As You Wish! THE PRINCESS BRIDE to have Pre-Broadway World Premiere in Chicago

Chi, IL Live Shows on our radar:

PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE

The Princess Bride
AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S
JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE
JULY 19 – AUGUST 22, 2027

THE PRINCESS BRIDE is one of my favorite movies of all time and I can't tell you how excited I am to see it come to the stage! And like so many other epic pre-Broadway premieres, Chicago gets to see it first. Critics are already playing games on social media to name the possible songs. Throw your song ideas in the comments and save the dates. Group tickets are on sale now and individual tickets go on sale at a later date.

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago have announced the world-premiere of the new musical THE PRINCESS BRIDE will begin performances in Chicago next summer at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, from July 19-August 22, 2027.

A miraculous blend of sword fights and satire, absurd fun and true romance, THE PRINCESS BRIDE has been both a beloved novel and celebrated film. Now, as you wish, it comes to enchanting life as a Broadway musical.

Like many timeless stories, this one asks the eternal question: Why does life have to be so complicated?

Journey to Florin, where a sweet-natured giant, a six-fingered (well technically 11-fingered) scoundrel, a vengeance-obsessed Spaniard, and an overconfident meanie all conspire to make things incredibly difficult for two young lovers just trying to live happily ever after. Prepare to die laughing and fall in love all at the same time, all over again.

The creative team features a book by Tony Award winner Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony-nominated Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), music and lyrics by Oscar-winning composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Frozen) and EGOT winner Robert Lopez(Frozen, The Book of Mormon), direction by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!) and choreography by Tony Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights).

Producer Jeffrey Seller is one of the most successful American producers of our time. He produced the Tony Award–winning musicals Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, and Hamilton. His shows have garnered twenty-two Tony Awards, including four for Best Musical. Jeffrey is the only producer to have mounted two Pulitzer Prize–winning musicals—Hamilton and Rent. He also revolutionized theater accessibility with the $20 ticket lottery for Rent, making theater affordable for all.

The Princess Bride is based on the novel and Motion Picture written by William Goldman and the Motion Picture executive produced by Norman Lear and directed by Rob Reiner.

TICKET INFORMATION
THE PRINCESS BRIDE will be part of the next Broadway In Chicago season, on sale next month. Group tickets for 10 or more are on sale now by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or by emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. 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, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

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REVIEW: Lifeline Theatre's A Wrinkle in Time Now Playing Through October 18, 2026

  Chi, IL Live Shows on our Radar:

A Stellar Celebration of The Neurodivergent

Lifeline Theatre Presents 

A WRINKLE IN TIME 

based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle

Recommended for ages 7+

Pictured: Sam Hook, Rohan Link-Francisco, Manali Sunkara, Victoria Cruz, Amanda Link, Jordan Gleaves, Cami Stuckert

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Sometimes cosmic things happen in small spaces. Last night we entered Lifeline Theatre's space to see a stark stage with a shimmering curtain, a large half arch, and a raised platform with overlapping circles. In the row in front of us a little girl with a huge grin bounced in her seat next to a bouquet of flowers, her excitement palpable. I asked if she knew someone in the cast and she replied "My mom and my brother!" The child happily told us she got to voice a puppet in the 2nd act, too! She had every reason to be proud. Amanda Link and Rohan Link-Francisco put on an incredible performance, as did the entire cast. Rohan, who plays Charles Wallace, was a particular standout.

Pictured: Sam Hook, Amanda Link, Rohan Link-Francisco, Manali Sunkara

Photo Credit for all: Josh Bernaski

Manali Sunkara (Meg), Sam Hook (Calvin) also put on a stellar performance. We adored Amanda Link (Whatsit), Cami Stuckert (Who), Jordan Gleaves (Which), who beautifully embodied Madeleine L’Engle's benevolent aliens.

This adaptation is delightfully nerdy and a stellar celebration of the neurodivergent. It's full of harrowing, off world sci-fi adventures, and seemless quotes from Earth's best and brightest. It's also a great reminder that our differences make us better, and that creativity, kindness, intelligence should be celebrated. 

