Invictus Theatre Company’s THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH Playing at the Windy City Playhouse October 29 – December 15, 2024

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Invictus Theatre Company’s Cast announced for 

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

playing October 29 – December 15

Invictus Theatre Company today announced the cast and production team for its season-closing presentation of THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH, Shakespeare’s tale of the seductive nature of power that combines Scottish history with magical realism. The tragedy’s three witches who warn Macbeth about his future will make their first appearance just before Halloween, with previews beginning on October 29,  leading up to an opening on Monday, November 4 at 7 pm and playing through December 15. 

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH will be directed by Sarafina Vecchio, a Chicago-based actor and director, an educator with Acting Studio Chicago, and an adjunct professor at Chicago College of the Performing Arts. Vecchio earned a Post-Graduate Award in Teaching Shakespeare from The University of Warwick (UK, in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company) and has been a guest instructor to Ontario, Canada's Stratford Festival. CHICAGO STAGE AND SCREEN’s Angela Allyn praised Vecchio’s text coaching for Invictus’ JULIUS CAESAR for being “as modern sounding as your favorite political podcast. You have heard these speeches before but never like this. This is a Caesar for everyone.” I'll be out for the press opening November 4th, so check back shortly after for my full review.

Vecchio’s cast will be led by Mikha’el Amin as Macbeth, seen most recently in the title role of Lincoln in Invictus’s TOPDOG/UNDERDOG. His previous roles with Invictus include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in THE MOUNTAINTOP and Marc Antony in JULIUS CAESAR. Lady Macbeth will be played by Carolyn Kruse, whose experience in playing wicked women includes her role as Madame Defarge in Lifeline’s A TALE OF TWO CITIES, along with many other roles for such Chicago companies as The Artistic Home, Irish Theater of Chicago, and Redtwist Theatre. Also in the cast are Christy Arington  (Witch 1), Tessa Dougherty (Witch 2), Julia Rowley (Witch 3), Michael B. Woods (Macduff), Diego Longoria (Malcolm), Joshua Razavi (Lennox), Aimee Kleiman (Rosse), Charlie Diaz (Banquo), Amber Dow (Servant), Joseph Beal (Seyton), Robert Koon (Actor 1: Duncan/Murderer 2/Old Siward), Michaela Shapiro (Actor 2: Kid Macduff/Young Siward/Lord/Soldier), Whitney Minarik (Actor 3: Captain/Lady Macduff/Doctor/Lord), and Layke Fowler (Actor 4: Lords/Soldiers/Fleance). Understudies are Steve Peebles (Macbeth), Laura Resinger (Lady Macbeth/Actor 3/Servant), Joshua Razavi (Banquo), Charlie Diaz (Macduff), Amber Dow (Rosse/Witch Swing), Layke Fowler (Malcolm), Alexandria Bressette (Actor 2/Actor 4/Witch Swing), and Craig Duff (Actor 1/Seyton/Lennox).

Top row (I-r): Mikha’el Amin, Christy Arington, Joseph Beal, Charlie Diaz, 

Second row (I-r): Tessa Dougherty, Amber Dow, Layke Fowler, Aimee Kleiman, 

Third row (l-r): Robert Koon, Carolyn Kruse, Diego Longoria, Whitney Minarik

Fourth row (l-r): Joshua Razavi, Julia Rowley, Michaela Shapiro, Michael B. Woods

Bottom row (l-r): Alexandria Bressette, Craig Duff, Steve Peebles, Laura Reisinger

The production team includes Jeff Award winner Petter Wahlbäck (Sound Designer), Cindy Moon (Costume Designer), Grace Weir (Stitcher), Hannah Wien (Lighting Designer), Hannah Bolstad (Master Electrician), Manuel Ortiz (Scenic Designer), Barbie Brown (Props Designer), Jay Donley and Amber Wuttke of Violent Delights (Fight/Intimacy Designers), Brandon Boler (Assistant Director), Rooney G. (Production Manager), Desiree Stypinski (Stage Manager), Becca Holloway (Casting Director), Mary Carroll Dougherty (Marketing Manager) and Ana Schedler (Graphic Designer). Charles Askenaizer is Artistic Director and Todd Henry Faulstich is Executive Producer.

Vecchio says, “Even though the production is set 1000 years in the past, the play’s many themes are still very current; especially the theme of unchecked ambition. My hope is this production will spark a rich conversation about what might drive a person to make dangerous choices in the name of success; and how we may avoid these events in the future.”

Invictus Theatre Company has been one of the most notable success stories among Chicago’s storefront theatres in spite of the challenges facing the theater community in recent years, When the pandemic shut down in-person performances just three years after the company’s founding, they responded with a thrillingly intimate Zoom production of ‘NIGHT, MOTHER. They returned from the pandemic by acquiring their own space – the former Frontier Theater, which they renamed in honor of the late founding company member Reginald Vaughn. In that space, they continued to build a reputation for intimate and honest interpretations of classics with fidelity to the original texts and close attention to character development. The company’s extraordinarily successful 2021-22 season netted the company five Jeff Awards for its 13 nominations.

The company continued its upward trajectory with its 2022-23 season. That season began with intimate, yet full-scale, stagings of the epics JULIUS CAESAR and THE CRUCIBLE along with the two-hander THE MOUNTAINTOP. After a fire in July 2023 made the Reginald Vaughn Theatre unusable, the company relocated in 2024 to the Windy City Playhouse, where it has produced the critically acclaimed and popular hits TOPDOG/UNDERDOG (“…intense, grueling, and hilarious” – TALKIN’ BROADWAY), THREE SISTERS (“performances are universally first-rate” – CHICAGO READER) and the Chicago premiere of NETWORK (“a memorable production of an important and illuminating play” – NEW CITY).

Tickets for Invictus's THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH are $25 for previews October 29 - November 3, and all Mondays (except opening night November 4); and $38 for general admission opening night and Fridays through Sundays for the regular run. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/invictus-theatre-company/.

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

by William Shakespeare

Adapted and Directed by Sarafina Vecchio

October 29 – December 15, 2024

Previews: Tuesday 10/29/24, Friday 11/1/24, Saturday 11/2/24 @ 7pm; and Saturday 11/2/24, Sunday 11/3/24 @ 2pm.

Press Opening Monday 11/4/24 @ 7pm

Regular performances Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays @ 7pm and Saturdays, Sundays @ 2pm through 12/15/24

Performances at Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago

Ticket prices: $25 for previews and Mondays (except opening night November 4), and $38 for general admission opening night November 4 and Fridays through Sundays for the regular run.

Info at www.invictustheatreco.com

Tickets at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/invictus-theatre-company/

One of Shakespeare's most popular and enduring tragedies. A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. Forced to commit more and more murders to protect himself from enmity and suspicion, he soon becomes a tyrannical ruler. The bloodbath and consequent civil war swiftly take Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into the realms of madness and death.

BIOS

Sarafina Vecchio (Director) is an actor, director, and educator who has worked in Chicago and the surrounding area for over 25 years. She holds a Post-Graduate Award in Teaching Shakespeare from The University of Warwick in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Coventry, England. She earned her Bachelor's in Theatre from Roosevelt University and studied classical acting at Richmond College in London. She is a long time faculty member with Acting Studio Chicago and is also an adjunct professor at Chicago College of the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She is also honored to have been invited as a guest instructor to Ontario, Canada's Stratford Festival, where she taught their acting company techniques in Shakespeare instruction. As a performer and creative, Sarafina has worked locally with many companies, including: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Shattered Globe, Lakeside Shakespeare, Drury Lane, TimeLine, Remy Bumppo, Irish Theatre of Chicago, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Invictus, Speaking Ring, The Other Theatre Company, Steel Beam, and Janus. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.

