Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND at Raven Theatre February 20 - March 22, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

RAVEN THEATRE’S “A LIE OF THE MIND”

Production Runs February 20 - March 22, 2025

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission

We're having a Sam Shepard moment here in Chicago and we're here for it. Check out A LIE OF THE MIND at Raven Theatre and FOOL FOR LOVE at Steppenwolf. 

Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company today released production images of Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND, directed by Azar Kazemi. The show runs February 20 - March 22, 2025 on Raven Theatre’s stage at 6157 N. Clark St. Tickets ($45) on sale at www.raventheatre.com.

Photo credit: Jenn Udoni, Franco Images

The full moon over the highway. A pay phone call in the middle of the night. And a terrible act of violence that forever changes the trajectory of eight people’s lives. Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND follows two families, connected by marriage, as they grapple with the pain and fear of loving and living. Famous for his imagery, language, and tour-de-force roles for actors, Shepard’s plays dig deep into the ideas of family, destiny, and American idealism. Raven’s production, directed by Azar Kazemi, deepens the questions at the heart of the play by layering an Immigrant story on top of the already searing critique of the American Dream at the heart of this American Classic.

Cast: Ian Maryfield (Jake), Gloria Imseih Petrelli (Beth), John Drea (Frankie), Arash Fakhrabadi (Mike), Jocelyn Maher (Sally), Meighan Gerachis* (Lorraine), Joan Nahid (Meg), Rom Barkhordar* (Baylor)

Production Team: Emma Burkey (Assistant Director), Martine Kei Green-Rogers (Dramaturg), Jean E. Compton* (Stage Manager), Lauren M. Nichols^ (Scenic Designer), Sally Dolembo^ (Costume Designer), Jamie Auer (Props Designer), Hannah Andruss (Makeup Designer), Liz Gomez (Lighting Designer), Thomas Dixon (Sound Designer), Ruby Lowe (Master Electrician), Catherine Miller (Casting Director), Lucy Whipp (Production Manager) 

Dates: February 20 - March 22, 2025

Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

Location: Raven Theatre (6157 N. Clark St.)

Tickets: General Admission: $45; Student, Military, and Industry tickets $20. Previews $30.

Box Office: www.raventheatre.com

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

^ Member of USA 829, a labor and professional association of Designers, Artists, Craftspeople, and Department Coordinators.

ABOUT RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY

Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays, as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts. Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Paul M. Angell Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, and The Shubert Foundation. This project is partially supported by a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This programming is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.raventheatre.com. 

THE GIFT THEATRE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CYGNUS FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 16 AT FILAMENT THEATRE

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE GIFT THEATRE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 

CYGNUS

WRITTEN BY MULTI-AWARD WINNER 

SUSAN SOON HE STANTON, WRITER AND PRODUCER OF HBO’S “SUCCESSION,” 

FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 16 AT FILAMENT THEATRE 

The Mythic, Hilarious and Poetic New Play, is Directed by Co-Artistic Director Brittany Burch 

The Gift Theatre, is proud to present the world premiere of Cygnus, written by Susan Soon He Stanton and directed by Co-Artistic Director Brittany Burch, February 6 - March 16, at Filament Theater, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. The schedule includes preview performances on Thursday, Feb. 6 - Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 13 - Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. with the opening night, Sunday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The industry performance is Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 12 p.m., understudy performance is Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and the access performance is TBA.Tickets may be purchased at  TheGiftTheatre.org and start at $35 for general admission with $15 tickets for students and $20 for veterans. 

Cydney believes an angel rescued her from an ineffable trauma, and the truth may prove stranger than she imagines. In Cygnus, a mythic, hilarious, and poetic new play, a burnt feather may illuminate the possibility of a divine intervention.

“Cygnus is a modern-day fairytale that weaves fantasy into a very honest story of trauma and recovery," said Co-Artistic Director and Cygnus Director Brittany Burch. “Its themes of escapism as a defense mechanism and the co-dependent mother-daughter relationship immediately resonated with me, but I fell in love with Stanton’s use of dark humor, absurdism and Greek mythology to guide her richly layered characters through their search for meaning in life’s adversities.”