It's a lovely example of bravery in the face of bullying and evil. We live in a time when mass surveillance, ICE agents, AI, and attacks on DEI, education, and science itself bring us ever closer to becoming like the dark planet Camazotz, with conformity violently enforced by an evil overlord "IT". A Wrinkle in Time was written in 1962, won the 1963 Newbery Medal, and is a frequently challenged book that still faces book bans in various schools and libraries. The intervening decades have just increased the need for L’Engle's message. We loved Lifeline Theatre's all too timely adaptation. Don't miss this! 

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar: Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. 

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle was a top favorite of mine as a child and the concept of shortcut time travel from point A to B, like bending a string, was a mind-blowing delight. I eagerly devoured the whole series! Lifeline's adaptation is an excellent representation of the book. They use body language and simple lighting techniques like strobe lights and blackouts to suggest time travel, and keep the focus on excellent storytelling, rather than special effects. 

Why Is This Book Banned?: Some have made false accusations of anti-Christianity or encouraging witchcraft for the use of crystal balls, and "New Age" themes in the world building. Jesus is also mentioned in conjunction with historical figures like Gandhi, Buddha, and Einstein as fighters against darkness, which some find objectionable as he's not elevated over the others.

Why Lifeline's Age 7+ Recommendation? Thematic Elements: The story deals with high stakes, a missing father, and a dark, menacing cosmic force ("IT"), which may feel a bit intense or scary for very young children. Staging: The production features imaginative space-age lighting, special effects, and stylized puppetry designed to bring the multidimensional journey to life safely and engagingly for elementary school-aged kids and older.

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Fabulous, family friendly fun. Though this season opener is a Lifeline Mainstage, not KidSeries production, it's a great opportunity for creating multigenerational theatre memories, and sparking interesting discussions. We find it a fantastic production, with a multicultural cast, and excellent messaging.  

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

A Wrinkle in Time

Based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle 

Adapted by ensemble member James Sie

Directed by ensemble member Heather Currie

Lifeline Theatre's season opening production, A Wrinkle in Time, is based on the novel by Madeleine L’Engle, adapted by ensemble member James Sie, directed by ensemble member Heather Currie, running September 11 – October 18, 2026 (previews September 11, 12, 13) at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.

Ever since her father vanished under mysterious circumstances, Meg Murray’s life has been spiraling out of control. But one dark and stormy night, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which appear with a promise to help rescue him from the monstrous darkness that threatens the universe. Join Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, their pal Calvin, and a host of extraterrestrial friends and foes as they journey into the heart of a terrible evil in the hope of reuniting a fragmented family.

"This story seems to me more relevant than ever. In a moment when anger, outrage, and fear have become the dominant voices; when differences are to be reviled, not celebrated; when conformity has become mandated both by government and social media forces and AI cuts off human connection entirely; during this moment it’s so vitally important for each of us to become individual stars piercing the darkness, and to do it with love," said adaptor James Sie.

"This book was formative for me. It has always been a safe place that encouraged me to be myself and know that there was love all around me. What a privilege to get to explore this story on stage!" said director Heather Currie.

The production features Manali Sunkara (Meg), Rohan Link Francisco (Charles Wallace), Sam Hook (Calvin), Amanda Link (Whatsit), Cami Stuckert (Who), Jordan Gleaves (Which), Victoria Cruz (Mother), Brian Tochterman (Father). Understudies are Leslie Huang, Diego Rivera-Rodriguez, Havalah Grace, Hillary P. Barry, and Justin P. Banks. 

The production team includes Heather Currie (Director), James Sie (Adaptor), Lindsay Mummert (Scenic Designer), Sam Lancaster (Props Designer), Sarah Riffle (Lighting Designer), Jazmin Aurora Medina (Costume Designer), Joe Griffin (Sound Designer), Saskia Bakker (Puppet Designer), Felicia Niebel (Choreographer), Devin Meseke (Production Manager), Bec Dose (Stage Manager), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director) and Avery Spellmeyer (Lighting Supervisor). 

Click here for tickets and more information at Lifeline Theatre's main site: A WRINKLE IN TIME

About Lifeline Theatre

Lifeline Theatre explores, interprets, and reimagines books and other literary works to create stories that move us beyond the margins of our own lives.

