Shattered Globe Theatre is pleased to open its 36^th Season with the Midwest premiere of Erika Sheffer's Vladimir, an unflinching drama of resistance directed by Ensemble Member Lou Contey*, playing October 2 – November 14, 2026 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Single tickets ($20 – $60) are now on sale at SGTheatre.org, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. 

Vladimir features Ensemble Members Rebecca Jordan*, Drew Schad* and Adam Schulmerich*, Associate Artist Steve Peebles⁺, with Isabel Alamein, Kseniya Janyan, Juliana Liscio, Laila Malak, Tristan Odenkirk and Ben Perry.

About the Production:

In a world where facts are manipulated and fear is currency, the truth becomes dangerous.

As a new authoritarian government tightens its grip on Russia, Erika Sheffer's Vladimir follows an independent journalist who uncovers a story that could expose the truth behind a nation in transition. But when every headline comes with consequences and every source becomes a target, she must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice for the story. Vladimir is a gripping political thriller about what happens when silence becomes complicity.

The production team includes Joe Shermoly (Scenic Designer), KClare McKellaston (Costume Designer), Shelley Strasser* (Lighting Designer), Christopher Kriz+ (Original Music and Sound Designer), Cecilia Chan (Props Designer), Erin Pleake (Projection Designer), Elise Kauzlaric (Dialect Coach), Maren Robinson (Dramaturg), Catherine Miller (Casting Director), Ellie Fey* (Assistant Lighting Designer), E Tylkowski (Production Manager), Nick Peebles (Technical Director), Leah Donovan (Lead Electrician), Tina M. Jach* (Production Stage Manager) and Emily Nicholas (Assistant Stage Manager).

*Denotes SGT Ensemble Member  ⁺Denotes SGT Artistic Associate

Vladimir

Playwright: Erika Sheffer
Director: Ensemble Member Lou Contey
Cast (in alphabetical order): Isabel Alamein (Daughter, Masha, TV Crew), Kseniya Janyan (Chovka, Makeup Lady), Rebecca Jordan* (Raya), Juliana Liscio (Galina), Laila Malak (Tatiana, Bartender, Book Clerk), Tristan Odenkirk (Yevgeny, Cameraman), Steve Peebles⁺ (Andrei, Old Man, Deacon), Ben Perry (Director, Vitaly, News Personality, Sasha), Drew Schad* (Jim) and Adam Schulmerich* (Kostya).

Location: Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Friday, October 2 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, October 4 at 3 pm and Wednesday, October 7 at 7:30 pm

Opening: Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Saturday, October 10 – Saturday, November 14, 2026
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be a 7:30 pm performance on Friday, October 9 or Saturday, October 31; there will be an added 3 pm performance on Saturday November 14.

Tickets: Previews: $25. Regular run: $20 - $60. Student, veteran/active military and teacher discounts available. Single tickets are available at SGTheatre.org, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. Season Traveler memberships starting at $55 are also available. For information on group discounts, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (773) 770-0333.

About the Artists:

Erika Sheffer (Playwright, Vladimir) is a playwright and screenwriter based in Los Angeles. Her first play, Russian Transport, premiered at The New Group and went on to productions at Steppenwolf as well as other regional and international theaters. The Fundamentals was commissioned and produced by Steppenwolf. Her latest play, Vladimir was commissioned by The Geffen Playhouse and received its world premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club. Honors include the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award, multiple TCG Edgerton Grants and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. She is an alum of Ars Nova Playgroup and a member of Center Theatre Group's LA Writer's Workshop. Erika has held commissions from Steppenwolf, The Geffen Playhouse, Center Theatre Group and Manhattan Theatre Club. Screen credits include Apple TV's Little America and Netflix's The Beast in Me (Writers Guild nomination). as well as multiple development rooms for Apple TV, Starz and Sony.

Lou Contey (Director, Vladimir) is a long-time Ensemble Member with Shattered Globe Theatre. He recently directed the multiple award-winning production of A View from the Bridge. Shattered Globe credits include The Manchurian Candidate, A Streetcar Named Desire, All My Sons, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Peter Pan, Les Liaisons Dangereuse, Warhawks and Lindberghs, Holy Ghosts, Judgement at Nuremberg, Requiem for a Heavyweight, The Whaleship Essex, In the Heat of the Night, The Tall Girls, The Heavens are Hung in Black, and many others. Among his more than eighty directing credits are The Price, Awake and Sing!, It's All True, Copenhagen. Pravda, Paradise Lost, The General from America, A House with No Walls, Lillian, Frost/Nixon, The Guys and The Apple Family Plays, all at TimeLine where he is an Associate Artist. Other Chicago credits include The Master and Margarita (Strawdog Theatre); In a Garden (A Red Orchid Theatre); Marriage Play, Duck Variations (The Goodman Theatre) and Haymarket Eight (Steppenwolf). He has also worked at Theatre at the Center, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Provision Theatre, Eclipse Theatre and American Theatre Company. He has taught acting and directing for the theatre programs at UIC, The Acting Studio, Act One Studio and The Theatre School/DePaul University.

Isabel Alamein (Daughter, Masha, TV Crew, U/S Chovka, Makeup Lady, she/her) is thrilled to be a part of Vladimir! Recent favorite credits include the world premiere of Pilgrimage (Golden Thread Productions) and several feature films in post-production. Outside of acting, Isabel is a visual artist and dancer. Thank you to the production team, and to every person speaking truth to power.

Kseniya Janyan (Chovka, Makeup Lady, she/her) is an Armenian-Egyptian and Russian actress who's never quite settled anywhere, but who recently made the migration from her American home in New York to the welcoming, collaborative spirit of Chicago's creative community. Recent local credits include: King John (Circuit Theatre Company), Wish You Were Here (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company), How To Defend Yourself (Odds & Ends Theatre Company), Pigeon Whole (Eclectic Full Contact Theatre), Ubu: the King (Facility Theatre). She extends her gratitude to you and your continuous support of storefront theater, to the tireless and talented cast and crew of Vladimir, and most urgently – to the people behind the stories who fought for the humanity within them.

