REVIEW: The Outsider Now Playing Through February 22 at Oil Lamp Theater

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

Oil Lamp's Finding the Funny in Political Theatre 

OIL LAMP THEATER’S 2026 SEASON KICKS OFF WITH 

THE OUTSIDER

NOW PLAYING THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2026

DIRECTED BY SCOTT WESTERMAN

A Comedy of Campaign Chaos Kicks Off the New Season

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

In the weird microcosm that is Chicago Theatre, you can catch both The Outsider and The Outsiders playing this February. Lest you get confused, the first to open, Oil Lamp Theatre's political comedy, is a laugh out loud slice of hilarious human nature. What a welcome break from the alternating tragedy and absurdist theatre our actual US politics so often descend into these days.  

We were charmed and amused by Ned Newley, a guy too smart, genuine, and nice to be governor. He's been running everything efficiently for years, behind the scenes, while the corrupt governor playboy takes credit for his work and goofs off. When the camera shy, bumbling 2nd in command becomes governor by default, the pr team runs triage and hilarity ensues. Newbie Newley won our hearts, and while the jokes and physical comedy provided a welcome breath of fresh laughter, there's depth and truth to this tale too. It's about time we take another look at slickness over substance; image over integrity, and start picking politicians with brains and a moral compass, over social media fluff that polls well. 

The entire cast brought a high energy, playful vibe to the production, that's well worth a trek to suburban Glenview. Even my husband, a location sound engineer, who's done plenty of political press junkets over the decades, thought it was quite funny and spot on. He's run audio for Joe Biden (ABC: World News Tonight) and George W Bush (CNN),  as well as lots of local politicians, so he found the crew bits particularly funny. 

The Outsider's got our vote! Three out of three stars. ★★★ Recommended. 

Kudos also to Oil Lamp on their recent expansion with the SPARK CENTER, which offers arts education for all ages with a focus on youth. In September 2025, Oil Lamp launched Light The Way, a transformative fundraising campaign designed to expand arts education, strengthen essential staff and establish a larger performance venue. Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we've been covering Oil Lamp for years and we're excited to see what's next for this intrepid, suburban storefront. We hope they'll continue with the beloved, free chocolate chip cookies from Misericordia, in their new lobby, too. 

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).

Oil Lamp Theater’s first production of its 2026 season, The Outsider, written by Paul Slade Smith and directed by Scott Westerman, is now playing through February 22 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. The running time, including the intermission, is two hours and 15 minutes. 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. There will be additional Wednesday performances Jan. 28 and Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. There will be an understudy performance on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are on sale now for $30 for previews and $55 for the run at OilLampTheater.org.

When the sitting governor gets kicked out of office for, you guessed it, corruption, it’s time for someone new to take the throne… uh...the role. And the polls are in, it's time for an outsider. Enter bumbling brainiac Ned Newley. With bright ideas and hope in his eyes, he’s the perfect candidate - on paper. It will take a team of dedicated pollsters, campaign coordinators and more notecards than one can count, to turn him into a poised politician who can expertly avoid questions like it's his job. This knee-slappingly hilarious play will have the audience reaching across the aisle to share a laugh. Audiences may even find a renewed sense of hope for politics…okay maybe not… but they'll at least enjoy an absolutely hysterical and highly entertaining break from the news.

The cast of The Outsider includes (in alphabetical order) Andrew Bosworth (he/him, Arthur Vance); Sara DiPasquale (she/her, Rachel Parsons); Kenneth D. Johnson (he/him, A.C. Petersen); Michael Morrow (he/they, Dave Riley); Melody Rowland (she/her, Paige Caldwell); William Ryder (he/him, Ned Newley) and Jenna Steege (she/they, Louise Peakes) with understudies Sam Fain (he/they, U/S Ned Newley and U/S Arthur Vance); Stanley King (he/him, U/S A.C. Petersen); Megan Kueter (she/her, U/S Paige Caldwell and U/S Rachel Parsons); Sean Price (he/him, U/S Dave Riley), and Amy Yulish (she/her, U/S Louise Peakes).

The production team includes Scott Westerman (he/him, director); Sara Segneri (she/her, stage manager); Connor Windle (she/her, production manager); Rose Leisner (she/her, company manager); Spencer Donovan (he/him, scenic designer); Ellen Markus (she/her; properties designer); Janelle Smith (she/they; costume designer); Rachel D. Hemm (she/her, lighting designer); Alex Trinh (he/him, sound designer) and Andy Cahoon (he/him, technical director).

ABOUT PAUL SLADE SMITH, Playwright

Paul Slade Smith is an actor and playwright living in Brooklyn, New York with his wife, actress Erin Noel Grennan. He received a Helpmann Award nomination for his performance as “Willy Wonka” in the Australian premiere of the Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. ​Stateside, his acting credits include: the original Broadway casts of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland and the 2018 Lincoln Center revival of My Fair Lady; U.S. national tours of Wicked (“Doctor Dillamond”), My Fair Lady (“Jaime”) ​and The Phantom of the Opera; and productions at American Repertory Theatre, The Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, ​Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Paper Mill Playhouse, The Goodspeed, Geva Theatre Center, Asolo Repertory and Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, Texas. His TV credits include NBC's “The Blacklist” and “The Other Two” and “The Gilded Age”, both on HBO. He is the award-winning author of three plays: Unnecessary Farce, The Outsider and Theatre People, or the Angel Next Door.