Founded in 1982, Lifeline is known for staging innovative adaptations of great works of fiction as well as commissioning original work. In 1987, Lifeline added KidSeries plays for children and families, and has been producing full seasons of programming for both adults and children ever since. For more than four decades and over two hundred productions, Lifeline Theatre has made an indelible mark on the Chicago theater scene and an invaluable contribution to the theater world at large. Lifeline’s dedicated artistic ensemble has developed more than one hundred and forty world premiere literary adaptations and original plays, many of which have had a life beyond their Lifeline premieres, with productions across the United States, Canada, and abroad. Several scripts developed at Lifeline Theatre have gone on to national tours, and more than a dozen have been published. Lifeline Theatre has garnered dozens of Jeff Awards, including numerous awards for New Adaptation, New Musical, or New Work.

Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Lifeline is accessible by CTA - Red Line Morse stop/buses. Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.

Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council Agency; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Polk Brothers Foundation; S&C Electric Company Fund; McMaster-Carr Supply Company; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

REVIEW: Oil Lamp Theater's I LOVE YOU BECAUSE Now Playing Through September 13, 2026

Dating Life Underperforming? This Pride & Prejudice Inspired Rom-Com IRL Does Not Disappoint.

ChiIL Live Shows on our Radar:

Oil Lamp Theater's 

I LOVE YOU BECAUSE 

Now Playing Through September 13

The total running time, with intermission, is two hours and 10 minutes.

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Although I've been happily married for 26 years and with the same guy for 31, the majority of my friends are single, so I'm still privy to the horrors of the cesspool... Erm, I mean the dating pool. I Love You Because is a fun Girls Nite Out show or even a great date night conversation starter. Commiserate, empathize, and enjoy. ChiIL Live Shows on Our Radar. Recommended. Three out of four stars. ★★★

Love Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or are Rom-Coms more your jam? This live stage Rom-Com loosely inspired by Austen's iconic work does not disappoint. Other people's love lives or lack thereof can be prime comedic gold. Hope springs eternal, love is timeless, and disappointing dates are universal. That's why Jane Austen’s legendary romance novel, Pride and Prejudice, still resonates today, and so does I Love You Because. 

All production photos by Gosia Matuszewska/Gosia Photography

Shout out to the props and set design teams. This intimate space is chock full of colorful cubicles full of interesting tchotchkes. And clever logos light up to cue the audience in to different New York watering holes, coffee shops and restaurants, without complicated set changes. 

I Love You Because is a lighthearted, playful, laugh out loud delight and worth the trek out to Glenview. We enjoyed watching the leads' romances through the eyes of the bartenders and baristas who spend their workdays immersed in the psychology of it all. 

We're routing for the young lovers, despite their differences. Though major differences in spontaneity, and organizational styles are the stuff that keep marriage councilors in demand. I wanted to tell these characters what I told my own twenty something children. If you're getting serious with someone, road trip with them, and you'll find out fast if you're long term compatible. I'm not so sure these couples would pass the trip test, but the show is entertaining nonetheless. And the old trope "Opposites Attract" is a timeless truism. 

Pros: Well cast with lots of Northwestern University alums and Chicago actors just starting their professional careers. 

Complimentary chocolate chip cookies baked by Misericordia.

The front of house staff is amazing, especially with patrons with mobility issues.

.

Fully stocked bar with fun show tie-in drinks. 

Street parking is free and usually plentiful. If street spots are all taken, you can still park for free in the bank lot, a short walk away. Check Oil Lamp's site for parking tips. 

Cons: If you attend a matinee, expect dog barking to bleed through into the performance space from the business next door. It's not so apparent for this show as the music is loud and plentiful. 

Sight-lines can be a challenge and the seats are close together without cup holders so it's not the most comfortable space. On the upside, they're working on renovating a better space, so chip in to their building fund if you can. 

I Love You Because is now playing at Oil Lamp Theater through September 13th so catch it while you can. Book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham, music by Joshua Salzman and orchestrations by Larry Hochman, directed by Scott Shallenbarger and music directed by Aaron Kahn. Great for all ages, and a fun multigenerational pick.

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

OIL LAMP THEATER'S

I LOVE YOU BECAUSE

NOW PLAYING THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13th 

DIRECTED BY SCOTT SHALLENBARGER AND MUSIC DIRECTED BY AARON KAHN

The Contemporary Musical About Modern Dating, Based on Jane Austen’s Classic Novel “Pride and Prejudice” Comes to Oil Lamp this Summer

Oil Lamp Theater is proud to bring I Love You Because to audiences through September 13th. Book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham, music by Joshua Salzman and orchestrations by Larry Hochman. Directed by Scott Shallenbarger with music directed by Aaron Kahn, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. 

