REVIEW: Multigenerational Murder Limbo: The World Premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana Now Playing Through April 5, 2026

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Larkspur Productions Opens World Premiere of
The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana
By Gwyneth Forsythe
Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass
March 20th - April 5th at The Den Theatre

Sydney Genco in The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana

Photo by August Holiday Photography

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

As I pass the bottled water aisle I see Acqua Panna and Aquafina, and my mind turns to Aqua Tofana, the poison rumored to kill 600 men in 17th-century Italy. Was the herbalist and healer, Giulia Tofana, a monster serial killer, or a champion of battered women? How many did she save with her death-giving elixir? Who tells the story? It was fascinating to learn more about Giulia Tofana, trained by a mother who was murdered as a witch, who passed along her skills to her daughter who met the same fate.

You can hear the story straight from Giulia Tofana, from beyond the grave, through Sydney Genco, now through Sunday, April 5, 2026. We meet Tofana centuries after her death, still stuck in purgatory, as she's wracked with guilt for her daughter's fate, though clear of conscience for the women she freed from abusive men. 

Murderer. Witch. Savior. Executed in 1659 for the murder of 600 men. That's how history remembers Giulia Tofana, the infamous creator of the Aqua Tofana poison. This is her story straight from Purgatory, thanks to Playwright, Gwyneth Forsythe. We adore the way this trio of women, Playwright: Gwyneth Forsythe, Director: Cheryl Snodgrass, and Cast: Sydney Genco (Giulia Tofana) humanize the tragic tale of another trio of women. This show reframes history and brings up important questions as relevant today as they were in the 1600s. 

Why have we demonized and killed our healers for centuries? Why do men still abuse and murder women with few consequences? This production is sadly still all too timely. In our current Epstein scandle era, powerful men still abuse women and children with impunity and those who help them or speak out often bear consequences far greater than the abusers. Where are our twenty first century Tofanas when we need them? This production is a fascinating slice of history, and these three generations of badass healers and protectors are best not forgotten. 

Anyone who adores Chicago's infamous queens of camp, Hell in a Handbag Productions, is likely familiar with both Sydney Genco (performer & makeup artist) and Cheryl Snodgrass (director). But you've never seen this power duo team up like this. There's no drag here or over the top parody. Genco gives us a quiet, candle lit reckoning for a woman who gave her life to save abused women, who's been stuck in limbo for centuries, because she can't make peace with the fate her daughter freely chose. This heart wrenching piece is a must see. 

Head on over to The Den Theatre for some serious talk from a healer and helper of battered women from beyond the grave. Don't miss this macabre masterpiece. ChiIL Live Shows on our radar. Recommended. Three out of four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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).

Larkspur Productions is pleased to announce the world premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana. Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana will play March 20th - April 5th at The Den Theatre, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL.

Tickets are on sale at https://thedentheatre.com/performances/2026/3/20/the-posthumous-trial-of-giulia-tofana-the-den-theatre-comedy-club-chicago

This one person show is performed by Sydney Genco. 

Comments playwright Gwyneth Forsythe: In a time when bodily autonomy and human rights are being actively taken away and the very idea of justice seems out of reach, stories from the past, like Giulia Tofana’s, are more important than ever. We cannot wait to share hers with you.

The production team includes Matthew York (Scenic Designer), Kate Kamphausen (Costume Designer), Garrett Bell (Lighting Designer), DJ Douglass (Sound Designer), Tina Haglund-Spitza (Props Designer), Tom Daniel (Scenic Carpenter), Henry Bender (Master Electrician) and Drew Donnelly (Technical Director).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana

Playwright: Gwyneth Forsythe

Director: Cheryl Snodgrass

Cast: Sydney Genco (Giulia Tofana)

Location: The Den Theatre, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Regular run: March 20 – Sunday, April 5, 2026

Curtain Times: Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm. Sunday, April 5th at 3pm. Please note: there will be an added performance on Monday, March 30th @ 8pm (Industry Night).

Tickets: General admission: $25. https://thedentheatre.com/performances/2026/3/20/the-posthumous-trial-of-giulia-tofana-the-den-theatre-comedy-club-chicago

About the Artists:

Gwyneth Forsythe (Playwright) is a writer, educator and theatre artist who splits her time between Iowa City and Chicago. She received two BAs (Theatre Arts and History) from the University of Iowa and her MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage from Northwestern University, where she was awarded the Krevoy Screenwriting Prize. Gwyneth has worked as a freelance writer, taught for the Chicago City Colleges, and was a 2024 semi-finalist for the Eugene O'Neill Center's National Playwrights Conference. Last summer, her work was featured in the Heretic Theatre Festival produced by RJ Theatre Company in New York City. In the fall, she directed and produced “Ghosts on the Radio Vol. II: A Haunted Audio Anthology” for the Iowa Youth Writing Project and assistant-directed Global Express for the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. She has taught and developed writing courses in playwriting, screenwriting, horror, humor, and creative non-fiction for writers worldwide of all ages and experience levels.

Cheryl Snodgrass (Director) is passionate about directing new works. She is an alumni ensemble member of Hell in a Handbag where she’s directed multiple premieres including The Drag Seed, which performed at the famous LaMama Theatre in NYC. Other Handbag shows include The Birds, Scary Town, L’Imitation of Life, and Die, Mommie! Die! Cheryl has worked extensively as a visiting artist at Mill Mountain Theatre and Studio Roanoke (Roanoke, VA). She has also directed for a number of Chicago companies that include Sweetback, Glass Apple, Trap Door, The Foundlings, Tellin’ Tales, Jonny Staxx Presents, and Filet of Solo. Most recently, Cheryl directed John Cariani’s (playwright of Almost, Maine) new play Darker the Night Brighter the Stars for Penobscot Theatre in Bangor, ME and is very excited to be included in the published version as a premiere production.

World Premiere: THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY Via Her Story Theatre March 28 - April 19, 2026 at The Den

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: Her Story Theatre presents World Premiere of  THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY  March 28 - April 19 at The Den An aging novelist and a young writer of creative non-fiction flirt with the seduction and danger of storytelling as they play cat and mouse with conflicting versions of the truth.

