OPENING: GOODMAN THEATRE'S THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar: THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW THE FINAL WORK OF ICONIC AMERICAN PLAYWRIGHT LORRAINE HANSBERRY, DIRECTED BY ANNE KAUFFMAN, APPEARS AT GOODMAN THEATRE APRIL 30 – JUNE 5 **THE MAJOR REVIVAL IS THE CENTERPIECE OF A CITYWIDE CELEBRATION OF LORRAINE HANSBERRY CURATED BY CHUCK SMITH** Goodman Theatre presents The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window by Lorraine Hansberry, the famed author of A Raisin in the Sun and one of Chicago’s first great playwrights. Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman directs this major revival of Hansberry’s final work, which premiered on Broadway just three months before her untimely death in 1965 at age 34. The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window follows Sidney Brustein in Greenwich Village, 1964: a magnet for ideals and activism of every stripe. At its center is Brustein’s apartment, the gathering place for an eclectic group of bohemians during a time of rapid change. As Sidney gets increasingly swept up in the radical issues of the day, however, he ignores the equally dangerous tension mounting between himself and his wife Iris, the one person he holds most dear. The production is the centerpiece of The Lorraine Hansberry Celebration throughout the month of May curated by Resident Director Chuck Smith. The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window runs April 30 – June 5, 2016.  Opening Night is Monday, May 9. Tickets ($25-$75, as well as special $10 student tickets), are on sale now; visit GoodmanTheatre.org/TheSign, call 312.443.3800 or purchase in person at the Box Office at 170 N. Dearborn. Goodman Theatre Women’s Board is the Major Production Sponsor, Edelman and ITW are Corporate Sponsor Partners, and WBEZ 91.5 is the Media Partner. Casting update: Chris Stack appears in the role of Sidney Brustein. As previously announced, the cast also includes Diane Davis (Iris), Travis A. Knight (Alton), Kristen Magee (Gloria), Miriam Silverman (Mavis), Phillip Edward Van Lear (Max), Guy Van Swearingen (Wally O’Hara) and Grant James Varjas (David). “Chicago native Lorraine Hansberry is, of course, best known for A Raisin in the Sun, her searing and revelatory portrait of the Younger family and its pursuit of the American dream. Although the characters in her equally ambitious but rarely-produced The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window occupy another place and time—Greenwich Village in the turbulent 1960s--they are also dreamers who yearn to secure their rightful place in the American landscape,” said Artistic Director Robert Falls. The questions that Hansberry posed more than 50 years ago remain just as relevant in 2016:  What are the core values of our society? Who among those in power speaks my truth?  Should I take action or watch passively from the sidelines? We welcome the opportunity to revisit these essential questions with Anne Kauffman’s exciting new production of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, and to celebrate Lorraine Hansberry’s legacy as one of America’s most important playwrights.”              In a New York Times piece days before the 1964 premiere, Hansberry described the play as “a genuine portrait of the milieu.” The politically prescient and powerful work by an iconic American playwright, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window eerily reflects today’s political climate, including Sidney’s warning, “The world is about to crack right down the middle. We’ve gotta change—or fall in the crack.” Hansberry’s heartfelt and perceptive play holds a mirror up to the injustice and corruption of the contemporary world.    "When I met Anne close to 10 years ago, her passion and commitment to the play was abundantly clear. I view this edition as an examination of Lorraine’s wishes and intentions, and a chance to find the most effective ways to achieve them. We couldn’t be happier that the Goodman jumped on board to produce it,” said Joi Gresham, Executive Director & Trustee, Lorraine Hansberry Literary Trust. "Lorraine was dying when she wrote this play. She was thinking about the end of her life, the things to which she was most committed, and what it meant to be fully engaged in the world. Those powerful questions are reaching us here and now in 2016.” The production’s design elements capture the New York energy of a world under constant construction. Kevin Depinet’s mostly realistic set will appear to float above the stage by opening the trap room below Sidney’s apartment and utilizing Justin Townsend ’s light design to illuminate the empty space beneath the apartment’s floor. The set’s verticality also includes an elaborate maze of scaffolding above the apartment to allow for the dreamscape moments of the play. The design team also includes Alison Siple (costumes) and Mikhail Fiksel (sound). Briana Fahey is the production stage manager. ACCESSIBILITY AT GOODMAN THEATRE May 18, American Sign Language Interpreted Performance –7:30pm; Enter the promo code SIGN when purchasing May 28, Touch Tour Presentation – 12:30pm; a presentation detailing the set, costume and character elements; Audio Described Performance – 2pm; the action/text is audibly enhanced for patrons via headset. June 4, Open Captioned Performance – 2pm; an LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance. Visit Goodman Theatre.org/Access for more information about Goodman Theatre’s accessibility efforts. TICKETS & DISCOUNTS Tickets ($25-$75) –GoodmanTheatre.org/TheSign; 312.443.3800; Fax: 312.443.3825; TTY/TDD: 312.443.3829 MezzTix – Half-price day-of-performance mezzanine tickets available at 10am online (promo code MEZZTIX)  $10Tix – Student $10 day-of-performance tickets available at 10am online; limit four, with valid student ID (promo code 10TIX) Group Sales – Discounted tickets for parties of 10+ call 312.443.3820 Gift Certificates – Available in any amount: GoodmanTheatre.org/GiftCertificates Box Office Hours –12noon - 5pm; on performance days, the office remains open until 30 minutes past curtain) About Lorraine Hansberry Born in Chicago, Lorraine Hansberry made history in 1959 as the first African American female playwright to have a work produced on Broadway with A Raisin in the Sun.  