The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $30 for previews and $55 for the run at OilLampTheater.org.

Modern dating is a mess. Sometimes to find Mr. Right you need to find Mr. Wrong – even if that means seeing someone stuck on their ex, awkward encounters of the intimate kind and lots of bad coffee dates. Opposites attract in this feel-good musical that will transport you into the heart of your favorite guilty pleasure rom-com. Created by acclaimed musical team Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman and inspired by Jane Austen’s gold-standard romance novel “Pride and Prejudice,” this delightful modern musical will make you fall head over heels.

The cast of I Love You Because includes Aiden McCoy (any with respect, Austin Bennet); Maxwell J DeTogne (any with respect, Jeff Bennet); Hannah Kipp (she/her, Marcy Fitzwilliams); Kristin Brintnall (she/her, Diana Bingley); Daria Koon (she/they, NYC Woman); Tommy Rothwells (he/him, NYC Man); Freddy Mauricio (he/him, Austin Bennet U/S); Nic Eastlund (he/him, Jeff Bennet U/S); Kaitie Bonds (she/her, Marcy Fitzwilliams U/S); Dominique Ruffalo (she/her, Diana Bingley U/S); Nikki Holladay (she/her, NYC Woman U/S) and Joe Dennis (he/him, NYC Man U/S).

The production team includes Scott Shallenbarger (he/him, director); Aaron Kahn (he/him, music director/accompanist); Bob Knuth (he/him, scenic designer); Devin Meseke (he/him, properties designer); Maya Reter (she/her, sound designer); Sara Segneri (she/her, stage manager); Danielle Reinhardt (she/her, costume designer); Conner Nicoson (they/them, technical director); Connor Windle (she/her, production manager) and Rose Leisner (she/her, company manager).

ABOUT SCOTT SHALLENBARGER, DIRECTOR

Scott Shallenbarger makes his Oil Lamp debut with I Love You Because. Representative credits include Miracle on South Division Street, I And You, Baby the Musical (Citadel Theatre); Les Miserables (Uptown Music Theatre Company); The Glass Menagerie, Six Degrees of Separation, The Road to Mecca, Hot L Baltimore, The Children’s Crusade (Raven Theatre); Jeffrey and Love, Valor, Compassion (Hubris Productions) and Skyscraper (Piven Theatre). Shallenbarger is a published playwright and teaching artist who would like to thank you, dear audience, for attending live theatre.

ABOUT AARON KAHN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Aaron Kahn is thrilled to be returning to Oil Lamp after previously working on the productions of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play and The Marvelous Wonderettes. Kahn is also a private voice teacher at the Christopher Laughlin School of Music in Northbrook and is a staff accompanist at Carthage College. Other favorite music and assistant music direction credits include: Fugitive Songs (Stagedoor Manor); Mel Brooks’ The Producers (Music Theater Works); A Little Night Music (Theo Ubique) and Spring Awakening (4 Chairs Theatre).

MORE FROM FROM OIL LAMP THEATER

Dial M For Murder
October 2 – November 1, 2026

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original play by Frederick Knott
Directed by Daniel King

Preview Performances: Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday Oct. 21 at 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Alfred Hitchcock’s adored, chilling thriller gets a modern twist that no one will see coming. A murderous misstep begins a high-stakes hunt for the real criminal as time is quickly running out. This captivating, heart-racing play leaves audiences on the edge of their seats while the mystery of the year unravels before their eyes. Will the clues unlock the right person, or will an innocent victim pay the price? The suspense is to die for…

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
November 20 - December 27, 2026

Adapted by Joe Landry
Directed by Becca Holloway

Preview Performances: Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday Dec. 16 at 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

The holiday tradition returns for its 13th year. Audiences may experience unmatched holiday cheer with Frank Capra's beloved classic, “It's a Wonderful Life,” reimagined as a captivating live radio play, complete with foley sound effects and set in our own WBFR radio studio.

Journey to Bedford Falls, where George Bailey's troubles lead him to wish he was never born. Clarence, an angel sent to intervene, steps in to make his wishes come true and George quickly learns just how many lives he has touched and just how blessed he really is.

*All productions, dates, creatives, etc. are subject to change.