Her Story Theatre has announced the World Premiere of Kurt McGinnis Brown’s two-hander THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY, to play March 28 – April 19 at The Den Theatre in Chicago. When young black journalist Xan Smith is assigned to interview the once successful, now aging white novelist, Henry Percival, the two form an unlikely bond during their contentious meetings. After Henry reveals something unexpected about his past, the two writers must consider the uncertain relationship of truth to storytelling in general, and specifically to the story of Henry’s life. THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY will keep audiences guessing as they follow its plot twists, surprises, and suspect decisions. The drama, which was workshopped at Chicago Dramatists in 2017 and Art Lit Lab in Madison, Wisconsin in 2016, is the work of prolific playwright Kurt McGinnis Brown, who has had plays produced across the country, including in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. The Jeff Award-winner and former Artistic Director of Strawdog Theatre Richard Shavzin will direct. Previews on March 28, 29 and 31. It will play through April 19. Veteran Chicago actor and Actors Equity member Gary Houston, whose many credits include GEM OF THE OCEAN and JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE at the Goodman Theatre, will play the septuagenarian novelist Henry Percival. Shelby Marie Edwards, seen most recently in Pegasus Players’ YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL and RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS at Lifeline Theatre, has been cast as the young journalist Xan Smith.   The production team includes Garrett Bell (Set Design), Sam Bessler (Lighting Design), Mary Bonnett (Costume Design), George Zahora (Sound Design), Wendye Clarendon* (Actors Equity member, Stage Manager), Morgan Watkinson and Josh Hogan (Assistant Stage Managers), Steve Kruse (Technical Director), Tristan Predmore (Lighting Technician), Nora Brooks (Scenic Painter), and Lucas Holeman (Carpenter).  Tickets to THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY are $40 for General Admission and $30.00 for Seniors plus taxes and fees) for regular performances; and $35 General Admission for previews. Students and industry members are $20.00 all performances, and group prices are $30.00 per person for all performances. Tickets are on sale now at www.thedenthreatre.com and The Den Theatre Box Office 773-697-3830.

Her Story Theatre THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY WORLD PREMIERE By Kurt McGinnis Brown Directed by Richard Shavzin Featuring Gary Houston and  Shelby Marie Edwards March 28 – April 19, 2026 Previews Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, March 29 at 3:00 pm, and Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 pm Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm (No performance Easter Sunday, April 5) The Den Theatre Upstairs Main Stage, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 60622

Ticket Prices: Previews – General Admission $35.00, plus taxes and fees. Regular performances - General Admission - $40.00, Seniors - $35.00. Students and industry $20.00 all performances. Groups $30.00 per person all performances. Tickets on sale now at www.thedentheatre.com and The Den Theatre Box Office 773-697-3830 Info: www.HerStoryTheater.org   When young black journalist Xan Smith is assigned to interview the once successful, now aging, white novelist, Henry Percival, her mission is clear. She is prepared to dismantle his career with a scathing expose that will cement her own reputation as a fearless cultural critic. But during their contentious meetings, Henry reveals something unexpected about his past. As she digs deeper, the story she uncovers changes the one she came to write. Xan must decide what she's willing to tell, because in this game of perception and power, the biggest revelation may be about herself.  BIOS

Gary Houston (Henry Percival) was last seen onstage at the Goodman Theater in August Wilson's GEM OF THE OCEAN and JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, both directed by Chuck Smith.  As well as numerous film roles, Gary is a Jeff-nominated actor, with a long history of performances at Northlight, Writers Theatre, Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, Wisdom Bridge, National Jewish Theater and in the original Organic Theatre ensemble. As a former books and arts staffer for the CHICAGO SUN TIMES, he interviewed Studs Terkel, Saul Bellow, Joseph Heller, and Elie Wiesel. Gary is presently managing editor of CHICAGO QUARTERLY REVIEW and a member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA. (Photo by Sandy Morris)

Shelby Marie Edwards (Xan Smith) is an actor-musician and solo performer. Chicago theatre Credits include RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS (Lifeline Theatre), YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL (Pegasus Theatre Chicago), QUALIA (Subtext Studio Theatre), A BRONX TALE, THE WEDDING SINGER (Surging Films and Theatrics), HOLLY’S IVY, LOST HOME WIN HOME (Lifeline Theatre’s Fillet of Solo Festival). Regional credits include: ABIYOYO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), FLEX (Summit Performance Indianapolis), CHICKEN & BISCUITS (Virginia Repertory Theatre), LITTLE WOMEN (Virginia Theatre Festival). Education: M.A. from the University of Chicago and B.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University. Film Credits include HBO’s LOVECRAFT COUNTRY. Shelby is a proud alumna of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s professional leadership program. IG: @ShelbyMarieEdwards

Kurt McGinnis Brown (Playwright) has had plays performed across the country, including in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. His fiction has appeared in national journals such as AMERICAN LITERARY REVIEW, DENVER QUARTERLY, GLIMMER TRAIN, and NEW LETTERS, and he recently completed a memoir about crime and creativity. Kurt’s work on land and poverty issues took him to Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Peru, and Russia; a few lives perhaps are better for it. Richard Shavzin (Director) is delighted to have had the opportunity to help bring this excellent new play into the American theatrical canon. He has also directed the world premieres of the musical ANY SOMEONE AT ALL at Second City; DEFAMATION, TOPS OR BOTTOMS, and FALLOUT for Canamac Productions; TEN CENT NIGHT (Chicago Dramatists); NEVER THE BRIDESMAID (Polarity Ensemble), KLUB KOKOMO (PS Theatricals); and Studs Terkel's RACE at Strawdog Theatre, where he was the Artistic Director from 1993-1998 and won a Jeff for Direction for BURN THIS. He is a member of Perennial Theatre Company, an Artistic Affiliate Emeritus with American Blues, and an Associate Artist at Chicago Dramatists, where he has directed almost 100 readings of new plays over the last 32 years. Mary Bonnett (Producing Artistic Director) is an award-winning artist who is the founder and Producing Artistic Director of Her Story Theater. As a playwright, her work has been seen in Chicago, NYC, Houston, Philadelphia, Wyoming and Connecticut. She has written a series of plays on domestic sex trafficking in Chicago. Her work also includes monologues, one acts and full-length plays. She is a member of Chicago Dramatist, Dramatist Guild, Perennial Theatre, Chicago Radio Players and SAG-AFTRA. Her new play, THE NOVELIST, has most recently had readings in Chicago and London, England. Mary is also a novelist with a published children's book and an adult literary novel on the way. Since 2011, Her Story Theater's mission has been to shine bright lights in dark places on women and children in need of social justice and community support.   HER STORY THEATER Her Story Theater was founded in 2011 and has focused primarily on raising awareness of the epidemic of sexual exploitation of minors and homelessness. The four produced plays in Her Story’s “Chicago Sex Trafficking Cycle” include SHADOW TOWN (2013), THE JOHNS (2014), MONEY MAKE'M SMILE (2016, 2017) and MONGER (2018).  As a group, the plays depict domestic sex trafficking from the perspectives of the various participants – the traffickers, the youths who are trafficked, and the men who buy them. INVISIBLE (2019) is concerned with issues of bigotry, nativism and violence against minorities. Her Story Theater continues its work to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic sex trafficking and the trauma-based victim through its touring presentations and programs.   Her Story Theater is a theater for social change. Through theater and the written word, our mission is to shine bright lights in dark places on women and children in need of social justice and community support. Since 2011, we have partnered with countless organizations to raise awareness on current issues that impact women and children.  Her Story Theater is supported by Driehaus Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, Oppenheimer Family Foundation, Com Ed Powering the Arts, Northern Trust, Sunlight Project, Vanguard Charitable and private donations.

World Premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana March 20th - April 5th at The Den Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Larkspur Productions Opens World Premiere of
The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana
By Gwyneth Forsythe
Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass
March 20th - April 5th at The Den Theatre

Larkspur Productions is pleased to announce the world premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana. Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana will play March 20th - April 5th at The Den Theatre, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL.

Tickets are on sale at https://thedentheatre.com/performances/2026/3/20/the-posthumous-trial-of-giulia-tofana-the-den-theatre-comedy-club-chicago

Murderer. Witch. Savior. Executed in 1659 for the murder of 600 men. That's how history remembers Giulia Tofana, the infamous creator of the Aqua Tofana poison. This is her story straight from Purgatory.

This one person show is performed by Sydney Genco. 

Comments playwright Gwyneth Forsythe: In a time when bodily autonomy and human rights are being actively taken away and the very idea of justice seems out of reach, stories from the past, like Giulia Tofana’s, are more important than ever. We cannot wait to share hers with you.

The production team includes Matthew York (Scenic Designer), Kate Kamphausen (Costume Designer), Garrett Bell (Lighting Designer), DJ Douglass (Sound Designer), Tina Haglund-Spitza (Props Designer), Tom Daniel (Scenic Carpenter), Henry Bender (Master Electrician) and Drew Donnelly (Technical Director).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana

Playwright: Gwyneth Forsythe

Director: Cheryl Snodgrass

Cast: Sydney Genco (Giulia Tofana)

Location: The Den Theatre, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

Regular run: March 20 – Sunday, April 5, 2026

Curtain Times: Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm. Sunday, April 5th at 3pm. Please note: there will be an added performance on Monday, March 30th @ 8pm (Industry Night).

Tickets: General admission: $25. https://thedentheatre.com/performances/2026/3/20/the-posthumous-trial-of-giulia-tofana-the-den-theatre-comedy-club-chicago

About the Artists:

Gwyneth Forsythe (Playwright) is a writer, educator and theatre artist who splits her time between Iowa City and Chicago. She received two BAs (Theatre Arts and History) from the University of Iowa and her MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage from Northwestern University, where she was awarded the Krevoy Screenwriting Prize. Gwyneth has worked as a freelance writer, taught for the Chicago City Colleges, and was a 2024 semi-finalist for the Eugene O'Neill Center's National Playwrights Conference. Last summer, her work was featured in the Heretic Theatre Festival produced by RJ Theatre Company in New York City. In the fall, she directed and produced “Ghosts on the Radio Vol. II: A Haunted Audio Anthology” for the Iowa Youth Writing Project and assistant-directed Global Express for the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. She has taught and developed writing courses in playwriting, screenwriting, horror, humor, and creative non-fiction for writers worldwide of all ages and experience levels.

Cheryl Snodgrass (Director) is passionate about directing new works. She is an alumni ensemble member of Hell in a Handbag where she’s directed multiple premieres including The Drag Seed, which performed at the famous LaMama Theatre in NYC. Other Handbag shows include The Birds, Scary Town, L’Imitation of Life, and Die, Mommie! Die! Cheryl has worked extensively as a visiting artist at Mill Mountain Theatre and Studio Roanoke (Roanoke, VA). She has also directed for a number of Chicago companies that include Sweetback, Glass Apple, Trap Door, The Foundlings, Tellin’ Tales, Jonny Staxx Presents, and Filet of Solo. Most recently, Cheryl directed John Cariani’s (playwright of Almost, Maine) new play Darker the Night Brighter the Stars for Penobscot Theatre in Bangor, ME and is very excited to be included in the published version as a premiere production.

EXTENDED: Goodman Theatre's World Premiere of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Extends Thru April 12th, 2026

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

ON STAGE NOW AND JUST EXTENDED: 

THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF 

OSCAR WAO

MARCO ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ’S ENGLISH STAGE ADAPTATION OF JUNOT DÍAZ’S BELOVED NOVEL, ADDS 8 PERFORMANCES

The Goodman announces an eight-performance extension for the world premiere of Marco Antonio Rodríguez’s English stage adaptation of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao— based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Junot Díaz. Teatro Vista Artistic Director Wendy Mateo directs this world-premiere production, featuring Humboldt Park’s Lenin Izquierdo in the title role of Oscar, leading a majority-Dominican cast. I'll be out for opening night March 2nd, so check back soon for my full review.

The Goodman’s production complements Rodríguez’s Spanish-language production, La Breve y Maravillosa Vida de Oscar Wao, which he wrote and directed for New York’s Repertorio Español, where it currently appears in selected dates. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is on stage now, running through April 12, in the 380-seat flexible Owen Theatre; extension week performances include April 7, 8 and 10 at 7:30pm, April 9 and 11 at 2pm and 7:30pm and April 12 at 2pm. For tickets ($34-94, subject to change), visit the Box Office (170 N. Dearborn), call 312.443.3800 or purchase online at GoodmanTheatre.org/Oscar. The Goodman is grateful for the support of The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust (Lead Sponsor of IDEAA Programming).