The cast of Cygnus includes Angela Morris (she/her, Cydney Hansen) and Jeff Kurysz (he/him, Jason) and Rengin Altay (she/her, Mama). The production team includes Brittany Burch* (she/her, director); Carol Ann “Cat” Tan (she/her, dramaturg); Sarah Luse* (she/her, stage manager); Joonhee Park  (she/her/they/them, scenic designer); Michael Huey (he/him, sound designer); Kotryna Hilko  (she/her, costume designer); Diane Fairchild (she/her, light designer and lighting supervisor); Saskia Bakker (she/her, props designer); Gaby Labotka  (she/her/they/them, fight and intimacy director); Jennifer Glasse* (she/her, co-artistic director/producing artistic director); Jennifer Aparicio (she/her, production manager) and David Preis* (he/him, technical director). 

* Connotes The Gift Theatre company member.

ABOUT SUSAN SOON HE STANTON, PLAYWRIGHT

Susan Soon He Stanton is a playwright, television writer and screenwriter originally from ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i and now living in New York and London. Her plays have been produced internationally and regionally across the United States: We, The Invisibles (Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival); Today Is My Birthday (Page 73, Yale Repertory Theatre); Both Your Houses (ACT New Strands/ Crowded Fire); TAKARAZUKA!!! (Clubbed Thumb, East West Players, Oregon Shakespeare Festival Workshop); Cygnus (workshop: WP Theater Pipeline, Kilroys List); Solstice Party! (Live Source); The Things Are Against Us (Washington Ensemble Theatre); Moana, Jr (book) for Disney Theatrical Group, among others. Her reimagined Turandot, music by Puccini and Christopher Tin, will be produced by Washington National Opera in 2024. She has worked on all four seasons of HBO’s “Succession” as a writer/producer, for which she has received Emmy, Writers Guild of America and Peabody Awards.

ABOUT BRITTANY BURCH, DIRECTOR

Brittany Burch met Michael Patrick Thornton and Sheldon Patinkin at The School at Steppenwolf in 2010 and they cast her in her first Chicago production, The Gift Theatre’s The Lonesome West. She then joined The Gift ensemble in 2011, appearing in Northwest Highway, Absolute Hell, Oh The Humanity, Thinner Than Water, Royal Society of Antarctica, Good For Otto, Richard III, Unseen, Pilgrims and The Locusts. She became The Gift’s co-artistic director in 2022. Other Chicago credits include In Quietness at A Red Orchid Theatre; The Minutes by Tracy Letts at Steppenwolf and productions with Wildclaw, Lakeside Shakespeare, The Goodman and Redtwist Theatre. Regionally, she has worked with Portland Center Stage, Artists Repertory Theatre, ProfileTheatre (Portland, OR); Perseverance Theatre (Juneau, AK); Chautauqua Theatre Company (NY); The New Theatre (Kansas City). She received her BA at Willamette University and studied at the British American Drama Academy, Chautauqua Theatre Company and Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre. 

ABOUT THE GIFT THEATRE

Since 2001 and with more than 70 productions, The Gift Theatre has been dedicated to telling great stories onstage with honesty and simplicity. Its unwavering dedication to accessibility and intimacy as a professional equity theatre has garnered national recognition for both the company and ensemble. The Gift Theatre strives to push boundaries, broaden perspectives and ignite a cultural revolution on Chicago's northwest side. Please visit TheGiftTheatre.org for more information.

The Gift Theatre, is proud to present the world premiere of Cygnus, written by Susan Soon He Stanton and directed by Co-Artistic Director Brittany Burch, February 6 - March 16, at Filament Theater, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. The schedule includes preview performances on Thursday, Feb. 6 - Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 13 - Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. with the opening night, Sunday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The industry performance is Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 12 p.m., understudy performance is Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and the access performance is TBA.Tickets may be purchased at TheGiftTheatre.org and start at $35 for general admission with $15 tickets for students and $20 for veterans. 

Auditorium Philms Reschedules U.S. Premiere of 'The Terminator' Live in Concert One Night Only June 13, 2025

AUDITORIUM PHILMS CONCERT SERIES 

continues with the U.S. Premiere of 

The Terminator in concert 

One night only Friday, June 13th at 7:30 PM at The Auditorium

The Chicago Philharmonic performs Brad Fiedel’s futuristic synth-driven score 

while the film plays on the big screen

Please note, this film is Rated R for violence. Subtitles will be shown during the live performance.

I'll be back...
is what you'll exclaim when you catch Auditorium Philms amazing pairings of movies and live orchestral accompaniment! We've seen Batman 1989, Love Actually, and Black Panther now and we're hooked. This series is too much fun.

The U.S. Premiere of The Terminator in concert is up next. Got your tickets yet? Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows we couldn't love this series more. You'll be spoiled for all regular cinematic releases, once you catch a movie with a live score by the Chicago Philharmonic. It's an extraordinary experience. Don't miss this!