Charles Askenaizer (Artistic Director) is the Founding Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre. He won the 2022 Jeff Award (Non-Equity Wing) for his direction of the company’s WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, which also won Jeff Awards for Production of a Play, Scenic Design (Kevin Rolfs), and Performer in a Supporting Role – Play (Rachel Livingston). Other recent directing credits include THREE SISTERS, NETWORK, THE CRUCIBLE, JULIUS CAESAR, and HAMLET (Invictus Theatre), readings with Chicago Dramatists, 'NIGHT, MOTHER (Associate Director-Invictus Theatre), THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Invictus Theatre), OTHELLO: THE MOOR OF VENICE (Invictus Theatre), TITUS ANDRONICUS (Bare Knuckles Theater), JULIUS CAESAR (Associate Director- Brown Paper Box) , TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA (Reutan Collective), and THE DIFFERENCE (Reading-Piccolo Theatre). Charles has worked with Citadel Theatre, Teatro Vista, the Artistic Home, City Lit, Raven, Brown Paper Box, Chicago Dramatists, the Side Project and many more.

Charles graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Theatre and Communications. He has worked professionally in Chicago as an actor, director, and teacher for over 10 years.

ABOUT INVICTUS THEATRE COMPANY

At Invictus Theatre Company, our mission is to create theatre that promotes a better understanding of language: its poetry, its rhythm, its resonance; through diverse works by diverse artists. We respect the power of heightened language: spoken, written, sung; to express the breadth of the human condition. We work to harness the power of language: to promote diversity, to engender respect, to foster collaboration; and to empower our communities to share their voices.

Invictus Theatre Company incorporated in January 2017 and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in February 2017. A diverse group of Chicago actors and directors founded Invictus with the vision to empower their communities through theatrical productions of heightened language. We are committed to the idea that our productions should reflect the communities we represent, and, to that end, we are committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices. In working with local artists, designers, and production teams, Invictus Theatre Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, nationality, citizenship, religion, or any other status protected by law.

REVIEW: North American Premiere of El Brote from Argentina October 2-5 at The Den Theatre

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar

The North American premiere of 

El Brote 

   Roberto Peloni in El Brote, Compañia Criolla, Argentina, October 2-5 at The Den Theatre

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

A ghost light, two wooden chairs, a stage curtain backdrop, and 3 rows of footlights grace the otherwise sparse set, on the 2nd floor of Chicago's Den Theatre. Roberto Peloni has spent at least 11 hours on a plane, traveling 5,598.95 mi (9,010.64 km) from  Buenos Aires, Argentina to present his 1 man show, and we're here for it. 

As the footlights spring to life, a Latino man enters, and for a whirlwind 90 minutes, the action doesn't stop as Roberto Peloni plays a struggling actor in a traveling troupe, as his bit parts take a back seat to escallating real life drama. We were engrossed by his high energy monologue of life imitating art and recommend catching this short run. We won't drop too many spoilers, but El Brote embraces human nature, and runs the gamut of the best and worst of human emotions and actions. We're struck by how universal and entirely relatable this piece is. El Brote is for anyone who has ever experienced a love of performing, passion, jealousy, anger, fear, professional and financial struggles, questionable judgement, and/or unexpected success stemming from a catastrophic occurrence. 

Pros: Roberto Peloni puts on an engrossing, high energy show. He's mesmerizing to watch and the plot to his one man show is quite entertaining with universal appeal. 

Cons: This show is dialogue heavy with little action for context. It's presented in Spanish with English subtitles, projected on a screen that's unfortunately far stage left for this Chicago rendition
. If you don't understand Spanish well or speed read, you might want to reconsider catching this one. The extent of my Spanish is 1 year of high school and 2 semesters of college intro to Spanish classes, over 30 years ago, so I'm far from fluent at a conversational pace. Thankfully I do read quickly, and found this show entirely enjoyable, despite spending more time than I wished, reading the screen and not the actor's face. 
El Brote is the first show we're reviewing as part of Destinos 2024 - 7th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival and Chicago's so fortunate to have such a stellar lineup of world class, award winning productions right on our doorstep. Whether you speak Spanish or not, or are of all/some/no Latino descent, take a chance and embrace the multicultural. Destinos Fest is an excellent opportunity to explore traditions and immerse yourself in new and different perspectives from far-flung countries. Get out and see some shows!

Don't miss this. Check out El Brote and the rest of the 22 offering this year: http://chiilliveshows.com/2024/10/fest-alert-destinos-7th-chicago.html.

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).

El Brote 
Presented by Compañía Criolla, Argentina. 
North American Premiere. 
Written and directed by Emiliano Dionisi. 
Starring Roberto Peloni. 
At The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park
October 2-5: Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., four shows only.
 
Presented in Spanish with English subtitles
. 90 minutes. 
Ages 15+. 
Tickets: $21-$31
.

The lines between fiction and reality begin to blur for an actor, and now he cannot even be sure who is writing the events in his own life. What kind of character are we in this story? 

“Excellent, a creative beauty” -- Carlos Pacheco, La Nación Newspaper
“A show that takes your breath away!” -- Mercedes Mendez, Clarin Newspaper
“Sublime, theater at the highest” -- Victor Hugo Morales, AM750

Awards:
Premios ACE 2023 (Best Actor + Best Playwright)
Premios EEBA 2023 (Best Actor + Best Director + Best Playwright)
Premios ESTRELLA DE MAR (Best Director + Best Playwright)

La Compañia Criolla was founded in 2009 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has performed shows including Huesito Caracú, Memories at Siesta Time, The Blue Bridge, Cyrano de más acá, El Apego, Los Monsters, The Comedy of Errors, Eyes that Don't See, Pocket Romeo and Juliet, Losing You Again and Short Legs. National and international awards and distinctions include ACE, ESTRELLA DE MAR, TEATRO DEL MUNDO, ATINA, CERTAMEN BARROCO (Almagro, Spain), FLORENCIO SÁNCHEZ (Uruguay) and HUGO. La Compañia Criolla participates in dozens of theater festivals, congresses, art fairs and official cycles. Since 2013, it has been carrying out the “Teatro Itinerante” program, performing shows in schools, prisons, neighborhoods, centers for the disabled and nursing homes. It also develops its own artistic training programs, which it teaches at different institutions both inside and outside of its country. ciacriolla.com. 
El Brote has the support of the Consulate General of Argentina.

El Brote is one of 22 productions being presented as part of Destinos 2024 - 7th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, Chicago’s annual, citywide festival showcasing local Latine theater artists and companies alongside top artists from the U.S. and Latin America. This year’s Destinos runs September 30-November 17, 2024, and features a diverse array of bilingual, Latine-themed shows, panels and student performances at marquee venues downtown, as well as storefront theaters and cultural institutions in predominantly Latine neighborhoods throughout the city. 



Destinos is produced by the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA). For tickets and information, visit clata.org or follow CLATA on Facebook, Instagram and Threads at @latinotheater.

World Premiere! Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents The Mystery of The Haunted Bush October 10 – November 3, 2024 at The Chopin Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

World Premiere!

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents

The Golden Girls Meet The Skooby Don’t Gang:

The Mystery of The Haunted Bush

Pictured (left to right) Grant Drager, David Cerda, Ed Jones, Ben Meneses, Josh Kemper, Tyler Anthony Smith,Caitlin Jackson and Elizabeth Lesinski. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

By Artistic Director David Cerda

Directed by Frankie Leo Bennett

October 10 – November 3, 2024 at The Chopin Theatre

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 22nd season with the world premiere of The Golden Girls Meet The Skooby Don’t Gang: The Mystery of The Haunted Bush, bringing together two beloved Handbag parodies in one chilling Halloween tale. The girls – Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia (and their whacky friends) – enlist the help of America’s favorite 30-something teenage detectives to help solve a mystery in this all new episode written by Artistic Director David Cerda and directed by Frankie Leo Bennett. The Mystery of The Haunted Bush plays October 10 - November 3, 2024 on The Chopin Theatre Mainstage, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago. Tickets are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or bit.ly/hauntedbush. I'll be out for the press opening October 13th, so check back soon for my full review. 