“I still remember how I felt after I saw Marco’s Spanish adaptation in New York—stunned, like my world had just tilted,” said Junot Díaz, who won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award for his book The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. “The play didn’t just surprise me—it blew me away. The stage version is both a brilliant distillation and a powerful re-imagining of the novel’s deep material, but what is extraordinary is how truthfully Marco’s script engages with the traumas, histories of resilience and irrepressible hearts that made the story what it is. I’m very grateful to everyone at The Goodman—the crews, the actors, the folks behind the scenes making the magic happen. To be given two gifts like Marco’s play in two different languages is more than I ever expected in my lifetime.”

Oscar (Lenin Izquierdo) knows that a nerdy Dominican college freshman isn’t anyone’s idea of a romantic hero. But with the encouragement of Yunior (Kelvin Grullon), his new roommate, he is determined to give love another chance. As Oscar sets out from New Jersey to Santo Domingo to prove his undeniable hope, can he shake the dark “fukú” that has haunted his family for generations? Junot Díaz’s novel comes to vivid life in this English-language world-premiere adaption—a celebration of risk and the power of perseverance against all odds.

Junot Díaz is the author of the critically acclaimed Drown; The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, which won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award; and This Is How You Lose Her, a New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist. His first picture book, Islandborn, was a New York Times Bestseller and won the CLASP Américas Award 2019.

Marco Antonio Rodríguez is a Dominican-American, award-winning bilingual writer. Named Top 50 Figure in LatinX and Latin American Theatre by Routledge. Acclaimed plays Ashes of Light and Barceló on the Rocks performed all over the world and published by NoPassport Press (available-Amazon.com & lulu.com). Acclaimed Spanish stage adaptation of Junot Díaz' The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao just celebrated five years Off-Broadway at the Spanish Repertory Theatre. His play, Bloom, acclaimed run-New York’s IATI theatre. Published by TRW. Half-hour pilot, Our Friendly Neighbors, produced in short film format by DominiRican Productions. National Hispanic Media Coalition Scriptwriters Program Fellow. The Movement Theatre Company x Black List Playwriting Commission winner where he developed his play, Walk-In. New play, Domino Effect, commissioned by People's Theatre Project, to have Off-Broadway world premiere-spring 2025. Recipient-New York Stage & Film and Space on Ryder Farm Residencies. Voices “Uncle Nestor” in Emmy nominated PBS Kids series Alma’s Way and “Alo” the unicorn on Netflix animated series Barbie: A Touch of Magic.

Wendy Mateo is the Producing Artistic Director of Teatro Vista and an actor, writer, director, filmmaker and content creator. Mateo has been seen throughout Chicago’s stages including the Second City and Lookingglass Theatre where she is an ensemble member. Mateo's directing credits include the play Not for Sale 2.0 by Guadalis del Carmen at UrbanTheater Company and ¡Bernarda! By Emilio Williams at Teatro Vista. On television and film, Mateo can be seen on Chicago Med (NBC), as Ronnie in Station Eleven(HBO) and Steve McQueen’s Widows. As a filmmaker, Wendy has written, directed and produced three short films including the latest, Hair, written and directed by Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo, now embarking on a film festival tour.

Founded in 1968, Repertorio Español produces an unparalleled repertoire of contemporary and classical plays from Spain, Latin America and the Latinx/e diaspora. Its rich programming spans Spanish Golden Age masterpieces by Calderón de la Barca, Lope de Vega and Ana Caro de Mallén; nearly the complete works of Federico García Lorca, including the rarely staged The Public; acclaimed plays from Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay and Puerto Rico; original adaptations of novels by Gabriel García Márquez, Junot Díaz, Julia Álvarez and Isabel Allende; and groundbreaking works by contemporary Latinx playwrights such as Nilo Cruz, Carmen Rivera, Caridad Svich and Marco Antonio Rodríguez. Presenting approximately 200 performances each year, Repertorio draws diverse audiences from across New York and beyond. The Company’s artistic excellence has been recognized with five OBIE Awards, two Drama Desk Awards and two New York State Governor’s Arts Awards. For tickets and more information, visit Repertorio.nyc.


Company of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (in alphabetical order)

By Marco Antonio Rodríguez
Based on the novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot DíazDirected by Wendy Mateo
Original Spanish production by Repertorio Español

Rossmery Almonte...La Inca
Julissa Calderon...Lola
Yohanna Florentino...Beli
Kelvin Grullon...Yunior
Jalbelly Guzmán...Jenni/Ybon/Trujillo Woman
Lenin Izquierdo...Oscar
Arik Vega...Dionisio/Manny/Capitan/Goon

Understudies include Berny Balbuena (Oscar Wao), Jasmine Bracey (La Inca), Gabriela Furtado Coutinho (Jenni/Ybon/Trujillo Woman), Trey DeLuna (Dionisio/Manny/Capitan/Goon), Melissa F. DuPrey(Beli/Lola) and Adriel Irizarry (Yunior).

CREATIVE TEAM

Costume Designer...Raquel Adorno
Projection Designer...Stefania Bulbarella
Set Designer...Regina Garcia
Lighting Designer...Max Grano De Oro
Sound Designer...Willow James
Cultural Consultant...Rey Andújar
Dialect & Language Coach...Marco Antonio Rodríguez
Dialect & Language Coach Assistant...Yolanny Rodriguez
Intimacy and Violence/Movement Coordinator...Gregory Geffrard
Intimacy and Violence Assistant...Tatiana Bustamante
Movement Assistant...Chels Morgan
Script Assistant...Octavio Montes De Oca
Assistant Director...Lo Williams
Assistant Dramaturg...Anna Rogelio Joaquin
Line Producer and Dramaturg...Kat Zukaitis

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Isabel Patt is the Production Stage Manager.

ENHANCED AND ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES

Visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Access for more information about The Goodman’s accessibility efforts.

ASL-Interpreted...March 13 at 7:30pm – An ASL interpreter signs the action/text as played.
Audio-Described...March 14 at 2pm; Touch Tour; 12:30pm – Action audibly enhanced via headset.
Spanish-Subtitled...March 14 at 7:30pm – Spanish-translated dialogue via LED sign.
Open-Captioned...March 15 at 2pm – LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance.

ABOUT THE GOODMAN
Since 1925, The Goodman has been more than a stage. A theatrical home for artists and a gathering space for community, it’s where stories come to life—bold in artistry and rich in history, deeply rooted in the city it serves.