The Auditorium (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) and the Chicago Philharmonic kick off the second season of the Auditorium Philms Concert Series, a multi-media experience presenting iconic films brought to life with scores performed in concert, with the U.S. premiere of The Terminator in concert. The beloved sci-fi film which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024 will play while an all-electric chamber orchestra performs the high-octane score composed by Brad Fiedel with in-sync dialogue and sound effects from the original film. The one night-only presentation has been rescheduled for Friday, June 13th at 7:30 PM at The Auditorium, 50 E Ida B Wells Dr. Tickets start at $69.00 and are available at auditoriumtheatre.org or by calling The Auditorium’s Ticket Service Center at 312.341.2300. 

Released in 1984, the US box-office smash-hit, The Terminator sees Arnold Schwarzenegger star as the most uncompromising killing machine ever to threaten the survival of mankind. An indestructible cyborg, a Terminator, is sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the woman whose unborn son will become humanity's only hope in a future war against the machines. This epic sci-fi thriller from director, James Cameron, delivers an arsenal of action and heart-stopping suspense right to the end. Composed by Brad Fiedel, the score to The Terminator was meant to musically depict a “mechanical man and his heartbeat.” The futuristic synthesizer led soundtrack enhances the on-screen action and features a robust and driving percussion section that includes massive taiko drums.

“Given the popularity of our inaugural Auditorium Philms Concert Series in 2024, it was an easy decision to continue providing audiences with a big screen film experience accompanied by the live orchestration of the award-winning Chicago Philharmonic,” said The Auditorium CEO Rich Regan. “We’re looking forward to kicking off season two of Auditorium Philms with the U.S. premiere of The Terminator live in concert.”

“An orchestra can look very different depending on the instrumentation called for in the score,” added Chicago Philharmonic Executive Director Terell Johnson. “At Chicago Philharmonic, our versatility is our greatest asset. Audiences will see this beloved film in a whole new light thanks to our expert musicians perfectly executing this percussive and synthesizer forward composition.”

Tickets are also now available for the rest of the 2025 season of The Auditorium Philms Concert Series including The Goonies in its 40th Anniversary year, April 26; Toy Story in its 30th Anniversary year, June 14; The Nightmare Before Christmas, October 25; and The Holiday, December 20.

About The Chicago Philharmonic Society 

Founded by musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra in 1989, The Chicago Philharmonic Society is on a mission to reimagine the orchestra concert experience. With nearly 200 musician members and a unique system of musician governance, the organization is one of the most versatile, innovative, and ambitious orchestras in the country.

Chicago Philharmonic proudly collaborates with the greatest artists of our time, in every genre. Past collaborations have included The Joffrey Ballet, English National Ballet, Kishi Bashi, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joshua Bell, Tank and the Bangas, William Basinski, the American Ballet Theatre, Ryan Speedo Green, and more.

In 2021, Crain’s Business Chicago 40 Under 40 awardee Terell Johnson joined the organization as Executive Director. Since then, the orchestra has become a force for innovation and inclusion in the city’s performing arts ecosystem with a series of increasingly high-profile events. 2024 brought the orchestra’s debut at Lollapalooza Chicago with Icelandic jazz/pop sensation Laufey as the first orchestra to ever perform at the famed festival; a highly anticipated return to Ravinia Festival with a World Premiere tribute to Whitney Houston and a concert with the Violent Femmes; and and the World Premiere tour of An Evening with Sleeping At Last culminating in a sold-out debut at Carnegie Hall. Learn more at www.chicagophil.org.

About The Auditorium

The Auditorium, located at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive in Chicago, is an Illinois not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community, and educational programming to all of Chicago and beyond as The Theatre for the People. The organization also is committed to the continued restoration and preservation of this National Historic Landmark that originally opened in 1889.

The Auditorium’s 2024-25 performance season features a dynamic mix of cultural events from ballet to rock and roll and everything in between. For more information on The Auditorium and a complete listing of events at The Auditorium please visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

THE FACTORY THEATER ANNOUNCES KITTY JAMES AND DESTINY’S TRAIL TO OREGON FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 29, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE FACTORY THEATER ANNOUNCES

KITTY JAMES AND DESTINY’S TRAIL TO OREGON

FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 29 

WRITTEN BY FACTORY ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE PHIL CLAUDNIC

This Homage To Classic Adventure Films

is the Next Production of The Factory’s 30th Season

approximate runtime: one hour and thirty minutes

You have died of dysentery...  We played the Oregon Trail card game and early computer game back in the day, and can't wait to catch the musical version on stage at one of our favorite Chicago storefronts! 

