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.

Follow @BroadwayInChicago on

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#broadwayinchicago

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

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

SUBTEXT THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 

UNCLE CARLOS EXPLAINS

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

September 5-27, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SARAH RUHL’S HOW TO TRANSCEND A HAPPY MARRIAGE VIA REDTWIST THEATRE AUGUST 14 - SEPTEMBER 21

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REDTWIST THEATRE’S 21st SEASON, “DEFIANT FEMMES,” KICKS OFF WITH SARAH RUHL’S HOW TO TRANSCEND A HAPPY MARRIAGE, AUGUST 14 - SEPTEMBER 21

Directed by Elizabeth Swanson with Movement Direction by Sarah Scanlon, How to Transcend … Challenges the White Picket Ideal, Blurs the Line Between Friends and Lovers and Asks all of us to Grow Beyond the Constraints of Monogamy. 

Award-winning Redtwist Theatre is proud to announce the cast and creative team for How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, the launch of its 2025 - 2026 season, “Defiant Femmes.” How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, is written by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Elizabeth Swanson and movement directed by Sarah Scanlon, August 14 - September 21 at its home in Edgewater, the newly renovated Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 

Previews are Thursday, Aug. 14 - Saturday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. with the press opening Sunday, Aug. 17 at 3:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. with a total running time of two hours including a 15 minute intermission. There will be two understudy performances on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets are now on sale at RedtwistTheatre.org with discounts available for seniors, students and industry professionals and pay-what-you-can for all Friday performances. 

George is meandering through the American dream - she has a house in the suburbs, a loving husband and a young daughter. What more could she want? Isn’t she on the road to a happy ending? In How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, Sarah Ruhl (Chicago native and author of Eurydice and In The Next Room, or the Vibrator Play) challenges the white picket ideal, blurs the line between friends and lovers and asks all of us to grow beyond the constraints of monogamy. 

The How to Transcend a Happy Marriage cast includes Carlos Treviño (he/him, Paul),  Joshua Servantez* (he/him, David), Monique Marshaun* (she/her, Jane), Nate Hall (he/him, Freddie), Shaina Toledo (she/her, Pip), Tatiana Pavela (she/her, George), Elonie Quick (she/her, Jenna), Joe Zarrow (he/him, Michael), Sam Ramirez (he/him, Paul U/S), Jeremy Neale Cox (he/they, David U/S), Arabella DeLucco (she/her, Jane U/S), Drake St Pierre (he/him, Freddie U/S), Aneshia Morishita (she/her, Pip U/S), Emilie Soghomonian (she/her, George U/S), Kelcy Taylor (she/her, Jenna U/S) and Jeff Brain* (he/him, Michael U/S). 

The How to Transcend a Happy Marriage production team includes Elizabeth Swanson (they/she, director); Sarah Scanlon (she/her, movement director);  Shay Gordon (they/them, production stage manager) Kendall Phillips (she/her, assistant director);Marquecia Jordan (she/her, costumer designer); Paige Bosler (she/her, props designer); Caleb McAndrew (he/him, technical director); Harper Justus (she/her, sound designer); Korey Joseph (he/him, dramaturg), Rose Johnson (they/them, scenic designer); Eric Watkins (he/him, lighting designer), Raine DeDominici* (they/she,  production manager); Dusty Brown* (they/them, executive artistic director) and Eileen Dixon* (she/they, casting director/producing artistic director). 

*indicates Redtwist Theatre Ensemble Member

ABOUT SARAH RUHL, playwright

Sarah Ruhl (she/her) is an award-winning playwright, poet and essayist. Her plays include The Clean House (Pulitzer Prize finalist), In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play (Pulitzer Prize finalist, Tony Award finalist for best play), Eurydice (named one of the best productions over the past 25 years by The New York Times.) Her plays have been translated into 14 languages and have been performed around the world, on Broadway, off-Broadway and across the country. She has been the recipient of a MacArthur “genius” grant, a Whiting Award, a PEN award and a Susan Smith Blackburn Award. Her books include “Letters from Max: A Book of Friendship” (with Max Ritvo), “Smile, A Memoir, “44 Poems for You,” “100 Essays I Don't Have Time to Write: On Umbrellas and Sword Fights, Parades and Dogs, Fire Alarms, Children, and Theater” and “Love Poems in Quarantine.” Her play Eurydice has been made into an opera, performed at the Metropolitan Opera and she’s currently working on a musical with Elvis Costello. She has taught at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale for the past 12 years and has also taught courses at Yale College in theater studies. She has had the honor of premiering five of her plays at Yale Repertory theater under James Bundy. She is currently working on a book called “Lessons from My Teachers,” portraits of her teachers from preschool to the present day, including portraits of the excellent students who have taught her so much at Yale. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.