Rose’s (Ed Jones*) nephew Fred (Tyler Anthony Smith*) is coming for a visit with his amateur sleuth friends, Daffy (Liz Lesinski*), Velva (Caitlin Jackson*), Skaggy (Josh Kemper) and their dog Skooby (Ben Meneses). While Rose is excited, she’s also hiding the real motive for inviting them: she’s being haunted by a big, scary bush – or is it a tree? There’s seems to be some confusion about that. 

Meanwhile, the Skooby gang is in awe of their idol and Sophia’s (Ryan Oates*) best friend, Nancy Drew (Danne W. Taylor*), particularly Skaggy, who takes things a step further. Can the gang help the girls solve the mystery of the haunted bush before it devours Rose? Will Velva and Daffy reveal their special secret? Will Dorothy (David Cerda*), Blanche (Grant Drager*) and Sophia survive the spooky hijinks?

Join Miami’s favorite roomies in a spine chillingly ridiculous tale, that combines Handbag’s signature biting humor with a heart. 

The production stars original cast members David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Ed Jones* and Ryan Oates* as the Geriatric Fab Four, joined by Caitlin Jackson*, Josh Kemper, Elizabeth Lesinski*, Ben Meneses and Tyler Anthony Smith* as the Skooby Don’t gang. Rounding out the cast are Michael S. Miller*, Scott Sawa* and Danne W. Taylor*. Understudies include Frankie Leo Bennett, Kelly Bolton, Nick Dorado, Al Duffy, Wendy Hayne, Brandon Nelson, Eric James Norman, TJ O'Brien, Jenny Rudnick and Coco Sho'Nell.

The production team includes Marcus Klein (Scenic Designer), Madeline Felauer (Costume Designer), Liz Cooper (Lighting Designer), Danny Rockett (Sound Designer), Maggie O'Brien (Props Designer), Syd Genco* (Make-Up Designer), Keith Ryan* (Wig Designer), Kate Lass (Violence Choreographer), Scott Sawa* (Assistant Director), Morgan Laszlo (Assistant Scenic Designer), Tom Daniel (Technical Director), Jackson Mikkelsen (Electrician), Tim Paul (Graphic Designer) and Veronica Kostka* (Stage Manager).

*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member

 

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Cast (in alphabetical order): David Cerda* (Dorothy), Grant Drager* (Blanche), Ed Jones* (Rose), Josh Kemper (Skaggy), Caitlin Jackson* (Velva) Elizabeth Lesinski* (Daffy), Ben Meneses (Skooby), Michael S. Miller* (Rita Claxton), Ryan Oates* (Sophia), Scott Sawa* (Stan), Tyler Anthony Smith* (Fred) and Danne W. Taylor* (Nancy Drew).

Understudies: Frankie Leo Bennett, Kelly Bolton, Nick Dorado, Al Duffy, Wendy Hayne, Brandon Nelson, Eric James Norman, TJ O'Brien, Jenny Rudnick and Coco Sho'Nell

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

Previews: Thursday, October 10, Friday October 11 and Saturday, September 12 at 8 pm

Opening/Press performance: Sunday, October 13 at 7 pm

Regular run: Thursday, October 17 – Sunday, November 3, 2024

Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturday at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be added performances on Sunday, October 20, Sunday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 30 at 8 pm.

Tickets: $29 previews, $38 advanced general admission, $45 general admission, $48 at the door, $60 VIP/reserved seating with drink ticket. Group rates $35 for 10 or more. Tickets are now on sale at handbagproductions.org  or bit.ly/hauntedbush.

 

About the Artists

David Cerda (Playwright) is a founding member and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions, now celebrating its 23rd  year anniversary. As resident playwright, he has written many Handbag productions as well as acted in them. His play, The Drag Seed was recently produced at LaMaMa Experimental Theater and his Golden Girls Lost Episodes parody shows have been produced around the country and was featured in Golden Con: Thank you for being a Fan, the world’s first fan convention dedicated to all things Golden Girls at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Cerda is a proud inductee into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and recipient of a Jeff Award for lifetime achievement for his 23 years (and counting) of work and service to the community. He lives in Chicago with his partner, Christopher.

Frankie Leo Bennett (Director, he/him) is an award-nominated Chicago-based theatre multi-hyphenate, returning to Handbag after previously directing The Golden Girls Save XMAS and associate directing on The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes: Vol. 3. Handbag acting credits: Christmas Dearest, Poseidon! An Upside-Down Musical, The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes: Bea Afraid!  Regional Direction: Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree (co-), RENT (asst.), multiple editions of New Faces Sing Broadway. Broadway In Your Backyard and Chicago Sings (Porchlight Music Theatre). Regional Acting: Kokandy Productions (Jeff nominee - Best Principal Performer/Musical - The SpongeBob Musical); Porchlight Music Theatre; Theo Ubique. Composer/Playwright - Resident Services: A Crossed-Up Animal Musical. He currently serves as Producing Artistic Associate at Porchlight Music Theatre.

About Hell in a Handbag Productions

Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit. For additional information, visit handbagproductions.org.

NEW RELEASE: AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS Album Cartoon Darkness Out October 25, 2024

 AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS

“BIG DREAMS” 

NEW SINGLE & VIDEO FROM CARTOON DARKNESS 

FIRST NEW ALBUM IN THREE YEARS OUT OCTOBER 25, 2024

Photo by John Angus Stewart 2024 @phcfilms

“Sometimes, you wonder: 'Is this show gonna be as good as I hoped?'… Other shows you walk out dragging your jaw on the floor behind you, gesturing vaguely as you try to return to earth after having gotten blown clean out of the atmosphere… Amyl and the Sniffers are that band.” — THE PITCH

“One of the most exhilarating bands to emerge over the past decade” — CONSEQUENCE

Amyl and The Sniffers offer up a sweetly melodic new dimension of their sonic onslaught with “Big Dreams,” the newest advance offering from their upcoming third album Cartoon Darkness, out October 25 via B2B Records / Virgin Music Group. 

Following in the footsteps of Pitchfork Hot Link / BBC Radio 1 Hottest Record “Chewing Gum” and Brooklyn Vegan / Consequence / Paper / Paste / Under the Radar Song of the Week “U Should Not Be Doing That,” “Big Dreams” is shot through with a previously unheard vulnerability, one that hints at the new heights and depth achieved on Cartoon Darkness. Speaking on how exactly Amyl and The Sniffers crafted the closest they’ve ever come to a straight-up ballad, singer Amy Taylor said:  

"I am writing this before 'Big Dreams' comes out, and I am actually a bit nervous that it's a single, because it's so different from a lot of people's expectations of us. This song was written because a lot of people in my life are struggling financially, and it's really hard to make your dreams come true when you're trying to get by day-to-day. But when I think of my friends doing what they love, and I see how good they are at it, I just know they've never been dull, they've always been lit, and there's nothing that will break that or take it away from them. 

The video we shot in the desert, it was the first clip we shot for this album, and it was fun as hell.”

The “Big Dreams” video can be seen at https://youtu.be/ipZSqcFA0Z0. Directed by PHC Films and shot in one continuous take, the epic clip sees the song’s sublime strains serving as soundtrack for the band’s quasi-apocalyptic desert motorcycle ride.      

Cartoon Darkness was recorded with producer Nick Launay (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Yeah Yeah Yeahs) at Foo Fighters’ 606 Studios in Los Angeles in early 2024. The album will be available in multiple formats, including limited edition glow in the dark vinyl with alternate artwork.  

Having spent the summer in North America ricocheting between stadium supports and a sold-out headline tour, Amyl and The Sniffers will embark on a UK / EURO tour in November, and will be main support for Fontaines D.C. at Finsbury Park on July 5th, 2025. 