ABOUT SCOTT WESTERMAN, Director

Scott Westerman is the founding artistic director of Go To Productions, a 501©3 nonprofit which develops projects that explore the nexus between live theatre and film. He created and directed the web series “Hamlet & Ophelia” which won Best Picture at the New York Film Awards, Best Web Series at the LA Film Awards and Best Mobile Series at the 2022 New Media Film Festival. Westerman has directed stage productions for The Artistic Home, Citadel Theatre, ChiArts, City Lit Theatre, Chimera Theatre Company, Beyond This Point, Barter Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, The Smithsonian Institution, American Theatre Company (Bridge) and Reverie Theatre Company. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, an ensemble member with The Artistic Home, represented by Gray Talent Group and a teaching artist with Lookingglass Theatre, Writers Theatre and Filament Theatre. He has an MFA from The Shakespeare Theatre Academy. As an actor, he has worked with Steppenwolf Theatre, Writers Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Lookingglass, Northlight Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre Company and Ford’s Theatre in DC, Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, the Warehouse Theatre in South Carolina and the Barter Theatre in Virginia to name a few. On camera credits include “Chicago Fire,” “Machine Gun Preacher” and “Prison Break.”


MORE FROM FROM OIL LAMP THEATER

Poor Behavior
April 10 – May 10, 2026

By Theresa Rebeck
Directed by Lauren Katz
Preview Performances: Friday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, April 15 at 11 a.m and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday April 29 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Wednesday May 6 at 7:30 p.m.

A visit from old friends takes an unexpected turn when a bombshell accusation throws niceties out the window. Hospitality turns to havoc. Sanity shatters into shambles. Manners take a backseat as two couples are pushed to their limits during a weekend in the country. Will they be able to pick up the pieces over wine and muffins or will their poor behavior leave them irrevocably broken? Find out in this sharp-witted play by acclaimed playwright Theresa Rebeck.

The Last 5 Years
June 5 – July 5, 2026

Book, music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Christina Ramirez
Music Directed by Amy Branahl
Preview performances: Friday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday June 6 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, June 10 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday June 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, June 24 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Wednesday July 1 at 7:30 p.m. There are no performances on Saturday July 4.

Straight from Broadway, Jason Robert Brown’s musical masterpiece The Last Five Years comes to Oil Lamp Theater. This widely beloved show takes audiences on the romantic rollercoaster of Jamie and Cathy as they fall in and out of love over the last five years. Told from each individual’s perspective – one chronologically and one backwards – audiences will be swept into the unique storytelling and find an anti-love story full of humor and heart. Hailed as a powerful and intimate production, this Drama Desk Award-winner for Outstanding Music is not to be missed.

I Love You Because
August 14 – September 13, 2026

Book and Lyrics by Ryan Cunningham
Music by Joshua Salzman
Directed by Scott Shallenbarger
Music Directed by Aaron Kahn
Preview Performances: Friday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Aug. 15 at 3 p.m .
Opening Night: Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday September 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Wednesday September 9 at 7:30 p.m.

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

Dial M for Murder
October 2 – November 1, 2026\

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original play by Frederick Knott
Directed by Daniel King
Preview Performances: Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Oct. 3 at 3 p.m.
Opening Night: Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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


ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER

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

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

In addition to its productions, Oil Lamp recently expanded with the SPARK CENTER, which offers arts education for all ages with a focus on youth. These process-driven classes inspire a lifelong love of the arts while equipping students with creativity, confidence and critical life skills.

In September 2025, Oil Lamp launched Light The Way, a transformative fundraising campaign designed to expand arts education, strengthen essential staff and establish a larger performance venue with the goal of staying in downtown Glenview. Building on its roots as a scrappy storefront, Oil Lamp is evolving into a more robust organization—without losing the intimacy and warmth that define its theater experience. Oil Lamp Theater hopes this announcement inspires excitement throughout the community. Interested community members are invited to learn more by reaching out to the theater and staying tuned as additional news is shared in the near future. For information or to support the campaign go to OilLampTheater.org/Light-the-Way or reach out to Oil Lamp at light-the-way@oillamptheater.org.

Production photo credit: Gosia Matuszewska - GosiaPhotography.com for Oil Lamp Theater’s The Outsider, now playing through February 22 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road in Glenview.

REVIEW: Laura Heit: The Matchbox Shows Now Playing Through January 25th, 2026

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Chicago Puppet Fest presents: 

Laura Heit: The Matchbox Shows

Laura Heit's unmatched!  

We adored this wonderfully weird production. Think that late night, tiny, tabletop puppet fun might be your jam? This show has fire, wind, human created foley noises, and even puppet porn worthy of a 12 year old boy in a bathroom stall. She even becomes her own sequined backdrop with a delightful interplay of light, motion, and projection. 

Portland, Oregon based Heit has 25 years of practice making miniature magic and has perfected her niche craft in a big way. Not one to be boxed in, this microcosm contains dreams, odd stories, and wickedly creative, delightful absurd scenarios. The art is so bad it's good. And her DIY vibe is also inspiring and makes me want to go home and make an entire mini world of oddities in the service of storytelling. Worth the admission price to see the teeny news helicopter with the pinwheel propellor! Recommended. 

Laura Heit also has two nights of shorts playing at Music Box Theatre, which I was unable to get press tickets to review, and a free looping exhibition on the 4th floor of The Fine Arts Building which we loved. Check her out. 

Exhibitions at The Puppet Hub
“Two Ways Down” by Laura Heit

An immersive shadow puppet and hand-drawn animated installation, by visiting puppet artist Laura Heit. Taking inspiration from the Hieronymus Bosch work, Garden of Earthly Delights, this fantastical piece reflects on the momentary nature of life using thrown shadows from tabletop dioramas and reflected and refracted animated projections to create a fleeting world where human-animal hybrids, specters, and body parts morph and flit across the walls.