Rebecca Jordan (Raya, she/her) is super excited to reunite with director Lou Contey at their artistic home. Rebecca was most recently seen in the world premiere of Eelpout by Paul W. Kruse. And before that, in London Road, which received the Jeff Award for Best Production – Musical in 2024 – both at Shattered Globe Theatre, where she has been a founding ensemble member for 36 years. Other SGT favorites include Marvin's Room, Mill Fire, A View from the Bridge (Jeff nomination, best actress supporting), The Manchurian Candidate, All My Sons, Anna Karenina (Jeff nomination, best actress lead), Rocket to the Moon and Judgment at Nuremberg. Rebecca received Joseph Jefferson awards for her portrayals of Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire and for Pam in Frozen Assets at SGT. She also performed at the Goodman Theatre in House and Garden, Trojan Women and the world premiere of Rebecca Gilman's Blue Surge. In Los Angeles, Rebecca played the role of Susan opposite Ed Harris, Bill Pullman and the late Glenne Headley in the world premiere of The Jacksonian at the Geffen Playhouse, penned by Beth Henley and directed by Robert Falls. Other Los Angeles credits include The Butcher of Baraboo at The Road Theater, Fatboy (LA Ovation nomination for best comedic role) and Scarcity (LA Scenie award for best actress), both at Need Theater. Some TV credits include Chicago Med, Empire, PKD's Electric Dreams, Chicago Justice, Shameless, Eagleheart.  Rebecca has just finished penning her second feature film. She is grateful and proud to be represented by Stewart Talent, Chicago.

Juliana Liscio (Galina, she/her) is thrilled to return to Shattered Globe, where she was a 2022 Protégé and understudied Catherine in A View From the Bridge (Jeff Award Winner – Best Production; Best Director). She recently made her Los Angeles theatre debut in the world premiere of Julie Shavers' The Baptist Witches of Shelbyville, starring Mamie Gummer. Chicago theatre: The Diary of Anne Frank (Young People's Theatre of Chicago), Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Brighton Beach Memoirs (Citadel Theatre), Six Stories Up (co-writer/performer, Tellin' Tales Theatre), Dracula (Surging Films and Theatrics), A Midsummer Night's Dream (understudy, Oak Park Festival Theatre), The Jacksonian (Profiles Theatre) and Take Me Back (The Poor Theatre). Tour: Space Station Safety (The National Theatre for Children). Film: Smiles, The Vigil. Her play Rambutan received a reading through Steppenwolf's LookOut series. Her writing has also been developed through Chicago Dramatists and the Inclusive Playwright Project. Training: Loyola University Chicago; Fordham London Dramatic Academy; Beverly Hills Playhouse.

Laila Malak (Tatiana, Bartender, Book Clerk, she/her) is a Chicago-based actor/singer/writer who earned her BFA in Acting from Ball State University. She was last seen in Anatomy of a Suicide directed by Alex Mallory. Other credits include: DoProcess's reading of the new musical (out), 24 hour play festival: Ad Infinitum (Sub Rosa Theatre Collective), Our Town directed by David Little, An Enemy of the People adapted and directed by  Zoé Soteres, The Polar Express (Rail Events Inc.), Macbeth (Hoosier Shakespeare), The Children's Hour directed by Veronica Santoyo. Laila is thrilled to be making her Shattered Globe Theatre debut! Instagram: laila_malak24

Tristan Odenkirk (Yevgeny, he/him) is a Chicago actor making his debut at Theater Wit, one of his favorite stages in the city. Tristan received his Bachelor's in Theater from Augustana College in 2020 and graduated from the Chicago Black Box Drama School Actor's Studio training program in December of 2023. Tristan's work alternates between the professional and amateur. Most recently, he played Al Capone in Outta This World! at iO Theater. He also played Tibult with Midsommer Flight, and the lead in Trap Door's Fraudulent LLC.

Steve Peebles (Andrei, Old Man, Deacon) has worked with SGT in London Road (Jeff Winner, Best Musical, Nominee Best Ensemble) Becky Nurse of Salem, Hannah and Martin, Five Mile Lake, In The Heat of the Night, The Whaleship Essex and Our Country's Good. Other Chicago credits include: Macbeth (Three Crows), Spamalot! (The Mercury), Peter and the Star Catcher (Metropolis Performing Arts), Cyrano (Boho), Midsummer Night's Dream (First Folio) and Flanagan's Wake. Other credits: Kalamazoo Christmas! (Farmer's Alley Theater), Into The Woods (Two Pigs - Ratone, NM), The Shrew (P45 - Traverse City, MI), and seven tours with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. Steve is an Artistic Associate with SGT, a graduate of North Central College, and has been featured on The Moth Radio Hour after winning the Moth GrandSlam in 2022.

Ben Perry (Director, Vitaly, News Personality, Sasha, he/him) is excited to be returning to SGT! Chicago credits include A View From The Bridge (Shattered Globe Theatre), Antigone, Dante 360 (Athenaeum Center), The Elephant Man (Surging Film & Theatrics), The Tragedy of King Christophe (House Theatre of Chicago), The Prodigal Prince (The Veil Theatre) and performing with the Harold Team Jackie Bass at Improv Olympics. Regional credits include Noises Off, Young Frankenstein, Murder on the Orient Express, Stranger Sings (Wolfbane Productions), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Parade, Newsies and The Will Rogers Follies (Alluvion Stage Company).

Drew Schad* (Jim, he/him) is excited to be back on stage at Shattered Globe Theatre, where he has been an ensemble member since 2009. Drew has appeared in over 15 SGT productions, including: Rasheeda Speaking, Sheepdog, Hannah and Martin, Crime and Punishment, Five Mile Lake, The Heavens Are Hung in Black, In the Heat of the Night, The Rose Tattoo, The Whaleship Essex, Mill Fire, Our Country's Good, Happy Now?, Her Naked Skin, Orpheus Descending, Romeo and Juliet and The Little Foxes. Other Chicago credits include: Born Yesterday (Remy Bumppo, Jeff Award Best Production Midsize) and Six Degrees of Separation (Eclipse). TV credits include: 61st Street (AMC), Chicago P.D. (NBC) and Chicago Med (NBC). Drew has studied at the National Theater Institute, and he holds a BA in Drama from Kenyon College, where he received the Paul Newman Trophy. He is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.

Adam Schulmerich (Kostya, he/him) is an ensemble member with Shattered Globe. Recent SGT credits; Lobby Hero, Becky, Nurse of Salem and A View from the Bridge. Other recent credits; Superior Donuts (The Artistic Home), Macbeth (Lakeside Shakespeare). Recent television credits include Chicago Med and Mr. Throwback. Adam received his BFA in Theatre Arts & Film from SUNY Purchase College. He is represented by Gray Talent Group.

About Shattered Globe Theatre

Shattered Globe Theatre seeks to redefine what it means to be an ensemble theatre, discover new connections between story, artist and audience, and explore drama from bold, challenging perspectives.

