ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar
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
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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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