Laura Heit: The Matchbox Shows

* 25th Anniversary of The Matchbox Shows *

Laura Heit walks on stage with a glass of wine wearing a sequined tube top. She takes her place behind a table and begins to bring to life her miniature cabaret. Playing the part of Miniature raconteur, sequined pyromaniac, Laura Heit performs teeny tiny puppet shows inside matchboxes. 

A dead boyfriend, a sausage fairy, a tiger whisperer, a perfectionist, a bath-loving ghost, and many others play their parts in these uncanny micro plays. The miniature stages come to life with crankies, fire, and pop-up paper engineering. The puppet shows are simultaneously projected on a screen behind the table making the little tiny details of this portable variety show larger than life.

Event Details

Dates/Times:
Thursday, January 22 at 8 p.m.
Thursday, January 22 at 10 p.m.
Friday, January 23 at 8 p.m.
Friday, January 23 at 10 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 at 10 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 at 8 p.m.

Location:
Constellation
3111 N. Western Ave.

Cost:
$25 Regular
$20 Students and Seniors

Ages: 13 and up
Running Time: 50 mins

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. 

REVIEW: MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE! Now Playing Chicago's Broadway Playhouse Through February 19, 2023

 MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE!

RETURNS TO CHICAGO

FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE

February 14 - 19, 2023

“First-person, funny domestic tales and retro stand-up comedy based on The New York Times best-seller.”

- THE NEW YORK TIMES

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

T'was the night after Valentine's Day when I headed out to see MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE! for the first time, with my husband of 22 years. When I sprung the surprise on him, that we were going to a show at Broadway Playhouse, he might have rolled his eyes and sighed a bit, but he got dressed up and joined me without too much grumbling. If less than enthused about attending a play, he was happy to discover the fully stocked lobby bar. Live shows pair well with alcohol, and many reluctant attendees of all genders can be more easily persuaded to relax and have fun outside their comfort zone, with drinks in hand. 

As the lights dimmed, Ryan Drummond opened with, "You've noticed I'm not Amadeo Fusca. He's on a shoot with Robert De Niro and will be back tomorrow." Still, even with an understudy, the audience was in capable hands for this one man show. It's not every night you get to spend the evening with a Baywatch boy and the original voice of  “Sonic The Hedgehog”. Ryan Drummond went on to kill it, and provide a laughter fueled, enjoyable evening for all. 

At one point he called for an audience poll by applause, on how many couples there had been together 0-10 years, 10-20, 20-30, and over 30. I was so impressed at the ever increasing clapping, even in the 30+ years together demographic. Over the years, my husband and I have invented a macabre, tongue in cheek game we call "The Last Couple Standing", a real life reality show/dark comedy where we've seen the vast majority of our friends' relationships and marriages implode and dissolve. Just when I though we were a few divorces away from winning it all, it seems we have more competition for "The Last Couple Standing" than I'd imagined, and they were ALL at the Broadway Playhouse in a post Valentine's Day glow. 

For the past 25 years I've managed to entirely avoid the infamous Mars/Venus book and the stage show, but FOMO (fear of missing out) finally got the better of me and I went to see first hand why the 1992 book has sold in excess of 50 million copies, been translated into 40 different languages, and is one of the most recognizable titles in the world. 

My husband played into the "Martian Man" mythos, checking the score of the hockey game enroute to the show and at intermission, promptly forgetting the specifics of what he found hilarious, being minimalist about clothes, excelling at Tetris skills applied to packing boxes, and embracing a world view aimed at fixing things and problems without complex layers of nuance. Many of the stories and anecdotes were spot on for him. 

I've never been a girlie girl though, and the "Venutian" stereotypes mostly missed their mark for me. The tired tropes about women taking a long time to prep to go out, turning down free street parking for a $55 garage space to avoid wrecking a hairdo, getting overly emotional, etc. just didn't apply. And the neurotrash junk science... Wow. Just wow! 

Several taped cameos by book author, John Gray, about male and female differences in blood flow to the brain and gender based dopamine versus serotonin depletion were just cringeworthy. They almost veered into the realm of parody, but he was so earnest and so many millions are swallowing this swill as gospel truth, that I just can't quite find it credible or even funny.

During the pandemic, Gina Rippon, an actual female neuroscientist, published a book of her own, "The Gendered Brain", debunking Gray's myths on our collective grey matter. Rippon says, "I was trying to dispel the stereotypical myths that men are ‘left-brained’ — logical, rational and good at spatial tasks — and women are ‘right-brained’ — emotional, nurturing and good at verbal tasks. We’re not from Mars or Venus (to quote relationship counsellor John Gray’s 1992 book), we’re all from Earth! I assumed that people would thank me and just move on, but it caused an absolute furor and gave me early exposure to media backlash."

Christina Odone in the The Daily Telegraph in London wrote that Rippon's theory “smacks of feminism with an equality fetish”. She was described as the “poor scientist … who was so wrapped up in her work she hadn’t noticed that men and women are different”. She was even called a “grumpy old harridan”.

Neuroscientist Gina Rippon continues, "The book was well received by those who understood that I was not a sex-difference denier and not arguing for all culture and no biology, and that I wanted to comprehend the entangled relationship between sex and gender. But, unsurprisingly, it was not so well received by those who didn’t understand this." 

While the actual female neuroscientist's 2019 book was panned, Gray followed up his 1992 "MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS" with 17 MORE books and has become a media darling and one of the most trusted relationship authors today, appearing on the national lecture circuit and on such TV shows as “Good Morning America,” “Oprah” and “Larry King Live.”

So... it seems our society has some 'splainin to do, and more than a passing vested interest in perpetuating biology based differences between the sexes! Maybe that would make a fascinating follow up stage show. *Read more about "The Gendered Brain" here (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-03782-6).

