploring history, family and dysfunction.

Sunset 1919

Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m.

Eugene Williams Memorial Marker

125 Fort Dearborn Drive, Chicago 60615

1/4 mile north of 31st Street Beach

Free

LookingglassTheatre.org/event/sunset-1919-2024/

Sunset 1919 is an annual community art ritual performed in honor of Eugene Williams, a Black teenager who was killed for crossing an imaginary racial line on the waves of Mishigami (from Ojibwa “Great Water”). Sunset 1919 was first curated and coordinated in 2020 by Ensemble Member and Creative Producer Kareem Bandealy and Ensemble Member and Mellon Playwright in Residence J. Nicole Brooks and it offers a communal moment to acknowledge our Indigenous roots and for Black artists to merge movement, music and word in a free, spirit-guided ritual.

 

Youth Ensemble Summergglass Camps

August 4 - 8 and August 11 - 15

Lookingglass Theatre, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave.

Enrollment: $450

Early bird enrollment begins Monday, Feb. 3

LookingglassTheatre.org/summergglass-camp-2025/

Through drama and creative play, the experienced teaching artists of Summergglass will focus camp days to explore creative problem solving, collaboration, story structure, speaking directly to the audience and all the inventive visual storytelling that makes Lookingglass so special.

Mornings are spent working with teaching artists to learn many of the same theatre techniques and skills used to create Lookingglass shows. During the afternoons, campers will work on their drama skills as they create and adapt original stories to share on the final day of camp. 

Paper Magic:  Shadow Puppet Camp

August 4 – 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Ages: 6 – 10

Lights. Paper. Magic! Create epic adventures with shadow puppets as campers design, build and bring puppets to life using storytelling traditions from around the world.  

Through creative drama and movement games, this camp explores folk tales from around the world, inventing original heroes and villains and building magical stories to share! Learn the fundamentals of Lookingglass playmaking techniques, explore design and story structure and go to the park each day for lunch. By the end of the session, friends and family are invited to join campers on a magical adventure into, and out of, the shadows.

Mysterious City: Chicago Scavenger Hunt Camp

August 11 – 15 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Ages 8 – 14

The Mysterious City Society needs your help! Together, campers will build a summer adventure demanding all of their creativity and daring-do. The mission: report to the historic Lookingglass Water Tower theatre for a scavenger hunt camp that will take campers through the Lookingglass, beyond the pumping station pipes and back in time through the pop culture, music and movements and milestones of Chicago’s not-so-distant past. Young adventurers will learn the fundamentals of Lookingglass playmaking techniques, explore the structure of scavenger hunts and choose “your own adventure” stories, search for clues on walking field trips and work with Lookingglass teaching artists to create an original scavenger hunt play to share with family and friends.

ABOUT LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY

Founded in 1988 by graduates of Northwestern University, Lookingglass Theatre Company is a nationwide leader in the creation and presentation of new, cutting-edge theatrical works and in sharing its ensemble-based theatrical techniques with Chicago-area students and teachers through Education and Community Programs. Guided by an artistic vision centered on the core values of collaboration, transformation and invention, Lookingglass seeks to capture audiences’ imaginations leaving them changed, charged and empowered.

Recipient of the 2011 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, Lookingglass has built a national reputation for artistic excellence and ensemble-based theatrical innovation. Notable world premieres include Mary Zimmerman’s Tony Award-winning Metamorphoses and The Odyssey, J. Nicole Brooks' Her Honor Jane Byrne, David Schwimmer’s adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle and Studs Terkel’s Race: How Blacks and Whites Think and Feel about the American Obsession, Matthew C. Yee's Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon and David Catlin’s circus tribute to Lewis Carroll, Lookingglass Alice​​, which was captured by HMS Media and reached 1.6 million PBS viewers.Looking Alice is now available to more than four million students worldwide through Digital Theatre+. Work created by Lookingglass artists has been produced in Australia, Europe and dozens of cities throughout the United States.

Chicagoland's longest running musical theatre, Marriott Theatre, officially kicks off its spectacular 50th Anniversary Season with one of the most enduring and beloved musicals of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, previewing on Wednesday, February 5, opening on Wednesday, February 12 at 7pm and running through March 30. Directed and choreographed by Jeff Award nominee Amber Mak (Marriott Theatre: Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story; Paramount: The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast), this vibrant reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers, and the iconic coat of many colors is set to captivate audiences of all ages. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's beloved score is packed with pop and musical theatre classics, including "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door," "There's One More Angel in Heaven" and "Go, Go, Go Joseph."

"I am absolutely thrilled to be helming and collaborating with the Marriott team on this fresh interpretation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for their 50th Anniversary Season," said director Amber Mak. "This production aims to be a joyous celebration of the power of storytelling as we explore this infectious score and story through the boundless imagination of a child's perspective. Joseph is a musical that has captivated audiences worldwide and I can't wait to share this vibrant new production and all-star cast of talent with the Marriott audience."