We've adored The Factory Theater for years and here at ChiIL Live Shows we're particularly jazzed for Kitty James, since our son, Dugan Kenaz-Mara is Props Designer! We also know understudy Ben Jouras. I'll be out to review February 28th. Can't wait. Catch a preview this weekend for $15. Don't miss this! 

The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St., is proud to announce the second production of their 30th season, Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon, opening Friday, Feb. 21. The production runs through March 29 and was written by Phil Claudnic and directed by Jennifer Betancourt. 

Previews for Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon are Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. Press opening will be Friday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. The regular performance schedule includes Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. 

There will be additional Thursday performances March 20 and 27 at 8 p.m. An accessibility performance will occur on Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m. An understudy performance will occur on Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m.  Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon has an approximate runtime of one hour and thirty minutes. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased through the box office by calling 312-275-5757 or by visiting TheFactoryTheater.com.

Kitty James, the Coffee Queen of Independence, MO, is heading west to find her fortune, but a mysterious medallion and an ancient prophecy may lead her down a different path in this hilarious homage to classic adventure films and text-based historical games.

Row 1 (L to R): Kim Boler, Vic Kuligoski, Danny Mulae and Tierra Matthews

Row 2 (L to R): Reginald Hemphill, Abbi Bryson, Christopher Ratliff and Donovan Lunches

Row 3 (L to R): Eric Frederickson, Johnny Moran, Mandy Walsh and Sydney Hanson

Row 4 (L to R): Benjamin Jouras, Michael Davis Arnold, David Wiesenhahn and Cara Juan

The Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon cast includes Kim Boler~++ (Kitty James); Vic Kuligoski* + (Norris); Danny Mulae* + (Mangy Willy); Tierra Matthews* ++ (Dead); Reginald Hemphill + (Weight); Abbi Bryson ++ (Ursula); Christopher Ratliff + (Reginald); Donovan Lunches + (ensemble); Eric Frederickson∽ + (ensemble); Johnny Moran + (ensemble); Mandy Walsh ++ (ensemble); Sydney Hanson ++ (US Kitty/Weight); Benjamin Jouras + (US Reginald/ensemble); Michael Davis Arnold + (US Dead/ensemble); David Wiesenhahn + (Norris/Mangy Willy/ensemble US); and Leela Watts ++ (Ursula/ensemble US)

The Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon creative team includes Timothy C Amos∽ + (production manager); Phil Claudnic∽ + (playwright); Jennifer Betancourt∽ ++ (director); Henry Bender* = (assistant director); Katie Oliver ++ (stage manager);  Ellie Humphrys* ^/+ (lighting designer); Hunter Cole ^ (set designer); Maureen Yasko ++ (fight/intimacy director); Isaac Mandel* + (sound designer); Antonia DiValentin ++ (costume designer); Kieran O'Connor + (technical director); and Dugan Kenaz-Mara + (props designer).

∽ denotes Factory Ensemble; * denotes Artistic Associate 

Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); ++ (she/her/hers); ^ (they/them/theirs); = (any with respect)

 ABOUT PHIL CLAUDNIC, playwright

Phil Claudnic has been serving The Factory for 15 years. He has been a stage manager, production manager, operations manager, booking manager, and now is closing out his enure as the Executive Director.  He’s also done acting and writing for the company with Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon marking his first full-length play written by Claudnic and produced by The Factory.

ABOUT JENNIFER BETANCOURT, playwright

Jennifer Betancourt is delighted to be an ensemble member with the Factory Theater. Factory stage credits include: The HoA, Xmas War: Endgame, Xmas War, Captain Steve’s Caring Kingdom, Fight City, and Born Ready, as well as a directorial debut at The Factory for The Factory Zone. When not at The Factory, she can be found baking pretentious bakes, doodling, recording her voice for posterity in audiobook form and setting small fires.