So, back to my review of MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE! Were there tired tropes, junk science, and outmoded gender stereotypes? Sadly yes. Was it funny as hell? Also a resounding yes. After all, in his play "No Exit", Jean-Paul Sartre did infamously say "Hell is other people." 

Despite the pseudoscience, anyone who can get my theatre averse spouse laughing that hard and often is a winner in my book. Whether you 100% buy into author John Gray’s differences between the sexes from a quarter of a century ago, treat it like a period piece, or go to see how far we've evolved on gender as a construct, check it out. If it leads to more laughter, leeway, and love in audience relations, then who am I to hate on this hit. MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE is a fun way to spend a few hours with friends or significant others, and plays like a casual night out with an extra funny friend. Recommended.

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). 

Off-Broadway hit comedy MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE! returns to Chicago for the fifth time since 2014 to play eight performances at Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse (175 E. Chestnut) from February 14, 2023 through February 19, 2023. Ticket prices range from $59 - $69. Individual tickets are available at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 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.

MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE! is a one-man fusion of theatre and stand-up, and is a light- hearted theatrical comedy based on the New York Times #1 best-selling book of the last decade by John Gray. Moving swiftly through a series of vignettes, the show covers everything from dating and marriage to the bedroom.

ABOUT MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE!

After beginning in Paris in 2007, Men are From Mars–Women are From Venus LIVE! has been seen by more than one million people around Europe. It debuted in the United States in February 2013 in Raleigh, North Carolina and will be playing to audiences around the United States and Canada throughout the year.

This hysterical show will have couples elbowing each other all evening as they see themselves on stage. Sexy and fast paced, this show is definitely for adults, but will leave audiences laughing and giggling like little kids!

When Mars and Venus collide, the adventures are earth-shatteringly hysterical. It's a great recipe for a night out: a little storytelling blended with some comedy and a dash of sage wisdom from the book. A delicious evening of entertainment! 

Producer, St. Louis based Emery Entertainment has produced or promoted thousands of events around the globe, including superstar attractions Blue Man Group, David Copperfield and James Taylor.

The talented team assembled for this production continues with the award winning playwright Eric Coble, direction by Broadway veteran Mindy Cooper, and animation & video production by the talented animators at Bazillion Productions.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual ticket prices range from $59 - $69. Current Broadway In Chicago subscribers can add the show to their packages by calling 312-977-1717. 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 details, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, February 14 at 7:30 pm Wednesday, February 15 at 7:30 pm Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 pm Friday, February 17 at 7:30 pm Saturday, February 18 at 2 pm Saturday, February 18 at 7:30 pm Sunday, February 19 at 2 pm Sunday, February 19 at 6:00 pm.

Ryan Drummond 

Born in Ohio, raised in Michigan, and now based in San Francisco, CA, Mr. Drummond is an actor, singer, juggler, mime instructor, and voiceover artist who feels that variety is the spice of a career. He has been performing his whole life, but is most proud of the fact that he has made a living exclusively in “the biz” since 1994. Remember 1994? Cell phones first started, “Pulp Fiction” was in movie theaters, “Friends” was in its first year on television? What a wild ride that lead us all here tonight! 

​A graduate of Eastern Michigan University with emphases on Theatre Arts and Psychology,  Mr. Drummond has been in a world premiere play written by Aaron Sorkin ("The Farnsworth Invention"), made three albums with his acappella quartet ("The A.Y.U. Quartet"), became a certified trainer of Polish and French mime, juggled for orcas and otters at Sea World of San Diego, harmonized mid-ocean on Regency Cruise Lines, tried to audition for  "Pippin" and didn't make the cheer squad in the movie Bring It On, nearly had his nose blown off by a confetti cannon in Kauai, Hawaii (hi ho the glamorous life!), appeared in many commercials (including one where Pat Sajak signed his forehead with a sharpie on the set of Wheel Of Fortune), made his national television debut on BAYWATCH alongside David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, and was the original voice of  “Sonic The Hedgehog” in millions of videogames across the world for Sega Gaming Corp.

Mr. Drummond is a member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and AGVA, and distinctly remembers reading "Men Are From Mars. Women Are From Venus" as he was taking the train from JFK airport to Manhattan to appear on "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" back in December of 1998. Almost 2 decades later, here he is to tell you all about it! 

Amadeo Fusca will return to the role from February 16th on.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Amadeo has now performed Men are From Mars Women are From Venus Live! in over 60 cities, over 30 states and in front of 70,000 people and counting. 

In 2013, he won the legendary Friars Club "So You Think You Can Roast?" competition beating out 55 other comedians roasting 80s child star Ricky Schroeder and NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman in the process. As the winner, Amadeo was among the dais to roast Jack Black along with comic legends such as "Roastmaster" General Jeff Ross, Sarah Silverman, Amy Schumer, Bob Saget, Jerry Lewis and more! Amadeo's success at the roast landed him two quotes in Entertainment Weekly's funniest jokes of the event. 

In addition to his theatrical comedy, Amadeo can also be seen in various television and film productions including: Princess Cut on HBO MAX, NCIS on CBS, That Damn Michael Che on HBO MAX, Marvel's Daredevil on Netflix, Boardwalk Empire on HBO, The Holiday Dating Guide on Lifetime, Almost Family on FOX and As the World Turns on CBS. Upcoming in 2023, you can catch him as Lucky Luciano in the new Robert De Niro film Wise Guys directed by Barry Levinson. He currently jumps back and forth between New York and Los Angeles auditioning, writing and performing his new hit character World Renowned Conductor Salvatore Giovanni. 

For more information, please visit his website at www.amadeofusca.com, follow him on Instagram and to access his credit score his Social Security number is 180-54-3...