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat stars Devin DeSantis as "Joseph" (Marriott Theatre: Honeymoon in Vegas, Godspell; MUNY: Waitress; Goodman Theatre: Matchbox Magic Flute); Kaitlyn Davis as "Narrator" (Marriott/National: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Jeff Award); National: The Phantom of the Opera);  Lorenzo Rush Jr. as "Pharaoh" (Marriott Theatre: A Christmas Story, The Wizard of Oz, Holiday Inn; 3 Time Jeff Award Winner); and George Keating (Marriott Theatre: Hello, Dolly!, The Producers, Guys & Dolls) with Lillian Castillo, Avelyn Lena Choi, Sophie Liu David, Christopher Kale Jones, Kayla Kennedy, Ron King, Michael Earvin Martin, Teah Kiang Mirabelli, Leah Morrow, Justin Payton Nelson, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Tommy Rivera-Vega, Maxel Schingen, Lena Soszynski,  Elizabeth Telford, Amanda Walker, J Tyler Whitmer,  Margot Frank, Kevin Kuska, Jordan Radis, and Savannah Sinclair.

The artistic team features Associate Director Elizabeth Romero, Associate Choreographer Nich O'Neil, Scenic Designer Jeff Kmiec, Costume Designer Theresa Ham, Wig Designer Miguel Armstrong, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Sound Designer Michael Daly, Props Designer Sally Zack, Stage Manager Colt Luedtke and Conductor Rick Bertone.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – featuring NEW WEEKNIGHT PERFORMANCE TIMES is scheduled to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Call for group, dinner-theatre, student, senior, and military discounts. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets or become a Marriott Theatre subscriber during the 50th Anniversary season, please call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.tickets.marriotttheatre.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

Broadway In Chicago and Starvox Touring are excited to announce individual tickets for XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER OF MAGIC are now on sale. XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER OF MAGIC will play the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited engagement, March 21-23.

Xavier Mortimer, the illusionist who starred in Cirque du Soleil’s production – MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, has enchanted Las Vegas with his solo shows and captivated millions of fans on social media, will be coming to Chicago for the very first time! He will perform at the CIBC Theatre Chicago starting on March 21, 2025, for a breathtaking series of shows. After dazzling thousands of spectators around the world, Xavier Mortimer will present MASTER OF MAGIC, a unique and grandiose show that promises to amaze audiences of all ages.

A true social media phenomenon with over 30 million followers and videos amassing over 15 billion views on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, Xavier Mortimer is one of the most groundbreaking magicians of his generation. He is the most followed magician in the world, and his popularity continues to soar. A 5-time winner of Best Magic Show in Las Vegas, Xavier Mortimer also gained fame through his appearances on America’s Got Talent (Seasons 10 & 12) and Penn & Teller: Fool Us (Seasons 5, 7 & 9). His innovative approach to magic has captivated audiences worldwide.

We are absolutely thrilled to bring Xavier Mortimer's extraordinary show to Chicago. His unique blend of magic, humor, and creativity has captivated audiences around the world, and we’re excited for Chicagoans to experience this incredible journey. This city is the perfect setting for Xavier’s magical artistry, and we can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction!”
– Corey Ross, Starvox Touring

A Phenomenal Success in Las Vegas
Famous for his poetic illusion, Xavier Mortimer quickly became a Las Vegas sensation, with over 1,500 performances to his credit. Known for his innovative approach, he blends music, mime, and illusion to create an immersive and visually stunning experience like no other. His award-winning show, The Dream Maker, has captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying Mortimer's place among the most innovative magicians of his generation.

Xavier Mortimer has been described as “a show with winning doses of pantomime and personality” by Splash Magazines. His act has received rave reviews, with the Las Vegas Review-Journal calling it “Genius Magic!” and Howie Mandel, from America’s Got Talent, hailed it as “Phenomenal!”

A Unique Opportunity to See Xavier Mortimer Live
For the first time, Chicago audiences will have the chance to experience this internationally acclaimed artist live on stage. This appearance promises to be an unforgettable event. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to dive into Xavier Mortimer’s magical and enchanting world, a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.

