Additional Performances of Betrayal and Fat Ham Extend the Run of Both Shows at Goodman Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

HIGH DEMAND FOR TICKETS PROMPTS EXTENSIONS OF TWO GOODMAN PRODUCTIONS

***FAT HAM EXTENDS A SECOND TIME (THROUGH MARCH 9) AND SUSAN V. BOOTH’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF BETRAYAL, STARRING IAN BARFORD, HELEN HUNT AND ROBERT SEAN LEONARD, EXTENDS THROUGH MARCH 23***

The new year is off to a strong start on stage as Goodman Theatre announces additional performances for both of its current productions: Fat Ham in the 350-seat Owen Theatre—marking the second extension for Tyrone Phillips’ Chicago-premiere production of James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play—and Susan V. Booth’s major revival of Betrayal in the 856-seat Albert Theatre. Dates and times for the extension week performances appear below. Betrayal, which begins performances this weekend, features Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Ian Barford as Robert, Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Helen Hunt as Emma and Tony Award winner Robert Sean Leonard as Jerry in Harold Pinter’s masterwork. Betrayal appears February 8 – March 23. 

I'll be out to review for ChiIL Live Shows on opening night, February 17th. Tickets ($40 - $175; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Betrayal or by phone at 312.443.3800. 

The Goodman is grateful for the support of Northern Trust (Lead Corporate Sponsor), Katten Muchin Rosenmann LLP and PAXXUS, Inc. (Corporate Sponsor Partners). 

Fat Ham, the “heartwarming, tension-filled and laugh-out-loud funny” (Daily Herald) reimagination of Shakespeare’s Hamlet directed by Tyrone Phillips adds five performances to its Chicago run with a second extension. Co-produced with Chicago’s famed Definition Theatre—of which Phillips is Founding Artistic Director and playwright James Ijames is a company member—Fat Ham tells the story of Juicy, a Black, queer young man who is confronted by the ghost of his father during a family barbeque. Seeking revenge for his murder, his father puts a screeching halt to Juicy’s quest for joy and liberation. Ijames’s reinvention of Shakespeare’s masterpiece features an all-Chicago cast: Trumane Alston (Juicy), Sheldon Brown, E. Faye Butler, Ronald L. Conner, Victor Musoni, Ireon Roach and Anji White. 

It was my great pleasure to catch opening night of Fat Ham, reviewing for ChiIL Live Shows. We've long been fans of Definition Theatre's excellent work and love this creative, high energy riff on Hamlet as a modern black barbecue. Don't miss this! 

(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)

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

Fat Ham appears through March 9. Tickets ($35 - $85; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Ham or by phone at 312.443.3800. 

Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of ITW (Corporate Sponsor Partner), the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust (Lead Sponsor of IDEAA Programming) and the National Endowment for the Arts (Production Support).

FAT HAM EXTENSION WEEK SCHEDULE

-Thursday, March 6 at 7:30pm

-Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm

-Saturday, March 8 at 2pm

-Saturday, March 8 at 7:30pm

-Sunday, March 9 at 2pm

BETRAYAL EXTENSION WEEK SCHEDULE

-Tuesday, March 18 at 7:30pm 

-Wednesday, March 19 at 2pm 

-Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30pm 

-Thursday, March 20 at 7:30pm 

-Saturday, March 22 at 2pm and 7:30pm*

-Sunday, March 23 at 2pm and 7:30pm

*At these two performances, the role of Emma will be played by Cheyenne Casebier.

Full Company of Betrayal (in alphabetical order)

By Harold Pinter

Directed by Susan V. Booth

Ian Barford…Robert

Nico Grelli…Waiter

Helen Hunt…Emma

Robert Sean Leonard…Jerry

Understudies…Cheyenne Casebier, Michael Milligan and Jeff Parker.

Creative Team

Set Designer…..Neil Patel

Costume Designer ……Linda Roethke

Lighting Designer…..Xavier Pierce

Projection Designer….Rasean Davonté Johnson

Sound Designers and Composers….Michael Bodeen and Rob Milburn

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Neena Arndt is the Dramaturg. Nikki Blue is the Production Stage Manager and Jennifer Gregory is the Stage Manager.

Full Company of Fat Ham (in alphabetical order)

By James Ijames

Directed by Tyrone Phillips

Trumane Alston…Juicy

Sheldon Brown…Larry

E. Faye Butler…Rabby

Ronald L. Conner…Rev/Pap

Victor Musoni…Tio

Ireon Roach…Opal

Anji White…Tedra

Understudies…Blake Hamilton Currie, Marquise De’Jahn, TayLar, Joseph Primes and Jazzy Rush.