  

UK / EURO DATES BELOW 2024 / 2025

NOV 5TH – DUBLIN – NATIONAL STADIUM

NOV 6TH – GLASGOW – 02 ACADEMY (SOLD OUT)

NOV 7TH – NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – NX (SOLD OUT)

NOV 9TH – MANCHESTER – MANCHESTER ACADEMY (SOLD OUT)

NOV 10TH – BIRMINGHAM 02 – ACADEMY

NOV 11TH – BRISTOL – 02 ACADEMY (SOLD OUT)

NOV 13TH – LONDON – ROUNDHOUSE (SOLD OUT)

NOV 14TH – LONDON – ROUNDHOUSE (SOLD OUT)

NOV 15TH – LONDON – ROUNDHOUSE (SOLD OUT)

NOV 17TH – BRUSSELS – ANCIENNE (SOLD OUT)

NOV 18TH – UTRECHT – TIVOLIVREDENBERG (SOLD OUT)

NOV 19TH – COLOGNE – CARLSWERK VICTORIA (SOLD OUT)

NOV 21ST – COPENHAGEN – VEGA (SOLD OUT)

NOV 22ND – HAMBURG – GROBE FREIHEIT 36 (SOLD OUT)

NOV 23RD – BERLIN – COLUMBIAHALLE (SOLD OUT)

NOV 25TH – MUNICH – TONHALLE

NOV 26TH – LAUSANNE – LES DOCKS

NOV 27TH – PARIS – OLYMPIA

NOV 29TH – ATHENS – FLOYD

THE SECOND CITY PRESENTS SHE THE PEOPLE October 5 – November 23, 2024 in The Second City’s UP Comedy Club,

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE FUTURE IS FUNNY

LEGENDARY COMEDY THEATER THE SECOND CITY PRESENTS

SHE THE PEOPLE

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we've seen several iterations of She The People and we love it! Bring your besties and enjoy this fiercely funny, female powered show that will have you laughing, empathizing, and shouting "me too".  Just in time for election season, SHE THE PEOPLE is in the house. Don't miss this!

ChiIL Mama, Bonnie Kenaz-Mara and Kathleen Roman

Catherine Hellmann & ChiIL Mama, Bonnie Kenaz-Mara 

Brat summer is over. Now it’s time to Fall, Patriarchy! Laugh, cheer, and rise up as The Second City proudly presents, SHE THE PEOPLE – a theatrical revolution loaded with a dynamic blend satirical sketch comedy, epic original songs, and razor-sharp improv delivered by The Second City’s fearlessly funny queens of comedy. 

She the People isn’t just a hilarious show, it empowers audiences to take a stand and make real changes. This diverse and supercharged Second City ensemble drops an electric, unapologetic, and high-key hilarious CELEBRATION of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere. She the People is NOW.

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara 

She The People is written by the casts of The Second City with Carly Heffernan, Carisa Barreca, and Marla Caceres and features Lexi Alioto, Alex Bellisle, Marla Caceres, Mary Catherine Curran, Sayjal Joshi, and Daryn Robinson. The music director is Lisa McQueen and stage managers are Izzy Patt and Bree Bartman.

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara 

The producing team includes Ed Wells (CEO), Parisa Jalili (COO/CRO), Elizabeth Howard (VP of Production), Jen Ellison (VP, Head of Creative), Jeremy Smith (Assistant General Manager & Managing Producer)

SHE THE PEOPLE plays for a limited run Saturday nights at 8 p.m. October 5 – November 23.  in The Second City’s UP Comedy Club located at 230 W North Ave, 2nd Floor of Piper’s Alley, Chicago. Tickets, starting at $29, are available at The Second City Box Office (230 W. North Ave, 1st Floor, Piper's Alley), by phone at 312-337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com.  

 

About The Second City

The Second City opened its doors in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret and has since grown to become the world's most influential name in improvisation and comedy. It celebrates its 65th year in business on December 16th, 2024. The Second City's stages, Touring Companies, and Training Centers across North America have proudly been the launch pad and artistic home for many of the funniest performers, writers, directors, and comedic minds on the planet.

For more information on The Second City, visit www.secondcity.com and follow The Second City on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara 

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Now Extended at Writers Theatre Through November 3, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Due to critical acclaim and ticket demand, the 12-time Tony nominated musical

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 

Extends at Writers Theatre

Now playing through November 3, 2024

Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, is extending its hit production of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, written by Dave Malloy and directed and choreographed by Katie Spelman with music direction by Matt Deitchman. Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 has added an additional week of performnaces and will now play throughNovember 3, 2024, in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.

The Writers production received unanimous raves, including 4-star reviews 

from both Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times.

Tickets are now on sale at Writers Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; 847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org.  

“There’s a war going on somewhere out there, and Andrey isn’t here.” Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancée from the front lines. But when she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, family friend Pierre must push through his existential crisis to help Natasha pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation. 

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 is based on 70 pages of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, the section that focuses on Natasha’s romance with Anatole and Pierre’s search for meaning.

Based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel War and Peace, this innovative musical spectacle took Broadway by storm with its “electropop opera” score, earning two Tony Awards and 12 Tony nominations. Katie Spelman and Matt Deitchman, the inspired creative team behind WT’s hit production of Once, reunite to bring this modern spin on a literary classic to Chicago for the first time. 

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 received two Tony Awards and 12 nominations in 2017.

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com 

“We are opening our season with the first Chicago production of one of the most thrilling original musicals of the last twenty years. Its engine is the timeless humanity of Tolstoy, and the contemporary genius of Dave Malloy is the rocket fuel that makes it go. This will be a high-octane experience for our audiences in the uniquely immersive environment at Writers, where they will be up close with some of Chicago’s finest actors,” comments Artistic Director Braden Abraham. “The real power of Great Comet for me is in what it says about love. At the heart of the show, love is the force that wakes us up to our own life. We are awake when our attention goes outward towards another. Love can be creative, or destructive and then creative again. It’s a play set in the past with an acute awareness that we are always in the present moment. It’s an invitation to a party, and a toast to the vibrancy of life.”

The cast includes Joseph Anthony Byrd (Anatole), Sophie Grimm (Ensemble, Hélène US/Dance Captain) Rob Lindley (Bolkonsky), Julia Wheeler Lennon (Mary, Sonya US), Will Lidke (Ensemble, Dolokhov US), Evan Tyrone Martin (Pierre), Andrew Mueller (Dolokhov), Aurora Penepacker(Natasha), Maya Rowe (Sonya), Bri Sudia (Hélène), Bethany Thomas (Marya), Jonah D. Winston (Balaga) and Matthew C. Yee (Andrey). The understudies are: Bridget Adams-King, Vasily Deris, Isabel Kaegi, Darryl D’Angelo Jones, Teressa LaGamba, and Shagra D. Wasserman.

The creative team includes: Katie Spelman (Director and Choreographer), Matt Deitchman (Music Director), Courtney O’Neill (Scenic Designer), Raquel Adorno (Costume Designer), Yael Lubetzky (Lighting Designer), Eric Backus (Sound Designer), Rae Watson (Properties Designer), Charlotte River-Hoster (Conductor/Piano/Associate Music Director), Amber Wuttke (Violence Director), Melissa Foster (Vocal Coach), and Roger Ellis (Associate Director). The stage manager is Miranda Anderson and the assistant stage managers are Natalie Cohen and Lexie Wiley.

Performance Schedule

Dates: First performance: September 5, 2024 

Press opening:  Friday, September 13, 2024 at 7:30pm 

Closing performance: November 3, 2024 

Regular run through October 27, 2024

Wednesdays: 3:00pm (October 2 only) and 7:30pm 

Thursdays: 7:30pm

Fridays: 7:30pm 

Saturdays: 3:00pm and 7:30pm 

Sundays: 2:00pm and 6:00pm (except October 6) 

 

Extension week, October 30-November 3, 2024

Wednesday-Friday: 7:30pm

Saturday: 3:00pm and 7:30pm

Sunday: 2:00pm and 6:00pm

 

Location: Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre; 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe 

Prices: $40-$115

Purchase early for best prices.                    

Box Office: The Box Office is located at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe;  847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org 

Events: 

The Great War & Peace Read-Aloud of 2024 

*well, ok, not all of War & Peace 

Saturday, October 5 from 10am-2:30pm 

WT, the Glencoe Public Library, and the Woman’s Library Club of Glencoe team up for a marathon community read-aloud of the 70 pages of the classic novel that inspired Great Comet. Featuring special guest readers and community members, attendees are welcome to participate as a reader and/or listener and to come and go over the course of the event. 