Shattered Globe Theatre was born in a storefront space on Halsted Street in 1991. Since then, SGT has produced more than 80 plays, including ten American and world premieres, and garnered an impressive 53 Jeff Awards and 134 Jeff Award nominations, as well as the acclaim of critics and audiences alike. Guided by Producing Artistic Director Sandy Shinner, Shattered Globe's values are rooted in a commitment to racial equity, respect for all artists and support for the ensemble, while creating new opportunities to amplify traditionally marginalized voices and collaborate in all aspects of its work. Through initiatives such as the Protégé Program, Shattered Globe creates a space which allows emerging artists to grow and share in the ensemble experience.

Shattered Globe Theatre's Ensemble includes Judy Anderson, Louis Contey, David Dastmalchian, Demetra Dee, Joe Forbrich, Ellie Fey, Christina Gorman, Daria Harper, Kotryna Hilko, Tina M. Jach, Rebecca Jordan, Steve Kleinedler, Vivian Knouse, AmBer Montgomery, Tina Muñoz Pandya, Eileen Niccolai, Jazzma Pryor, Deanna Reed-Foster, Linda Reiter, Jeff Rodriguez, Drew Schad, Adam Schulmerich, Leslie Ann Sheppard, Sandy Shinner, Joe Sikora, Shelley Strasser, Devonte E. Washington, Sarah Jo White, Joseph Wiens and Brad Woodard.

SGT's Artistic Associates includes Daniela Colucci, Elliot Esquivel, Mikey Gray, Lawrence Grimm, Ronald Hale, Darren Jones, Christopher Kriz, Jason Lynch, Lydia Moss, Tim Newell, Jane Nix, Aila Peck, Steve Peebles, Cage Sebastian Pierre, David Antonio Reed, Angie Shriner, Abbey Smith, Hershey Suri, Michael Trudeau and Ayanna Wimberley.

SGT is supported in part by generous grants from the Shulman-Rochambeau Charitable Foundation, Brenda and James Grusecki, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Carol P. Eastin, The Shubert Foundation, Judith and David Sensibar, the Illinois Arts Council, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and Americans for the Arts.

Visit SGTheatre.org for subscriptions, tickets and information, and follow the company @shatteredglobe on Facebook and Instagram.

BrightSide Theatre has announced cast and crew for THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL - the kickoff production of BrightSide's 15^th Anniversary season. The gloriously ghoulish characters created by Charles Addams for THE NEW YORKER Magazine - Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, and Grandma; along with their servants Lurch and Thing - will take the stage of the Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall from October 2 – 18. BrightSide's De Haddad will direct, with music direction by Phil Videckis and choreography by Shane Brown. The musical, which ran for 22 months on Broadway in. 2010 and 2011 after a 2009 tryout in Chicago, has remained an audience favorite ever since. 
 
This wickedly funny musical with book by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman (JERSEY BOYS), and songs by Andrew Lippa (THE WILD PARTY, BIG FISH), follows Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a perfectly respectable young man from a very normal family. When the two families meet for dinner, secrets are revealed, expectations are challenged, and hilarity ensues. Filled with unforgettable characters, catchy songs, and laugh-out-loud comedy, this Broadway hit celebrates what makes every family unique.

Haddad's cast will be led by Scott Kelley of Schaumburg as Gomez and Samantha Keret of Naperville as Morticia. Kelley's most recent appearance among his many leading roles with Brightside was as Max Bialystock in this past summer's THE PRODUCERS. Keret is making her Brightside debut. Lauren Mathews of Chicago, who appeared in Brightside's THE PRODUCERS, will play Wednesday. Colin Borisenko of Chicago, a veteran of the city's renowned improv comedy scene, will be Uncle Fester. Dona Mullen, who hosts a jazz radio show in WDCB-FM and has played such iconic stage roles as Ouiser in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, will be Grandma. The family's taciturn butler, Lurch, will be played by Nahuel Redoba, who has performed at the venerable Fireside Theatre in Wisconsin.
 
Appearing as Wednesday's boyfriend Lucas Beineke will be Matthew Andresen of Kenosha, Wisconsin (BrightSide's PIPPIN and PHANTOM IN CONCERT). John McNally of Itasca (Frank-n-Furter in BrightSide's THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW) and Jeff Award winning actress Amy Arbizanni of Naperville have been cast as Lucas' parents Mal and Alice.
 
The ensemble of Addams ancestors will be Michelle Bolliger of Roselle, Hannah Decker of North Aurora, Ashley Chavez of Downers Grove, Chris Frewen-Peña of Bolingbrook, Sydnee Howes of New Lenox, Peter Kattner III of Chicago, Katelynn Pitzafero of Barrington, and Emily Sherman of Chicago. Understudies are Michelle Bolliger (u/s Morticia, Alice), Hannah Decker (u/s Wednesday), Chris Frewen-Peña (u/s Gomez, Mal), and Peter Kattner III (u/s Lucas). 

The production team will include Cheryl Newman (Costume Designer), Kurt Ottinger (Lighting Designer), Ariel Mozes (Scenic Designer), and Evan C. Summers-Oslund (Stage Manager).

Tickets for individual shows are $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors. Season subscriptions and individual show tickets are sale at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).  

THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Orchestrations by Larry Hochman
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
Director: De Haddad
Music Director: Phil Videckis
Choreographer: Shane Brown
October 2 - 18, 2026
Fri & Sat @ 7:30pm | Sun @2pm
The Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville
 
THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before—keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.

This narrative tracks five individuals within the "People’s Diasporatic Party"—outfitted in corporate attire—as they take refuge in a desolate East New York residence While the group anticipates the fallout from an orchestrated bombing, hysteria takes hold, exposing the rift between their brutal insurgent schemes and abstract revolutionary principles.

Cast:

Kwame: Kevin Aoussou

Tamara: Justice Ford

Ahmed: Joseph Pryce

James: Dontaye Albert

Lance: Jimmie Rogers III

Lewis: Grayson Kennedy*

Creative Team:

Director: Makari Robinson-McNeese

Stage Manger: Shreya Khanna

Production Manager: Tommy Thams*

Producer: Tommy Thams*, Grayson Kennedy*+

Lighting Design: Emma Berry

Scenic Design: Catalina Nino

Costume Design: Grace Weir

Props Design: Ellory Jezuit

Marketing: JonMarie Johnson*

* - Denotes Ensemble Member

+- Denotes Artistic Director

About Gwydion: The Gwydion Theatre Company was formed in Los Angeles, CA by a group of actors following their completion of training in 2019. It started with doing Shakespeare in parking lots, apartments, parks, to then tackling full scale productions during the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Following the pandemic, a decision was made to move operations to Chicago, IL in order to connect with the storefront community that Chicago is renowned for. Gwydion has now served as a resident company at The Greenhouse Theater Center since 2022 and has mounted nine full-length productions, as well as co-producing Chicago’s first “Theatre of the Absurd Festival” alongside the Chopin Theatre. Gwydion Theatre aims to be a theatre of class, one that addresses the growing dominance of commercialism and pay-to-play in our artform through critical and provocative theatre that challenges the biases of the theatre community here in Chicago. Gwydion Theatre also aims to uphold the theatre as a central pillar of the identity of Chicago.