Creative Team

Set Designer…..Arnel Sancianco

Costume Designer ……Jos N. Banks

Lighting Designer…..Jason Lynch

Sound Designer….. Willow James

Illusion Consultant…Benjamin Barnes

Fight and Intimacy…Gaby Labotka

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Jared Bellot is the Dramaturg. Patrick Fries is the Production Stage Manager.

ABOUT DEFINITION THEATRE

Definition Theatre has been a vibrant force for over a decade, celebrating stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, Definition expands perspectives, stewards resources, and bridges the possibilities found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education. Known for bold and impactful productions, we’ve brought to life plays by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, Pulitzer Prize-winners James Ijames and Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. We strive to promote equity, foster empathy, and enhance the quality of life for our community members by offering opportunities for creative, entrepreneurial, and cultural expression. Our work emphasizes collaboration in theater-making and raises awareness of career paths in the arts. In 2024, Definition leased and equipped a storefront space in Hyde Park, enabling us to engage artists and expand programs as we prepare for our permanent home in Woodlawn on the southside of Chicago. This new theater, community center, and business incubator will amplify and preserve BIPOC voices, promote social justice, and empower the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to drive positive progress through the transformative power of the arts. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director, Neel McNeill is the Executive Director, Willow James is the Civic Engagement Director.

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades.

The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of theatrical practice, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand and empathize with cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

Goodman Theatre was built on the unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations. We recognize that many other Nations consider the area we now call Chicago as their traditional homeland—including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo and Mascouten and remains home to many Native peoples today. The Goodman is proud to have a relationship with Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum. Located in Evanston, the Museum honors the survival and perseverance of Indigenous communities and promotes a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples: gichigamiin-museum.org.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Julie Danis is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Lorrayne Weiss is Women’s Board President and Kelli Garcia is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

REVIEW: Juicy Chicago Premiere of Fat Ham Now Extended Twice Through March 9, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Chicago Premiere of 

Fat Ham

HIGH DEMAND FOR TICKETS NOW EXTENDING THE CHICAGO PREMIERE THROUGH MARCH 9th

**UPDATE: 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. Don't miss this! 

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

So you think you know Hamlet... but until you've seen a ghost emerge from a smoker, and young adults transform into their true selves, you ain't seen nothin' yet. It was my great pleasure to catch opening night of Fat Ham, reviewing for ChiIL Live Shows. 

Photo Credit: B. Kenaz-Mara

We've long been fans of Definition Theatre's excellent work and love this creative, high energy riff on Hamlet, set at a modern, black, backyard barbecue. We've long adored director Tyrone Phillips, playwright James Ijames, E. Faye Butler, and Sheldon D. Brown. Fat Ham has a strong cast all around. 

(L-R) Sheldon D. Brown, Ronald L. Conner, Trumane Alston, E. Faye Butler, Ireon Roach 

and Anji White. All Production Photos by Liz Lauren.

Tyrone Phillips’ Chicago premiere-production of James Ijames’s Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony Award-nominated play Fat Ham is an absolute must see! We've known Tyrone Phillips for years and long admired his talent. I believe we first met when he worked on a show at A Red Orchid, back in the day. It's been a joy watching him move from scrappy storefronts to directing at Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and now Goodman, without sacrificing his creative vision. Tyrone is an excellent director, and under his guidance, this award winning script and crazy talented all-Chicago cast shine! 

This Goodman production is co-produced with Chicago’s famed Definition Theatre—of which Phillips is Founding Artistic Director and Ijames is a company member. I got to know Definition Theatre well, back in 2018, when I was chosen to join them for a multiweek DCASE Playwriting workshop. They're a wonderfully welcoming company and the talent pool runs deep!

If you're well versed in The Bard's work, you'll notice many parallel plot points, and character details, like friends Tio, Larry, and Opal instead of Horatio, Laertes, and Ophelia. If you're not a Shakespeare scholar, never fear. Fat Ham is a solid, stick-to-your-ribs production that works as a hilarious stand alone piece as well. In this version, Hamlet is Juicy, a young man who is both black and gay. Like the original, his father's been murdered by his uncle who then marries his mother, inappropriately soon after. His father, like Hamlet's, makes repeat appearances from the afterlife. His lecherous uncle's devious designs are revealed in a game of charades instead of Hamlet's play within a play. Thankfully, in Fat Ham everyone does not die in the end. 

(L-R) Anji White and Ronald L. Conner.

In our current political and social morass, I'm still firmly committed to amplifying DEI voices and works. Fat Ham is a universal exploration of family dynamics and drama, as well as a celebration of black culture and style in the form of a backyard barbecue. What face do we show our parents and long time family friends? What secrets do we hide and what do we share? Fat Ham is at once classic and modern, fierce and funny, and unapologetically black. 