The play’s success led Hansberry, at age 29, to become the youngest American playwright, the fifth woman and the only African American to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play of the Year. In addition to earning a Tony Award nomination for the play, Hansberry wrote the screenplay for its 1961 film adaptation, which won a special award at the Cannes Film Festival and earned Hansberry a Writers Guild of America Award. Her second play to be produced on Broadway, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, was in its early run when Hansberry died of cancer at age 34 in 1965.  To Be Young, Gifted and Black, an autobiographical portrait in her own words adapted by her former husband and literary executor Robert Nemiroff, was posthumously produced in 1969. In 1970, Les Blancs,  her play about African colonization, ran on Broadway to critical acclaim. At her death, she left behind file cabinets holding her public and private correspondence, speeches, journals and various manuscripts, including an almost complete novel. Her published writings also include The Drinking Gourd; What Use Are Flowers?; and The Movement, a photo history of the civil rights movement.  About Anne Kauffman Obie Award-winning director Anne Kauffman’s production highlights include Smokefall at Goodman Theatre; You Got Older with P73; The Nether at MCC; Somewhere Fun at Vineyard Theatre; Your Mother’s Copy of the Kama Sutra,  Detroit and Maple and Vine at Playwrights Horizons; Belleville at New York Theatre Workshop, Yale Repertory Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre Company; Tales from My Parents’ Divorce at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and The Flea Theater; This Wide Night at Naked Angels; Becky Shaw,  Cherokee and Body Awareness at The Wilma Theater; Slowgirl and Stunning at LCT3; Sixty Miles to Silver Lake with Page 73 Productions at Soho Rep; God’s Ear at Vineyard Theatre and New Georges; The Thugs at Soho Rep and the musical 100 Days at Z Space. Kauffman is a recipient of the Joan and Joseph F. Cullman Award for Extraordinary Creativity, the Alan Schneider Director Award and several Barrymore awards. She is a program associate with Sundance Theater Institute, a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect, a member of Soho Rep’s Artistic Council, on the New Georges’ Kitchen Cabinet, an alumna of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab and the Drama League, a founding member of The Civilians and an associate artist with Clubbed Thumb. About Goodman Theatre Called America’s “Best Regional Theatre” by Time magazine, Goodman Theatre has won international recognition for its artists, productions and programs, and is a major cultural, educational and economic pillar in Chicago. Founded in 1925 by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth (an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s), Goodman Theatre has garnered hundreds of awards for artistic achievement and community engagement, including: two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards (including “Outstanding Regional Theatre” in 1992), nearly 160 Joseph Jefferson Awards and more. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the Goodman’s artistic priorities include new plays (more than 150 world or American premieres in the past 30 years), reimagined classics (including Falls’ nationally and internationally celebrated productions of Death of a Salesman, Long’s Day’s Journey into Night, King Lear and The Iceman Cometh, many in collaboration with actor Brian Dennehy), culturally specific work, musical theater (26 major productions in 20 years, including 10 world premieres) and international collaborations. Diversity and inclusion have been primary cornerstones of the Goodman’s mission for 30 years; over the past decade, 68% of the Goodman’s 35 world premieres were authored by women and/or playwrights of color, and the Goodman was the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Each year, the Goodman’s numerous education and community engagement programs—including the innovative Student Subscription Series, now in its 30th year—serve thousands of students, teachers, life-long learners and special constituencies. In addition, for nearly four decades the annual holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol has led to the creation of a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s leadership includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Joan Clifford is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Swati Mehta is Women’s Board President and Gordon C.C. Liao is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals. Visit the Goodman virtually at GoodmanTheatre.org, and on Twitter (@GoodmanTheatre), Facebook and Instagram.