The League of Chicago Theatres will host its annual benefit, the 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama at City Hall – Recess, 838 W. Kinzie St. on Monday, October 19, 2026.  The evening will celebrate the rich legacy of Chicago theatre. More than 300 friends of Chicago theatre are expected to attend to raise funds to support the League's programs, which uplift Chicagoland's member theatre companies.

Individual tickets are available for $350 per person, and all proceeds benefit the League of Chicago Theatres which promotes, supports, and advocates for theatre in Chicago. To purchase tickets, or for sponsorship opportunities and participation information, visit https://leagueofchicagotheatres.org/gala/ or call (312) 554-8900. The celebratory evening will include a cocktail hour, the awards ceremony and a dessert reception with entertainment by local theatre companies, to be announced.

The event will honor Luther Goins with the Tribute Award, Ellen Placey Wadey of the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, with the Philanthropic Award and Ron OJ Parson with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The winner of the Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theatre Award will be announced and presented at the event. Nominated by a committee of industry professionals, educators and League of Chicago Theatres board members, three finalists are selected each year, and from those, a majority vote from the League membership determines the winner. The award was created in 2007 to encourage, support, and promote young theatres in Chicago that have demonstrated great ability, promise, artistic excellence, and fiscal responsibility in business practices. Broadway In Chicago provides a $5,000 cash prize to the winning company. Previous award recipients include: The Story Theatre, Interrobang Theatre Project, Perceptions Theatre, Broken Nose Theatre, Route 66 Theatre Company, Sideshow Theatre Company, Jackalope Theatre Company, Oracle Productions, The House Theatre of Chicago, Silk Road Theatre Project (now Silk Road Rising), the side project, Steep Theatre, The New Colony, Theatre Seven of Chicago and 16th Street Theater.

Nominations are now open for the Broadway in Chicago Backstage Champion Award, which recognizes the contributions of an unsung, behind-the-scenes hero and carries a $1000 award. Nominations can be submitted here: https://leagueofchicagotheatres.app.neoncrm.com/forms/broadway-in-chicago-backstage-champion-award-nomination-form.

Applications are also open for the Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theatre Award here: https://leagueofchicagotheatres.org/broadway-in-chicago-emerging-theatre/. Nominated by a committee of industry professionals, educators and League of Chicago Theatres board members, five finalists are selected each year, and from those, a majority vote from the League membership determines the winner. Broadway In Chicago provides a $5,000 cash prize. Previous award recipients include: Previous award recipients include: The Story Theatre, Interrobang Theatre Project, Broken Nose Theatre, Route 66 Theatre Company, Sideshow Theatre Company, Jackalope Theatre Company, Oracle Productions, The House Theatre of Chicago, Silk Road Theatre Project (now Silk Road Rising), the side project, Steep Theatre, The New Colony, Theatre Seven of Chicago and 16th Street Theater.

About Chicago theatre 

Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 6 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago's theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. For more information, visit www.chicagoplays.com.

The League of Chicago Theatres' Mission Statement

Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres, which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago's theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, ChicagoPlays.com. Available discounted tickets are listed at HotTix.org.

Pulse Theatre Chicago proudly announces a defining new chapter in the company's history with the expansion of its artistic leadership, the beginning of its residency at the historic eta Creative Arts Foundation, and the cast and creative team for its Fall 2026 production of Dominique Morisseau's acclaimed drama, Detroit '67.

More than a season announcement, this moment represents the culmination of twelve years of artistic growth— from a storefront theatre founded in 2014 to a Black-led company entering a new chapter through expanded artistic leadership, a residency at one of the nation's most historic Black theaters, and its most ambitious season to date.

As the flagship production of its 2026–2027 season, Detroit '67 marks an exciting milestone for Pulse Theatre Chicago. Dominique Morisseau's celebrated drama explores family, resilience, and hope amid the Detroit uprising of 1967—themes that resonate deeply with the company's season-long exploration, The Healing Pulse: Mental Health in Black Homes.

Founded in 2014, Pulse Theatre Chicago enters its twelfth season by expanding its artistic leadership. Executive Artistic Director Aaron Reese Boseman is joined by Associate Artistic Director Isis Elizabeth, who joined the company in 2023. Together they will guide Pulse's artistic vision as the company begins its residency at eta Creative Arts Foundation and continues its commitment to creating bold, community-centered theatre on Chicago's South Side.

"This moment represents years of dreaming, building, and believing," said Executive Artistic Director Aaron Reese Boseman. "Since founding Pulse Theatre Chicago, our mission has been to create theatre that doesn't simply entertain—it transforms. Beginning our residency at eta Creative Arts Foundation and expanding our artistic leadership strengthens our commitment to building an artistic home where artists and audiences alike can gather, heal, and imagine together."

A New Chapter for Pulse Theatre Chicago

Founded in 2014, Pulse Theatre Chicago has grown into a Black-led professional theatre company recognized for producing new works, reimagined classics, and immersive theatrical experiences rooted in poetic grit, bold imagination, and deep compassion.

Boseman's directing work in Chicago storefront theatre includes acclaimed productions of Confederates, The House That Will Not Stand, Topdog/Underdog, The Mountaintop, The Colored Museum, and A Raisin in the Sun, reflecting the company's longstanding commitment to centering Black voices and transformative storytelling.

An actor, playwright, and educator, Isis Elizabeth joined Pulse Theatre Chicago in 2023. Her original play Beneath the Willow Tree received its world premiere at Pulse, exemplifying the company's investment in developing new work alongside celebrated classics. As Associate Artistic Director, Elizabeth will help shape artistic programming while continuing Pulse's commitment to nurturing emerging artists and new voices.

A New Home at eta Creative Arts Foundation

Pulse Theatre Chicago proudly begins its residency at the historic eta Creative Arts Foundation, one of the nation's oldest continuously operating Black theaters.

The residency reflects a shared commitment to expanding professional theatre opportunities, fostering artistic collaboration, and investing in the cultural vitality of Chicago's South Side while honoring eta's enduring artistic legacy.

The partnership builds upon an already successful artistic relationship. Pulse Theatre Chicago's production of Once on This Island, presented at eta Creative Arts Foundation, earned a Jeff Award, laying the groundwork for this exciting new chapter and underscoring the artistic partnership between the two organizations.

