Theatre with a side of life
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 ...
Idle Muse Theatre Company presents THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL. Peter is married to Lady T. Lady T is flirting with Joseph. Joseph is interested in Maria. Maria is crushing on Charles. When Lady S decides to help Joseph get Maria, she starts a smear campaign that Lady T and Charles are getting it on. Meanwhile, Peter ...
Music Theater Works presents GUYS AND DOLLS. It’s New York in the 1950s. Times Square is bursting with life! People are pursuing their passions… showbiz, mission work and craps. Nathan needs $1000 to host his illegal craps game. Although he’s broke, the guys want to gamble. Meanwhile, both the police and his fiancee are turning up ...
Jackalope Theatre presents the United States Premiere of DUMMY IN DIASPORA. Essa was born in America. He is the son of Middle Eastern refugees. His childhood has been besmirched by parents forced out of their homelands. As he grapples with his identity, he questions his American birthright, Middle Eastern ancestry, sexual orientation and nicotine addiction. Writer ...
Redtwist Theatre presents TITUS ANDRONICUS. General Tutus returns from a successful crusade. The General presents Tamora, Queen of the Goths, as a slave to the new Roman Emperor. The Emperor surprises everyone by deciding to marry Tamora instead of Titus’ daughter Lavinia. Now, in a position of power, the new Empress seeks revenge against ...