 

The Final Word Audience Discussion 

Sunday, October 27 at 12pm 

Connect with fellow audience members about the themes, characters, and production elements of the show at this conversation facilitated by WT Artistic staff. 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Katie Spelman (Director/Choreographer) is a Chicago born, Brooklyn based choreographer and director. Recent credits include The Notebook (Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Connecticut Critics Nomination for Best Choreography) Cabaret (Olney Theater Company, Helen Hayes Nomination for Best Choreography; Paramount Theater, Joseph Jefferson Nomination for Best Musical) and the first live-streamed musical on TikTok, For You, Paige. She has also collaborated with Lookingglass Theatre Company, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Camerata Bern, Court Theatre, The Hypocrites, Asolo Repertory, Ensemble Studio Theatre, TimeLine Theatre, Sideshow Theatre Company, The New Colony, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Northwestern University, and The Inconvenience. Broadway Associate: Once, American Psycho, and Amelie.

This production reunites director/choreographer Katie Spelman and music director Matt Deitchman after their previous collaboration on WT’s twice extended sold out run of Once.

Matt Deitchman (Music Director) returns to Writers Theatre, where his previous credits include: Once (Jeff Nom., Music Direction/Ensemble), Into The Woods (Jeff Nom., Music Direction), Trevor, Parade, and The Hunter And The Bear. Matt is a NYC based music director, actor, composer, orchestrator/arranger, and multi-instrumentalist whose credits include: Broadway — The Heart Of Rock And Roll, Parade, A Strange Loop, Almost Famous. Off-Broadway — Trevor (Disney+ and Original Cast Recording). Chicago — Marriott Theatre (recently, Jeff Nom., Music Direction for Buddy), Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Griffin Theatre, and many others. Add'l select regional: Arena Stage (DC), Shakespeare Theatre Company (DC), Asolo Repertory Theatre (FL), American Stage Theatre (FL), South Coast Repertory (CA), Ogunquit Playhouse (ME), Norwegian Cruise Lines. Northwestern University Grad.

Joseph Anthony Byrd (Anatole) is excited to be returning to Writers Theatre where he was just seen as Isom in The Hot Wing King. Some of his Chicago credits include The Play That Goes Wrong at Broadway Playhouse, And The World Goes Round (Jeff Nomination) at Marriott Theatre and Cabaret at Paramount Theatre. Broadway/Touring credits include Kinky Boots, The Play That Goes Wrong, and The Lion King. Joseph has also appeared on TV inJustified: City Primeval, Chicago Med, 4400 and Proven Innocent.  

Sophie Grimm (Ensemble, Helene US/Dance Captain) a lifelong performer in theatre and music. Theatre credits include Writers Theatre’s world premiere of Trevor: The Musical, Paramount Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Stages St. Louis, Rocky Mountain Rep, Wagon Wheel, Little Theatre on the Square, About Face, Chicago Shakespeare Theater/Globe, as well as singing, producing, & directing across the country with family, friends, & Hasbro’s CLUE: A Walking Mystery.

Rob Lindley (Bolkonsky): Oh, Coward! (Jeff Award Best Actor Revue), Bach at Leipzig (Writers); M. Andre in Phantom of the Opera (National Tour);Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, Secret Garden, Angels in America, Caroline or Change, Carousel (Court Theatre); Andy Warhol in Iran, Funnyman(Northlight); Candide (Goodman); Sound of Music (Marriott); Fun Home (Victory Gardens). Directing credits include; 50 Shades! (Off-Broadway); 2 Pianos 4 Hands, Songs for Nobodies (Northlight); many productions at Porchlight; and gala concerts for Ravinia, Chicago Humanities Festival, and several area theaters. 

Julia Wheeler Lennon (Mary/Sonya US) is making her Writers Theatre debut. NYC: Smith Street Stage (Enemy). TOUR: TheaterWorks USA (Rosie Revere,Engineer and Friends). REGIONAL: Signature Theatre D.C. (Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, The Bridges of Madison County); Lyric Stage Company of Boston (The Wolves); Adventure Theatre (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown); Legacy Theatre (The Great American Mousical); Valley Shakespeare Festival (The Winter's Tale, Henry VIII, The Taming of the Shrew); Downtown Cabaret Theatre (Mamma Mia, Sister Act); Madison Lyric Stage (Into the Woods, Agnes of God). UPCOMING: Ford's Theatre (A Christmas Carol).

Will Lidke (Ensemble/Dolokhov US) is making his Writers Theatre debut. Other Chicago credits include: Alice By Heart, American Psycho (Kokandy Productions); Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Theo Ubique, Jeff Award: Principal Performer in a Musical); Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Saturday Night Fever (Drury Lane); Violet (Griffin Theatre); as well as work with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Mercury Theater and Rhino Fest. TV: Chicago Justice, Chicago PD (NBC). Will holds a BFA in Acting from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. He also creates music, available on all streaming platforms under the name Leo Rising.

Evan Tyrone Martin (Pierre) Recent credits: Dreamgirls (Curtis Taylor, Jr) at Goodspeed/McCarter Theatre, RENT! (Tom Collins) and The Color Purple(Mister) at The MUNY, Next to Normal (Dan) at Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Grease (Teen Angel) at Drury Lane, Blues In The Night (Man in Saloon, Black Theatre Alliance Award Winner) at Porchlight Music Theatre, Into The Woods (Baker) at Opera Montana, Queer Eye: The Musical Parody (Karamo) at The Second City, The Black Clown (Ensemble) at American Repertory Theatre/Lincoln Center's 2019 Mostly Mozart Festival, Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus, BTAA Nomination) at Paramount Theatre, Far From Heaven (Raymond, Jeff Award Nomination) at Porchlight. He also toured with the hit one-man revueAn Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas, and stars in his one man show Lets Fall In Love – celebrating the music of Nat and other iconic performers of his time. Next, Evan will return to Opera Montana to play the iconic role of Sweeney in Sweeney Todd.

Andrew Mueller (Dolokhov) is making his Writers Theatre debut. Chicago credits include: Gerry Goffin in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Marriott), Ernest Shackleton & Others in Ernest Shakleton Loves Me (Porchlight; Jeff Award nomination), Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyric Opera Chicago), Mark in RENT (Paramount), Shakespeare In Love (Chicago Shakespeare), Wonderland: Alice's Rock & Roll Adventure (Chicago Children's Theater), A Christmas Carol (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Merrily We Roll Along (Music Theatre Co). Off-Broadway: Prentiss in Peter And The Starcatcher, Alice By Heart. 

Aurora Penepacker (Natasha) is making her Writers Theatre debut! Rory is a mixed Filipina-American actor, singer, and songwriter. After growing up in Glenview, she earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and is represented by Stewart Talent. Notable credits include The King and I (u/s Tuptim) at Drury Lane, Seagulls (Nina) at Oak Park Festival Theatre, The Fantasticks (Luisa) at Citadel Theatre, and Oklahoma! (Laurey) at the Encore Musical Theatre Company.

Maya Rowe (Sonya) is making her Writers Theatre debut! Favorite regional credits include: Sally Bowles in Cabaret (The Studio Theatre TDS), Babette in Beauty and the Beast (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Gingy in Shrek (Drury Lane), Clara in The Light in the Piazza (AGPA Festival), Sibella in A Gentleman’s Guide…(Rocky Mountain Rep), Marilyn Wald & u/s Cynthia/Carole in Beautiful! (Marriott Theatre), Ursula & u/s Frau Schmidt/Maria in The Sound of Music (Paramount Theatre), and Charlotte in A Little Night Music (Theo). You can also catch her in ‘Tankhouse’ on AppleTV+.