Fat Ham is decidedly more comedy than tragedy, and it was fun seeing Shakespeare's text catapulted into the 21st century in James Ijames’s Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony Award-nominated play. 

(L-R) Trumane Alston and Sheldon D. Brown.

Finally, I don't want to give too many spoilers, but it was great to see Sheldon Brown back in town from LA, and in such a fabulously fun, transformative role as Larry. I've always admired his skills as an actor and his outlook on life and healing after trauma. I was blown away by his performance in Fat Ham and even more impressed knowing his backstory. He played a shirtless lead in About Face Theater's "This Bitter Earth." back in May 2019 and I remember how much depth and bravery he brought to the role. He was still healing from multiple surgeries following a violent attack in Uptown in April of 2018, and unflinchingly bared his physical and emotional wounds in a powerful way that left a lasting impression on me. 

Though we differ in obvious ways, I've always felt a particular affinity and common ground with Sheldon. He hails from Dayton Ohio originally, while I grew up in nearby Cincinnati. We both came to Chicago after college and moved first to Uptown, sketchy but affordable on struggling actor wages. I was also attacked in nearly the same block he was, in a random act of street violence, where the perpetrators were never caught. In my case it was May of 1994, when 3 men with a large, curved, serrated hunting knife, attacked me in a robbery attempt outside of my apartment near Kenmore and Wilson. Both my arms and hands were cut multiple times with defensive wounds as I tried to mace them and shielded my face. My watch was hit so hard the watch face smashed and the time stopped. I'm pretty sure my left hand would have been severed completely if I hadn't been wearing that watch. Healing emotionally, PTSD, nightmares, and getting back to feeling reasonably safe again took much longer than healing from the physical injuries. His even more horrific and traumatic attack resonated with me on a personal level. I have nothing but admiration for his strength and resilience, and it brings such joy to see him succeeding. Read more about Sheldon's attack and recovery journey at these 2 links:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018/11/09/a-chicago-actor-was-shot-months-later-hes-worked-his-way-back-to-the-stage/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/09/23/actor-sheldon-brown-was-shot-in-uptown-2-years-ago-he-was-filming-cicada-2-months-later-now-hes-sharing-his-take-on-living-with-trauma/

(L-R) Victor Musoni, Trumane Alston, Sheldon D. Brown, E. Faye Butler and Ireon Roach.

Back to the show at hand, Fat Ham is stellar storytelling and we were wowed all around by the acting, directing, creatives, and cast. It's always a joy to see E. Faye Butler, and though she's best known for musical theatre, her comedic timing is impeccable and we adored her over the top role as Rabby. I was not familiar with Trumane Alston's work before Fat Ham, but he's caught my attention now. Don't miss this! Highly recommended. 

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

“Fat Ham”: James Ijames’s riff on Hamlet centers on Juicy (Trumane Alston), “a Black, gay, self-aware young man struggling with body image, personal confidence and the oppressive expectations of others, especially his father, as much as any broader existential angst.

Check out the fun show tie in drinks at Goodman's bar. 

Photo Credit: B. Kenaz-Mara

ChiILin’ at opening night of Goodman Theatre’s Fat Ham! Such joy and support among all the cast/creatives/crew and audience. Love drink tie-ins with show themes, but I think this is the first one in 16 years of reviewing that’s a tie-in with my +1, Barbara B! “Hard to be the Barb” indeed. 

Photo Credit: B. Kenaz-Mara

By the way, I've been part of Goodman's GeNarrations Storytelling workshops for 4 sessions now and I was chosen twice to perform at Lobby Stories. Here's the storyteller lineup for the Goodman's production of Fat Ham, on the theme of "Family"--biological and/or chosen. I'll be performing before the Fat Ham matinee on Thursday, February 20th at 1pm in the second-floor mezzanine lobby. Drop in if you can. FREE. 

LINEUP:

Thursday, February 6th

Carrie Waller; "A mother's power of persuasion." 

Cora Rambert; "Did The System Fail me or did I Fail the System?"

Thursday, February 13th

Regan Burke, "Holidays Interrupted."

Margot McMahon, "Painting Polyp Portraits."

Thursday, February 20th

Pamela Schumacher, "Tea and Crumpets."

Nancy Solomon, "Mama Golda and Her Famous Blintzes."

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara, "Once Bitten." (My real life Voodoo engagement story, set in New Orleans) ❤

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

 

Fat Ham

By James Ijames

Directed by Tyrone Phillips

January 11 - March 9, 2025 in the Owen Theatre

(L-R) Trumane Alston and Anji White.

