MARRIOTT THEATRE UNVEILS THRILLING 2026 SEASON OF TIMELESS CLASSICS AND NEW FAVORITES

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Marriott Theatre, Chicagoland’s longest running musical theatre, is proud to unveil its 2026 season, featuring a dynamic lineup of beloved classics and exciting new productions. 

Under the leadership of Executive Producer Peter Blair and Artistic Director Peter Marston Sullivan, the season includes the cult favorite Little Shop of Horrors, the electrifying Elvis bio-musical Heartbreak Hotel, Stephen Sondheim’s romantic masterpiece A Little Night Music, the uplifting true story Come From Away, and Disney’s magical phenomenon Frozen The Broadway Musical. Complementing the 2026 lineup is a vibrant Theatre for Young Audiences series, plus an exciting concert series, ensuring that Marriott Theatre continues delivering world-class musical entertainment.

The 2026 season opens with the long-requested cult favorite Little Shop of Horrors, directed and choreographed by Tommy Rapley (Marriott Theatre: James and the Giant Peach, Big Fish). The deviously delicious smash hit musical from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast) follows meek plant store attendant Seymour, his co-worker crush Audrey, her sadistic dentist boyfriend, and the man-eating plant that threatens them all. A quirky, tongue-in-cheek comedy packed with sci-fi charm and unforgettable songs, Little Shop of Horrors previews January 21, opens January 28, and runs through March 15th.

Next up, for the first time on the Marriott stage, comes Heartbreak Hotel, directed and choreographed by Deidre Goodwin (Marriott Theatre: Beehive: The 60’s Musical, Catch Me If You Can). The official Elvis Presley bio-musical takes a closer look at the rock star and incomparable icon whose impact shaped the history of music and culture. Featuring over 40 hits including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Love Me Tender,” this musical journey explores the highs, the lows, and the treasured music that made “The King” a legend. Heartbreak Hotel previews April 8, opens April 15, and runs through May 31.

Summer brings wit and romance in A Little Night Music, directed by Nick Bowling (Marriott Theatre: 1776, Man of La Mancha, Ragtime; recipient of eight Jeff Awards for outstanding direction) and choreographed by Katie Johannigman (Marriott Theatre: The Magic School Bus, Cinderella). Set in 1900 Sweden, Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece explores the tangled web of affairs surrounding actress Desirée Armfeldt and the men who love her. With heartbreak, humor, and the haunting song “Send in the Clowns,” this sumptuous musical is a celebration of love and second chances. A Little Night Music previews June 17, opens June 24, and runs through August 9.

In the fall, Marriott Theatre presents the hit musical Come From Away, directed by Jessica Fisch (Marriott Theatre: Catch Me If You Can, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Choreographed by Katie Spelman (Broadway: The Notebook; Marriott Theatre: The Music Man). Based on the remarkable true story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, which welcomed thousands of stranded travelers on September 11, 2001, this uplifting musical celebrates the power of kindness, community, and music in the face of tragedy. Come From Away previews August 26, opens September 2, and runs through October 18.

The 2026 season closes with the epic Disney phenomenon Frozen The Broadway Musical, directed by Ashley Rodbro (Worldwide Supervising Associate Director of Moulin Rouge!, Resident Director of Hamilton, Associate Director of Oh, Hello on Broadway) and choreographed by Katie Spelman (Broadway: The Notebook; Marriott Theatre: The Music Man). Based on the Academy Award-winning film, Disney’s Frozen features beloved songs like “Let It Go”, “Love is an Open Door,” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” plus new music written for the stage. A magical tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and true love, Disney’s Frozen previews November 4, opens November 11, and runs through January 3.

The magic continues for families at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, which will bring family favorites to life in 2026. The season kicks off with the whimsical wonder of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed and choreographed by Amber Mak, running February 13 through March 29. Summer brings A Year with Frog and Toad, directed by Elizabeth Romero, from July 10 through August 9. Rounding out the year is The SpongeBob Musical, directed and choreographed by Justin Brill and Shanna VanDerwerker, running November 20 through January 3.

Concert Series highlights include Feelin’ Groovy: Michael Mahler Sings Paul Simon on March 16-17, Let’s Hang On: A Rock n’ Soul Party on June 1-2, Friends in Low Places: Brandon Bennett Sings Garth Brooks on September 14-15, and A Motown Christmas Celebration with Chester Gregory on December 14-15.

Subscriptions for the 2026 season, as well as single tickets for all upcoming shows and concerts, are available September 15. For more information on Marriott Theatre or to purchase tickets to the current hit musical, Catch Me If You Can, please visit MarriottTheatre.com or follow the theatre on social media @marriotttheatre.

ABOUT MARRIOTT THEATRE

Founded in 1975, Marriott Theatre is known for presenting new and classic musicals, often direct from Broadway and has staged more than 260 productions before an estimated 12,000,000 people in its history. Marriott Theatre has received a record 380 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and has employed more than 6,000 artists. In addition to the presentation of classic American musical theatre, Marriott Theatre has become a driving force in the development of original and re-imagined musicals.

REVIEW: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty Sided Tavern Playing Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse Through September 28, 2025

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ALL-NEW PRODUCTION OF

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS THE TWENTY-SIDED TAVERN

D&D: The Twenty-Sided Tavern national tour, 2025. Photo by André Chung.

Pictured: (clockwise from top left) RJ Christian, Alex Stompoly, R. Alex Murray, Madelyn Murphy, William Champion, Diego F. Salinas, Conner Marx, Cassidy Sledge, Jasmin Malave.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS THE TWENTY-SIDED TAVERN RETURNS TO CHICAGO 

FOR SEVEN WEEKS ONLY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28

PLAYING AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE

Conner Marx, photo credit Bronwen Sharp

GUEST REVIEW

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

Seeing The Twenty Sided Tavern is any nerd’s dream. I would know, as I found no less than 13 of my friends and acquaintances in the audience on the night I saw the performance. The production was able to bring together performers from the Renaissance Faire, professional Dungeon Masters, convention cosplayers, and actors. But it also welcomed in those who had never played D&D before. At the top of the show, the actors asked how many people had never played the role-playing game, and approximately a third of the patrons raised their hands. As an experienced player, it worried me a little because I know the rules can be very dense, but miraculously, the whole audience was engaged and enthusiastic the entire time!