Bri Sudia (Helene) Broadway: A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (Ellie Greenwich, Original Broadway Cast) Chicago: Wonderful Town (Jeff Award nomination; Goodman Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Jeff Award nomination; Paramount Theatre) Oslo (Jeff Award nomination; TimeLine Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (Drury Lane) The Music Man, Ah, Wilderness! (Goodman Theatre), Road Show, Emma, Red Velvet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) MFA Acting, University of Illinois and a degree in Sign Language Interpreting. 

Bethany Thomas (Marya) is thrilled to join the big show after appearing at Writers Theatre in Once, Into the Woods, A Moon for the Misbegotten, and She Loves Me. Other credits include A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); Marie and Rosetta, Songs For Nobodies (Northlight Theatre); Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Ragtime, The Color Purple (Milwaukee Rep); The Tempest (Chicago Shakespeare); Porgy and Bess (Court Theatre); Iphigenia In Aulis (Getty Villa); Moby Dick (Rep of St. Louis). Jeff Award Winner, 3Arts Awardee, Lunt-Fontanne Fellow. Fun with Teatro ZinZanni, Grelley Duvall, Jon Langford, Tawny Newsome, The Fly Honeys; original music on Apple, and Spotify.

Jonah D. Winston (Balaga) - CHICAGO: Parade (Writers Theatre) Romeo and Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Big Fish The Musical, Damn Yankees(Marriott Theater); Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors, Clue, Young Frankenstein, Spamalot (The Mercury Theater Chicago); A Christmas Carol (The Goodman Theater). TOURING: The Play That Goes Wrong, Saint-George's Sword and Bow. REGIONAL: The MUNY, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, The Cleveland Playhouse, Beef and Boards Dinner Theater. OPERA: The Merry Widow, Jesus Christ Superstar (The Lyric Opera of Chicago). FILM: Lacy's Christmas Do-Over, Evil Lurks, The Resentful Angel. TELEVISION: “Chicago Fire” (NBC), “Chicago PD” (NBC), Discover Indie Film “(Amazon Prime). EDUCATION: BA in Theatre and Vocal Music, Butler University. Master of Letters in Acting, Flinders University.

Matthew C. Yee (Audrey) most recently appeared in The Lord of the Rings at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Other credits include: Vietgone (Writers Theatre); Antigone (Court Theatre); Cambodian Rock Band (Victory Gardens Theatre); Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon (Lookingglass Theatre Company) for which he also wrote the book and score. BROADWAY: Almost Famous The Musical. REGIONAL: The Old Globe, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Alliance Theatre. FILM: Ghostlight (2024); Consumed (2015). TELEVISION: “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago PD,” “Chicago Justice” (NBC); “61st Street” (AMC); “Empire” (FOX); “The Bear” (FX). From 2023-24 he was a writer in residence at the Goodman Theatre creating a new musical. Yee is an ensemble member at Lookingglass Theatre Company.

 

WRITERS THEATRE 2024/25 SEASON 

The 2024-25 season launches with the Chicago premiere of the acclaimed musical Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, recipient of two Tony Awards and nominated for 12 Tony Awards, which reunites director/choreographer Katie Spelman and music director Matt Deitchman after their previous collaboration on WT’s twice extended sold out run of Once. Kimberly Senior returns to Writers to direct the hilarious and compassionate one-person play Every Brilliant Thing. Acclaimed writer and performer Vanessa Severo will star as both herself and legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in her searing new play Frida...A Self Portrait, directed by Joanie Schultz. Next spring, Braden Abraham brings Brian Friel’s touching Irish dramaTranslations to the Writers stage before the season concludes with the World Premiere of Dhaba on Devon Avenue, directed by Chay Yew, co-produced with TimeLine Theatre Company. 

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Frida...A Self Portrait, Translations, and Dhaba on Devon Avenue will be presented in the 255-seat Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre. Every Brilliant Thing will be in the intimate Gillian Theatre. Both spaces are in Writers Theatre’s award-winning building at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe, designed by Studio Gang Architects. 

This season, Writers Theatre is offering five subscriptions with an option for every theatregoer. Each subscription includes a deeply discounted ticket price for one ticket to the five-play series, Flex subscriptions, with options for either four, five or six tickets, are available. 

Subscriptions are now available for the 5-show season and range from $240 - $325. Flex subscriptions are $260 (4-pack), $325 (5-pack) or $360 (6-pack). Season package subscribers receive exclusive benefits including complimentary ticket exchanges by phone and mail (upgrade fees may apply), access to special play readings and lectures, special “subscriber-rate” prices on additional tickets, discounts at the bar, on Writers Theatre merchandise, event rentals, and more. For a complete list of benefits visit writerstheatre.org. 

Season Packages are available online at www.writerstheatre.org, and at the Box Office by calling 847-242-6000. 

Single tickets for Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 are on-sale now and begin at $40.

Single tickets are on-sale now for Every Brilliant Thing and begin at $70 and are General Admission. Tickets for Frida…A Self Portrait, Translations and Dhaba on Devon Avenue begin at $35 and will go on sale at a later time.

 

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES: 

WT offers Open Captioning on select dates for each production. Please visit writerstheatre.org/accessibility for more information.

Throughout the season, Writers Theatre offers a variety of audience enrichment and special programming. This includes regularly occurring offerings like the Family Matinee Series, The Green Room artist interview series and podcast, and The Final Word Audience Discussion Series. Please visit writerstheatre.org/events for a full listing of upcoming offerings. 

ABOUT WRITERS THEATRE 

Writers Theatre boldly looks to the future as it begins its 33rd season. Having captivated audiences for years with its dedication to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, the company is charting a path forward for the next 30 years. 

Since its founding in 1992, Writers Theatre has stayed true to its core values: valuing the power of the written word and uplifting the artists who bring that word to life. The company has produced over 140 productions—everything from inventive interpretations of classics to groundbreaking new work. In 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility designed by the internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects. The new facility has allowed the Theatre to accommodate its growing audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. 

Writers Theatre now welcomes more than 60,000 patrons each season and has helped establish the North Shore of Chicago as a premier cultural destination. Through its Literary Development Initiative, which has been responsible for the nurturing and premiering of over 30 world premieres, the theatre has established itself as a major originator of new theatrical works. Serving as an extension of the Writers Theatre mission, WT Education programs engage an average 10,000 students each year with active learning opportunities centered around the written word. 

FEST ALERT: Destinos 7th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival September 30-November 17, 2024

Fest Alert: ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar Destinos 7th Chicago International  Latino Theater Festival  boasting most extensive line-up yet with works from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and the U.S. playing all over the city, September 30-November 17 Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we've covered every year of Destiny's Fest since its inception, and this year's no exception. We are so fortunate to have multicultural, world class theatre right on our doorstep. There's something for everyone at 7th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival. Don't miss this!  Only in Chicago can you experience a Brazilian play about a female shaman, a Chilean all-ages adventure about saving trees, the return of Port of Entry at Albany Park Theater, Chicago’s Satya Chávez in Brian Quijada’s Where Did We Sit on the Bus?, The Magic Parlour headlined by Latine magicians from Ecuador and Chicago, and the world premieres of a father/son dramedy set in Wrigley Field, a one-woman Mariachi musical, the true story of Humboldt Park church refugee Elvira Arellano and a Latine drag comedy. The Destinos 2024 lineup includes (top, from left) Chile’s Astillero Teatro’s all-ages family show, the North American premiere of La Memoria de los Sésiles, at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Oct. 31-Nov. 3. The U.S. premiere of Desvenar from Mexico’s Kraken Teatro explores the significance of the chile in Mexican culture, Oct. 3-5 at the National Museum of Mexican Art. (Middle) Latin Standards, a one-woman comedy by San Francisco solo artist Marga Gomez, plays Center on Halsted, Oct. 4-5. Albany Park Theater Project and Third Rail Projects present the return of their hit immersive production, Port of Entry, Oct. 17-Nov. 2. (Bottom) The North American premiere of El Brote from Compañia Criolla in Argentina features Roberto Peloni as an actor who can’t be sure who is writing the events in his own life, Oct. 2-5 at The Den. Chicago artist Satya Chavez stars in Brian Quijada’s Where Did We Sit on the Bus?, Nov.15-17 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater.  The 2024 Destinos Festival is bringing exciting international productions from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile to Chicago.