Fat Ham tells the story of Juicy, a Black, queer young man who is confronted by the ghost of his father during a family barbeque. Seeking revenge for his murder, his father puts a screeching halt to Juicy’s quest for joy and liberation. Ijames’s reinvention of Shakespeare’s masterpiece features an all-Chicago cast: Trumane Alston (Juicy), Sheldon Brown, E. Faye Butler, Ronald L. Conner, Victor Musoni, Ireon Roach and Anji White. Fat Ham opens tonight and runs through March 2. Tickets ($25 - $85; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Ham or by phone at 312.443.3800. Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of ITW (Corporate Sponsor Partner) and the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust (Lead Sponsor of IDEAA Programming).

EXTENSION WEEK SCHEDULE

-Tuesday, February 25 at 7:30pm

-Wednesday, February 26 at 7:30pm

-Thursday, February 27 at 2pm and 7:30pm

-Friday, February 28 at 7:30pm

-Saturday, March 1 at 2pm and 7:30pm

-Sunday, March 2 at 2pm

Special events for the production include: Drinks and Discussion: Conversation with Definition Theatre (January 24) featuring a panel of the talented Black creatives behind the Chicago-premiere production exploring the unique experiences and perspectives of Black queer artists; Black Affinity Night (February 7) celebrates the richness of Black culture and community at a special pre-show reception and conversation, followed by the evening performance.

(L-R) Trumane Alston and Ireon Roach.

Full Company of Fat Ham (in alphabetical order)

By James Ijames

Directed by Tyrone Phillips

Trumane Alston…Juicy

Sheldon Brown…Larry

E. Faye Butler…Rabby

Ronald L. Conner…Rev/Pap

Victor Musoni…Tio

Ireon Roach…Opal

Anji White…Tedra

Understudies for this production include Blake Hamilton Currie, Marquise De’Jahn, TayLar, Joseph Primes and Jazzy Rush.

Creative Team

Set Designer…..Arnel Sancianco

Costume Designer ……Jos N. Banks

Lighting Designer…..Jason Lynch

Sound Designer….. Willow James

Illusion Consultant…Benjamin Barnes

Fight and Intimacy…Gaby Labotka 

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Jared Bellot is the Dramaturg. Patrick Fries is the Production Stage Manager.

ENHANCED AND ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AT GOODMAN THEATRE

ASL-Interpreted Performance: Friday, January 31 at 7:30pm – Professional ASL interpreter signs the action/text as played.

Touch Tour* and Audio-Described Performance: Saturday, February 1, 12:30pm Touch Tour; 2pm performance – The action/text is audibly enhanced for patrons via headset.

Spanish-Subtitled Performance: Saturday, February 1 at 7:30pm – An LED sign presents Spanish-translated dialogue in sync with the performance.

Open-Captioned Performance: Sunday, February 2 at 2pm – An LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance.

Visit Goodman theatre.org/Access for more information about Goodman Theatre’s accessibility efforts. 

(L-R) Victor Musoni and Trumane Alston.

Fat Ham

By James Ijames

Directed by Tyrone Phillips

January 11 - February 23, 2025 in the Owen Theatre

Photos by Liz Lauren

ABOUT DEFINITION THEATRE

Definition Theatre has been a vibrant force for over a decade, celebrating stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, Definition expands perspectives, stewards resources, and bridges the possibilities found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education. Known for bold and impactful productions, we’ve brought to life plays by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, Pulitzer Prize-winners James Ijames and Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. We strive to promote equity, foster empathy, and enhance the quality of life for our community members by offering opportunities for creative, entrepreneurial, and cultural expression. Our work emphasizes collaboration in theater-making and raises awareness of career paths in the arts. In 2024, Definition leased and equipped a storefront space in Hyde Park, enabling us to engage artists and expand programs as we prepare for our permanent home in Woodlawn on the southside of Chicago. This new theater, community center, and business incubator will amplify and preserve BIPOC voices, promote social justice, and empower the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to drive positive progress through the transformative power of the arts. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director, Neel McNeill is the Executive Director, Willow James is the Civic Engagement Director.

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades.

The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of theatrical practice, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand and empathize with cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

Goodman Theatre was built on the traditional homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations. We recognize that many other Nations consider the area we now call Chicago as their traditional homeland—including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo and Mascouten—and remains home to many Native peoples today. While we believe that our city’s vast diversity should be reflected on the stages of its largest theater, we acknowledge that our efforts have largely overlooked the voices of our Native peoples. This omission has added to the isolation, erasure and harm that Indigenous communities have faced for hundreds of years. We have begun a more deliberate journey towards celebrating Native American stories and welcoming Indigenous communities.\

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Julie Danis is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Lorrayne Weiss is Women’s Board President and Kelli Garcia is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.