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and, over the past 22 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 more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop, including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

COVID-19 PROTOCOL

Masks are recommended for all audience members. 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow Broadway In Chicago: Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

REVIEW: Noël Coward’s masterpiece HAY FEVER Via City Lit Now Playing Through October 9, 2022

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

 HAY FEVER

by Noël Coward

directed by Terry McCabe

Now Playing Through October 9, 2022

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

In the microcosm of Chicago's theatre scene, it's amazing how many synchronicities there are. Just one week after reviewing Hay Fever, I'll be out to see yet another Noël Coward play, Private Lives, opening at Raven Theatre. It's exciting Chicago audiences can do a mini immersive in Coward's period pieces with City Lit's Jeff Recommended Hay Fever from 1924 and Private Lives from 1931. His artsy, eccentric, manipulative characters are delightfully funny. Horrible humans behaving badly are eternally timeless yet timely. 

Prior to Hay Fever, my most memorable Noël Coward experience was a 1985 college production of Blithe Spirit at Anderson University in Indiana, where the not so ethereal ghost was a plus sized actress who fell through the stage staircase mid act! They had to stop the play and help extricate her from the rubble. Thankfully she wasn't injured and the audience was patient and understanding about the whole debacle. 

Conversely, City Lit's Hay Fever went off without a hiccup and was an immensely enjoyable night out. We laughed at much of the dialogue and wacky plot twists and were well entertained. Betsy Pennington Taylor was a standout as narcissistic actress, Judith Bliss, and marssie* Mencotti was an absolute hoot as the housekeeper, Clara. The entire cast did some lovely ensemble work with impeccable comedic timing. Shout out also to Ray Toler for the charmingly hilarious scenic design. I'm still laughing at the boar head with ear tassels! 

* Lower case marssie is intentional

Hay Fever's nothing to sneeze at, though this country escape gone wrong may have you laughing so hard your eyes water. If you're itching for a fun production, the foibles of the Bliss bunch are comedic gold.

Recommended. 3 out of 4 stars ★★★

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

Producer and Artistic Director Terry McCabe will direct Noël Coward’s 1924 comedy HAY FEVER as the final production of City Lit Theater’s 41st season. It replaces the previously announced AZTEC HUMAN SACRIFICE, which has been moved to a slot in spring 2023. Both a comedy of manners and a farce, HAY FEVER has been proven to be exceptionally durable in the nearly 100 years since its first production, enjoying many successful revivals in the US, UK and Canada as well as multiple film and TV productions across the globe. The comedy lampoons the poor manners and deficient hospitality of the four members of an eccentric upper class English family, who each without the other three knowing it have invited a guest to spend the weekend at their country estate. 

McCabe’s cast will include Betsy Pennington Taylor as Judith Bliss, the absent-minded retired actress who is the wife and mother of the bad-mannered hosts; and Stephen Fedo (he/him) as Judith’s novelist husband David Bliss. Their children will be played by Travis Shanahan (he/him) as Simon, and Lizzie Williams (she/her) as Sorel. Appearing as the Bliss’s guests will be Robert Hunter Bry as Judith’s fan Sandy Tyrell, Elizabeth Wigley (she/her) as the vampish Myra Arundel, Melissa Brausch (she/her) as the dim but good-hearted flapper Jackie Coryton, and Gerrit Wilford as diplomat Richard Greatham. marssie* Mencotti will be the housekeeper Clara.

Tickets are on sale now at www.citylit.org and by phone at 773-293-3682.

Top row L-R: Melissa Brausch, Robert Hunter Bry, Stephen Fedo

Second row L-R: marssie Mencotti, Travis Shanahan, Betsy Pennington Taylor.

Third row L-R: Elizabeth Wigley, Gerrit Wilford, Lizzie Williams

On the production team are Ray Toler (Scenic Design), Rachel S. Parent (Costume Design), Chris Matteky (Lighting Design), David Yondorf (Violence and Intimacy Design), Carrie Hardin (Dialect Coach), and Hazel Marie Flowers-McCabe (Stage Manager).

Previews August 26 – September 3, 2022

Preview ticket prices $30.00, seniors $25.00, students and military $12.00 (all plus applicable fees)

Regular run September 4 – October 9, 2022

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm. Mondays September 26 and October 3 at 7:30 pm.

Regular run ticket prices $34.00, seniors $29.00, students and military $12 (all plus applicable fees)

Performances at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago 60660 (Inside Edgewater Presbyterian Church)

Info and tickets at www.citylit.org and by phone at 773-293-3682.

Noël Coward's masterpiece. The four members of the eccentric Bliss family have each, without the other three knowing it, invited a guest to spend the weekend at their country estate. But the Blisses wouldn't be successful hosts to one visitor; confronted with four, they put their guests through their self-absorbed version of hospitality, utterly oblivious to the train wreck they've engineered. An irresistibly heartless comedy.

 

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS AT CITY LIT

Proof of vaccination is required for all attendees of all performances (physical vaccination card or legible image of vaccination card. Refunds will not be issued if admittance is refused due to lack of vaccination documentation.