Led by Walter Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, The Goodman sparks conversation, connection and change through new plays, reimagined classics and large-scale musicals. With distinctions including nearly 200 world or American premieres, two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and nearly 200 Joseph Jefferson Awards, The Goodman is proud to be the first theater to produce all 10 plays of August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” In addition, the theater frequently serves as a production partner—with national and international companies to Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters—to help amplify theatrical voices.

But The Goodman believes a more empathetic, more connected Chicago is created one story at a time, and counts as its greatest legacy the community it’s built. Generation-spanning productions and programs offer theater for a lifetime; from Theater for the Very Young (plays designed for ages 0-5) to the long-running annual A Christmas Carol, which has introduced new generations to theater over five decades, The Goodman is committed to being an asset for all of Chicago. Education and Engagement programs led by Clifford Director of Education and Engagement Jared Bellot and housed in the Alice Rapoport Center use the tools of theater to spark imagination, reflection and belonging. Each year, these programs reach thousands of people (85% from underserved communities) as well as educators, artists and lifelong learners across the city.

The Goodman stands on the unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires—the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations—and acknowledges the many other Nations for whom this land now called Chicago has long been home, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo, and Mascouten. The Goodman is proud to partner with the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum (Gichigamiin-Museum.org) and the Center for Native Futures (CenterForNativeFutures.org)—organizations devoted to honoring Indigenous stories, preserving cultural memory, and deepening public understanding.

The Goodman was founded by William O. Goodman and his family to honor the memory of Kenneth Sawyer Goodman—a visionary playwright whose bold ideas helped shape Chicago’s early cultural renaissance. That spirit of creativity and generosity endures today. In 2000, through the commitment of Mr. Goodman’s descendants—Albert Ivar Goodman and his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton—The Goodman opened the doors to its current home in the heart of the Loop.

Marsha Cruzan is Chair of the Goodman Theatre Board of Trustees; Diane Landgren is Women’s Board President; and Kelli Garcia is president of the Scenemakers Board for Young Professionals.

World Premiere of Ghost Fetus Via Trap Door Theatre Now Playing Through September 27th, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Trap Door Theatre’s Trap Open Series Presents

The World Premiere of

Ghost Fetus

Written by Suz Evans

Directed by Anna Klos

Now Playing Through September 27th, 2025

Trap Door Theatre is thrilled to open its 32nd season with a World Premiere presented with the Trap Open Series: Ghost Fetus, written by Chicago playwright Suz Evans and directed by Anna Klos. Ghost Fetus will play September 11th –27th, 2025 at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W Cortland St. in Chicago. Tickets are now on sale at trapdoortheatre.com or by calling (773)-384-0494. 

The cast includes Jenn Geiger, Tia Pinson, Lolo Ramos, Gus Thomas, and Jacqui Touchet

A ghost seeking revenge. A church caught in its own contradictions. Two queer teens reckoning with faith, fear, and desire. Anna Klos and Suz Evans bring you a haunting, hilarious, and heartfelt piece like no other.

The production team includes Anna Klos (Director), Richard Norwood (Lighting Designer),Suz Evans (Set Designer), Emily Nichelson (Costume Designer), Anna Kosicki (Assistant Costume Designer), Laila Eskin (Sound Designer), Chels Morgan (Intimacy/Violence Director), Gabrielle Owens (Stage Manager), Laura Nelson (Marketing), Lo Miles

Cast (in alphabetical order): Jenn Geiger (Craig), Tia Pinson (Ghost Fetus), Lolo Ramos(Whitney), Gus Thomas (Aaron), and Jacqui Touchet (Sarah Jane).

Location: Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland St. Chicago, IL 60622

Dates: Regular Run: Thursday, September 11th –Saturday, September 27th, 2025

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 pm.

Tickets: $22. Tickets are currently available at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/trapdoor/ghost-fetus or by calling (773) 384-0494.

Group tickets: Special group rates are available. For information, call (773) 384-0494 or email boxofficetrapdoor@gmail.com.

Plan your visit: Free street parking is available.

Buses: #9 (Ashland), #50 (Damen), #72 (North), #73 (Armitage).

Metra: Clybourn metra stop.

Accessibility:

Trap Door Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

About the Artists:

Suz Evans (Playwright) (they/them) (b Cincinnati 1990) is a playwright, set designer and visual artist with a background in printmaking and performance art. Their work delves into questions about identity, hierarchy, cultural deviance, relationships and grief. Evans has a BFA in printmaking and art history from Montserrat College of Art (2013). They have shown visual work at the Lily Pad (Cambridge MA), the Crane Estate of Ipswich (MA), SOWA open studios (Boston), the Boston Printmakers Biennial, Roots and Culture and Archer Beach House (Chicago) and unofficially made live work at places such as the Cincinnati Art Museum, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Mass MoCa, and Smith College Museum of Art.

Their first script, Childhood Beauty, was produced at Trap Door Theatre in 2019. In 2021 they wrote for adevised work at Trick Lock Theater (Albuquerque). Evans designed the set for Antigonik, directed at Trap Door by Anna Klos in 2024. Their puppetry work has also been performed at several YUCK! shows in Chicago in collaboration with Klos. 

Evans is committed to making work that examines their own childhood of fundamental Christian upbringing. Whether it’s deep dives into the impacts of pro-life ideology or obsessions with cultural moments such as Jane Fonda Workout videos, their plays are all in consideration of understanding what got us to the present. Ghost Fetus was written a year before Roe v.Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court. As Evans creates work about a life that feels far removed from a progressive city like Chicago we are reminded that ideas of the body, the reproduction system, and societal control are strongly rooted in our American culture.

Anna Klos (Director) (they/them) has worked with Trap Door for the last five seasons, and during thattime they have explored a myriad of projects, including: Antigonick (Director), The Ugly One (Assistant Director), Trap Door's 25/25 (Event Manager), Old Woman Broods (Actor), and Monsieur D'Eon is a Woman, The White Plague, Lipstick Lobotomy, Queen C, Decomposed Theater, The Martyrdom of PeterOhey (Chicago run and New York tour), Jeanne et le Feu, and Bowie in Warsaw (Stage Manager). Anna is grateful for clowns, their Trap family, and their partner, Suz.