The Healing Pulse

The company's 2026–2027 season, The Healing Pulse: Mental Health in Black Homes, explores the emotional landscapes of Black life through stories of grief, healing, caregiving, identity, joy, memory, and restoration.

Earlier this summer, Pulse launched its immersive Ritual & Rhythm Reading Series, featuring City of Water by Isis Elizabeth and Rhyme Deferred by Kamilah Forbes and Chadwick Boseman. The series transformed traditional staged readings into immersive theatrical experiences, inviting audiences into conversations that continue throughout the season.

Through The Healing Pulse, Pulse Theatre Chicago asks audiences not simply to witness these stories, but to consider what healing looks like behind closed doors, who gets to rest, who gets to unravel, and how communities care for one another through joy, grief, and resilience.

Detroit '67

By Dominique Morisseau

Directed by Aaron Reese Boseman

Set during the Detroit uprising of 1967, Detroit '67 follows siblings Chelle and Lank as they struggle to preserve family, hope, and home amid profound social change. Both an intimate family drama and a sweeping historical portrait, the play explores the enduring strength of community in moments of uncertainty.

The cast features Shenise Danyèl as Chelle, Tamarus Harvell as Lank, Emma Jean Eastlund as Caroline, Dairyon Bolden as Sly, and Jimiece Gilbert as Bunny. Completing the company are understudies Marlissa Stalling (Chelle), Destin Patton-Warner (Lank), Jen Agather (Caroline), Michael Ashford (Sly), and Y'vonne-Rose Smith (Bunny). The creative team includes AnJi White, Assistant Director; Ashley Coney, Production Stage Manager; Chels Morgan, Intimacy & Violence Director; Kevin M. Rolfs, Scenic Designer; Levi J. Wilkins, Lighting Designer; Warren Levon, Sound Designer; Terri Devine, Costume Designer; and Rueben Echoles, Hair & Makeup Designer, Enjoli Valentine, Property Design; Sierra Coachman, Dramaturgy.

Previews: September 11, 2026

Closing: November 1, 2026

Performances take place at eta Creative Arts Foundation.

About Pulse Theatre Chicago

Founded in 2014, Pulse Theatre Chicago is a Black-led professional theatre company committed to producing new works, reimagined classics, and immersive theatrical experiences that amplify underrepresented voices. Through bold storytelling and community-centered artistry, Pulse believes theatre can serve as both a catalyst for dialogue and a space for collective healing.

Now a resident theatre company at eta Creative Arts Foundation, Pulse continues its mission to expand access to professional theatre on Chicago's South Side while cultivating artists, developing new work, and strengthening Chicago's vibrant Black theatre ecosystem.

For more information and tickets, visit www.pulsetheatrechicago.org.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s 30th Anniversary Season continues with "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in Theater One at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. This one-night-only event, moderated by Chicago theatre Historian and Author Mark Larson and Associate Director of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Matt Randle-Bent bring together Chicago theatre voices from four storied companies: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, A Red Orchid Theatre, Teatro Vista Productions and About Face Theatre to discuss how midsized theatres have shaped our city’s cultural ecosystem and what role might they play in what is to come. Tickets are on sale now for $35 at TheaterWit.org or by calling the Theater Wit Box Office at 773.975.8150.  

“Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago” is a night of discovery, conversation and envisioning. “Exploring the In Between” excavates the history, heart and value of midsized theatres in Chicago featuring Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Marti Lyons, A Red Orchid Theatre Founding Artistic Director and Board Member of The Red Orchid Theatre Guy Van Swearingen, An Artistic Collective member of Teatro Vista Productions and a Core Ensemble Member of Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Charin Alvarez and About Face Theatre’s Director of Education and Artistic Programing Dionne Addai. 

Ticket sales benefit Remy Bumppo Theatre Company. 

ABOUT REMY BUMPPO THEATRE COMPANY

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company expands and enriches their community’s view of the world, and their own, by producing both the great plays of the past and the important plays of today. As an ensemble-driven theater company, Remy Bumppo authors a more humane culture that listens to, and seeks to understand, the voices, the ideas and the stories of one another. 

Since its inception in 1996, Remy Bumppo has produced a blend of modern classics and complex contemporary works, presented in an intimate setting with clarity, wit and passion. We invite audiences to engage directly with the art through conversation with the artists.

Shattered Globe Theatre (SGT), now under the artistic leadership of Ian Frank, is pleased to announce its 36^th Season, featuring three plays that explore the distortions that shape our lives and the courage it takes to break through them. The season kicks off this fall with the Midwest premiere of Erika Sheffer's Vladimir, an unflinching drama of resistance directed by Ensemble Member Lou Contey. SGT's 2026/27 season continues next winter with the Midwest premiere of Phanésia Pharel's emotionally rich two-hander The Waterfall, directed by Jasmine B. Gunter. The 36^th Season concludes next spring with Oli Forsyth's intimate psychological thriller Brace Brace, directed by Elizabeth Margolius. Whether political, personal or inherited, each of these stories follows characters searching for truth, connection and the freedom to define their own reality.

Shattered Globe Producing Artistic Director Ian Frank comments, "I'm honored to steward Shattered Globe's legacy of bold, intimate storytelling into this exciting new chapter. Our upcoming season tells stories about parents, partners and politics. But at its core is a fight to break free and find something honest, authentic and redemptive. These are stories about what happens when the narratives we've inherited begin to crack, and we're forced to decide what truths are worth holding onto. We promise you'll leave the theatre talking. That's exactly what live theater is supposed to do."

The full 2026/27 Season will be presented at Shattered Globe's resident home, Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Single tickets ($20 – $60) are now on sale at SGTheatre.org, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. Season Traveler memberships starting at $55 are also available. For information on group discounts, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (773) 770-0333.

Shattered Globe Theatre's 2026/27 Season includes:

October 2 – November 14, 2026

Vladimir – Midwest Premiere!

By Erika Sheffer

Directed by Ensemble Member Lou Contey

Featuring Ensemble Members Rebecca Jordan, Adam Schulmerich and Drew Schad with Associate Artist Steve Peebles. Additional casting to be announced.

In a world where facts are manipulated and fear is currency, the truth becomes dangerous.

As a new authoritarian government tightens its grip on Russia, Erika Sheffer's Vladimir follows an independent journalist who uncovers a story that could expose the truth behind a nation in transition. But when every headline comes with consequences and every source becomes a target, she must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice for the story. Vladimir is a gripping political thriller about what happens when silence becomes complicity.

January 22 – February 27, 2027

The Waterfall – Midwest Premiere!