BIOS

Noël Coward (Playwright) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor, and singer, known for his wit, flamboyance, and what Time magazine called "a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise.”  Coward achieved enduring success as a playwright, publishing more than 50 plays from his teens onwards. Many of his works, such as HAY FEVER, PRIVATE LIVES, DESIGN FOR LIVING, PRESENT LAUGHTER, and BLITHE SPIRIT, have remained in the regular theatre repertoire. He composed hundreds of songs, in addition to well over a dozen musical theatre works (including the operetta BITTER SWEET and comic revues), screenplays, poetry, several volumes of short stories, the novel POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE, and a three-volume autobiography. Coward's stage and film acting and directing career spanned six decades, during which he starred in many of his own works, as well as those of others.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Coward volunteered for war work, running the British propaganda office in Paris. He also worked with the Secret Service, seeking to use his influence to persuade the American public and government to help Britain. Coward won an Academy Honorary Award in 1943 for his naval film drama IN WHICH WE SERVE and was knighted in 1969. In the 1950s he achieved fresh success as a cabaret performer, performing his own songs, such as "Mad Dogs and Englishmen", "London Pride", and "I Went to a Marvelous Party."

Terry McCabe (Producer, Artistic Director, Director) has been City Lit’s artistic director since February 2005 and its producer since July 2016. He has directed plays professionally in Chicago since 1981. He was artistic director of Stormfield Theatre for four years, resident director at Wisdom Bridge Theatre for five years, and worked at Body Politic Theatre three separate times in three different capacities over a span of 14 years. His City Lit adaptations of HOLMES AND WATSON, GIDGET (co-adapted with Marissa McKown), THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, SCOUNDREL TIME, and OPUS 1861 (co-adapted with Elizabeth Margolius) were Jeff-nominated. He won two Jeff Citations for directing at Stormfield and has been thrice nominated for the Jeff Award for Best Director, for shows at Court Theatre, Wisdom Bridge, and Victory Gardens. He has directed at many Chicago theatres either long-gone or still with us, as well as off-Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre and at Vienna’s English Theatre. His book MIS-DIRECTING THE PLAY has been denounced at length in American Theatre magazine and from the podium at the national convention of The Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas but has been used in directing courses on three continents and is now available in paperback and Kindle e-book.

 

ABOUT CITY LIT

For over forty-one years, City Lit Theater has been dedicated to the vitality and accessibility of the literary imagination. City Lit produces theatrical adaptations of literary material, scripted plays by language-oriented playwrights, and original material. City Lit Theater was founded with $210 pooled by Arnold Aprill (at the time the Body Politic Theatre’s box office manager), David Dillon, and Lorell Wyatt on October 9, 1979, and was incorporated on March 25, 1980. There were still so few theatres in Chicago that at City Lit’s launch event, they were able to read a congratulatory letter they had received from Tennessee Williams.

The United States Library of Congress has selected our Civil War Project blog for inclusion in its historic collection of internet materials related to the American Civil War Sesquicentennial. Check it out at citylitcivilwar.blogspot.com.

City Lit is in the historic Edgewater Presbyterian Church building at 1020 West Bryn Mawr Avenue. We are two blocks east of both the Bryn Mawr Red Line stop and the #36 Broadway and the #84 Peterson buses. We are one block west of the #147 Sheridan and #151 Sheridan buses. Divvy bike stations are located at Bryn Mawr & Lakefront Trail, and at Broadway & Ridge at Bryn Mawr. The metered street parking pay boxes on Bryn Mawr have a three-hour maximum duration and are free on Sundays. There are additional details about parking and dining options at www.citylit.org 

City Lit is supported by the MacArthur Funds for Arts and Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Ivanhoe Theater Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency and is sponsored, in part, by A.R.T. League. 

For more information and to donate, visit www.citylit.org and by phone at 773-293-3682.

Celebrate Black History Month With Chicago Theatre Week February 17 – 27, 2022

 Chicago Theatre Week marks its 10th year,

February 17 – 27, 2022

Among offerings are productions to celebrate Black History Month

 

There's a black renaissance happening on stages across Chicago and here at ChiIL Live Shows we've seen some amazing openings featuring black narratives, actors, directors, and more that coincide with both Black History Month and great ticket discounts through Chicago Theatre Week. Check out some stellar storytelling from Chicago's impressive black talent pool without breaking the bank. Want more of a deep dive into shows? Check out our original reviews, theatre news, giveaways and more at ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) and ChiILMama.com (family friendly). We've highlighted shows we've seen and recommend in red below.

Chicago Theatre Week (#CTW22), an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago during which visitors and residents can access value-priced tickets, returns for its 10th year and will take place February 17-27, 2022. Tickets, value-priced at $30, $15, or less, are on sale at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com. Book NOW for the best selection. Top shows do sell out fast.

Chicago Theatre Week is back in-person after a quieter and mostly online 2021 theatre scene during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago Theatre Week, spanning a week and two full weekends, is heading into its 10th year. As a program of the League of Chicago Theatres, in partnership with Choose Chicago, theatres in neighborhoods throughout the city and suburbs are expected to participate.

Chicago Theatre Week occurs in February each year, coinciding with Black History Month. Several productions honoring the Black experience featuring Black theatres and theatre-makers are participating in Chicago Theatre Week, including:

 

Gem of the Ocean

Goodman Theatre

January 22- February 27, 2022

**Highly recommended--ChiIL Live Shows**

Goodman revives the play that begins August Wilson’s epic 10-play American Century Cycle—on the stage where it premiered in 2003. Tensions flare into riots across Pittsburgh’s Hill District as chaos threatens a city desperate for freedom. It’s 1904, the dawn of the new century—yet slavery’s shadow looms large. There is solace to be found at the home of 285-year-old Ester Tyler, keeper and transmitter of African American history and cleanser of souls. When a suspicious traveler appears at her door in search of a new life, Aunt Ester guides him on a journey of spiritual awakening.

Trial in the Delta

Collaboraction

February 26, 2022

Collaboraction presents a theatrical staged reading of Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till, an adaptation of the trial transcript of the State of Mississippi vs. Milam and Bryant, the men who were found not guilty of murdering Emmett Till. The script was adapted by company members G. Riley Mills and Willie "Prince Roc" Round and produced by Collaboraction and The DuSable Museum of African American History.