All production photos by Gosia Matuszewska/Gosia Photography

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER

Oil Lamp Theater is a professional nonprofit performing arts organization in Glenview, Illinois, welcoming over 10,000 patrons annually from more than 225 communities—41% from Glenview and others from across the North Shore and Chicago. Since establishing its intimate 60-seat home in downtown Glenview in 2012, Oil Lamp has grown into a cultural beacon, earning recognition as “Best Live Theatre in the North Shore” for four consecutive years.

With more than 70 productions to date, Oil Lamp is known for its dynamic Mainstage season, special events and its resilience during the pandemic, when it innovated with drive-in performances and outdoor productions. Today, the theatre continues to foster connection, broaden horizons and illuminate the human condition through professional theater and year-round programming.

In addition to its productions, Oil Lamp Theater operates Oil Lamp Academy, its education branch dedicated to “Training for Life Through the Performing Arts.” In 2025 alone, the program served more than 230 students ages three to 97 years old, offering classes that use theater as a pathway to build confidence, creativity and lifelong skills.

This past September, Oil Lamp launched Light The Way, a transformative fundraising campaign designed to expand arts education, strengthen essential staff and establish a larger performance venue with the goal of staying in downtown Glenview. Building on its roots as a scrappy storefront, Oil Lamp is evolving into a more robust organization—without losing the intimacy and warmth that define its theater experience. Oil LampTheater hopes this announcement inspires excitement throughout the community. Stay tuned as additional news is shared in the near future. For information or to support the campaign go to OilLampTheater.org/Light-the-Way or reach out to Oil Lamp at light-the-way@oillamptheater.org.

REVIEW & PHOTO FEATURE: The Crane Wives at Chicago's Park West August 18, 2026

Chi, IL Live Shows on our Radar:

The Crane Wives

With Direct Support by Brye 

Play Chicago's Park West on August 18, 2026

All Show Photos by Dugan Kenaz-Mara

GUEST REVIEW

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

On August 18th the Crane Wives made one of the last stops on their Act III tour, once again gracing Chicago with their presence. Spanning the month of August, their tour has 3 stops left. And if you’re quick, you can still catch their final show in Indianapolis on the 22nd. 

The concert started with special guest Brye, a solo artist who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Her beautiful music captured the audience and took us on a journey exploring themes of body positivity, queerness, and mental health. During the set we also got to learn about the hardships that she had recently experienced. About a week before the show the trailer with all of her merch and instruments was stolen, and then later found empty. Luckily the Crane Wives were able to lend her a guitar for the end of the tour and she was available in the lobby after the show to take polaroids with fans in lieu of missing merchandise. 

When her set finished, we had a short interlude for the bands to switch over. To my delight, the Crane Wives continued their mysterious pre-show tradition. We watched as the “Mysterious Deer Man” emerged through the haze into the blue stage lights. Walking through the cattail cutouts to place lanterns down, creating the whimsical atmosphere on stage. But this time he wasn’t alone. A second deer appeared and chased the first one, Benny Hill-style, around the stage, before composing himself and leaving the stage so the band could begin. It was a hilarious and unexpected twist that the onlookers thoroughly enjoyed. 

The past 2 years I have covered The Crane Wives when they stopped in Chicago, and like both times before, this concert was a blast to attend! The band always delivers a high-energy show that’s perfect for letting out all of your big emotions. They even encourage the audience to sing, clap, and dance along, inviting everyone in attendance to build up the lively atmosphere their shows are known for.

I also found this performance at Park West highly engaging compared to previous shows. The band was fairly close to the audience thanks to having no pit area, so Kate Pillsbury (guitar/vocals) commented about trying not to look people in the eyes. During the encore she also asked if we were more "The Hand That Feeds" or "Steady, Steady" people, letting us vote. Luckily the vote was split and we got both songs as a treat. 

Which brings me my main takeaway from the night: the Crane Wives are particularly kind. The more intimate site really highlighted all of the things they did to make their performance special for us, and for those they work with. They introduced Brye at the start, encouraging us to give her as much love as we would give them. They lent her the guitar and promoted her merch. They shouted out their crew members by name as well as their tour manager who books their locations. And when they left the stage at the end of the night, they made heart hands to the audience which were returned in kind. 