For those who know nothing about the show, the Twenty Sided Tavern is a live-action, acted-out version of a short single-session game of Dungeons and Dragons. Like a regular game of D&D, the production has a few players, each acting as a character in the game. The story is narrated and led by a dungeon master, and most of the actions the characters take are decided by a roll of the dice. Unlike a normal game, though, the audience gets a say in how the story plays out. Each audience member receives a randomly assigned color that corresponds to a player, who they help decide on actions. Then, when a player comes to a point where they need to make a decision, they will throw out two cleverly-worded options and let the audience vote on them. This way of making decisions brings out the genius of the show – the two options throw a layer of obscurity on the decision, allowing everyone to engage, not just those who know the rules. 

Madelyn Murphy, Photo credit Bronwen Sharp

But it’s not just through voting on your phone that the audience gets to help. The show is also filled with mini games. Some are virtual, like a quick-time tapping game that requires the audience to collectively hit a certain number of taps to succeed. Some others are physical, like a game of “uh oh block fall down” (legally distinct from Jenga) that 3 audience members get to participate in on stage. There were even some riddles thrown in as well. 

Alex Stompoly, Photo credit Bronwen Sharp

Twenty Sided Tavern does a great job of structuring its games to account for those who love and hate audience interaction. I was able to participate in the performance without ever needing to say a word or stand up in front of an audience of people. I especially enjoyed one section where they allowed each person to vote whether or not they would feel comfortable going on stage to read some lines. 

Part of the joy of an improvised show like this one is that every show is completely different from the previous one. On top of the random chance from dice rolls and audience challenges, there are also elements of classical improvisation. The audience gets to vote on which character each player gets to perform as, and they get to throw out suggestions of items that the players might find for loot. 

Alex Stompoly, Conner Marx, Photo credit Bronwen Sharp

They also get to name some of the non-player characters which can lead to interesting choices in and of themselves. For example, the wizard NPC was named “Saint Bernard” and because of that the entire show the DM played him as a dog, rather than a human wizard. On top of that, the cast gathered mad-libs-style suggestions before the show that were used in the final scene, which also has its own rippling consequences. The previous night’s outcome determined how good or bad some situations were for the current performance. The skilled improvisers are also able to flawlessly include jokes and pop-culture references to the things that happen on stage in a way no scripted show could hope to. 

To that point, it was truly spectacular to see the show in Chicago. The cast has various deep ties to the city that let them pursue niche references in their comedy. At one point, thanks to the roll of a 100-sided die, the actors were required to pander to the city, so you may also be lucky enough to get loads of very specific Chicago jokes if you see it before the show heads off on the rest of its tour. 

Thanks to the high-energy, creative cast and clever design, the show is infinitely rewatchable. They seem to be prepared for any occasion. Armed with a video-screen set that can change to different locations at will, and a fun costume and prop pile positioned on-stage, the actors are ready for anything. The show I saw featured giraffe horns, a graduation cap, a horse, and a red Beanie Baby that was a suspiciously close representation of a half-eaten hotdog character that spawned from an audience suggestion. 

The Twenty Sided Tavern is truly a unique experience. I highly recommend seeing it while you have the chance. ★★★★ Four out of four stars.

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

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern are on sale now and range from $50.00 - $70.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

Broadway in Chicago and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern are thrilled to announce the launch of the North American Tour of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern begins performances today with an all-new production playing at Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago) for seven weeks only through September 28. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

As previously announced, Anjali Bhimani and Aabria Iyengar will join the North American Tour cast for select performances during the tour’s official opening run at Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse. Award-winning global stage and screen actress, Anjali Bhimani, will join the Tavern from August 12 – 24, and world-renowned Dungeon Master, Aabria Iyengar, will join from August 26 – September 7.

Award-winning voiceover artist Erika Ishii will join the Tavern in the role of “Might” from September 9 – September 14. Actor, writer, and director Damien Haas will appear in a special guest role on September 16 and join in the role of “Might” from September 17 – September 21. Celebrated circus performer and social media personality Jack Lepiarz (“Jacques ze Whipper”) will join the Tavern as “Mischief” from September 23 – September 28.

Anjali Bhimani, Aabria Iyengar, Erika Ishii, Damien Haas, and Jack Lepiarz will join cast members all direct from the recent ground-breaking New York City production, including Will Champion, RJ Christian, Jasmin Malave, Conner Marx, R. Alex Murray, Madelyn Murphy, Diego F. Salinas, Cassidy Sledge and Alex Stompoly.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game®, introduces DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern. This award-winning immersive theater experience takes audiences beyond the tabletop and onto the stage where each performance combines comedy, emotion, and thrilling moments to deliver a unique narrative shaped by the audience.

Conner Marx, Photo credit Bronwen Sharp

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern has captivated audiences worldwide since premiering in New York City in May 2024, before making its international debut at the iconic Sydney Opera House in December 2024. During the recent New York engagement, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern received rave reviews. TimeOut NY hailed “★ ★ ★ ★!  Whether or not you know much about D&D going in, it’s an adventuring party you won't want to miss.”  Variety noted, “a cacophony of huzzahs from the crowd, for the nail-biting and thrilling Twenty-Sided Tavern!” Nerdist stated that DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern is, “RIP-ROARINGLY FUNNY.” Rolling Stone called it, “a show that weaves the UNPREDICTABILITY of improv and the game itself into a feat of controlled chaos.”

NYC Production of D&DTST, Diego F. Salinas, photo credit Bronwen Sharp2

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern was created by David Carpenter and co-produced by David Carpenter and Showpath Entertainment Ltd under license by Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast.

TheTwentySidedTavern.com 

Follow The Twenty-Sided Tavern on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Join the party on Discord!