By Phanésia Pharel

Directed by Jasmine B. Gunter

What do we owe the people who raised us? After her mother's hospitalization, Bean returns home expecting to help her recover. Instead, she's forced to confront the dreams, expectations and traditions that have quietly shaped her entire life. As old tensions ripple to the surface, both women must confront the love and sacrifices that bind them together. The Waterfall is an intimate powerful exploration of family, identity and the ties that shape us.

April 16 – May 29, 2027

Brace Brace

By Oli Forsyth

Directed by Elizabeth Margolius

You survive the unimaginable. Now what? When a shocking event leaves Ray and Sylvia alive but forever altered after their honeymoon, they find themselves trapped in competing memories of the same event. As their relationship begins to unravel, Brace Brace explores how trauma reshapes perception, distorts truth, and leaves us questioning not just what happened, but who we've become because of it.About the ArtistsErika Sheffer (Playwright, Vladimir) is a playwright and screenwriter based in Los Angeles. Her first play, Russian Transport, premiered at The New Group and went on to productions at Steppenwolf as well as other regional and international theaters. The Fundamentals was commissioned and produced by Steppenwolf. Her latest play, Vladimir was commissioned by The Geffen Playhouse and received its world premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club. Honors include the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award, multiple TCG Edgerton Grants and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. She is an alum of Ars Nova Playgroup and a member of Center Theatre Group's LA Writer's Workshop. Erika has held commissions from Steppenwolf, The Geffen Playhouse, Center Theatre Group and Manhattan Theatre Club. Screen credits include Apple TV's Little America and Netflix's The Beast in Me (Writers Guild nomination). as well as multiple development rooms for Apple TV, Starz and Sony.

Lou Contey (Director, Vladimir) is a long-time Ensemble Member with Shattered Globe Theatre. He recently directed the multiple award-winning production of A View from the Bridge. Shattered Globe credits include The Manchurian Candidate, A Streetcar Named Desire, All My Sons, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Peter Pan, Les Liaisons Dangereuse, Warhawks and Lindberghs, Holy Ghosts, Judgement at Nuremberg, Requiem for a Heavyweight, The Whaleship Essex, In the Heat of the Night, The Tall Girls, The Heavens are Hung in Black, and many others. Among his more than eighty directing credits are The Price, Awake and Sing!, It's All True, Copenhagen. Pravda, Paradise Lost, The General from America, A House with No Walls, Lillian, Frost/Nixon, The Guys and The Apple Family Plays, all at TimeLine where he is an Associate Artist. Other Chicago credits include The Master and Margarita (Strawdog Theatre); In a Garden (A Red Orchid Theatre); Marriage Play, Duck Variations (The Goodman Theatre) and Haymarket Eight (Steppenwolf). He has also worked at Theatre at the Center, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Provision Theatre, Eclipse Theatre and American Theatre Company. He has taught acting and directing for the theatre programs at UIC, The Acting Studio, Act One Studio and The Theatre School/DePaul University.

Phanésia Pharel (Playwright, The Waterfall) is a Haitian-American playwright from a dragon fruit farm in Miami. The daughter of an immigrant teacher and farmer, she writes to honor people. Her full-length plays include Dead Girl's Quinceañera, The Waterfall, R&B, Lucky and Black Girl Joy. She is the incoming playwriting fellow at Emory University where she will teach and have a new play produced through their repertory company. She has received commissions from the Atlantic Theater, Lucille Lortel (Alcove), La Jolla Playhouse, Miranda Family Fund, Hero Theatre, City Theatre Miami and the Latinx Playwrights Circle. Her honors include Kilroys List, five awards from the Kennedy Center, two-time Bay Area Playwrights Festival Finalist/Honorable Mention, Jane Chambers Finalist, A is For Playwriting award recipient and the Frank Moffett Mosier Fellowship for Works in Heightened Finalist Prize. Phanésia is a member of the Obie-winning EST/Youngblood group and The Wish Collective. Her work has been developed by the Playwrights' Center, New York Stage and Film, SolFest, Thrown Stone, Shattered Globe and Echo Theater Company. B.A, Urban Studies, Barnard College of Columbia University. MFA, Playwriting, UCSD '25.

Jasmine B. Gunter (Director, The Waterfall, she/her) works as an active director, producer and casting director around the U.S. She was the 2021 recipient of the Hangar Directing Drama League fellowship, the 2020 recipient of the Leighton M. Ballew Directing Scholarship and a proud graduate of the Northwestern MFA Directing program and SDC member. Recent directing credits includes Furlough's Paradise (Geva Theatre), The Love Object (Story Theatre), Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really (Northwestern University), The Revolutionists (Northwestern University), jump (Northwestern University) Lost Girl (Hangar Theatre), The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Hangar Theatre), Hedda Gabler (Northwestern University), Wine in the Wilderness (Northwestern University), Intimate Apparel (SUNY Brockport), Ghost Story (Kane Repertory Theatre), Lines in the Dust (Geva Theatre Center), Reroute (24 Hour Plays: Nationals). Associate/Assistant Credit: Blues for an Alabama Sky (Remy Bumppo), Nina Simone: Four Women (Arena Stage), In the Heights (Seattle Rep), Quixote Nuevo (Hartford Stage/Huntington Theatre Company) and The Luckiest People (Actors Theatre of Charlotte/NNPN). Jasmine has also taught at the Berkshire Theatre Group and the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, NY.

Oli Forsyth's (Playwright, Brace Brace) play Brace Brace premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 2024. He was the recipient of the Jerwood New Playwright award in the same year and is currently under commission to the Royal Court for a new play. In 2021, he was invited to join Mike Bartlett's writing group at Hampstead Theatre and was commissioned to write The Pox, for the main stage. In 2019 Cash Cow was produced at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs, quickly followed by a run in Edinburgh. Also in 2019, Such Filthy F*cks, a Smoke & Oakum/Pleasance co-production ran at the Vaults Festival in London.Oli's earlier work includes: Tinderbox (2014) which was nominated for an Amnesty International Award; Cornermen (2015) at The Old Red Lion and The Pleasance, then transferring to VAULT Festival and touring in co-production with Red Ladder Company/New Diorama Theatre (2018).New Diorama Theatre/Smoke & Oakum co-produced Happy Dave (2016) and Kings (2017).