For more information, visitxaviermagic.com.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 23 at 1:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for XAVIER MORTIMER: MASTER OF MAGIC are on sale now to the public and range from $40.00 - $115.00 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 XAVIER MORTIMER
Born in the South of France, Xavier Mortimer started performing at a young age as a street performer. He studied Music and Dance in La Rochelle and Acting and Mime at the Jacques Lecoq School in Paris and London. Over the years, Mortimer has collected numerous awards for his work, including 1st place in Italy in 2001 and 3rd place in France in 2002. In 2006, he gained recognition in France with his show L’Ombre Orchestre (The Shadow Orchestra), which he performed more than 1,000 times worldwide. Xavier Mortimer is also the creator and performer of various visual shows, composing music for his productions as well as for other shows alongside his friend Maxime Rodriguez. In 2012, he created the character Sneaky for Cirque du Soleil’s MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, performing in Las Vegas. Between 2013 and 2018, Mortimer appeared on numerous international television shows. He debuted his new show, Magical Dream, at Planet Hollywood in 2016, which later moved to Bally’s due to its overwhelming success. Between 2018 and 2022, Xavier was voted Best Magic Show in Las Vegas four years in a row by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and Best Family-Friendly Show for three consecutive years. His social media success skyrocketed in 2020, amassing billions of views and millions of followers. Today, Mortimer holds the record for the most viewed magic video on YouTube with over 576 million views.

ABOUT STARVOX TOURING
Starvox Touring has been producing and delivering exciting and ground-breaking shows and live entertainment experiences throughout North America and globally since 2003. Founded in Toronto by Corey RossStarvox Touring has ranked in Profit Magazine’s Fastest growing Canadian companies for five years in a row. Starvox produces, manes, represents, and promotes crossover performing arts shows and exhibitions that tour Canada, the United States, and internationally. Mr. Ross has produced multiple theatrical shows and exhibits in the US, including the Harry Potter parody Potted Potter and Champions of Magic, and is a producer of the world-renowned blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. In Las Vegas, Mr. Ross produces three shows for Caesars Entertainment – WowRouge, and Potted Potter. In the world of art exhibitions, Mr. Ross produces Immersive Van GoghImmersive Disney Animation, and more.  For more information, please visit www.starvoxent.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, The Auditorium, 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 Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces renowned Chicago director Ron OJ Parson will helm the North American premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn, making his CST directorial debut. Chakrabarti has re-imagined her play in the South Side of Chicago, following an acclaimed premiere at London's Almeida Theatre. The creative team also includes scenic and projection designer Rasean Davonté Johnson, costume designer Yvonne Miranda, lighting designer Jason Lynch, and sound designer and composer Willow James. The production runs April 29–May 25, 2025 in the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater. 

Hymn charts the lives of two middle-aged Black men as they form a deep bond in an intimate exploration of the loyalties and betrayals of brothers, fathers, and sons. The play received five-star reviews in its UK premiere from The ObserverThe Daily Mail, and WhatsOnStage, which hailed it as "mind-blowingly excellent."

"I wanted to write a story of two Black men who find love with each other—a familial, platonic love," says Chakrabarti. "My own male friends have often surprised me with their sensitivity, femininity, fussiness, insecurities, fun, kindness, and warmth—the list goes on. Hymn was born out of my desire to tell a different story. To reframe this play for Chicago is very exciting indeed, and I believe it will lend itself beautifully to this city's rich culture."

CST artistic director Edward Hall said, "In my brief time in Chicago it has not taken me long to get acquainted with the work of the brilliant Ron OJ Parson. Both Lolita and I felt he was the missing piece in this delicate jigsaw, and I am deeply happy that the play resonated so powerfully with him. This will be Ron's Chicago Shakespeare debut, and I am delighted to be welcoming the director of such a huge and important body of work into our company."

"I've long admired the work at Chicago Shakespeare, during my theater journey here in Chicago," said Parson. "I am truly honored to be working on Hymn by world-renowned playwright Lolita Chakrabarti. As my journey continues, what better play than a play about brothers, family, love, faith, and hope. What the world needs a lot of. Peace."

Lolita Chakrabarti won the Olivier Award for Best New Play for her adaptation of Yann Martel's novel Life of Pi, which later went on to a Tony Award-winning Broadway run and a national tour. Her adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel Hamnet premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the West End last year. Chakrabarti's debut play Red Velvet enjoyed an acclaimed run at CST in 2017.

Ron OJ Parson is the co-founder and former artistic director of Onyx Theatre Ensemble, a resident artist at Court Theatre, and an ensemble member at TimeLine Theatre. In 2022, he received the Zelda Fichandler Award from the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation and was recognized as the Chicago Tribune's Chicagoan of the Year for Theater. He has won three Jeff Awards for directing for Relentless at TimeLine Theatre, and Blues for an Alabama Sky and Fences at Court Theatre. Other credits include East Texas Hot LinksThe Lion In WinterArsenic and Old LaceTwo Trains RunningKing Hedley IIRadio GolfFive Guys Named Moe, Gem of the Ocean, Seven Guitars, Jitney, and The Piano Lesson at Court Theatre, Trouble in MindToo Heavy For Your Pocket, and A Raisin in the Sun at TimeLine Theatre Company, Toni Stone and Sweat at Goodman Theatre, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and East Texas Hot Links at Writers Theatre.