 

Ruined

Invictus Theatre Company

February 17- March 20, 2022

This winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize is set in a small mining town in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ruined follows Mama Nadi, a shrewd businesswoman in a land torn apart by civil war. But is she protecting or profiting by the women she shelters? How far will she go to survive? Can a price be placed on a human life?

Relentless

TimeLine Theatre Company

January 21 - February 26, 2022

**Highly recommended--ChiIL Live Shows**

Set in the Black Victorian era, Relentless looks at the deep personal secrets we keep to protect the ones we love most. The year is 1919. After the death of their mother, two sisters come home to Philadelphia to settle her estate. Annelle is a happy socialite desperate to return to the safe illusion of a perfect life with her husband in Boston. Janet is a single, professional nurse, determined to change history and propel Black women to a place of prominence and respect. After discovering diaries left by their late mother, they find themselves confronted with a woman they never really knew, exposing buried truths from the past that are chillingly, explosively Relentless.

Blues In the Night

Porchlight Music Theatre

February 9 - March 13, 2022

The Blues is one of America’s original art forms and Chicago was the home to some of the greatest Blues performers ever. Set in a history-filled hotel on Chicago’s south side one fateful night in the late 1930s, this Tony Award-nominated celebration interweaves the stories of three women who share their highs and lows of romance through the iconic songs of Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and others.

The SuperAfroWavyDrippyExtraBrilliantDope Show

The Second City

February 1 - March 9, 2022

Black on Black shines as The Second City celebrates the comedy contributions of our BIPOC alumni, including Sam Richardson, Keegan-Michael Key, Amber Ruffin, Tim Meadows, and more. Performed by an all-Black cast who will soon be household names themselves, The SuperAfroWavyDrippyExtraBrilliantDope Show proves the Blacker the berry, the funnier–and doper–the show.

Fireflies

Northlight Theatre

January 20 - February 20, 2022

**Recommended--ChiIL Live Shows**

The Civil Rights Movement has ignited the South, and the charismatic Rev. Charles Grace needs a new speech to galvanize the people. But it is Olivia, his pregnant wife, who writes those fiery speeches, and her tolerance for playing the supporting role to her husband is wearing thin. As the growing weight of secrets threatens her marriage, and a nation’s hatred threatens her child’s future, Olivia must rediscover the place that love has in her world.

 

Queen of the Night

Victory Gardens Theater

January 29 - March 13, 2022

**Recommended--ChiIL Live Shows**

A divorced father and his queer son head to the woods of southeastern Texas to relive the camping trips of earlier, easier days. But even without cell service, certain things are inescapable. Playwright travis tate explores masculinity and queerness through the lens of multi-generational Blackness, offering a hilarious, heart-rending family portrait about reckoning with the wilderness of a shared past, while facing an uncertain future. Staged by Victory Gardens Artistic Director Ken-Matt Martin, Queen of the Night kicks off the 2021/22 Season.

 

Women of Soul

Mercury Theater Chicago

January 28 - March 6, 2022

**Recommended--ChiIL Live Shows**

A celebration of the most powerful women of soul to ever grace the stage. You’ll jump to your feet as we honor incredible women including Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Janis Joplin, and of course, you’ll get a little of Gladys, Dionne, and Patti. Featuring powerhouse voices singing memorable music including “I Say a Little Prayer”, “I Will Survive” and “Respect.” This review recognizes the struggles and triumphs these women went through to reach the pinnacle of their success. This is a once-in-a-lifetime musical masterpiece that you will want to experience over and over again! 

Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Subscribe to the Theatre Week email newsletter or follow @ChicagoPlays on Twitter for updates and announcements.

The official hashtag for Chicago Theatre Week 2022 is #CTW22. Follow along on social media and tag your own experiences too!

There are limited ticket quantities available for some shows, so it is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Most theatres are requiring proof of vaccination and masks in order to attend a performance. Venue-specific COVID-19 policies are listed on Theatre Week show offer pages; however, we recommend checking with the theatre for updates before attending.

About Chicago theatre 

Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. For more information, visit www.chicagoplays.com. #ChiTheatre

 

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement

Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres, which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city.

 

About Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. Follow @ChooseChicago on Twitter and on Instagram @choosechicago. Like us on Facebook. For more information, visit www.choosechicago.com. #CaptureChicagoExcitement | #ChicagoHome | #Only1Chicago

 

REVIEW: Voice of Good Hope at City Lit Now Playing Through February 23, 2020

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

VOICE OF GOOD HOPE

by City Lit’s resident playwright Kristine Thatcher

Directed by Terry McCabe

January 10 – February 23, 2020

FINAL 2 WEEKS! Don't miss this Chicago Reader Recommended and 4-Star 

Sun-Times show!

"FOUR STARS...captures the sense and sensibility of a bonafide powerhouse."

-Chicago Sun-Times

"Recommended...Voice of Good Hope comes just in time"

-Chicago Reader

Andrea Conway-Diaz as Barbara Jordan

Photo credit for all, Steve Graue

Review:

by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

As the senate impeachment hearings wrap up, caucus votes roll in, and the 2020 campaigns amp up, political plays are filling the stages of Chicago as well. I was finally able to catch City Lit's excellent production, Voice of Good Hope last night. It was great to learn so much about Barbara Jordan, the first African American congresswoman from the Deep South, that I was unaware of before. This production is a gem of wit and wisdom. Women like Barbara Jordan give me hope for our democracy and our country's future. If you're tired of the lies and lunacy that have infiltrated Washington DC, come spend a few hours at City Lit and recharge. Recommended. 