Elizabeth Margolius (Director, Brace Brace) is a Jeff Award-winning stage and movement director, who most recently received the award for Director of a Musical for Shattered Globe Theatre's London Road. A five-time Joseph Jefferson Award nominee, Elizabeth's selected directorial credits also include: The Da Vinci Code for Drury Lane Theatre, The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk for Northlight Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof for Drury Lane Theatre, Tidy and Rose for Renaissance Theaterworks, Crimes of the Heart for American Stage, Le Loup-garou for Opera Southwest, I and You, Silent Sky, Miss Holmes and The Bridges of Madison County for Peninsula Players, Queen of the Mist for Firebrand Theatre, The Scarlet Ibis for Chicago Opera Theater, Machinal (Movement Director) and Uncle Philip's Coat for Greenhouse Theater, Haymarket: The Anarchist's Songbook for Underscore Theatre, The Girl in the Train for Chicago Folks Operetta, Goldstar, Ohio for American Theater Company, The Merry Wives of Windsor for Chicago Shakespeare Theater (Assistant Director), Opus 1861 for City Lit Theater, Violet for Bailiwick Chicago and Bernarda Alba and Songs for a New World for Bohemian Theatre Ensemble.  

About Shattered Globe Theatre

Shattered Globe Theatre seeks to redefine what it means to be an ensemble theatre, discover new connections between story, artist and audience, and explore drama from bold, challenging perspectives.Shattered Globe Theatre was born in a storefront space on Halsted Street in 1991. Since then, SGT has produced more than 80 plays, including nine American and world premieres, and garnered an impressive 53 Jeff Awards and 134 Jeff Award nominations, as well as the acclaim of critics and audiences alike. Guided by Producing Artistic Director Sandy Shinner, Shattered Globe's values are rooted in a commitment to racial equity, respect for all artists and support for the ensemble, while creating new opportunities to amplify traditionally marginalized voices and collaborate in all aspects of its work. Through initiatives such as the Protégé Program, Shattered Globe creates a space which allows emerging artists to grow and share in the ensemble experience.Shattered Globe Theatre's Ensemble includes Judy Anderson, Louis Contey, David Dastmalchian, Demetra Dee, Joe Forbrich, Ellie Fey, Christina Gorman, Daria Harper, Kotryna Hilko, Tina M. Jach, Rebecca Jordan, Steve Kleinedler, Vivian Knouse, AmBer Montgomery, Tina Muñoz Pandya, Eileen Niccolai, Jazzma Pryor, Deanna Reed-Foster, Linda Reiter, Jeff Rodriguez, Drew Schad, Adam Schulmerich, Leslie Ann Sheppard, Sandy Shinner, Joe Sikora, Shelley Strasser, Devonte E. Washington, Sarah Jo White, Joseph Wiens and Brad Woodard.SGT's Artistic Associates includes Daniela Colucci, Elliot Esquivel, Mikey Gray, Lawrence Grimm, Ronald Hale, Darren Jones, Christopher Kriz, Jason Lynch, Lydia Moss, Tim Newell, Jane Nix, Aila Peck, Steve Peebles, Cage Sebastian Pierre, David Antonio Reed, Angie Shriner, Abbey Smith, Hershey Suri, Michael Trudeau and Ayanna Wimberley.SGT is supported in part by generous grants from the Shulman-Rochambeau Charitable Foundation, Brenda and James Grusecki, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Carol P. Eastin, The Shubert Foundation, Judith and David Sensibar, the Illinois Arts Council, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and Americans for the Arts.Visit SGTheatre.org for subscriptions, tickets and information, and follow the company @shatteredglobe on Facebook and Instagram.

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Blue Man Group will bring its first-ever holiday production, "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE," on the road this season. Chicago audiences will be among the first in the country to experience the all-new production. Tickets go on sale this Friday, August 21. BLUE MAN GROUP’S A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE will play Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited three-week engagement, November 24 – December 13.

“Bringing Blue Man Group's first-ever holiday production to Chicago is an exciting milestone and a natural evolution of the iconic Blue Man experience,” said Marie-Josée Adam, President and CEO of Blue Man Group. “The holidays are about creating unforgettable memories, and we're thrilled to offer audiences a fresh, immersive celebration that blends the music, humor, creativity and joyful unpredictability that have defined Blue Man Group for decades.”

The brand-new production will feature classic holiday music performed on Blue Man Group's iconic custom instruments, while following the Blue Men as they discover the traditions, rituals and joyful absurdities of the holidays while exploring timeless themes of generosity, presence, creativity and human connection. Equal parts hilarious, heartwarming and visually unforgettable, “A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE,” offers audiences a unique holiday tradition that celebrates what brings us together.

Blue Man Group is a vibrant, interactive experience that has captivated audiences from all around the world. The non-verbal group communicates through music, art, and comedy, creating powerful connections without saying a word. As the Blue Men navigate our world with curiosity, audiences are invited into a captivating, communal experience that sparks creativity and ignites the imagination.

ABOUT BLUE MAN GROUP
Blue Man Group is a global entertainment phenomenon, known for its award-winning theatrical productions, iconic characters and multiple creative explorations. Blue Man Group performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. Since debuting at New York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991, the live show has expanded to additional domestic residencies playing in Las Vegas, Orlando and multiple tours, reaching more than 50 million people worldwide. Blue Man Group is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds, and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
 

For more information, please visit BLUEMAN.com.
Follow @BlueManGroup on
Facebook ● Instagram ● TikTok ● YouTube

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, November 24 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 25 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 26 – No Shows (Thanksgiving)
Friday, November 27 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 28 – 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 29 – 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 1 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 3 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 4 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 8 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 10 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 11 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 – 1:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION (As of August 17, based on availability and subject to change)
Individual tickets for BLUE MAN GROUP’S A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE go on sale Friday, August 21 and range from $39.00 - $120.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Ticket price listed is when purchased in person at the box office. Additional fees apply for online purchases. 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 26 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.
Follow @BroadwayInChicago on
Facebook ● Instagram ● TikTok ● Bluesky ● YouTube
#broadwayinchicago

A Red Orchid Theatre is thrilled to announce a remount of its critically-acclaimed, father-daughter drama Birds of North America, returning for a limited engagement September 10 – October 4, 2026 at 1531 N. Wells St. in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. Written by Anna Ouyang Moench and directed by Artistic Director Kirsten Fitzgerald*, the remount will feature the full original cast and creative team. Single tickets are now on sale at aredorchidtheatre.org or by calling (312) 943-8722. 

Reprising their original roles in Birds of North America are Ensemble Member John Judd* with Cassidy Slaughter-Mason. Understudies include Sahar Dika and Guy Wicke.

Birds of North America recently received seven 2026 Equity Jeff Award nominations including Best Play, Best Director (Kirsten Fitzgerald), Best Performer in a Principal Role (John Judd and Cassidy Slaughter Mason), Best Scenic Design (Morgan Laszlo) and Best Sound Design and Best Original Music in a Play (Ethan Korvne).