SPECIAL GUEST BIOS

ANJALI BHIMANI (Special Guest) is an award-winning actor whose career spans across Broadway, feature films, television, video games, animation, and digital content. Anjali is a globally recognized talent in the gaming industry, perhaps best known for her roles as Symmetra in Overwatch and Rampart in Apex Legends, the Grammy-nominated Stray Gods, the Fallout series, Starfield , and many more. Anjali is a familiar face in the world of tabletop roleplaying games, appearing in wildly popular series like Critical Role and their side campaigns Exandria Unlimited and Candela Obscura and Dimension 20’s The Ravening War.

AABRIA IYENGAR (Special Guest) is a storyteller, performer, writer and podcaster, and a trailblazing force in the world of liveplay tabletop role-playing games. In addition to her groundbreaking roles as both player and gamemaster on prominent TTRPG platforms Critical Role and Dimension 20 , she is the author of the comic book THE FADE with artist Mari Costa, and co-founder of the acclaimed podcast Worlds Beyond Number. A sought-after collaborator and guest, Aabria has contributed her talents as a performer to a diverse range of projects, from Apple TV's Mythic Quest to the hit game, Starfield.

ERIKA ISHII (Special Guest, Might) (all pronouns) is a notorious figure in games, animation, and comedy. This October 2025 will play the titular lead in the much-anticipated Ghost of Yōtei and already available, they star as Rook in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Sektor in Mortal Kombat 1, Valkyrie in Apex Legends. Erika is considered an especially chaotic regular cast member on comedy streamer Dropout’s shows including “Dimension 20,” Game Changer,” and “Make Some Noise.” They have appeared with Critical Role, hosted Marvel red carpets, and will soon join a star-studded cast in Muppets Take Scripthatten at the Bell House in Brooklyn. Erika is the proud co-creator of the record-breaking narrative play and storytelling collective Worlds Beyond Number along with Aabria Iyengar, Brennan Lee Mulligan, and Lou Wilson.

DAMIEN HAAS (Special Guest, Might) is a voice actor, sketch comedian, and lifelong fan of all things gaming. He's known for such voice roles as Laios in “Delicious in Dungeon,” Kiyoka Kudou in “My Happy Marriage,” Shez in “Fire Emblem: Three Hopes,” Heller in “Starfield,” Van Arkride in “Trails Through Daybreak 1&2,” Ryoga in “Ranma 1/2,” and many others. When he's not just a disembodied voice, he can be found streaming on Twitch multiple times per week or being an internet clown on the YouTube channel Smosh. @damienhaas

JACK LEPIARZ (Special Guest, Mischief) famously known as “Jacques Ze Whipper,” is a celebrated circus performer and social media personality. Renowned for his whip-cracking stage shows at Renaissance festivals, Jack has captivated over three million fans online. @jacqueszewhipper

CAST BIOS

Will Champion (he/him) is making his National Tour debut! Repped by Buchwald for Animation and VO, Will was recently featured as the voice of Vision and Starfox in Marvel’s WHAT IF…? An Immersive Story. Other notable credits include Edward in Stephen King’s I Know What You Need (SDCC Film Fest.), the voice of Tiberius in Barbarians (Netflix), and the current DM over at the “Bards of New York” D&D podcast. Love to Emily, Calzone, and his family! @willthechamp

RJ Christian rolled really well and is excited to join the D&DTST family on tour. RJ Contributed Music and Lyrics to the Ratatouille TikTok Musical and can be heard as Macgyver on the Macgyver the Musical Cast Album. RJ is the cofounder and resident composer for The Hearty Meal Theatre company. He’s repped by Hells Kitchen Agency.

Jasmin Malave is a lifelong nerd and longtime immersive actor, and is absolutely tickled to be making her National Tour debut with something as on brand as D&DTST!  RomCom lovers can check out her podcast Shenanigans Ensue, and gamers can hear her voice in The Unbeatable Path. Outside interests include re-reading Chekhov, video games with friends, tending her many plants, and eating nice things.

Conner Marx is best known as Ben Meyer on NBC’s “New Amsterdam,” but notable nerd cred includes Resident Evil: Village, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, The Gamers: Hands of Fate, Mana Screwed, and Peter Adkison’s Chaldea. TV: “Z Nation” (SyFy), “NCIS” (CBS), “NCIS: LA” (CBS), “Criminal Minds” (CBS), “The Young and the Restless” (CBS), “Leverage” (TNT). Film: Eephus, If There’s a Hell Below, Lucky Them, Kimi. Regional: Jekyll & Hyde (NCRT), Twelfth Night (Pioneer Theatre Company), Stravinsky’s Firebird (LA Philharmonic). He is a graduate of the Experimental Theatre of Vassar College. @conner_marx

R. Alex Murray is a Brooklyn based actor, musician, comedian, and raconteur.  He's performed with D&DTST productions in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and NYC, and he is thrilled to be telling these tales with audiences nationwide. Off Broadway: Race: The Movie: The Play, D&DTST   Regional: Good Monsters, Go, Dog. Go. TV: "Boardwalk Empire" "Divorce" Socials: @ralexmurray 

Madelyn Murphy is an actor, improviser, and event host with a focus on genre storytelling and immersive theater. She is a founding member of the Chicago-based High Stakes Productions (highstakesproductions.org ), known for its original work blending improv, narrative, and spectacle. Her latest stage credit is the 15-month Off-Broadway run of The Twenty-Sided Tavern, where she made her New York debut as a professional nerd. She is reprising her role for the show’s upcoming national tour. Madelyn’s work has spanned new play development, longform improv, print, and commercials. She recently expanded into voiceover and video game performance, bringing her character-forward instincts to new platforms. Offstage, she’s a well-read chaos gremlin who is always down for a book recommendation, a niche beer menu, and a well-organized Google Drive. For Angela, Nick, and RMG. 