Wednesday, October 2 at 8 p.m. El Brote  at The Den Theatre 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park I'll be catching El Brote on opening night, so check back soon for my full review at ChiILLiveShows.com.  Presented by Compañía Criolla, Argentina North American Premiere Written and directed by Emiliano Dionisi  Starring Roberto Peloni Four shows only, October 2-5: Wednesday - Saturday at 8 p.m.  Presented in Spanish with English subtitles 90 minutes Ages 15+ The lines between fiction and reality begin to blur for an actor, and now he cannot even be sure who is writing the events in his own life. What kind of character are we in this story?

CANCELLED DUE TO PERFORMER VISA ISSUES Desvenar at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Pilsen Presented by Kraken Teatro, Mexico U.S. Premiere Written, directed by and co-starring Richard Viqueira Featuring Valentina Garibay and Angel Luna  CANCELLED  Presented in Spanish with English subtitles 90 minutes Ages 12+ Desvenar is a scenic mole that delves into the intricate layers of extravagance associated with spice, intertwining culinary traditions with historical, religious, botanical and patriotic perspectives. Through the lens of mole—a sauce rich in flavor and symbolism—this work explores the dual nature of spiciness as both a source of cultural flavor and a metaphor for the challenges and contradictions we face as a nation.

Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m. Elvira at St. Augustine College, Charlie Chaplin Hall, 1345 W. Argyle St. in Uptown World Premiere Presented by Colectivo El Pozo, Chicago Written by Raúl Dorantes Directed by Mark Litwicki October 2-26: Thu and Fri at 7 p.m., Sat at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Performed in Spanish with English subtitles 75 minutes All Ages  Elvira tells the story of Elvira Arellano, a Mexican immigrant, single mother, worker and eventual activist. Fearing deportation, Elvira takes sanctuary for a year in a Humboldt Park church. Her year enclosed in sanctuary allows her to observe herself and the systems that led to her arrest and enclosure. Her son, a friend, her pastor, and other supporters accompany her as well as the demands and cruelty of the law-is-the-law Sistema. A story about a struggle for survival and for justice.

Friday, October 4, 8 p.m. Latin Standards at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Lakeview Written by and starring Marga Gomez  Chicago Premiere via San Francisco Directed by David Schweitzer Two shows only, October 4 and 5: Fri and Sat at 8 p.m. Performed in English Runs 75 minutes Ages 16+ A loving, funny and true story of perseverance and creative and caffeinated addiction passed down from immigrant father to lesbian daughter. Mixing nostalgia, urgency, and comic edge, Gomez portrays herself as a driven adult child of a Cuban entertainer.

Saturday, October 5 at 7 p.m. El Piélago de las Calamidades Presented by Chicago's Teatro Tariakuri, 3117 W. 63rd St. in Chicago Lawn U.S. Premiere Written by Alejandro Licona Directed by Karla Galván October 5-27: Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. Performed in Spanish with English subtitles 90 minutes Ages 15+ (includes strong language and sexual innuendo) This U.S. premiere comedy is the unwritten story of what happened to a troupe of nomadic actors who were hired by Hamlet to represent the murder of his father.

Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. Azira’i at Chicago Shakespeare Theater Upstairs Studio, Navy Pier,  800 E. Grand Ave. I'll be catching Azira’i on opening night, so check back soon for my full review at ChiILLiveShows.com.  Presented by Sarau Cultura Brasileira, Brazil North American Premiere A biographical one-woman musical starring Zahy Tentehar  Conceived and with dramaturgy by Zahy Tentehar and Duda Rios Directed by Denise Stutz and Duda Rios Four shows only: October 24-27 Thu, Fri and Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 3 p.m. Performed in Portuguese and Ze’eng eté with projected English translation 90 minutes Ages 15+ This biographical musical show looks at Zahy Tentehar’s relationship with her mother, Azira’i, the first female Shaman from the Cana Brava reserve (MA), who held the rank of Supreme Shaman of the Tentehar peoples, which is only for people with extremely developed medicinal and spiritual knowledge. Chicago Shakespeare Theater hosts the North American premiere of Azira’i, a biographical one-woman show starring Zahy Tentehar presented by Sarau Cultura Brasileira in Brazil. The play looks at Tentehar’s relationship with her mother, Azira’i, a female Shaman.

Thursday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m. La Memoria de los Sésiles at Chicago Shakespeare Theater Upstairs Studio, Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. Presented by Astillero Teatro, Chile North American Premiere Written by Nicolás Cancino-Said Directed by: Gabriel Contreras Four shows only: October 31-November 3: Thu, Fri and Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 3 p.m. Performed in Spanish with English translation 55 minutes Ages 6+ Created in the key of family theater, filled with songs, games and beautiful stagecraft, La Memoria de los Sésiles takes place in a not-too-distant future where all the trees have been cut down by uncontrolled real estate expansion. Sacha, an old hermit, will embark on a journey deep underground in the face of the inevitable destruction of his home. Accompanied by Tujo, a rebellious young environmentalist, they will go in search of the last living roots to the path that will allow them to make the forest emerge again.