About the Trap Open Series

The Trap Open Series explores non-traditional forms of playmaking, while developing and giving voice to the next generation of groundbreaking theater artists. In keeping with the promise to foster innovative forms of expression, Trap Door opens up its space to company members, as well as guest artists, to develop new work that exists outside the realm of a traditional theatrical run. These performances occur sporadically throughout the prime-time season as additional offerings during the week and late nights. Whether it is a workshop of a bold new play, a daylong performance installation, or a collaboration with artists from other mediums, Trap Open offers audiences thrilling, unexpected experiences while granting artists the opportunity to take risks that push their artistic practices to new heights.

About Trap Door Theatre

Trap Door Theatre is committed to seeking out challenging and obscure works. Whether a forgotten European classic, an international project rarely seen in the United States, or an untarnished piece of American literature, Trap Door seeks diverse voices and presents them through innovative expression. We mix established and imaginative techniques to illustrate theabsurdities of living in today’s society.

Trap Door Theatre is funded in part by The Paul M Angell Family Foundation, The CliffDwellers Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council Agency, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The John R Halligan Charitable Fund, The Reva and David Logan Foundation, and the generosity of individual donors.

For additional information, visit trapdoortheatre.com

REVIEW: Lifeline Theatre's World Premiere Production of RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS Through October 5, 2025

When Life's the Pits, Embrace The Cherries!

Black Joy and Rabbit Luck Abound in Lifeline's World Premiere

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

“RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS”

Developed in Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Workshop: Chicago Playwright’s Debut Production 

Run Time: 90 minutes

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

(L to R) Marcus D. Moore (Jasper), Simmery Branch (Harley), and Felicia McNeal (Inola). Improv students Jasper and Inola try a scene as Harley’s ancestors in Lifeline Theatre’s “Rabbits In Their Pockets” Photo credit for all: Josh Bernaski

I've always been fascinated by the idea that homes soak in the energy and emotions of what transpired there. Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays, RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS takes this concept to the next level with the invention of walls that can store up black joy like solar panels. This play hits home in an era where DEI initiatives are being rolled back on the regular, lynchings are resurging, and black joy is under attack. 

It's fantastic that this play came to life through Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop and firmly centers the lives of two very different black siblings and their struggle to reconnect as adults. I applaud the choice of productions outside of the white, male canon, and the strong representation of lead roles for both women and actors of color. Simmery Branch (Harley) and LaKecia Harris (Ash) expertly play siblings, whose conflict and connection is fascinating to see. Felisha McNeal (Inola) is also a hoot in her role as a cryptic ancestor/investor. We also enjoyed watching Marcus D. Moore (Jasper, R) in action.

Since Virginia Woolf's famous essay, the idea of a room of one's own, has captivated imaginations. It's particularly important for mothers, caregivers, and women to have a space of their own to retreat into and recharge, no matter how small, and the sisters saw this as children, in their Mother's cherry wallpapered hidey hole beneath the stairs. In RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS there's something so joyful and special about reclaiming sacred space, rekindling the bonds of blood, and moving forward together. I love the juxtaposition of old school, low tech, self care with futuristic, cutting edge invention, all in pursuit of joy. 

There's also quite a bit of humor and rabbit fun from an improv assignment to a full body, jump scare inducing bunny suit, complete with a giant furry head. 

Simmery Branch (Harley, L) coaches her improv student Marcus D. Moore (Jasper, R) as he tries to be a rabbit in Lifeline Theatre’s “Rabbits In Their Pockets”

It was such a pleasure to catch opening night of this playfully thought provoking piece. We'll be keeping an eye out for more work from playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays whose insightful themes on human psychology and family dynamics are at once universal and deeply personal. And if that joy collector wall panel actually works, those wall will be oozing joy after the laughter and applause of opening weekend. 

Sisters LaKecia Harris (Ash, L) and Simmery Branch (Harley, R) meet after a long estrangement in Lifeline Theatre’s “Rabbits In Their Pockets” a world-premiere original comedy by Kimberly Dixon-Mays

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar. Recommended. Three out of four stars. ★★★ 

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).

(L to R) Simmery Branch (Harley) and LaKecia Harris (Ash) play sisters who find shared joy in childhood memories 

Lifeline Theatre's World Premiere production of Kimberly Dixon-Mays’ RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS is directed by Christopher Wayland and running through October 5, 2025 on the Rogers Park theatre’s stage at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Tickets ($25 - $45) are now available at https://lifelinetheatre.com/.

(L to R) Simmery Branch (Harley) and LaKecia Harris (Ash) play siblings with very different approaches to life.

In the pursuit of joy, does method matter? Two siblings–opposites and estranged–take one last shot at putting grief behind them to create the joy they both seek. But their daring project can only succeed if they can accept each other's special magic. A world premiere original play by Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays, RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS began in Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop.

(L to R) LaKecia Harris (Ash) and Simmery Branch (Harley)

RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS PRODUCTION DETAILS

Title: RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS

Written By: Kimberly Dixon-Mays

Directed By: Christopher Wayland

Cast: LaKecia Harris (Ash), Simmery Branch (Harley), Marcus D. Moore (Teddy), and Felisha McNeal (Inola)

Production Crew: Maryha Paige (Stage Manager), Shokie Tseumah (Scenic and Props Designer), Joseph Nelson (Lighting and Projections Designer), Emily McConnell (Costume Designer), and Isaac Mandel (Sound Designer)

Dates: Now Playing Through October 5, 2025 

Schedule: Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Location: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.

Tickets: General Admission: $45

Military, student, and senior discounts available

Box Office:  info@lifelinetheatre.com or by phone at 773-761-4477

ABOUT LIFELINE THEATRE

Now in its 43rd season, Lifeline Theatre continues to explore, interpret, and reimagine books and other literary works to create stories that move us beyond the margins of our own lives. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre’s MainStage programs are partially supported by the Carole Oppenheim and Jerome S. Lamet Charitable Fund; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Anonymous; Paul M. Angell Foundation; Rogers Park Social; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The Saints; and the annual support of businesses and individuals. https://lifelinetheatre.com

(L to R) Simmery Branch (Harley) and LaKecia Harris (Ash) play siblings in Lifeline Theatre’s “Rabbits In Their Pockets” a world-premiere original comedy by Kimberly Dixon-Mays, directed by Christopher Wayland. Now running through Sunday, October 5. Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Chicago, IL 60626. For tickets visit https://lifelinetheatre.com or call the box office at 773-761-4477. 