Diego F. Salinas is a Chicago-based actor and professional Dungeon Master making his off-Broadway debut with the talented D&DTST team. National Tours: Tomás and the Library Lady(Tomás), Maddi’s Fridge (Luis). Chicago: Drunk Shakespeare (Macbeth, Banquo), La Pinche India (Fernando). Diego is one half of the Dungeon Busters podcast. Rep: Shirley Hamilton Talent | Join my table: ForeverDM.xyz

Cassidy Sledge (she/they) is thrilled to be performing on tour with the Twenty Sided Tavern! Cassidy joined the company as one of the original cast members in its Off-Broadway run. While she may have gained a reputation for being a rather bloodthirsty Dungeon Master in New York City, it is no secret that she absolutely adores her fellow cast mates and has the time of her life rolling dice across the country with them. Previous favorite credits include Maria/Margaretta on the Broadway Asia international tour of The Sound of Music, Mortimer in The Fantasticks! at the Depot Theatre, and Sasha/Boblin in Here There Be Dragons at the Players Theatre in NYC. Fat shout out to Shelby, Carp, and the team, and big ol’ kisses to the fam and friends. Northwestern Alum. Go ‘cats! www.cassidysledge.com IG: @cassidysledge

Alex Stompoly, You, yes you! Thank you for being here and supporting live theatre! Original Off-Broadway: Dungeons and Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern; Regional: The Play that Goes Wrong (Broadway World Award); The Cottage; The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon; The Violet Hour; All of Us (World Premier); The Comedy of Errors; Curtains; Into the Woods; Uncle Vanya; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Tartuffe. All my love to my family for their unwavering support and to coffee my first and true love for getting me through the day. Want more? @astompoly alexstompoly.com

ABOUT DUNGEONS & DRAGONS THE TWENTY-SIDED TAVERN

At DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern, the audience is not just a viewer but the "fourth player, "influencing key decisions via Gamiotics , a browser-based software that allows you to vote on where the story will go — what characters appear, what experiences they explore, and more. With a cast of five actors and over 30 playable characters, audiences will experience an expansive fantasy world set in the Forgotten Realms, and face riddles, puzzles, combat, and more, to help shape the story. Laughter flows like ale and with the audience in full control and exciting reveals around every corner, no two shows are alike! For those seeking a more daring experience, there are opportunities to join the action onstage and test your strength (or dexterity, or wisdom, or charisma) through a variety of rollicking games, including trivia, charades, and the ever-popular Fantasy Beer Pong. Featuring behind-the-scenes talent from popular theatrical shows such as Dimension 20, Marvel’s Rogers: The Musical, Beavis and Butthead and more, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern is the game you know and the experience you’ll love but bigger and better than ever.

ABOUT DAVID CARPENTER

David is the Executive Producer and Creator of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS The Twenty-Sided Tavern and the Founder and CEO of Gamiotics, Inc which is bringing gamification to the live entertainment experience. The platform allows for the next generation of live experience story-telling by putting agency into the audiences hands. A Tony-nominated Broadway producer, he has spent nearly 25 years working on and off-Broadway and is excited to bring a whole new way of interactive stories to the live stage. www.Gamiotics.com

ABOUT SHOWPATH ENTERTAINMENT LTD

As the Live Stage Production arm of The Path Entertainment Group, Showpath pushes the boundaries of exceptional theater in order to reach a global audience. With a sharp focus on an innovative range of largescale live stage productions which span international markets including North America, Australia, Asia and Europe. Showpath works with both existing titles and IP, such as The SpongeBob Musical, to develop, nourish and push the boundaries of world class live stage Productions.

ABOUT HASBRO

Hasbro is a leading games, IP and toy company whose mission is to create joy and community through the magic of play. With over 164 years of expertise, Hasbro delivers groundbreaking play experiences and reaches over 500 million kids, families and fans around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, toys, licensed consumer products, location-based entertainment, film, TV and more. Through its franchise-first approach, Hasbro unlocks value from both new and legacy IP , including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MONOPOLY, HASBRO GAMES, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands. Powered by its portfolio of thousands of iconic marks and a diversified network of partners and subsidiary studios, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, a 2025 JUST Capital Industry Leader, one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50, and a Brand that Matters by Fast Company. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com or @Hasbro on LinkedIn.

ABOUT WIZARDS OF THE COAST

Wizards of the Coast develops and publishes legendary games that inspire creativity, forge friendships and build communities of global fans. A division of Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company (NASDAQ: HAS), Wizards delivers premium experiences for gamers across tabletop, video games, and digital platforms based on both new and time-honored brands, including its best-known franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, and from Hasbro’s unparalleled portfolio of thousands of iconic marks. Wizards’ diverse studio network includes first-party developers Archetype Entertainment, Invoke Studios, Atomic Arcade and Skeleton Key as well as co-venture and license partners. Headquartered in Renton, Washington, Wizards fosters world-class talent to create unforgettable play experiences on all platforms. To learn more about Wizards, visit https://company.wizards.com or Wizards of the Coast on LinkedIn.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, The Auditorium, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

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

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The Factory Theater and Unheard of Company Present MUFFED August 18 - September 20, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

FACTORY THEATER AND UNHEARD OF COMPANY PRESENT A CO-PRODUCTION OF 

THE MEANINGFUL ACTION THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS A WORKSHOP READING OF MUFFED: A RECOUNTING OF FARMINGTON, MAINE’S 43RD ANNUAL CHESTER GREENWOOD DAY DEVISED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE MEANINGFUL ACTION THEATRE COMPANY AND PRODUCED BY DAVID NEW 

AUGUST 18 - SEPTEMBER 20

“Waiting for Guffman” Meets “The Muppets” in this Mockumentary-Style Reading

The Factory Theater and Unheard of Company are proud to announce, The Meaningful Action Theatre Company Presents A Workshop Reading of “Muffed: A Recounting of Farmington, Maine’s 43rd Annual Chester Greenwood Day Devised by the Members of the Meaningful Action Theatre Company and Produced by David New”, August 18 - September 20, written by Zack Peercy and directed by Kayla Menz at The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St. Previews are Friday Aug. 16 through Saturday Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. The press opening is Monday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 - $30 and may be purchased through the box office by calling 312-275-5757 or by visiting TheFactoryTheater.com.

Follow eight enthusiastic and scatterbrained theatre artists as they try to present their first public reading of a new documentary theatre piece about Farmington, Maine’s annual celebration for the inventor of the earmuff.