Parson is joined on the creative team by scenic and projection designer Rasean Davonté Johnson, a two-time Jeff Award winner returning to Chicago Shakespeare after Measure for Measure and It Came From Outer Space, with other recent credits including Romeo and Juliet at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lucha Teotl at Goodman Theatre, and Her Honor Jane Byrne at Lookingglass Theatre; costume designer Yvonne Miranda, who makes her CST debut with recent credits including Leroy & Lucy at Steppenwolf Theatre, Primary Trust at Goodman Theatre, and The Hot Wing King at Writers Theatre; lighting designer Jason Lynch, a Jeff Award winner returning to CST after Beauty and the Beast, with other credits including Layalina and the ripple, the wave that carried me home at Goodman Theatre and Choir Boy at Steppenwolf Theatre; and sound designer and composer Willow James, who returns to CST after Twelfth Night, with other credits including A Christmas CarolThe Penelopiad, and The Nacirema Society at Goodman Theatre.

The press opening for Hymn is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m.

More information at chicagoshakes.com/hymn or on social media at @chicagoshakes.  

Award-winning Redtwist Theatre is proud to announce the roster of plays for its inaugural Twisted Playfest, December 17 - 22, and the cast and creative team for the headlining production in Twisted Playfest, The Totality of Things, written by Eric Gernand and directed by Enrico Spada, December 5, 2024 - January, 19, 2025, at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Complete schedule and additional details are below. The Totality of All Things single tickets and Twisted Playfest reservations will be available on Monday, Nov. 18 at RedtwistTheatre.org with discounts available for seniors, students and industry professionals and pay-what-you-can for all Friday performances of The Totality of All Things.

Redtwist's inaugural new work incubator, Twisted Playfest features six plays at various stages of development. The plays are presented as staged readings, stand readings and a main stage production of Eric Gernand's The Totality of All Things. In addition to inclusion in Twisted Playfest, Redtwist supports its festival playwrights throughout the new year with additional readings and workshops.

“We look forward to the launch of the first Twisted Playfest at our newly renovated Redtwist Theatre,” said Co-Artistic Director Dusty Brown. “This new festival - six plays, 10 days, 20 performances, all Chicago - will introduce plays from Chicago playwrights and offer audiences a rare opportunity to see these new works.”

“The Twisted Playfest is the first step in these new plays’ incubation,” said Co-Artistic Director Eileen Dixon. “From our headliner The Totality of All Things to the staged readings to the stand readings, the inaugural roster of plays represents a wide variety of styles, ideas and themes. Redtwist is introducing this new work so that the playwrights may hear from audiences and contemporaries to continue the works’ development.”

The 2024 Twisted Playfest includes:

TWISTED PLAYFEST HEADLINER

The Totality of All Things

Headliner of the Twisted Playfest

December 5 - January 19, 2025

Written by Eric Gernand

Directed by Enrico Spada

Previews: Thursday, Dec.5 and Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule:

Previews: Thursday, Dec.5 and Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Performances: Sunday, Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 12 - Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 9 and Friday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 16 and Friday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 19 at 3:30 p.m.

Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

RedtwistTheatre.org

Tickets: $35 with discounts available for seniors, students and industry professionals and pay-what-you-can for all Friday performances.

The centerpiece of Redtwist's inaugural Twisted Playfest is The Totality of All Things. The Totality of All Things introduces audiences to Judith Benson, “teacher-famous” for the award-winning student newspaper she proudly oversees at her small Indiana high school, a program that extols truth and integrity in journalism. At the start of a new school year, an anti-gay hate crime occurs calling everything Judith believes about inspiring the next generation of reporters and the definition of truth itself into question.

The cast of Totality of All Things is Redtwist Ensemble Member Jacqueline Grandt (she/her, Judith); Suzy Krueckeberg (she/her, DeeAnn); Philip Matthews (he/him, Gregg); Kason Chesky (he/him, Micah); Aundria TreNay (she/her, Ms. Carter); Phil Aman (he/him, Principal Benson); Hilary Sanzel (she/her, Judith understudy); Michelle Perry (she/her, DeeAnn understudy); Nate Brimner Smith (he/him, Gregg understudy); Zachary Cutter (he/him, Micah understudy); Andi Muriel (she/her, Ms. Carter understudy) and Hugo Balta (he/him, Principal Benson understudy).

The production team for Totality of All Things is Erik Gernand (he/him, playwright); Enrico Spada (he/him, director); Taylor Mercado Owen (he/him, stage manager); Emily Newmark (she/her, assistant director); Madeline Felauer (she/her, costume designer); Redtwist Ensemble Member Jeff Brain (he/him, props designer and technical director); Camille Pugliese (she/her, dramaturg); Nicholas Svoboda (he/him, sound designer); Brandii Champagne (they/them, scenic designer); Raine DeDominici (they/them/she/her, production manager) and Cat Davis (she/her/they/them, lighting designer).

