Upcoming Theatre

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 15:10

Raven Theatre's *OCTET* Makes Downtown Debut at The Goodman

Written by

Following an acclaimed extended run at Raven Theatre, Dave Malloy's "unique, ravishing and resplendent" (Chicago Theatre Review) a cappella musical Octet transfers to Goodman Theatre for a two-week run this summer. Directed by Keira Fromm—Associate Director of The Goodman's Iceboy! or The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O'Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh—with music direction by Nick Sula (Kokandy Productions' Jekyll & Hyde) and choreography by Laura Savage (The Lord of the Rings International Tour), The Goodman's presentation of the Raven Theatre production will feature Raven's original cast—including Neala Barron (Porchlight Theatre's Fun Home), Elliot Esquivel (Lookingglass Theatre's White Rooster), Joryhebel Ginorio (Theo Ubique's The Secret Garden), Jordan Golding (A Christmas Carol), Teressa LaGamba (Paramount Theatre's Waitress), Ryder Dean McDaniel (Court Theatre's Taming of the Shrew), Sam Shankman (Court Theatre's Falsettos) and Grace Steckler (Writers Theatre's As You Like It).

The Goodman presents Raven Theatre's production of Dave Malloy's Octet in the 400-seat flexible Owen Theatre July 15-26. For tickets ($44-$94, subject to change), call 312.443.3800 or purchase online at GoodmanTheatre.org/Octet. This project is partially supported by a grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). This programming is also supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.  

"I'm thrilled that Octet will receive an encore production this summer at the Goodman Theatre! Our whole team is stacked with the most generous and talented group of artists whose abundant love for the show is clear from the moment the first song begins," said Director Keira Fromm, who is also the associate director of The Goodman's upcoming world-premiere musical Iceboy! or The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O'Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh, starring Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman. "I'm overjoyed that the tiny ember I carried for this piece has caught fire and will be shared with so many others. It's a balm to put down your phone and be in the room with this incredible musical, and I can't wait for a wider audience to experience it."

"Octet has been a rare and remarkable experience here at the Raven, and we are so very excited to partner with The Goodman in creating a downtown extension for this production," said Raven Theatre Executive Artistic Director Jonathan Berry. "At its heart, Raven is always looking to build community, and this is a fantastic opportunity to share this production that we're so proud of with a wider audience."

In an anonymous meeting room on the North Side of Chicago, a group of people—always eight—gathers to sing. Best known for the Broadway hit Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet Of 1812, Dave Malloy's Octet uses chamber-inspired a cappella music to explore the total impact of life online. Hailed by The New York Times as "the most original and topical musical of the year" for its 2019 Off-Broadway premiere, this inventive and acutely relevant piece reflects the perils of the digital age.  

The Goodman Presents Raven Theatre's Production of Dave Malloy's Octet

Music, Lyrics, Book and Vocal Arrangements by Dave Malloy

Directed by Keira Fromm

Music Directed by Nick Sula

Choreographed by Laura Savage

Neala Barron...Jessica
Elliot Esquivel...Toby
Joryhebel Ginorio...Velma
Jordan Golding...Marvin
Teressa LaGamba...Paula
Ryder Dean McDaniel...Ed
Sam Shankman...Henry
Grace Stecklerr...Karly

CREATIVE TEAM

Scenic Designer...Milo Bue
Lighting Designer...Maximo Grano de Oro 
Co-Sound Designer...Christopher Kriz 
Co-Sound Designer...Hannah Kwak 
Costume Designer...Maegan Pate 
Props Coordinator...Paloma Locsin 
Master Electrician...Ruby Lowe 
Associate Scenic Designer...Wynn Lee 
Assistant Director and Dance Captain...Mads Wren 
Music Captain...Joe Giovannetti 
Assistant Master Electrician...Emmitt Socey 
Production Manager...Lucy Whipp 

Casting and Dramaturgy by Catherine MillerJC Widman and Faith Locke are the Stage Managers.

Last modified on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 15:15

 

         20 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.