ABOUT ELIZABETH SWANSON, director

Elizabeth Swanson (they/she) is a director and playwright specializing in rehydrating classic works and developing new plays and musicals. Recent directing credits include A Streetcar Named Desire (Paramount Theatre, featured in Chicago Tribune’s “Top 10 Chicago Theater of 2024), The Importance of Being Earnest (co-adapted with Dusty Brown, Strawdog Theatre), Head Over Heels (Kokandy Productions) and I Know My Own Heart (North American premiere, Pride Arts Center). They are co-writing the award-winning musical-in-development Saint Hildegard. Swanson teaches in Columbia College Chicago’s musical theatre program and holds an M.F.A. from the Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts at Trinity College, Dublin.

ABOUT SARAH SCANLON, movement and intimacy director

Sarah Scanlon (she/her) is a certified intimacy director and coordinator (IDC, SAG registry), movement specialist and actor with a career spanning theatre, television and higher education. Her intimacy work includes Showtime’s “The Chi,” Apple TV+’s “Shining Girls” and FX’s “Fargo.” Onstage, she has collaborated with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane and Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, creating artist-centered spaces rooted in trust and transparency. Scanlon holds an MFA in acting from the American Repertory Theater Institute/Moscow Art Theatre School at Harvard and has taught at nearly every major university theatre program in Chicago. She is passionate about empowering bold, authentic storytelling and is thrilled to reunite with Elizabeth Swanson following their award-winning A Streetcar Named Desire.

MORE FROM REDTWIST’S “DEFIANT FEMMES” SEASON

Collective Rage: A Play In 5 Betties; In Essence, A Queer And Occasionally Hazardous Exploration; Do You Remember When You Were In Middle School And You Read About Shackleton And How He Explored The Antarctic?; Imagine The Antarctic As A Pussy And It’s Sort Of Like That

October 19 - November 23 

By Jen Silverman

Directed by Producing Artistic Director Eileen Dixon

In this phenomenally femme play, five women explore everything from pussy to Shakespeare. Whether you’re a rich Betty, a lonely Betty, a butch Betty, a Betty who loves cars or a Betty who just needs to punch someone, Jen Silverman’s Collective Rage: A Play In 5 Betties; In Essence, A Queer And Occasionally Hazardous Exploration; Do You Remember When You Were In Middle School And You Read About Shackleton And How He Explored The Antarctic?; Imagine The Antarctic As A Pussy And It’s Sort Of Like That will leave you satisfied.

Confederates

February 1 - March 8, 2026

By Dominique Morriseau

Directed by Aja Singletary

Sandra is an accomplished professor, comfortable in her position until a racist cartoon is nailed to her office door; Sara is a slave in the Deep South, fighting for her freedom and spying for the union as the nation is pulled into Civil War. Despite the century between them, both women raise their voice against the institutions of racism and misogyny that hold them back. Dominique Morriseau’s (author of Detroit ’67 and Skeleton Crew) Confederates leaps through time to trace the identities of these two Black American women and the truths that bond them.

’night, Mother

April 5 - May 10, 2026

by Marsha Norman

Directed by Executive Artistic Director Dusty Brown

Life has beaten Jessie down. Spiraling between a failed marriage, a cruel son and an aging parent, Jessie is determined to take control over the one sliver of life left to her. When new horrors batter at her daily; when society isolates her and the world turns to chaos; when a promised future dwindles and her hope fades: Jessie digs up her father’s old pistol. Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize winning play catapults through a mother and daughter’s darkest day together. 

Productions, participants and dates are subject to change. 

ABOUT REDTWIST THEATRE

Redtwist, now celebrating its 21st anniversary, is an award-winning theatre company that stages up close and personal contemporary dramas annually in its intimate black box theatre housed proudly within the heart of Edgewater’s Bryn Mawr Historic District. 

Intimate performances at Redtwist are designed to place the theatre patron in the midst of the stories being told, making them accessible and riveting. Redtwist strives for excellence with every project and endeavors to take risks while offering opportunities for up-and-coming actors, designers and directors to work with established talent. Redtwist provides the very best Chicago storefront theatre experience from excellence on stage, to warm hospitality in a clean, friendly environment.

Award-winning Redtwist Theatre is proud to announce the cast and creative team for How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, the launch of its 2025 - 2026 season, “Defiant Femmes.” How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, is written by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Elizabeth Swanson and movement directed by Sarah Scanlon, August 14 - September 21 at its home in Edgewater, the newly renovated Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Previews are Thursday, Aug. 14 - Saturday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. with the press opening Sunday, Aug.17 at 3:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. with a total running time of two hours including a 15 minute intermission. There will be two understudy performances on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. 

Single tickets are now on sale at RedtwistTheatre.org with discounts available for seniors, students and industry professionals and pay-what-you-can for all Friday performances. 

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.