 

TWISTED PLAYFEST STAGED READINGS

Fiona

Written by Zack Peercy

Directed by Jessica Love  

Performance schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

Fiona is the performance of a lifetime. What starts as an examination of 25 letters all addressed to an unknown "Fiona" rapidly evolves, expands, contracts and explodes into an exploration of belief, reality, presentation and legacy.

 

Man Cave

Written by Caroline Kidwell

Directed by Co-Artistic Director Eileen Dixon  

Performance schedule: Friday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

Guess what? The world ended. And Hannah, a lifestyle vlogger, has been living alone in a bunker for five years. She’s an influencer with no one to influence until Wanda, a survivor, knocks on her door.

Keep It Light

Written by Toby Inoue

Directed by LeKecia Harris

Performance schedule:

Tickets: Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 12 p.m.

Pay-What-You-Can 

To find their way back to each other, two mixed-race half-sisters are forced to grapple with the complicated ways in which their mother's racism broke them apart. Winnie, half African-American, is a famous but canceled celebrity stand-up comedian and Tomi, half Asian-American, is an elementary school art teacher who stayed in their hometown. Tomi calls Winnie home when their mother becomes seriously ill and the sisters sort their mother's house as they accommodate her last wishes, including a comeback show for Winnie and a hospital wedding for Tomi.

 

TWISTED PLAYFEST STAND READINGS

You Sit Down and You Cry

Written by Ruben Carrazana

Directed by Joshua Servantez

Performance schedule: Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 p.m and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can 

The play is about a break-up. A really bad break-up. Like the worst. And about time. And how time heals. And how, sometimes, it doesn't. A play about moving on. And not moving on. An anti-romantic comedy about toxic masculinity and pain and suicide and pizza rolls and the United States Postal Service. A love letter to getting your heart crushed, because sometimes, you deserve it.

Murder in Residence

Written by MT Cozzola

Directed by Hannah Blau

Performance schedule: Friday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

When a brilliant young poet disappears from an artist’s colony, her fellow writers weave alibis to shield their secrets from an unseen inspector who digs relentlessly for the truth. In a secluded mountain retreat, six ambitious women come together to write their masterpieces but switch to alibis when brilliant young Kenna meets a mysterious demise. As they struggle to shield their secrets, a relentless inspector digs for the truth. Everyone is lying - Kenna’s lover Mandy, rival Fern, would-be bestie Lynette…even the kindly cabbie who saw her last. In a race against time to unmask the killer, each must confront their deepest desires and wrestle with the bonds of love, art and community.

 

Deserted

Written by Melanie Coffey

Directed by Co-Artistic Director Dusty Brown

Performance schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

Jodie and Emma are the lucky winners of the Project's Soil competition, where they receive a truckload of soil and are to garden it with prairie grasses, native flowers and the vegetables of their choosing. But their well is drying up, the Neighbor keeps sneaking over and eating the soil and the couple is becoming less and less the good team they thought they were. Putting roots down in desertified land is never easy.

 

Following

Written by Ben F. Locke

Directed by Devin Christor

Performance schedule: Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

Darnell is an up and coming app designer. His popularity attracts a lot of fame and attention. It all seems great until he finds out that he's being stalked. Can Darnell solve the mystery before it's too late? Following explores what exactly it means to be an ally. Do we do what we do because it's the right thing to do or do we all have our own selfish motives that dictate what we deem as what's right and wrong?

Strange Fruit

Written by Brandon Wright

Directed by Rashaad A. Bond

Performance schedule: Friday, Dec. 20 at 10 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

In quiet suburbia, a group of five come across the body of a black boy hanging from a tree. They take it upon themselves to figure out whodunit, but as they explore the nature of this violent hate crime true secrets start to become uncovered within themselves.

 

Short Changed

Written by Jordan Gleaves

Directed by Aja Singetary

Performance schedule: Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 p.m.

Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can

Stan is homeless in the West End neighborhood of Atlanta and estranged from his brother. To make matters worse, Stan is about to lose his beloved “Mother,” Friendship Baptist Church, which is to be demolished and replaced by a new football stadium for the Atlanta Falcons. In the midst of the neighborhood’s rapid gentrification, Richard returns into Stan’s life with hopes of helping his younger brother get a leg up out of homelessness and avoid displacement. First, however, they must work to amend their relationship and work past moral differences. Is reconciliation possible and how much will it matter when the community around the brothers is changing with or without their participation?

Stage managers for Twisted Playfest are Marisa Langston (she/her), Eliot Colin (they/them/he/him) and Charlie Levinson (they/them/she/her).

Productions, participants and dates are subject to change.

ABOUT REDTWIST THEATRE RENOVATIONS

Redtwist partnered with the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development to build back better following the COVID quarantine. Redtwist was selected as a finalist for a 3-to-1 matching grant from the City of Chicago, which provided up to $250,000 in funding to renovate its performance space, lobby and street frontage.