There are numerous strong shows on stage right now in Chicago, if you prefer your political figures to be articulate, intelligent and female. We recommend catching Voice of Good Hope at City Lit (Barbara Jordan), The Adult in the Room (Nancy Pelosi) at Victory Gardens, and A So-Called Qualified Woman (Sandra Day O’Connor), part of Valiant Theatre's New Works Festival. We also highly recommend Roe at The Goodman, for the back story on the Roe V. Wade ruling.

Voice of Good Hope

left to right: McKennzie Boyd, Jamie Black

The storyline of Voice of Good Hope is delightfully nonlinear and I enjoyed meeting her first as a politician, before delving into her childhood to meet the Texas child she was. Heart (Barbara as a child) was deftly played by McKennzie Boyd the day I caught the production, alternating with her sister, MiKayla. It was stellar storytelling to see the seeds of Barbara Jordan's determination, intelligence, perception and personality already in play as she interacts with her relative (Jamie Black) and discovers early lessons on racism, religion, and character. 

Her fierce determination, despite physical limitations is an inspiration. Although she ultimately died young, before age 60, of pneumonia and complications of leukemia and multiple sclerosis, her words and example live on. Now that we have another impeached president currently in the white house, Barbara's legendary history with Nixon's impeachment is all too timely. It was fascinating to me, how she protected her integrity and principles even after retirement, and wouldn't endorse or clear a fellow politician just because they were both black women, if she wasn't on board with her views. Conversely, it was a joy to see her navigating the good old boys network of cigarette smoking, whisky swilling Washington power brokers, and winning at it. She was truly an inspiration and a trailblazer today's women in politics might do well to emulate. 

Andrea Conway-Diaz (left) as Barbara Jordan and Susie Griffith as Nancy Earl 

Don't miss this. We're nearing the end of the run for Voice of Good Hope, so catch it while you can. City Lit does an excellent job of keeping her legacy alive and inspiring audiences. Do leave extra time to search out parking. It can be a challenge around Edgewater.

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based writer-theater critic-photographer-videographer-actress-artist-general creatrix and Mama to two terrific teens. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 



Kristine Thatcher’s VOICE OF GOOD HOPE is a bio-drama of Barbara Jordan, the first African American congresswoman from the Deep South. Jordan earned national stature in the 1970’s as a member of the House Judiciary Committee that considered articles of impeachment against Richard Nixon and as the keynote speaker of the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Kristine Thatcher, who is City Lit’s playwright-in-residence, was nominated for Best New Work in the 2019 Jeff Awards for her play, THE SAFE HOUSE, which premiered at City Lit last fall. VOICE OF GOOD HOPE premiered at Victory Gardens Theater in 2000 and has been produced across the US since then. 

The play follows Jordan from her childhood in Houston’s Fifth Ward through her receiving the Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton, and deals with her pivotal role on the House Judiciary Committee during its hearings concerning the possible impeachment of President Richard Nixon, her complex political relationship with Texas power broker Robert Strauss, her struggle with MS, and her twenty-year relationship with Nancy Earl, her companion and occasional speechwriter, and ultimately her caregiver. The play premiered at Victory Gardens Theater in 2000 and has been produced from New York to San Francisco in the years since then.

left to right: Paul Chakrin and Andrea Conway-Diaz

The role of Barbara Jordan is played by Andrea Conway-Diaz. Also in the cast are Susie Griffith (Nancy Earl), Sahara Glasener-Boles (Karen Woodruff), Jamie Black (John Ed Patten), Paul Chakrin (Robert Strauss), Noelle Klyce (Julie Dunn); and McKennzie Boyd and MiKayla Boyd, who will alternate as “Heart” – Barbara Jordan as a child. The design team includes Ray Toler (set design), Katy Vest (costume design) and Daniel Salazar (lighting design).

left to right: Andrea Conway-Diaz, Sahara Glasener-Boles

Regular run Sunday, January 19 - Sunday, February 23, 2020
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm. Mondays February 10 and 17 at 7:30 pm

Regular run ticket prices $32.00, seniors $27.00, students and military $12.00 (all plus applicable fees).

Performances at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago 60660 (Inside Edgewater Presbyterian Church)
773-293-3682
www.citylit.org



ABOUT CITY LIT
For forty years, City Lit Theater has been dedicated to the vitality and accessibility of the literary imagination. City Lit produces theatrical adaptations of literary material, scripted plays by language-oriented playwrights, and original material. City Lit Theater was founded with $210 pooled by Arnold Aprill (at the time the Body Politic Theatre’s box office manager), David Dillon, and Lorell Wyatt on October 9, 1979 and was incorporated on March 25, 1980.  There were still so few theatres in Chicago that at City Lit’s launch event, they were able to read a congratulatory letter they had received from Tennessee Williams.

City Lit is in the historic Edgewater Presbyterian Church building at 1020 West Bryn Mawr Avenue. We are two blocks east of both the Bryn Mawr Red Line stop and the #36 Broadway and the #84 Peterson buses. We are one block west of the #147 Sheridan and #151 Sheridan buses. Divvy bike stations are located at Bryn Mawr & Lakefront Trail, and at Broadway & Ridge at Bryn Mawr. The metered street parking pay boxes on Bryn Mawr have a three-hour maximum duration and are free on Sundays. $10 valet service is available at Francesca's Bryn Mawr at 1039 W Bryn Mawr diagonally across the street from us on the SW corner of Kenmore and Bryn Mawr and is available whether you are dining at the restaurant or not. There are additional details about parking and dining options at www.citylit.org.

City Lit is supported by the Alphawood Foundation, the MacArthur Funds for Arts and Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Ivanhoe Theater Foundation, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency and is sponsored, in part, by A.R.T. League.