The last time the Crane Wives performed in Chicago, they were promoting their most recent album and played 6 songs from it. This time, the audience was treated to a fairly even mix of newer and older songs from almost all of their albums. This setlist featured the most songs from Coyote Stories and Foxlore, their hit 2015 and 2016 albums, then wove in a few songs each from The Fool in Her Wedding Dress (2012), Here I am (2020), and Beyond Beyond Beyond (2024). 

The full set list is below:

Brye:

• Lemons

• Apples

• My Body’s My Buddy

• Little Things

• Not a Baby

• Jenna

• Diet Culture

  
  

  

Crane Wives:

• Queen of Nothing

• Icarus

• Arcturus Beaming

• The Well

• Allies or Enemies

• Never Love an Anchor

• Turn Out the Lights

• Take Me to War

• Pretty Little Things

• The Moon Will Sing

• Black Hole Fantasy

• Nobody

• Sleeping Giants

• Curses

• The Garden

• The Hand That Feeds

• Steady Steady

• Tongues & Teeth

  
  

  Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based designer, photographer, educator, and graduate of Northwestern University's theatre program.

  
  

  

  All Show Photos by Dugan Kenaz-Mara

  The Crane Wives

  "The Crane Wives charmed us again with its harmony-laced folk-rock…polished sound and dynamic energy…proves just how much fun the band is having with its music.” - NPR
  
  
  "The Crane Wives are a four-piece band that have an uncanny ability 
  at crafting goose-bump inducing three-part harmonies.” - No Depression
  
  
  "They’re an impeccable band with incredibly tight instrumentation and harmonies that, paired with an inclination for catchy hooks and scintillating lyricism, make a strong case for their burgeoning popularity.” - For Folk’s Sake
  
  
  "Harnessing a sense of emotional honesty, guttural lyrics are backed by twangy guitar and steady drum beats" - NYS Music
    
  

  
  

  The Crane Wives 

  highly anticipated US tour. 

  Kicking off on April 14, The Crane Wives will bring their dynamic live show to stages nationwide, delighting audiences in cities including Los Angeles, Portland, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, and beyond.

  The band has also announced new tour dates this August, hitting cities across Colorado, as well as Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and beyond.

  Tour dates and tickets for all shows are on sale now and available here.

  

  Born of the 2010’s folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, Grand Rapids’ The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving landscape of indie folk. Their high-energy performances have been described as “charged with emotion and technical skill” (Blurred Culture), while their harmony-dense melodies support deeply resonant lyrics, exploring the vulnerable and the ugly sides of the human condition. The band has built a global community and has amassed over 1m Spotify monthly listeners and 150m total streams with their unparalleled, spirited live show, evocative lyricism and glimmering harmonies.

  

  Featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s All Songs Considered, the band’s sixth full-length studio record Beyond Beyond Beyond received high praise, with Glasse Factory calling the album “a testament to the band’s ability to turn personal struggles into universally relatable anthems." Niner Times describes the album as “angsty, haunting and gritty,” praising its departure from the more traditional folk sound of The Crane Wives’ previous records. Since its release in September 2024, Beyond Beyond Beyond has accrued over 7 million streams on Spotify.

  

  The pulse of The Crane Wives is delivered by Ben Zito (bass) and Dan Rickabus (drums), creating a driving, dynamic backdrop while co-leads Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury establish expansive and gritty conversations between their electric guitars. A web of three-part harmony helps to soften the blow of their emotional candor, like a 21st century Cerberus, the hound of Hades reimagined as an emotional support animal.

  The Crane Wives have 6 full-length albums under their belts and have performed over 600 shows across the US, sharing stages with acts such as The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and many more.
   

  US August Tour Dates:

  August 5 Crested Butte, CO @ Mt. Crested Butte
  August 7 Fort Collins, CO @ Washington’s 
  August 8 Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
  August 10 Dillon, CO @ Dillon Amphitheater
  August 12 Omaha, NE @ The Admiral Theater
  August 13 Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
  August 14 Sioux Falls, MD @ The District
  August 15 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
  August 16 Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
  August 18 Chicago, IL @ Park West
  August 20 Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
  August 21 St. Louis, MO @ The Sovereign
  August 22 Indianapolis, IN @ Nickel Plate District Amphitheater 
  

  

  
  
  

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  All Show Photos by Dugan Kenaz-Mara