New Destinos partners include Center on Halsted, Albany Park Theater Project and the American Music Theatre Project at Northwestern University U.S. productions, traveling from out-of-town for their Chicago debuts, include: Latin Standards, a one-woman comedic family memoir by San Francisco solo artist Marga Gomez, is a loving, funny and true story of perseverance and creative and caffeinated addiction passed down from immigrant father to lesbian daughter. It’s presented in partnership with Center on Halsted, two shows only, October 4-5. Press opening is Friday, October 4 at 8 p.m. Goodman Theatre is partnering with CLATA to bring the art of magic to Destinos with The Magic Parlour presents Siegfried Tieber (top). Twelve performances only, October 9-20 at The Magic Parlour, include two with special guest appearances by Chicago magicians (bottom, from left) Luis Carreon and Mago Gozner.  Goodman Theatre builds on its long-running partnership with CLATA to bring the art of magic to Destinos with The Magic Parlour presents Siegfried Tieber. This year, legendary Chicago magician Dennis Watkins has invited Tieber and local Latine magicians to take the stage of The Magic Parlour for this exclusive limited engagement, October 9-20 at The Magic Parlour, adjacent to Goodman Theatre and Petterino’s. Originally from Ecuador, Tieber is a L.A.-based magician who has fooled thousands, including Penn & Teller, with his amazing sleight-of-hand, psychology and humor. Watkins considers Tieber one of his favorite magic entertainers, calling him “smart, funny, gracious and incredibly devious.” Twelve performances only, including two with special guest appearances by local magicians Luis Carreon and Mago Gozner.  Rising musical theater composer and 2023 Jonathan Larson Award-winner Jaime Lozano comes to the American Music Theatre Project at Northwestern University to continue development of Desaparecidas, his new state-fair concert musical about stories of disappeared women from the borderlands. Told through the lens of Mexican folklore and music, writers Lozano, Florencia Cuenca and Georgina Escobar explore the strategic erasure of female voices in the fight to end gender-based violence and the disappearance of women and girls. From the missing, to the socially invisible, to the forgotten, Desaparecidas takes place in a classic and timeless Mexican state fair (a Palenque) where the audience will experience a special appearance by some stories of the missing. Performances are October 18-20 at Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts Chicago. Press opening is Friday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.  I came here to weep, first presented at Brooklyn’s Chocolate Factory Theatre in 2023, is a performance installation led by Bessie Award-winning choreographer and interdisciplinary artist Yanira Castro. Co-created with the public, I came here to weep is a multimodal, interactive project with a built audio environment designed by Northwestern faculty member Stephan Moore. A culmination of Castro's design residency at Northwestern, I came here to weep examines U.S. territorial possession and Puerto Rican sovereignty and invites the audience into a collective exorcism. Experience I came here to weep November 15-16 at Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts Chicago. Press opening is Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m.  Chicago Latine companies, artists and shows participating in the 7th Destinos Festival are: Elvira, a world premiere from Colectivo El Pozo, tells the true story of Elvira Arellano, a Mexican immigrant, single mother, worker, and eventual activist, who, fearing deportation, took sanctuary for a year in a Humboldt Park church in 2005. Elvira, written by Raúl Dorantes and directed by Mark Litwicki, runs October 2-26 at the Charlie Chaplin Hall at St. Augustine College in Uptown. Press opening is Thursday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m.  Teatro Tariakuri in Chicago Lawn presents the U.S. premiere of El Piélago de las Calamidades, a comedy by Alejandro Licona, directed by Karla Galván, about the unwritten story of what happened to the nomadic actors who Hamlet hired to represent the murder of his father. Performances are October 5-27. Press opening is Saturday, October 5 at 7 p.m.  The setting is Wrigley Field, Cubs versus the Brewers, in the world premiere dramedy Que Te Vaya Bien from Subtext Studio Theatre, debuting October 10-27 at the Greenhouse Theater. After learning his wife is pregnant, Elias buys a ticket to the Cubs game to spiritually connect with his deceased father, in the hope of gaining some clarity on what it means to be a good father. A new play written by Omar Vicente Fernandez and directed by Octavio Montes De Oca. Press opening is Friday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m.  Childhood photo of Ruth Guerra, writer and star of Concrete Content's world premiere of Ruth on the Rocks, directed by Ricardo Gamboa, October 11 - November 16 at The Storyfront in Back of the Yards. Concrete Content presents the world premiere of Ruth on the Rocks, a dramedy developed and directed by Ricardo Gamboa, written by and starring Ruth Guerra. Ruth is just your average Mexican American, middle-aged girl that grew up in the hood on Chicago’s south side. Ruth loves a good drink or ten, her jams and a messy relationship. Oh! She’s also a mother and grandmother, regular at a few bars and backyards, sometimes actor and storyteller, and still grieving her father. She probably needs a therapist or an Ayahuasca trip but instead this veteran of Chicago’s underground Latino performance and storytelling scene made a play about her hot ass mess of a life. Performances are October 11 - November 16 at The Storyfront in Back of the Yards. Press opening is Friday, October 11 at 7 p.m.    Jeff Award-winning Visión Latino Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Jocey y Las Mariachis, a one-woman musical created by Jocey Villa, October 12-27 at the APO Culture Center in Pilsen. Jeff Award-winning Visión Latino Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Jocey y Las Mariachis, a one-woman musical created by Jocey Villa, directed by Yajaira Custodio. Experience one woman’s musical journey through culture, love and self-discovery in Chicago, accompanied by live mariachi music! Performances are October 12-27 at the APO Culture Centerin Pilsen. Press opening is Monday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m.  Albany Park Theater Project and Third Rail Projects present the return of their hit immersive production, Port of Entry. Step inside the real-life stories of immigrants and refugees from all parts of the world living side by side in a single apartment building in Albany Park. Each performance welcomes just 28 audience members into an iconic courtyard apartment building meticulously recreated in a 12,000 square foot warehouse. With each step, guests experience the struggles, joys and triumphs of people forging new lives alongside one another. The Chicago Tribune called the original 2023 staging “an astonishing piece of work…a beautiful and fresh tribute to those who came first.” Performances are October 17-November 2. Press opening is Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m.  Destinos Spotlight Week returns with a series of one-night-only performances highlighting Chicago’s local talent, including Antojitos Improv on October 19 at The Den Theatre.  Destinos Spotlight Week returns with a series of one-night-only performances highlighting Chicago’s local talent. Enjoy storytelling hosted by Nestor Gomez on October 18, Antojitos Improv on October 19 and a Latine edition of Physical Theater Scratch Night on October 21. All performances are at The Den Theatre. Cabaret Parodia presents Más Dramáticas, written and directed by Esteban Pantoja, a comedy about an acting school director who shares the history of her prestigious academy and reveals the intense drama behind the auditions of five extraordinary students, each played by Chicago Latine drag performers. With fierce competition, high stakes and unwavering ambition, these girls are prepared to give it their all. Expect more music, more laughter, more wigs and more drama. Two shows only, October 23 and 24 at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Press opening is Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m.  Repertorio Latino Theater presents the Chicago premiere of Juicio a una Zorra, a dramatic monologue by Miguel Del Arco, directed by Sebastian Ligarde. Mafer Roussell plays Helen of Troy, famous for her beauty that sparked the most renowned war of Antiquity, and vilified as the adulterous queen of Sparta. Performances are October 24-November 10 at Citlalin Gallery & Theater. Press opening is Thursday, October 24 at 8 p.m.  Aguijón Theater, the city’s longest running Latino and Spanish-language theater, based in Belmont-Cragin, presents the Chicago premiere of Adverses, a contemporary take on the Electra myth by Rey Andujar, directed by Sándor Menéndez and Marcela Muñoz. This is a humorous yet poignant tragicomedy about the corrosive nature of the pursuit of power and the often-complicated relationship between mothers and daughters. Performances are November 1-December 15. Press opening is Friday, November 1 at 8 p.m.        Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Aguijón Theater will present a remount of Cintas de seda, about an imagined encounter between Frida Kahlo and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz,four shows only, November 7-10 at the National Museum of Mexican Art, where Aguijón first performed in 1990.  Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Aguijón Theater will also present a remount of Cintas de seda, four shows only, November 7-10 at the National Museum of Mexican Art, where Aguijón first performed in 1990. On the eve of Day of the Dead, Frida Kahlo and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz come together in an impossible dialogue where ghosts, hallucinations, and images of the past are present from death in a poetic representation of life. This special run will also serve as a fundraiser for Chicago’s longest running Spanish language theater company. Press opening is Thursday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m.  Where Did We Sit on the Bus?, the smash hit solo musical by Chicago native Brian Quijada, performed by the acclaimed multi-hyphenated Chicago artist Satya Chavez, runs for a very limited engagement, November 15-17 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater. During a third grade lesson on the Civil Rights movement and Rosa Parks, a Latina child raises her hand to ask, “Where did we sit on the bus?” Her teacher can’t answer the question. Performed by Chavez, an actor, singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and intersectional feminist, and infused with Latin rhythms, hip-hop, and live-looping, don’t miss this high-octane, tour-de-force theatrical experience that examines what it means to be Latine in America. Press opening is Friday, November 15 at 7:30 p.m.  Additional programming for Destinos includes: The 2024 Destinos festival will mark the launch of Alianzas, a week of gatherings and events from October 21-27 dedicated to facilitating exchanges between artistic programmers representing international and national festivals and local Latine theater groups. Another first will be the introduction of Intercambios, a series of workshops throughout the run of the festival focusing on different skill building sessions. About the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) is a leading advocate organization for Latine theater in Chicago. Supporting the development of emerging and established Latine playwrights, actors, directors and theater professionals is central to its mission. CLATA’s goal is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive theater community, by presenting and producing Latine theater that celebrates and promotes the richness and diversity of our Latinidad. CLATA believes together we can build a stronger and more sustainable Latine theater industry. CLATA has four signature programs: 1) Destinos, the Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, an annual, citywide festival showcasing Chicago's Latine theater artists and companies alongside top Latine artists from the U.S. and Latin America, 2) Destinos Al Aire, a free outdoor family festival that brings performing arts to Chicago Latine communities with the goal of making the arts accessible to everyone, 3) Inicios: Chicago Latine Playwright Festival, an annual festival dedicated to elevating and promoting Chicagoland area Latine playwrights and 4) Latine Theatre Artist Week, a weeklong series of free workshops and offerings specifically for Latine theatre actors and artists. CLATA is supported by the Ford Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Arts Work Fund, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, National Latinx Theater Initiative, Driehaus Foundation, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, Excellerator Fund, Shubert Foundation and Illinois Arts Council. Destinos is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Allstate, Arts Midwest GIG Fund and the Consulate General of Argentina. For more information, visit clata.org, or follow CLATA on Facebook, Instagram and Threads at @latinotheater.