Rachel F. Goldberg of Broadway World said, “Peercy’s humorous piece wouldn’t feel out of place among the writings of Michael Schur – Muffed carries the same sincere, thoughtful and lighthearted touch and the distinct characters draw laughs while also revealing deep, fascinating layers.”

The Muffed cast includes, in alphabetical order, Jaycey Carlson (they/she), Company Member 6); Adelaide Corbo (she/they, Company Member 5); Antonio Cruz (they/he/she, swing); Caitlin Dooks (she/her, swing); Liz Falstreau (she/they, Company Member 8): Alex George (they/them, Company Member 4); Reginald Hemphill (he/him, Company Leader); Josh Philoon (he/him, Company Member 4); Karly Solon (she/her, Company Member 2); Asa Wallace (she/her, Company Member 7)

The creative team includes Zack Peercy (he/him, writer/poster design/co-producer); Kayla Menz (she/they, director/co-producer), Ethan Smith (they/them, asst. director); Nole Beran (he/him, stage manager); James Arakas (he/him, lighting designer); Marcus Klein (he/him, set designer); Valerie Cambron (she/her, costume designer); River Cy Denman (he/him, sound designer); Jordan Rawlings (they/she, accessibility); Jennifer Bradley (she/her, co-producer) and Jacob Lensing (he/him, co-producer) 

ABOUT ZACK PEERCY, playwright

Zack Peercy is a disabled playwright based in Chicago. He is a resident playwright with Three Brothers Theatre, where his play That’s Fucked Up premiered in 2019. Other plays include Hard-Boiled Eggnog: A Christmas Noir (Possibilities Theatre Company), In An Instant (Unheard Of Company), Greetings (Elgin Fringe Festival), Muted. (Bottlecap Press) and Muffed (Three Brothers Theatre). His superhero script Essential Starlight was a 2021 O’Neill Finalist, Bay Area Playwrights Festival Semi-Finalist and Blue Ink Playwriting Award Semi-Finalist. He writes HaHas and BooHoos that are all about people trying to say, “I’m Sorry and I Love You.”  All of his plays can be found on New Play Exchange. His curated personality can be found online at @ZackPeercy.

ABOUT KALYA MENZ playwright

Kayla Menz  is so excited to bring Muffed to Chicago audiences after a sold out reading at The Understudy! She is a multidisciplinary theatre artist who primarily focuses in directing and intimacy directing these days. Menz is excited by new work and the workshop process surrounding bringing a new script to life. Recent directing credits include The Meaningful Action Theatre Company Presents A Workshop Reading Of “Muffed: A Recounting Of Farmington, Maine’s 43rd Annual Chester Greenwood Day Devised By The Members Of The Meaningful Action Theatre Company” (3Bros), Lavinia Andronicus is YOUR Spin Instructor (Meat Machine) and Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln (Impostors). Regional assistant directing credits include Dobama Theatre and Capital Stage Company. They co-founded Unheard Of Company in Chicago which specializes in bringing historically marginalized voices to the stage through the workshop and production of deeply personal new work. She directed their productions of ILY and A Hungover Confessional. They are a graduate of Cleveland State University and the directing apprenticeship program at Capital Stage in Sacramento. Special thanks to Josh for your support and Zack for bringing me along on this wild ride. Connect with Kayla on Instagram

ABOUT THE FACTORY THEATER

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

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble announces 2025-2026 Season

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: Save The Dates

CHICAGO DANZTHEATRE ENSEMBLE ANNOUNCES ITS 

2025 - 2026 SEASON  

Whisper Theatre's Well Balanced Dads courtesy of Whisper Theatre 

performing in the Full Circle Festival

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble (CDE) is pleased to announce its 2025 - 2026 season. CDE will open this season with LUMINOSITY, Aug. 1-2, followed by a reimagined “Full Circle Festival,” Sept. 19-28, featuring local artists participating in a classic fringe-style festival. The Artists’ Residency, Body Passages, returns to CDE from Nov. 14-15, as well as the New Plays Program and Next Stage Development. In addition, CDE announces Davon Suttles as its new assistant artistic director. The season will conclude with a new work by Ellyzabeth Adler, "Architecture of Memory” May 8-23.

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble’s youth programming, in partnership with FACETS, includes the Annual Family Days of films and forums at FACETS, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Sunday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 7.

All performances and special events take place at Chicago Danztheatre, 1650 W. Foster Avenue. For additional information on this upcoming season and to purchase tickets visit DanzTheatre.org.

“Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble is excited to announce its 2025 - 2026 season and share some positive administrative news that will not only help sustain CDE but also support the vibrant visual and performing arts community,” said Executive Director Ellyzabeth Adler. “Last year, we relaunched our artist residency program, Body Passages, which not only included performing artists but also expanded to include visual art with the addition of our new art studios. We received a grant from the Bayless Family Foundation for a new dance floor for the auditorium, as well as for our new rehearsal space, The Loft. We have expanded our rehearsal and performance subsidies rentals program, thanks to a grant from the Driehaus Foundation.  We launched our first playwright cohort with nine artists, and now, we are ready to expand and sustain to carry us into our 25th year.” 

The 2025 - 2026 Artistic Season Includes:

LUMINOSITY - Dance, Theater, Visual Art

August 1 - 2

Performance Schedule: Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2 at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble Auditorium, 1650 W Foster Ave

Humanitix.com

Tickets: $25

LUMINOSITY showcases international and local artists exploring the fluid intersections of culture, imagination and personal mythology through an art exhibition, film and performance, featuring 25 Chicago and International Artists. This is a part of a larger symposium with the artists' collective “Oceans Between” that will also be featured at the Oliva Gallery in Logan Square.

Full Circle Festival

September 19 - 28

Performance Schedule: TBA

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble Auditorium, 1650 W Foster Ave

Tickets: TBA

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble has reimagined its Full Circle Festival, featuring physical, fringe, and dance theater works between 30 and 60 minutes in length. About the festival, for eight years, CDE has produced this eclectic festival for works under 15 minutes. Since reopening three years ago after being closed due to the pandemic, we have been responding to the needs of the performance community even more, and have found that there is a need to present longer works. We are co-producing this event with Whispering Theatre Collective (Britt Anderson and Richie Schiraldi. This year’s lineup will feature: REDANCE, Ramona Rotten, Whispering Theatre Collective, Michelle Stine, CIRCA-Pintig, HGBIC Productions, Emma Jean Eastling and Broken Planet.