These renovations mean a fresh face for Redtwist’s corner of Bryn Mawr, drawing in audiences from across the city and bringing new life to a Historic District that has been devastated by COVID-19. On the Western side of the building, the lobby was reimagined; increasing accessibility and installing a new cafe to provide concessions for all Redtwist shows. Finally, it means a revived performance space with added production capabilities, which will allow the Company to continue creating thrilling performances in its intimate black box space.

 

ABOUT REDTWIST THEATRE

Redtwist, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is an award-winning theatre company that stages up close and personal contemporary dramas annually in its intimate black box theatre housed proudly within the heart of Edgewater’s Bryn Mawr Historic District.

Intimate performances at Redtwist are designed to place the theatre patron in the midst of the stories being told, making them accessible and riveting. Redtwist strives for excellence with every project and endeavors to take risks while offering opportunities for up-and-coming actors, designers and directors to work with established talent. Redtwist provides the very best Chicago storefront theatre experience from excellence on stage, to warm hospitality in a clean, friendly environment.

Award-winning Redtwist Theatre is proud to announce the roster of plays for its inaugural Twisted Playfest, December 17 - 22, and the cast and creative team for the headlining production in Twisted Playfest, The Totality of Things, written by Eric Gernand and directed by Enrico Spada, December 5, 2024 - January, 19, 2025, at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Complete schedule and additional details are below. The Totality of All Things single tickets and reservations for Twisted Playfest will be available Monday, Nov. 18 at RedtwistTheatre.org with discounts available for seniors, students and industry professionals and pay-what-you-can for all Friday performances.

After pausing its operations last year to reorganize and create a new business model, Chicago's Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company is proud to announce two new Board members as it prepares to reopen January 30, 2025: founding ensemble member, actor and director David Schwimmer and Chicago employment and healthcare attorney James (Jimmy) Oh. Lookingglass' Board of Directors is now composed of 25 business, civic and arts leaders charged with advancing the mission of this ensemble-based company founded in 1988. Located inside the historic Water Tower Water Works building, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave., Lookingglass will present two world premieres this season: Circus Quixote, Jan. 30 – March 30, 2025, and Iraq, But Funny, May 29 – July 20, 2025, plus Young Ensemble performances and special events in neighborhoods throughout Chicago. A renovated lobby, bar and café also reopens Thursday, Jan. 30, with its menu and programming to be announced in the coming months. The full list of Board members and 2024/2025 season details may be found at LookingglassTheatre.org

"We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy and David to our Board of Directors, as we continue to strengthen Lookingglass' leadership at this pivotal moment for the Company," said Board Chair Richard Chapman. "David and Jimmy bring a passion for the performing arts and unique skill sets and networks that will help advance our vital mission—to redefine the limits of theatrical experience and to make theatre exhilarating, inspirational and accessible to all."

Jamey Lundblad (formerly with the City of Chicago's Cultural Affairs department) joined Lookingglass as managing director this fall, and ensemble member and multi-hyphenate artist Kasey Foster was named artistic director earlier this year. Additionally, this past spring, the Company welcomed four new members into its ensemble: Atra Asdou, Wendy Mateo, Ericka Ratcliff and Matthew C. Yee.

"Lookingglass has been my artistic home for more than three decades, and I have worked hard to sustain it, but this is my first time serving on the Board," said David Schwimmer. "I'm incredibly excited to partner with our dedicated Board of Directors, talented Ensemble and hardworking Staff to bolster an organization that means so much to me, and to Chicago."

"My passion for theatre is personal. All four of our sons performed in children's theatre, three earned theatre degrees—and now they're working in the arts," said Jimmy Oh. "So, I'm thrilled to be directly involved in and supporting the creative industries through my Board service at Lookingglass, one of the best regional theatres in the U.S."

ABOUT DAVID SCHWIMMER

David Schwimmer's many television and film acting credits include the hit comedy series "Friends," for which he received his first Emmy Award nomination, "American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson" for which he received a second Emmy nomination, "Band of Brothers," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Madagascar 1, 2 &; 3," "Feed the Beast," "Six Days Seven Nights," "Apt Pupil," "The Pallbearer," "Duane Hopwood," "The Iceman," "The Laundromat" and "Little Death." Schwimmer executive produced and starred as the lead in the Sky TV/Peacock original sitcom "Intelligence" and in "Extrapolations" for Apple TV+. 

He will next be seen in Disney's anthology series "Goosebumps," based on R.L. Stine's bestselling Scholastic series.

Schwimmer has directed over twenty plays, including his adaptations of Studs Terkel's RACE and Upton Sinclair's The Jungle for Lookingglass and Laura Eason's Sex with Strangers for the Second Stage Theatre. Other stage credits outside of Lookingglass include Detroit at Playwrights Horizons, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial on Broadway and the premiere of Neil LaBute's Some Girls in the West End, London.