WORLD PREMIERE OF UNCLE CARLOS EXPLAINS Via SUBTEXT THEATER COMPANY September 5-27, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

SUBTEXT THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 

UNCLE CARLOS EXPLAINS

THE STORY OF NEW ORLEANS MOB BOSS CARLOS MARCELLO’S BATTLE AGAINST BOBBY KENNEDY AND HIS ROLE IN THE JFK ASSASSINATION

September 5-27, 2025

This September Subtext Theater Company (STC) will stage a new work by Leigh Johnson, Uncle Carlos Explains. His name now lost to history, New Orleans mobster Carlos Marcello was at one time perhaps the most powerful mafioso in the country, his criminal empire stretching from the parishes of Louisiana to Dallas, Texas. In his own words, this proud, vicious man regales us with his criminal rise, his running afoul of Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and the almost inconceivable revenge he extracted against his hated nemesis.

In turn beguiling, accommodating, amusing, but ultimately terrifying, Chicago actor Andrew Pond skillfully portrays Marcello as a proud man consumed by his hatred of Bobby Kennedy and his single-minded purpose to “take this stone out of my shoe.” Sam Brittan (left) and Vito Vittore (right) round out the cast, portraying a variety of government officials and a rogue gallery of Marcello underlings.

The production is directed by STC Artistic Director and founding member Jonathan “Rocky” Hagloch. Managing Director/Artistic Director and founding member John Oster is producing and Sean Smyth is serving as the production stage manager. The set design is by Hagloch and Oster.  

Leigh Johnson is a long-time Chicago playwright, his numerous productions mainly exploring historical and familial issues. He is also a novelist and screenwriter. Leigh has received critical praise for his scripts A Brother’s Keeper (2015) A Prayer for the Sandinista’s (2017) A Bump on the Leg (2023) all produced by STC, Lefties (2013), Lotto Fever in the Sucker State (2014) and Little Stones (2018) all produced by the Saint Sebastian Players and Khe Sanh Bagman (2000) at Center Theatre.

STC is a professional, non-Equity 501c3 that was founded in 2015 and is dedicated to bringing powerful stories to the stage through an exploration of the meanings found inside, under and between the authors’ words. For more information about the company and its founders visit subtextnfp.org.

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Theater, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. For a full list of production dates visit subtextnfp.org. Free parking is available in two lots. There are stairs but no elevator in the building. Full-priced Single tickets are $30; Sr/student tickets are 25.00, group rates are $20.00 for a group of ten or more. Ticketing at http://www.subtextnfp.org/box-office.html

All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-908-6124 or visit subtextnfp.org.

Lucid Theater To Stage WORLD PREMIERE of Comedy BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY August 1-17 at The Edge Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Lucid Theater's World Premiere of

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY 

by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider

Directed by Iris Sowlat 

Opening August 2 at the Edge Theatre

An anxiety-ridden college professor faces crises in her career, her marriage and her family relationships while planning an 80th birthday party for her overbearing mother.

Featuring Kristie Berger, Kathleen Ruhl, Christopher Hainsworth, and Ada Grey

Iris Sowlat will direct Kristie Berger, Kathleen Ruhl, Christopher Hainsworth, and Ada Grey in World Premiere comedy

Lucid Theater will present the world premiere of BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS AND WELLES was a breakout hit of summer 2024. In BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY, an anxiety-ridden college professor faces crises in her career, her marriage and her family relationships while planning an 80th birthday party for her overbearing mother. Neither medication, meditation, nor the tenets of Buddhism are enough to soothe her anxiety over the upcoming party or the ongoing challenges in her life. BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY will be performed at the Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago from August 1 – 17. I'll be out for the Press Opening Saturday, August 2nd, so check back soon for my full review. 

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY will be performed by a cast of Chicago stage veterans, led by Actors Equity member Kristie Berger as the insecure professor Pamela. Berger’s career includes roles at the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Victory Gardens; as well as productions at storefronts including City Lit, Lifeline, Strawdog, and many others. Pamela’s difficult mother Roberta will be played by Kathleen Ruhl, an ensemble member at Redtwist Theatre, where she has performed in nine plays. Ruhl’s decades-long career includes two Jeff Awards (for supporting actress in DOLLY WEST’S KITCHEN and ensemble for THIS HAPPY BREED, both with TimeLine), and roles with Piven Theatre, Writers, and Shattered Globe. For Shattered Globe, she played the title role in FOR PETER PAN ON HER 70TH BIRTHDAY, written for her by her daughter Sarah Ruhl.

Pamela’s husband Lawrence, a self-assured philosophy professor, will be played by Christopher Hainsworth, a Lifeline Theatre ensemble member who has also performed with The Gift Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Factory, Strawdog Theatre Company, and The House Theatre of Chicago, among others. Ada Grey will play Jennifer, niece of Pamela and a free spirit who has returned from abroad for her grandmother’s party.  A pesky raccoon that is an habitual irritant to Pamela’s routine will be created and performed by Emilie Wingate of Flying Leap Productions.

Top Row L-R: Kristie Berger, Kathleen Ruhl.

Lower Row L-R: Christopher Hainsworth, Ada Grey

Iris Sowlat, a Chicago-based director who holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she directed Sarah Ruhl’s ORLANDO and Lauren Gunderson’s EMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHATELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT, will direct BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY. Sowlat’s previous Chicago directing credits include productions with Accidental Theatre Company, PrideArts, Piven, and others. Alvaro Ledesma is creating the sound and lighting design.

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY has been in development for over a decade, starting as a ten-minute play written for a Scene Shop Showcase at Chicago Dramatists in 2014. Crider expanded it into a full-length play for a Chicago Dramatists’ Master Class in 2020, and it has received several readings since then.

Tickets for BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY are $38.00 and are on sale at  www.lucidtheater.com. Performances will be Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30, and Sundays at 3:00, from August 1 – 17 at the Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago.

MORE INFORMATION

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY

WORLD PREMIERE

Written by Amy Crider

Directed by Iris Sowlat.

Produced by Lucid Theater Company

August 1 - 17, 2025

Press Opening Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 pm

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30, and Sunday at 3:00

Edge Theatre, 5451 N, Broadway, Chicago

Tickets: $38, on sale at www.lucidtheater.com

Please visit www.lucidtheater.com for more information.