Body Passages Artists Residency

November 14 - 15

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble’s Body Passages residency offers dance, theater, and visual artists the opportunity to explore, collaborate and create, while expanding their artistic practices.  The Artists will create collaboratively and/or separately over four months, with 30 hours of rehearsal and/or studio space. Artists will present their work at the Body Passages Performance and Exhibition on November 14 and 15.

New Plays Program

Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m.

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble is very excited to launch the second year of this program for playwrights! We will select four playwrights to write a new 10-minute play or 10 pages of a new play that will feature up to four actors around the theme and inspired by the "red string."

“An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break.” – Ancient Chinese Proverb

Drawing inspiration from the “Red String” theory, we will explore what connects people, artists, and communities in their creative endeavors. Going beyond the original “soulmate” concept, we will explore how people connect.

Timothy Rey, Artistic Associate and playwright of the Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, will facilitate the cohort. CDE hopes to have one or two of the plays move to our Next Stage Play Development program.

Next Stage Play Development

DATE:TBD

Chosen from our first playwrighting cohort, Sara Hensley and Keely Jones, have been selected for our new “Next Stage Play Development,” and its goal is to have a directed reading of a new work out loud so that they can move it to the next stage.  This residency encourages the playwright to take ownership, collaborate with others and stay on a timeline to meet deadlines.

Poetry In Beats

April 2025

To celebrate CDE's 25th anniversary, we are hosting a one-night-only performance featuring poetry and music on stage.  Ellyzabeth Adler, at the age of 26, wanted to do a creative project. It was a physical theater adaptation of “The Wasteland” and a workshop version of it debuted on April 20, 2001. T.S. Eliot may inspire some new work! 

Architecture Of Memory

May 8-23

Architecture of Memory is a new, original Danztheatre work by founder Ellyzabeth Adler, exploring perseverance, hope, and self-discovery. Told through film, dance, theater, and original music, this visceral and immersive performance experience aims to showcase the beauty of overcoming obstacles in life and creating a new sense of self. Adler is teaming up with Digital Tapestries to create new films that will be integrated into the performance, and this will be her first full-length work since 2017.

New Assistant Artistic Director

Davon Suttles has been named the new assistant artistic director for the organization. They have been working with CDE since 2021 as teaching artists and, since 2024, have been managing CDE’s social media. Suttles was a Body Passages artist this past year and is a member of M.A.D.D. Rhythms.  

ABOUT CHICAGO DANZTHEATRE ENSEMBLE

Founded in 2001, Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble (CDE) is Chicago’s only multidisciplinary arts organization dedicated to social justice and socially conscious work that builds community through the arts “one voice, one story, one person at a time.” CDE’s mission is to engage, inspire, and challenge the community, both onstage and in the classroom, through innovative and collaborative multidisciplinary storytelling to illuminate aspects of social issues. We do this in the genre of Tanztheatre, "which unites all art media to achieve an all-embracing, radical change in humankind.” Through our school-based art and performance programs, CDE helps students in Chicago schools explore their own creativity, supporting their social and emotional learning. CDE provides a physical and emotional space where community conversation and cultural change can happen.

For our performance series, CDE is dedicated to creating performances that blend together dance, theatre and visual art to tell stories about the human condition. We give an artistic voice to those who are not always heard.

Dedicated since our founding to diverse casting of age, body type and ethnicity

Consistently listed as a “Top Theater and Dance Performance to See” by New City and Chicago Reader

Unique collaborations with the Veterans Art Museum, Poetry Center Chicago, Cantigny Museum, Neighborhood Writing Alliance, Voice of the City and numerous dance and theater companies

MacArthur Award Grantee for International Collaborations.  

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble is supported by The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Bayless Family Foundation, The Saints Foundation,The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; Innovation 80; Farny Wurlitzer Foundation; Mardi Gras Fund and the annual support of individual donors.

Kokandy Productions Opens the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE July 17 – September 28, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Kokandy Productions Opens the Chicago Premiere of

AMÉLIE

July 17 – September 28, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre

Book by Craig Lucas

Music by Daniel Messé

Lyrics by Nathan Tysen & Daniel Messé

Directed and Choreographed by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham

Music Direction by T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener

Pictured (center) Aurora Penepacker with the cast of Kokandy Productions’ 

Chicago premiere of Amélie. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Kokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with the Chicago premiere of Amélie, the charming tale of young woman and the fantastical world of whimsy and romance that surrounds her. Amélie will play July 17 – September 28, 2025 in the Chopin Downstairs Studio, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago. The entire Chopin basement, including the lobby, bar and cafe, will envelop audiences in Amélie’s journey. Tickets are currently on sale at kokandyproductions.com or bit.ly/AmelieChicago. 

Based on the 2001 film of the same name, Amélie is directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, with music direction by T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener, book by Craig Lucas, music by Daniel Messé and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messé. 

The Chicago premiere of this whimsical romance will be led by Aurora Penepacker as Amélie Poulain. The eccentric world that swirls around her includes Todd Aulwurm (Hipolito Jeunet, Elton John), Lucas Burr (Blind Beggar, Garden Gnome), Rachel Carreras (Amandine Poulain, Philomene de Noirpois), Joe Giovannetti (Nino Quincampoix), Sonia Goldberg (Gina Wells), Sam Hook (Lucien Villeparisis), Mizha Lee Overn (Georgette Cornuel, Sylvie Legrandin), Jon Patrick Penick (Collignon, Julien Dufayel), Quinn Rigg (Joseph Cottard, Fluffy Poulain), Samantha Ringor (Suzanne Sacripant) and Kelan M. Smith (Raphael Poulain, Bretodeau). This talented ensemble (many of whom play instruments in the show) will also portray a range of Parisians, tourists, customers and reporters who frequent the streets, cafes, sex shops and photo booths of Montmartre. Swings include Joel Arreola, Hailey Brisard, Neill Kelly, Andrew Lund, Gavin Rhys and Melanie Vitaterna. 

