Theatre with a side of life
LookingglassTheatre presents the World Premiere of IRAQ, BUT FUNNY. I’m struggling to even inadequately describe this innovative, interactive and immersive history lesson. Playwright and performer Atra Asdou tells the history of the Assyrian* people from the perspective of five generations of mother/daughter relationships. This semi-autobiographical tale is narrated by Asdou as an English gentleman. Asdou, hysterical ...
Jackalope Theatre presents the World Premiere of NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. In the aftermath of the 2024 election, the country is in turmoil! The President is fueling hatred and distrust of anyone ‘different.’ Paul lives in the suburbs with his daughter. He is anxious about the future of democracy. Mohammed moves in next door with mysterious boxes and ...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents HYMN. Two men meet. Each is grieving. Their childhoods have led to very different adult outcomes. They are both searching for something missing. Can they find it in each other? Playwright Lolita Chakrabarti tells the tale of two strangers in their fifties. When their paths cross accidentally, they share ...
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company presents ART. Serge bought an expensive painting. Marc tells his friend that the acquisition was stupid. When Marc asks, Yvan agrees the purchase is laughable. Later at Serge’s, Yvan voices an appreciation for the art. At the center of Yasmina Reza’s play, translated to English by Christopher Hampton, is a white painting. ...
Goodman Theatre presents BUST, An Afrocurrentist Play. What happens when a black person is pulled over by the police? A lot of times, they are harassed, beaten or shot. Playwright Zora Howard, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores a provocative alternative. In her unique tale, she imagines centuries of ancestral oppression and years of racism uncorking enough ...
Court Theatre presents the World Premiere of BERLIN. It’s Berlin in 1928. Fascism is on the rise. A young artist. A seasoned reporter. A nightclub singer. A factory worker. Everyday people must decide to leave, hide or fight. Jason Lutes’ graphic novel depicts a volatile time in history. Adapter Mickle Maher masterfully brings the comic strip ...
Shattered Globe Theatre presents the Midwest Premiere of Brendan Pelsue’s A TALE OF TWO CITIES. Charles Dickens’ masterpiece spanned 18 years over 45 chapters separated into three books. His epic novel explored the class struggle and inequities leading up to The Reign of Terror. The story follows the intertwined lives of Dr. Manette, his daughter Lucie, ...
Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago Premiere of THE BOOK OF GRACE. Vet is about to be honored for his work as a border patrol officer. His estranged son comes to town for the ceremony after a 15-year absence. From the moment he arrives at the door, Buddy is treated like an alien in his father’s home. ...
Broadway in Chicago and Porchlight Music Theater present the Chicago Premiere Production of TITANIQUE. Most people have heard of the 1912 tragic sinking of the Titanic. Many people saw the “Titanic” movie and have a grasp on the Jack-door controversy. Yet, until now, few people are aware of a music legend’s involvement in this historic catastrophe. ...
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the North American Premiere Production of SUNNY AFTERNOON. Boy, you really got me goin’… The Beatles. The Rolling Stones. The Kinks! In the 1960s, British bands invaded American music. Their revolutionary sounds and looks changed rock and roll forever. They were distinctly different groups with similar origin stories. Childhood mates rising to stardom ...