ABOUT THE FACTORY THEATER

For 30 years, The Factory has created its shows from scratch, doing exactly the kind of theater they wanted to do. From writing workshops to the closing night bash, Factory shows are a unique experience that fits its exacting standards: original, bold, and full-tilt. Its shameless ensemble is an ambassador of a good time, ensuring Chicago remains heartily entertained.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased through the box office by calling 312-275-5757 or by visiting TheFactoryTheater.com

Fest Alert: The Chicago Women of Color Puppetry & Performing Arts Fringe Festival Now Playing Through March 16, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

The Chicago Women of Color 

Puppetry and Performing Arts Fringe Festival 2025 

Celebrates its First Year at the Zhou B Art Center, 4th Floor Women of Color Theatre, 

1029 West 35th Street Chicago

Now Playing Through Sunday, March 16, 2025

The festival focuses on artists who create works about biodiversity, activism, human rights, oppression, race/racism, genocide, gender, LGBQT issues, being a woman, being Black, being indigenous, current events, the prison industrial complex, social justice issues, consciousness, spirituality, mental health, trauma, Black futurism, fantasy, empowerment, history and much more.

Where art meets storytelling ✨

Women of Color Productions brings powerful narratives to life through breathtaking puppetry and stop-motion magic. These striking creations by Jacqueline Wade are more than art—they’re a movement, a voice, and a celebration of culture.

🎭 Elevate your love for the arts and support women creators redefining the industry!

They also encourage artists to bring old and new works including works-in-progress that have been rehearsed. They welcome everyone. This is a festival that is on the edge of the mainstream and gives voice to the voiceless and encourages experimental works. It is a festival that is "open access" and gives opportunities. It is high energy with independent artists. 

The festival is also very supportive of artists who challenge the audience and themselves in creating works that make positive change; it is about community and mentorship and people of all ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations and abilities who want to come together to celebrate puppetry, performing arts and film.

Snap from the fest a couple weeks back of Steven’s performance: “The Gum Rappers”, Yo-yo, Sloop and Thin Ice, played by David C. Herzog, Jacqueline Wade, and Steven Widerman, performed at the Chicago Women of Color Fringe Festival on MLK day. Photo by Alex Griffin.

Are you a performing artist? Do you have art that you would like to share? Join us for our upcoming slams on 2/21, 2/28 and 3/14! DM us or reach out the festival website to be in touch and learn more.

Full schedule HERE.

Tickets HERE

 

Puppets by Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins

Sadly, two days of shows, film screenings and events with Puppeteer Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins happened last weekend, but I have caught his work two different years as part of the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival and his work is incredible! Saturday 2/8 join us for a screening of JUST ANOTHER LYNCHING with director Jeghetto @jeghettos_puppets followed by a Q&A and a puppet meet! Shows at 2pm and 8:30pm! I have seen this film and it's thought provoking, moving, and expertly done. I've also caught his futuristic film, 5P1N0K10 and it's quite creative and visually fun.

JUST ANOTHER LYNCHING is a puppet show that dives deep into the culture of racism and oppression during the Jim Crow era in the United States. Puppeteer Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins joins forces with a cast of Boston-based puppeteers to confront haunting truths about our country’s past, present, and future. Audiences experience the tale of a man who loves his family, but who nevertheless meets an unfortunate end at the hands of racism. Framed as one man’s eulogy to his lost childhood friend, the play unfolds as a series of touching memories that refuse to be ignored or mis-remembered. Jeghetto’s ghostly, large-scale puppets combine with extraordinary sound and projections, creating a space where contemporary audiences can reflect, bear witness, and engage in radical honesty. The performance will be followed by an open discussion between Jeghetto, the community, and the creative team.

On Sunday 2/9 more featuring the work of Jeghetto:

5P1N0K10 Dir by Jeghetto, part of the special collection of Handmade Puppet Dreams screening at 12:15

Performance of “Jim Crow The Puppet” at 5:30pm

Screening of JUST ANOTHER LYNCHING at 10pm

Check out the upcoming schedule HERE:

https://chicagowomenofcolorfest.com

https://www.instagram.com/womenofcolorproductions

The League of Chicago Theatres Celebrates Black History Month in Conjunction With Chicago Theatre Week 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

The League of Chicago Theatres shines a spotlight on 

Black History Month 

in conjunction with 

Chicago Theatre Week, February 6-16, 2025, 

and Chicago Theatre Week Continued, February 17-23, 2025.

 

The League of Chicago Theatres presents the first event in its Cultural Conversation Series. Join theatre leaders for a community conversation celebrating Black History Month at 6pm on Monday, February 17 at Definition Theatre, 1160 E 55th St, Chicago.

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Cultural Conversation Series intends to uplift theatres and artistic organizations who have a commitment to their communities and cultures. The program will engage industry leaders in thoughtful discission and showcase opportunities for attendees to get involved in their initiatives. The February Cultural Conversation will be moderated and curated by Definition Theatre Executive Director Neel McNeil. 