Schwimmer's television and film directing includes ten episodes of "Friends," the HBO series "Little Britain USA," "Growing Up Fisher" for NBC, the feature films "Since You've Been Gone," "Run Fat Boy Run" and the independent drama "Trust" starring Clive Owen, Catherine Keener and Viola Davis. He also produced the film "LOVE" directed by Alexander Zeldin for the BBC based on his play produced at the National Theatre in London.

ABOUT JAMES (JIMMY) OH

Jimmy Oh is an employment and healthcare attorney based in Chicago, with a passion for theatre. At Epstein Becker Green, Oh's work traverses all three of the firm's core practices: employment, labor and workforce management (ELWM); health care and life sciences (HCLS) and litigation and business disputes. He  has tried cases in federal courts around the country on both employment and healthcare-related issues. 

Oh is a member of Epstein Becker Green's ELWM Steering Committee, health employment and labor (HEAL®) strategic industry group (which consists of members of both the ELWM and HCLS practices) and litigation and business disputes practice. He also holds leadership roles on the firm's Diversity and Professional Development Committee and serves on the Executive Committee of the firm's Minority Attorney Forum.

In addition, he has published numerous articles and made presentations on a variety of topics. He is a graduate of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and Northwestern University.

ABOUT THE 2024/2025 SEASON

WORLD PREMIERE 

Circus Quixote

January 30 – March 30, 2025

Joan and Paul Theatre at Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. 

Based on Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote of La Mancha

Written and Directed by Kerry and David Catlin

Circus by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi

Produced in Association with Actors Gymnasium

Somewhere in La Mancha there lived a man who read so many books that his brains dried up...Saddle up with Lookingglass as they go tiltingly, acrobatically into the dreamy madness of Don Quixote and his impossible folly-filled quest to bring good-deed doing back into the world— whether the world wants it or not!

Circus Quixote production sponsors include Greg Thompson & Greg Cameron and Marla Mendelson, M.D. & Stephen Wolf. 

WORLD PREMIERE 

Iraq, But Funny 

May 29 – July 20, 2025 

Joan and Paul Theatre at Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. 

Written by Atra Asdou 

Directed Dalia Ashurina 

A raucous satire about five generations of Assyrian women reclaiming their stories, as narrated by a British guy. Making its world premiere at Lookingglass Theatre, Ensemble Member Atra Asdou's original dark comedy jauntily marches through the Ottoman Empire to modern-day U.S.A. exploring history, family and dysfunction. 

2024/2025 season sponsors are Joan & Paul Rubschlager, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, HMS Media, Waldorf Astoria Chicago and the City of Chicago. 

Lookingglass Young Ensemble 

March 2025 

The Lookingglass Young Ensemble (YE) is a group of Chicago-area young adults, ages 13-18 years old, committed to building their theater skills, lifting their voices and developing theircreativity through collaborative creation. Three months of rehearsal and ensemble-building amongst this incredible group of artists will culminate in three public performances. 

Lookingglass Outdoors 

Summer 2025 

Lookingglass takes their art outside the historic Water Tower Water Works and into the neighborhoods through special events like Sunset 1919, educational opportunities like summer camp and recurring programs that tour around town. This summer, Lookingglass continues its ambitious video project to bring Chicago together despite the lines that divide us, 50 Wards: A Civic Mosaic. The series currently has 10 wards available for viewing at LookingglassTheatre.org

ABOUT LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY

Founded in 1988 by graduates of Northwestern University, Lookingglass Theatre Company is a nationwide leader in the creation and presentation of new, cutting-edge theatrical works and in sharing its ensemble-based theatrical techniques with Chicago-area students and teachers through Education and Community Programs. Guided by an artistic vision centered on the core values of collaboration, transformation and invention, Lookingglass seeks to capture audiences' imaginations leaving them changed, charged and empowered. Recipient of the 2011 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, Lookingglass has built a national reputation for artistic excellence and ensemble-based theatrical innovation. Notable world premieres include Mary Zimmerman's Tony Award-winning Metamorphoses and The Odyssey, J. Nicole Brooks' Her Honor Jane Byrne, David Schwimmer's adaptation of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Studs Terkel's Race: How Blacks and Whites Think and Feel about the American Obsession, Matthew C. Yee's Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon and David Catlin's circus tribute to Lewis Carroll, Lookingglass Alice, which was captured by HMS Media and reached 1.6 million PBS viewers. Lookingglass Alice is now available to more than four million students worldwide through Digital Theatre+. Work created by Lookingglass artists has been produced in Australia, Europe and dozens of cities throughout the United States.

Page 7 of 9

MJ THE MUSICAL is On Sale Wednesday May 28th!