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY is a comedy about anxiety, enlightenment, and raccoons. Pamela, an insecure history professor, is pressed by her husband to try medication for anxiety. She’s always counted on the benefits of meditation. Stressed by her overbearing mother and some relentless animals, she learns that liberation is open to all of us in a moment of grace. In the end, her journey is only beginning, and the raccoons will always be with us.  

BIOS

Amy Crider (Playwright) studied comedy at Second City, and attended workshops with Chicago Dramatists, Jackalope Theatre, and LaMaMa. Her last production, WELLS AND WELLES, produced in Chicago in July/August 2024, was a nominee for the 2025 ATCA/Steinberg Award. Her plays have won the Tennessee Williams One Act Play Contest, Word Wave, and New Plays from the Heartland. Two of her plays have been published by TRW. She is also the author two novels published by the University of New Orleans Press. Her podcast Continuous Dream is on Spotify. You’re welcome to find out more at www.amycrider.com

Iris Sowlat (Director) is a Chicago-based director who holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she directed Sarah Ruhl’s ORLANDO and Lauren Gunderson’s EMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHATELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT. This year, she directed Gunderson’s THE BOOK OF WILL for Triton College (as Adjunct Faculty) and will direct COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Rozina Kanchwala for Eco Logic (June 2025). Favorite Chicago directing credits include ROMEO AND JULIET (Accidental Shakespeare Company), JOAN OF ARC and UNDERWORLD ANTHEM (RhinoFest), THE DAYS ARE SHORTER (Pride Arts), ABCD (Piven Theatre) and NARRATIVES OF ACHROMATOPSIA and TURN THAT THING AROUND, (Chicago Fringe Festival), and three different sold-out fundraiser readings of Paula Kamen’s JANE: ABORTION AND THE UNDERGROUND. She has also worked with Northlight Theatre, About Face Theatre, American Theatre Company, Chicago Dramatists, Collaboraction, Broken Nose, Stage Left Theatre (former Artistic Associate), Possibilities Theatre Company, NoPassport Theatre Alliance, and many others. Iris is one half of the leadership (with Allison Fradkin) of the DIY queer feminist theatre Violet Surprise. In 2018, she was named one of WINDY CITY TIMES  “30 Under 30.” Find her on the web at www.IrisSowlat.com.

Kristie Berger (Pamela) last appeared in THE MOUSETRAP at Citadel Theatre. Regional theater credits include Barbara Fordham in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and Frankie in  FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE at The Human Race Theatre in Dayton; the long-running national tour of THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION starring Barbara Eden; VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION, BUS STOP, and RESIDENT ALIEN at Nebraska Repertory Theatre.  Chicago area credits include Diane in THE BIRDS, Citadel Theatre; Jeanette in THE LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS, Illinois Theatre Center; THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE, and THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION, Apollo Theater. Other theaters she has worked with include the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, Equity Library Theater, City Lit, Lifeline, Strawdog, Mary-Arrchie, Touchstone, Center Theater, and Absolute.  She also works in TV, voice-overs, commercials, films, and industrial films. Kristie is a proud member of Actors’ Equity. 

Ada Grey (Jennifer). Television credits include THE RED LINE (CBS), SHRINK (NBC), SIRENS (USA), and CHICAGO FIRE (NBC). Most recent credits at the London Academy of Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) include: DANCE NATION (LAMDA), CHAOS, SAINT GEORGE AND THE DRAGON, and OUR HOUSE. Chicago stage credits include NO HOME FOR BEES (20% Theatre), OUR TOWN (Redtwist Theatre), THE HAVEN PLACE and I AND MY IPHONE (A Red Orchid Youth), SCARCITY (Redtwist Theatre, Broadway World Chicago Nomination Best Actress), THE AWAKE (First Floor Theatre), THE HAMMER TRINITY (The House Theatre), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Oak Park Festival Theatre), JANE EYRE (Lifeline Theatre), MEN SHOULD WEEP (Griffin Theatre, Jeff Award Best Production), and SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR (The Hypocrites).  She recently graduated from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art with a BA in acting. 

Christopher Hainsworth (Lawrence) is a Lifeline Theatre ensemble member, where he has performed in TREASURE ISLAND, NEVERWHERE, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, THE KILLER ANGELS, A TALE OF TWO CITIES, MISS HOLMES, FRANKENSTEIN and MISS HOLMES RETURNS; and penned the adaptations of HUNGER, MONSTROUS REGIMENT, MIDNIGHT COWBOY and FABLE-OUS! He has also worked for The Gift Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Factory, Strawdog Theatre Company, and The House Theatre of Chicago, among others.

Kathleen Ruhl (Roberta) Over many years in Chicago, Kathleen Ruhl has been lucky enough to have performed on a lot of stages with many wonderful actors and directors. She started on the Chicago City Players stage (four shows) which later became the TimeLine stage (three shows), where she won Jeffs for best supporting actor (DOLLY WEST’S KITCHEN) and member of a Best Ensemble (THIS HAPPY BREED). Kathleen did Shakespeare at the outdoor Court Theatre at the University of Chicago (MACBETH, TWELFTH NIGHT, and AS YOU LIKE IT) and Noel Coward at the “new” Court Theatre (HAY FEVER). She studied with Joyce Piven and performed in seven shows directed by Joyce at the Piven Theatre. Some of the other stages she has trod in Chicago and the northern suburbs include those at Writer’s Theatre (HEDDA GABLER), the Attic playhouse in Highwood (three shows), Shattered Globe (Peter Pan in FOR PETER PAN ON HER SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY) and Music Theatre of Hyde Park (Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS). Kathleen is currently a company member at Redtwist, where she has done nine shows.

ABOUT LUCID THEATER COMPANY

Lucid Theater Company has been producing plays since 2017. Previous productions include LEDA (2017), CHARLIE JOHNSON READS ALL OF PROUST (2019), METADATA (2021), and A LEGACY (Rhinofest, 2023). The company also produces the podcast series of audio plays CONTINUOUS DREAM.

Mission:

Lucid Theater produces original plays with a broad range of subjects and styles. We center ideas and emotions to evoke thoughtful reflection, courageous choices, and compassion. Our goal is to fight against numbness and awaken our audiences to the richness and depth of emotional experience. Rather than replicate reality, we seek to reveal subjective experience for its dreamlike sensibility.

Values:

We honor the artist by paying everyone involved.

We commit to a respectful work environment.

We strive to hire female directors and leadership.

We pledge to listen deeply and question authentically.

We vow to uplift the human spirit.