About the Production:

John and his daughter Caitlyn are birders. As they scan the skies over their backyard in suburban Maryland looking for elusive birds, years go by. Relationships begin and end. Children grow up and parents age. The climate and the world change in small and vast ways. Birds of North America takes a close look at the relationship of a father and daughter over the course of a decade as they struggle to understand the parts of one another that defy understanding. 

Birds of North America received critical acclaim during its sell-out Chicago premiere:

★★★★

"A gorgeous little 90-minute two-hander, a beautifully acted and directed

father-daughter play capable of transporting you away... I was transported"

"[John] Judd, one of the Chicago theater's most remarkable actors [is] a perfect fit for this role...

a really beautiful performance and one of Judd's best. (I've seen many.)"

–Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

★★★½

"A gripping generational dialogue... Slaughter-Mason's performance in this production is moving."

–Mike Davis, Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ Chicago

RECOMMENDED! "A tender portrait that walks the taut line

between pain and sentimentality with the vivid humor of recognition."

–Irene Hsiao, Chicago Reader

The production team includes Morgan Laszlo (Scenic Designer), Ben Argenta Kress (Costume Designer), Seojung Jang (Lighting Designer), Ethan Korvne (Composer & Sound Designer), Spencer Diaz Tootle (Props Designer and Set Dressing), Jojo Brown (Dramaturg), Amy Carpenter (Assistant Director), Kyle Stoffers (Casting Director), Kira Nutter (Production Manager), Tom Daniel (Technical Director). Alivia Arizaga (Stage Manager) and Faith Locke (Assistant Stage Manager).

Subscribers for A Red Orchid's 2026/27 Season may add Birds of North America to their package at a discounted rate. Season subscriptions are currently on sale at aredorchidtheatre.org/season-34.

*Denotes A Red Orchid Theatre Ensemble Member

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: Birds of North America

Playwright: Anna Ouyang Moench
Director: Artistic Director Kirsten Fitzgerald*
Cast: Ensemble Member John Judd* (John) with Cassidy Slaughter-Mason (Caitlyn)

Understudies: Sahar Dika and Guy Wicke

Location: A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St., Chicago

Dates: Opening: Thursday September 10, 2026 at 7 pm

Regular run: Friday, September 11 – Sunday, October 4, 2026 Curtain Times: Thursdays and Fridays at 7 pm; Saturdays 3 pm & 7 pm; and Sundays at 3 pm.

Tickets: $61*. Access, student, senior and group discounts available.  Single tickets are now on sale at 12 pm at aredorchidtheatre.org or by calling (312) 943-8722. *Ticket prices include a processing fee.

About the Artists:

Anna Ouyang Moench (Playwright, she/her) is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her plays include Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again, Man of God, Birds of North America, Mothers and Sin Eaters. Anna's work has been produced at the La Jolla Playhouse, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Geffen Playhouse, East West Players, the Playwrights Realm, NAATCO at the Public Theater, A Red Orchid Theater Company, The Gift Theatre, and many others. She is a former Jerome Fellow at the Playwrights' Center, Van Lier fellow at the Lark and Page One fellow at the Playwrights Realm. Awards include two 2023 WGA Awards for her work on Severance (Apple TV+), the 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award, the Gerbode Special Award in the Arts, the Paul Stephen Lim Playwriting Award from the Kennedy Center, and the NYFA Award in Playwriting/Screenwriting. Anna received her MFA in Playwriting from UCSD and now lives

in Los Angeles with her family.

Kirsten Fitzgerald (Director, she/her) is a proud member of the Ensemble at A Red Orchid Theatre and has served as the Artistic Director since 2008. Recent directing credits include the world premiere of Gorgeous by Keiko Green at Raven Theatre, The Moors at A Red Orchid (Jeff Award for Best Production and Best Director of a Play-Midsize) and Dance Nation at Northwestern University's Wirtz Center. As an actor Kirsten has originated roles in the world premieres of The Cave, Grey House, Traitor, Pilgrim's Progress, Weapon of Mass Impact, and more (A Red Orchid); Swing State, I hate It Here (Goodman); Lettie, Appropriate (Victory Gardens); Mary Page Marlow, The Qualms (Steppenwolf). TV: Dark Matter, Shining Girls, Somebody Somewhere, The Exorcist, Sirens, The Big Leap, Chicago Med/Fire/Justice, Underemployed, ER. Film: Widows, Working Man. Kirsten is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent.

John Judd (John, he/him) last appeared on the A Red Orchid Theatre stage in Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin, and was previously seen in The Cave, The Malignant Ampersand, and Gagarin Way, as well as the McCarter Theatre's presentation of Simpatico. A Chicago based actor for forty years, John has acted at The Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Writer's Theatre, Court Theatre, Drury Lane, Northlight, Shattered Globe, Lookingglass, Victory Gardens and Next, as well as numerous regional, international and Off-Broadway venues.

Cassidy Slaughter-Mason (Caitlyn, she/her) is a Chicago based actor and writer. Recent theater credits include: Brooklyn Laundry (Northlight Theatre), The Luckiest (Raven Theatre, Equity Jeff Award for Best Performer in a Principal Role), How a Boy Falls (Northlight Theatre), Kiss (Haven Theatre), Significant Other (Theatre Wit/About Face) and Rapture Blister Burn (Goodman Theatre, Equity Jeff nomination for Performer in a Supporting Role). Film and TV credits include: All Happy Families, Ultra-City Smiths, Chicago Fire and Easy. Her short film Rabbit Rabbit (co-written with Poppy Golland) will stream this spring on OpenTV. Cassidy is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency.

 Lead Production Sponsor: Zell Family Foundation. Production Sponsor: Northern Trust.

About A Red Orchid Theatre:

A Red Orchid Theatre has served as an artistic focal point in the heart of the Old Town community of Chicago since 1993 and was honored with a 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. Over the past 32 years, its Resident Ensemble has welcomed into its fold an impressive array of award-winning actors, playwrights and theatre artists with the firm belief that live theatre is the greatest sustenance for the human spirit. A Red Orchid is well known and highly acclaimed for its fearless approach to performance and design in the service of unflinchingly intimate stories.  

A Red Orchid Theatre is: Karen Aldridge, Lance Baker, Kamal Angelo Bolden, Esteban Andres Cruz, Dado, Mike Durst, Sherman Edwards, Myron Elliott, Jennifer Engstrom, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Joseph Fosco, Steve Haggard, Levi Holloway, Mierka Girten, Larry Grimm, John Judd, Karen Kawa, Karen Kessler, Travis A. Knight, Danny McCarthy, Shade Murray, Brett Neveu, Sadieh Rifai, Grant Sabin, Michael Shannon, Guy Van Swearingen, Doug Vickers and Natalie West.