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Corn Productions has a new original play premiering in June - Support Group For The End Of The World

26 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Corn Productions announces the world premiere of “Support Group For The End Of The World” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June…

History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire - Scandalous Boy at

25 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

I’m a geek, I admit it; I love seeing theatre that’s … well … real.  Like SCANDALOUS BOY – you’ve…

TimeLine Theatre Company announces milestone 2025-26 season, culminating with inaugural production at its new home in Uptown

22 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

TimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th…

RAVEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES 43rd SEASON - Dave Malloy's A Capella Musical OCTET and Terry Guest's OAK Get Chicago Premieres; TOP GIRLS Explores Feminism Through History

22 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in…

Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Vibrant New Jukebox Musical, Always Something There…

21 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

For a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape,…

Lucid Theater to stage comedy BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider, August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre

21 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Lucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS…

Review: HONEYPOT: BLACK SOUTHERN WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston

20 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

HONEYPOT originated as a creative nonfiction book by E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University.…

The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’

20 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

It was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of…

HAMILTON returns to Chicago in 2026

19 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago announced today that HAMILTON will return to Chicago for a multi-week engagement beginning March 4, 2026 through April 26,…

Hiplet Ballerinas: A Daring Dance Revolution at Auditorium Theatre

18 May 2025 in Dance in Review

An electrifying evening of artistic fusion unfolded at the Auditorium Theatre as Hiplet Ballerinas, the professional company of the Chicago…

Blank Theatre’s SWEET CHARITY Charms with Talented Cast and Standout Choreography

17 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

We are inside the Pompeii Club. From everything Charity has told us, the club is the place to be, and…

The Antiquities: A Thought-provoking Look at Today from the Future

13 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

With AI and other technological advancements continuing to change the landscape of how we work and interact with one another,…

Riots of Laughter Greet World Premiere of 'R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]'

13 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

Riots of laughter greeted the City Lit Theater world premiere of “R.U.R. [Rossum’s Universal Robots]” Wait. Could this be the…

Paramount Theatre extends Million Dollar Quartet until January 4, 2026

12 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Paramount Theatre’s smash hit Million Dollar Quartet, a “roof-rattling…rapturous celebration of early rock ‘n’ roll” (Daily Herald), won’t stop rockin’ anytime…

See Chicago Dance Announces 2025 Chicago Dance Month Performers and FREE Events

12 May 2025 in Upcoming Dance

See Chicago Dance, the dance industry's nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce organizations…

Tickets for Disney's The Lion King On Sale Now

12 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago announced today that individual tickets for Disney’s The Lion King, are now on sale to the public. Tickets ranging…

Cats pounces onto the Paramount stage taking the legendary musical to soaring new heights

11 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

I’ll just say it - Cats is going to blow your mind. Now running at the Paramount Theatre, this spectacular…

Trap Door's 'Galileo,' Beautifully Produced, Is a Knowing Parable for Our Times

11 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

“Galileo” written in 1938 by German playwright Bertolt Brecht, tells the straightforward story of the 17th century physicist and astronomer’s…

Humble and Radiant: Charlotte's Web at Greenhouse Theatre

11 May 2025 in Theatre Reviews

The adage goes that you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. Throughout our lives, we meet…

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents World Premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY

09 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…

A Chicago May Must See: Time Is A Color And The Color Is Blue at Bramble Arts Loft

06 May 2025 in Theatre Reviews

If our day-to-day lives were a collective color, it would probably be the color blue. Whether you are feeling blue,…

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents YOU WILL GET SICK - June 5 – July 13, 2025 - Chicago Premiere!

06 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Noah Diaz's whimsical, wild, unpredictable and deeply moving Chicago…

Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Art' at Theatre Wit

06 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

A fool and their money are soon parted as the old expression goes, but what do you do when that…

BACK IN CHICAGO BY POPULAR DEMAND! TONY AND GRAMMY-WINNING BEST MUSICAL, HADESTOWN IS NOW PLAYING

06 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that HADESTOWN, the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the…

Definition Theatre Presents World Premiere of Black Bone by Tina Fakhrid-Deen

05 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Definition Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Black Bone, a bold new satire by Chicago playwright Tina Fakhrid-Deen…

Hymn at Chicago Shakespeare Theater – A Soulful Exploration of Brotherhood

04 May 2025 in Theatre in Review

Stories that explore the emotional lives of men—especially Black men—are still far too rare on the American stage. Outside the…

Chicago Opera Theater presents world premiere of She Who Dared by Jasmine Arielle Barnes & Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton

02 May 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of new and rarely staged  operas, proudly presents the world premiere of She Who Dared by…

Outrage Made Manifest in “Bust: An Afrocurrentist Play”

30 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Something extraordinary happens on a street in Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. Woods (Keith Randolph Smith), a hard-working Black man in the…

 

 

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