About the Production: 

Amélie is an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection, and sees possibility around every corner.

Director Derek Van Barham comments, “Get ready to fall head over heels for this charming jewel box of a musical! The world of this show is just so much fun, and so perfect for our eccentric and idiosyncratic space. Amélie Poulain reminds us to focus on goodness and to look for love wherever we can. Whether a fan of the beloved cult movie or coming to this whimsical tale for the first time, there's something tasty, touching and tantalizing for everyone in this wild and whimsical show.” 

The production team includes G “Max” Maxin IV (Scenic and Lighting Design), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Design), Matt Reich (Sound Design), Julian Weslander (Properties Design), Syd Genco (Make-up Design), Keith Ryan (Wig Design), Kirsten Baity (Intimacy Director), Carrie Hardin (Dialect Coach), Quinn Simmons (Associate Director/Choreographer), Stone TeSelle (Associate Scenic Design, Scenic Charge), Nicholas Reinhart (Production Manager), Lynsy Folckomer and Mackenzie Hahn (Sound Engineers), Kendyl Meyer (Stage Manager) and Ethan Colish (Assistant Stage Manager).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: Amélie

Book by Craig Lucas

Music by Daniel Messé

Lyrics by Nathan Tysen & Daniel Messé

Directed by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham

Music Direction by T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener

Cast (in alphabetical order): Todd Aulwurm (Hipolito Jeunet, Elton John), Lucas Burr (Blind Beggar, Garden Gnome), Rachel Carreras (Amandine Poulain, Philomene de Noirpois), Joe Giovannetti (Nino Quincampoix), Sonia Goldberg (Gina Wells), Sam Hook (Lucien Villeparisis), Mizha Lee Overn (Georgette Cornuel, Sylvie Legrandin), Aurora Penepacker (Amélie Poulain), Jon Patrick Penick (Collignon, Julien Dufayel), Quinn Rigg (Joseph Cottard, Fluffy Poulain), Samantha Ringor (Suzanne Sacripant) and Kelan M. Smith (Raphael Poulain, Bretodeau). 

Swings: Joel Arreola, Hailey Brisard, Neill Kelly, Andrew Lund, Gavin Rhys and Melanie Vitaterna. 

Location: The Chopin Studio Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, July 17 – Friday, August 1, 2025

Press performance: Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 7 pm

Regular run: Sunday, August 3 – Sunday, September 28, 2025

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm; Sundays at 5 pm.

Tickets: Previews $25 general admission, $33 reserved seating. Regular run $45 general admission, $55 reserved seating. Students/Seniors $35. There will be a limited number of $15 tickets (with code ARTIST) available to artists for each performance. Tickets are currently on sale at kokandyproductions.com or bit.ly/AmelieChicago.

About the Artists

Derek Van Barham (Director/Choreographer, he/him) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions. Directing credits include Children of Eden in Concert (Broadway In Chicago), Into the Woods, Alice by Heart, Sweeney Todd, American Psycho, Head Over Heels (3 Jeff Awards and 2 Jeff nominations, Kokandy); Spring Awakening (Flint Rep); The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre); Miracle by Dan Savage, Poseidon (Hell in a Handbag). Choreography credits include Evil Dead (Jeff nomination), Ghost Quartet, Shockheaded Peter and Coraline the Musical (Black Button Eyes). He was previously named one of Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30, and one of Newcity Magazine's 50 Players 2024. MFA: CCPA/Roosevelt University. | derekvanbarham.com | IG @dvbarham

T.J. Anderson (Music Director, he/him) is a Chicago-based actor, music director and musician. Recent productions he has music directed include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ragtime in Concert and Kinky Boots (Highland Park Players); Little Women and [title of show] (Brown Paper Box Co); Night Tide (Towle Theater); and Shockheaded Peter (Black Button Eyes Productions). As an actor, he recently appeared in Whisper House and Ghost Quartet (Black Button Eyes Productions); as well as Haymarket (Underscore Theater). He would like to thank all his friends, family, and you, kind audience member, for supporting live theater!

Anna Wegener (Music Director, she/her) returns to Kokandy after last season’s Alice By Heart as Associate Music Director/Conductor. She is a performer and educator in the Chicago area, often acting as orchestrator and sound designer. Recently, she music directed, orchestrated and conducted Into the Woods with CCPA/Roosevelt University, directed by Heather Currie. Last summer, she joined Chicago Musical Theater Festival with Eric Matthew Richardson’s ei hytte (the cabin): an a capella musical, directed by Noah Watkins, as well as performing with the band for The Brass Teapot: A New Musical, words and music by Chaz Cardigan and directed by Landree Fleming. Other notable shows as music director and conductor: Young Frankenstein (Wheaton Drama, Lou Nomination), Sleeping With Beauty (Pride Arts), Assassins (Wee Productions), Xanadu! (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). A proud collaborator, Anna plays piano throughout the year in musical pits, alongside school choirs, and for cabarets and auditions while maintaining a studio of over 25 students with Piano Power. www.88keysacc.com | IG @88keysacc

Quinn Simmons (Associate Director/Choreographer, they/he/she) is a Chicago-based musical theatre performer and choreographer. Recent choreography credits include 9 to 5 and Rock of Ages (Metropolis, Associate Choreographer). Recently onstage: Spring Awakening (Flint Repertory), The SpongeBob Musical and American Psycho (Kokandy), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Marriott), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Godspell (Theo Ubique). Quinn is a proud Filipino-American, a graduate of Chicago College of Performing Arts’ (BFA Musical Theatre) and a 2024 Windy City Times 30 Under 30 honoree. Huge thanks to my family, always. Mahal ko kayo! 

About Kokandy Productions

Founded in 2010, Kokandy Productions seeks to leverage the heightened reality of musical theatre to tell complex and challenging stories, with a focus on contributing to the development of Chicago-based musical theatre artists, and raising the profile of Chicago's non-Equity musical theatre community.