The following is a selection of work in Chicago available in February in celebration of Black History Month:

(*Those in red are shows we're reviewing here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama. We'll update with reviews as we see them.)

• First Lady of Song: Alexis J Roston sings Ella Fitzgerald (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre):

• We Always Bounce Black (The Second City)

• Debate: Baldwin v. Buckley (TimeLine) 

Recommended. ★★★ Three out of four stars. B Kenaz-Mara, ChiIL Live Shows

(Unique site specific debate that rings as true today, 60 years later. Truly a treat for architecture geeks, history buffs, and debate nerds alike. Not your typical night of theatre. Spot on for our political times and entirely captivating!)

• Fat Ham (Goodman)

Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. B Kenaz-Mara, ChiIL Live Shows

(This "Juicy" collab's so nice they extended it twice! FAT HAM is Goodman Theatre's co-production with Definition Theatre and an absolute must see. Now playing through March 9, 2025)

• 1619: The Journey of a People (3rd Dimension Performance Group)

• A Raisin in the Sun (Court)

• Policy: Running Numbers A Family Business (Harold Washington Cultural Center)

• The Promotion (MPAACT—Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre)

• Big Black Comedy (The Den)

• Three Little Birds (Young People’s Theater)

Discounted tickets to many of the productions are available at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com and HotTix.org. Otherwise, tickets may be purchased through the respective theatre companies.  

Chicago Theatre Week (#CTW25), presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in participation with Choose Chicago, is an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago during which visitors and residents can access value-priced tickets. Chicago Theatre Week is February 6-16, 2025. For the third consecutive year, HotTix.org will host Chicago Theatre Week Continued from February 17-23, 2025, which will extend Theatre Week discounts to participating productions for an additional week.

The value-priced CTW tickets will be $30, $15, or less. Tickets are on sale at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com .

Last year’s Chicago Theatre Week saw massive ticket sales with more than 18,000 tickets sold to 81 participating productions for more than 446 performances. 64 theaters participated in CTW 2024, with 29 neighborhoods and suburbs represented. The program continues to bring in new audiences to area theatres with approximately 58% of patrons visiting their chosen theatre for the first time. Chicago Theatre Week also raises the visibility of the theater industry, as evidenced by the 144,689 unique visitors to ChicagoTheatreWeek.com from the ticket onsale through the end of Theatre Week.

Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Subscribe to the Theatre Week email newsletter for updates and announcements. 

The official hashtag for Chicago Theatre Week 2025 is #CTW25.

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 7 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. #ChiTheatre

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.

About Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. 

Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and tag #ChicaGOandKNOW. For more information, visit choosechicago.com. Support the theatre community this fall during Theater Season and explore more than 100 shows happening now through the end of the year at TheaterSeason.com.

The Second City Honors 65 Year Anniversary With $19.59 Tickets in Chicago, Toronto, and New York!

THE SECOND CITY CELEBRATES 65 YEARS OF LAUGHTER

 $19.59 Tickets For Select Shows Across All Three Cities 

Thursday night performances in each city will feature this special $19.59 ticket price through November 20, 2025.

In December 1959, The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night, igniting a comedic revolution that continues to transform improv and live sketch comedy today. For 65 years, this iconic institution has been the launch pad for countless comedy legends and remains a driving force in nurturing the next generation of comedy creators, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

To honor this milestone, The Second City is hosting a yearlong celebration with specially priced $19.59 tickets to select shows in Chicago, Toronto, and New York. This offer pays tribute to its founding year while inviting audiences—old and new—to join in the laughter.

Chief Revenue & Operating Officer Parisa Jalili shared her thoughts on this momentous occasion: “For 65 years, our performers, staff, and audiences have built an unparalleled legacy of comedy and connection. This celebration is for everyone who has ever filled our theaters with laughter, and we look forward to welcoming even more comedy lovers into our community.”

Thursday night performances in each city will feature this special $19.59 ticket price through November 20, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to experience the hilarity of The Second City’s e.t.c. show in Chicago, the Mainstage show in Toronto, and the Mainstage show in New York at this anniversary price.

Celebrate with us and be part of this historic milestone! Tickets are available at each city’s box office or by visiting https://www.secondcity.com/celebrate-65-years-of-comedy.

About The Second City

The Second City opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown to become the world's most influential name in improvisation and comedy. Celebrating 65 years, The Second City's stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors, and comedic minds on the planet. 

For more information on The Second City, visit www.secondcity.com and follow The Second City on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.