The company's artistic staff is comprised of Derek Van Barham (Producing Artistic Director), Scot T. Kokandy (Executive Producer) and Adrian Abel Azevedo & Leda Hoffman (Artistic Associates). The Board of Directors includes Preston Cropp, Scot T. Kokandy, Danielle Sparklin and Katie Svaicer. 

For additional information, visit www.kokandyproductions.com. 

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.

SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM VIA OIL LAMP THEATER AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

OIL LAMP THEATER ANNOUNCES CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR 

SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM

AUGUST 15 - SEPTEMBER 14

DIRECTED BY CHRISTINA RAMIREZ AND MUSIC DIRECTED AMY BRANAHL

Oil Lamp Theater Celebrates the Life and Works of the Late, Great, Stephen Sondheim

Oil Lamp Theater, which recently opened the Oil Lamp Theater’s SPARK CENTER for the Performing Arts, is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production, Side by Side by Sondheim, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne with continuity by Ned Sherrin. The production runs August 15 - September 14, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. Side by Side by Sondheim is directed by Christina Ramirez and music directed by Amy Branahl. The schedule includes a preview performance Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. with the opening/press performance Friday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.,Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances August 20 at 3 p.m. and September 3 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be an understudy performance on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are on sale now for $30 for previews and $55 for the run at OilLampTheater.org.  

Side By Side By Sondheim offers a captivating journey through the wit and brilliance of one of Broadway’s greatest musical storytellers. Simple and unpretentious, this Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of the contemporary master, Stephen Sondheim, and a must for diehard fans featuring songs from Gypsy, Company, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, Follies and others.

The cast of Side by Side by Sondheim includes Jacob Alexander (he/him); Michael Davis Arnold (he/him)); Abbey Loria (she/her); Alondra Rios (she/her); with understudies Julia Hope Budd (she/her); Thomas Ferro (he/him); Daria Koon (she/they) and Tommy Wells (he/him). 

The production team includes Christina Ramirez (she/her, director); Amy Branahl (she/her, music director); Andy Cahoon (he/him, technical director); Spencer Donovan (he/him, scenic designer); Taylor Pfenning (she/her, costume designer); Ellie Fey (she/her, lighting designer); Alex Trinh (he/him, sound designer); Leo Bassow (he/they, props designer); Connor Windle (he/him, production stage manager) and Sara Segneri (she/her, assistant stage manager).

ABOUT CHRISTINA RAMIREZ, director

Christina Ramirez is thrilled to be back at Oil Lamp after directing First Date last season. Ramirez serves as managing director at the award-winning Actors Training Center in Wilmette, working with actors of all ages (youth through adult) and when not directing is known for her work as a teaching artist and coach. She holds a masters in directing from Roosevelt University CCPA and a BFA in musical theatre from The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. 

ABOUT AMY BRANAHL, music director 

Amy J. Branahl is the director of Choral Activities at New Trier High School and president of the IL-American Choral Directors Association(ACDA).  She is the music and vocal director of the Frosh/Soph musical and coaches badminton there. Branahl is a proud alum of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where she received her MME/BME in choral music education. With her husband Jared, they have three awesome boys. When not doing music, she loves to travel and document them by knitting, crocheting, while watching tennis/sports or going to shows. Please check out her work @craftingcourtside. 

MORE FROM FROM OIL LAMP THEATER

Gaslight (Angel Street)

October 2 - November 2

By Patrick Hamilton

Directed by Susan Gorman

Preview Performance:Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances October 8 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., October 15 at 7:30 p.m. October 22 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and October 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Audiences are invited to step into the suspenseful world of Gaslight (Angel Street), where secrets lurk in the shadows and reality blurs with deception. When Bella begins to suspect that the flickering lights and missing objects in her home aren’t just in her imagination, her world unravels into a chilling game of manipulation and control. Suspenseful, haunting and unforgettable, this is the classic mystery that inspired the 1944 Academy Award-winning film starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury, in her film debut, defined a genre and inspired the term “gaslighting.”

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

November 20 - December 28

Adapted by Joe Landry

Preview Performance:Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with an additional Wednesday performance, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

This heartwarming production is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the Holidays. Experience unrivaled 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 Oil Lamp’s 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.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER’S SPARK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Oil Lamp Theater recently opened the Oil Lamp Theater’s SPARK CENTER for the Performing Arts, 1009 Waukegan Rd. The SPARK CENTER spans 2,750 square feet, featuring two spacious studios for classes and dedicated office spaces for Oil Lamp staff. The SPARK CENTER enables the expansion of Oil Lamp’s arts education programs led by top Chicagoland theater professionals for all ages and skill levels. These same studios serve as the creative center where Oil Lamp’s productions come to life as it is also a rehearsal space for Oil Lamp Theater productions taking place across the street at 1723 Glenview Road.

The inaugural offerings of the SPARK CENTER included Summer Camps and Youth and Adult Education classes with fall classes on sale now. For more information on the SPARK CENTER, go to OilLampTheater.org/spark-center.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER

Oil Lamp Theater is an award-winning 60-seat storefront theater located in the heart of downtown Glenview. Keith Gerth founded the theater in February 2005, originally staging 20 productions for up to thirty-five friends and guests at night in his condo in Chicago. In March 2012, the organization was incorporated as a nonprofit and established a new location in downtown Glenview, fitted with warm décor and comfortable seating, reminiscent of a home. Oil Lamp produced 53 shows over the next seven years, reaching 10,000+ patrons per year and earning “Best Live Theater in the North Shore'' for four consecutive years. At the start of 2020, Keith Gerth retired, and shortly after, the pandemic began. Despite these major changes, Oil Lamp sprung into action and organized a drive-in for a fully-produced solo show, hosted outdoor concerts and built an outdoor venue for two full productions. Seeing the impact this made and the ability to conquer any challenge, Oil Lamp returned to indoor programming with a renewed vision. Oil Lamp now produces a dynamic Main Stage Season, Speak Easy Nights, a Women on Wednesdays series and continues investing in its connection with the community.