OPENING: LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY'S THADDEUS AND SLOCUM: A VAUDEVILLE ADVENTURE 6/1

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

THADDEUS AND SLOCUM: 

A VAUDEVILLE ADVENTURE

WRITTEN BY ENSEMBLE MEMBER KEVIN DOUGLAS

CO-DIRECTED BY ENSEMBLE MEMBER J. NICOLE BROOKS AND KRISSY VANDERWARKER

June 1 – August 14, 2016



Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues its 28^th Season with Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure, written by Ensemble Member Kevin Douglas, and co-directed by Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks and Krissy Vanderwarker. Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure runs June 1 – August 14, 2016 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. 

It’s 1908 and Chicago’s Majestic Theatre is the jewel of the vaudeville circuit. The only thing stopping Thaddeus and Slocum from becoming the next great stage act is as simple – and complicated – as black and white. Will laughter triumph and friendship endure as racial boundaries threaten to destroy their dreams of making the “big time?” Lookingglass dives deep into the divided heart of American show biz for a daring cavalcade of slapstick, song and dance, and burlesque as two best friends risk everything to make it to the top together.

Times: 

Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays: 2:00 p.m. (June 23, 30; July 7, 21; Aug. 4 only) 7:30 p.m.

Fridays: 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. (except June 4, 11) 7:30 p.m.

Sundays: 2:00 p.m. (except June 12)

7:30 p.m. (June 19, 26; July 3, 17, 31)

Accessible Performances: Touch Tour/Audio Described performance, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. (Tour begins at 6 p.m.)

Open Captioned performance, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. lookingglasstheatre.org/access

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic

Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.

  

Prices: 

Previews are $20 - $40

Regular Run is $40 - $75

Cabaret Pit Seats are $20 for patrons under 35 years old

Cabaret Pit Seating: For this production, Lookingglass designers recreated a Vaudeville theater, complete with a “cabaret pit” surrounding the stage. Patrons in these seats will be part of the show, seated in wooden chairs with actors constantly moving around them. For the under 35 crowd, these seats are just $20. Patrons must present ID when picking up tickets.

A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.

Groups of 8 or more patrons save up to 20%. Call 773-477-9257 X 125 or email groupsales@lookingglasstheatre.org for details.

Box Office: Buy online at lookingglasstheatre.org

or by phone at (312) 337-0665

The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works,

821 N. Michigan Ave.

“Thaddeus and Slocum has been developed over the last few years at Lookingglass, and we have watched its growth with excitement and anticipation,” comments Artistic Director Heidi Stillman. “The play is both thoroughly relevant and an old-time show business adventure; at once a comedy and deadly serious. We’re so excited to see the singular voice of our Ensemble Member Kevin Douglas, his utterly unique and daring vision, and his bold tackling of subject matter that lies at the divided heart of American culture on our stage.”

“I grew up watching old comedies and movie musicals. As I got older, I began to realize that most of the people in these movies didn’t look like me, except for slaves, maids, butlers and Sidney Potier,” says playwright Kevin Douglas. “When I started to consider what it would look like to create a comedy, set in Chicago during the height of the Vaudeville era that featured a black lead (who wasn’t a slave or in a position of servitude), Thaddeus and Slocum was born. The play deals with provocative topics like racism, inequality and blackface. Blackface was common in the Vaudeville circuit in 1908. White people who wore blackface in the early 20th century wore it because they were imitating black people; it was an instance of appropriation. Many black entertainers of the period wore it because they wanted to take it back—re-appropriation. Many blacks didn’t want to wear it, but they dreamed of working in Vaudeville and that was one of the few ways into the industry. In writing these issues into the script, I wanted the play to be historically accurate and reflect social norms and the cultural climate of the era. I didn’t want to sugarcoat it.”

The cast of Thaddeus and Slocum features Ensemble Members Lawrence E. DiStasi and Raymond Fox, with Molly Brennan (Lookingglass Alice), Adam Brown (ONCE on Broadway), Sharriese Hamilton, Tosin Morohunfola, Christina Nieves, Monica Raymund (NBC’s Chicago Fire), Samuel Taylor (Lookingglass Alice) and Travis Turner (Steppenwolf’s The Flick).

The creative team includes Collette Pollard (scenic design), Samantha Jones (costume design), Christine A. Binder (lighting design), Josh Horvath (sound design), Rick Sims (composer), Katie Spelman (choreographer), Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (circus choreographer), Ryan Bourque (fight choreographer) and Sarah Burnham (properties design). Narda Alcorn is the stage manager and Tess Golden is the assistant stage manager.

About the Artists

KEVIN DOUGLAS (Playwright/Ensemble Member) has been a Lookingglass Theatre Company Ensemble Member since 2013. He has performed in numerous Lookingglass productions, including: Black Diamond, Lookingglass Alice, Around the World in 80 Days (Jeff Nomination for Best Supporting Actor), Our Town (Co-Directed by Anna D. Shapiro and Jessica Thebus), The Great Fire, and Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting (Jeff Nomination for Best Ensemble). Kevin has written a number of sketch comedy shows, including: Blaxploitation: The Remix and Blaxploitation 2: You know how we deux!, No Experience Necessary, and Reality Check, which he also co-directed. Kevin co-wrote an independent film that is in post-production, titled Call Center.

J. NICOLE BROOKS (Director/Ensemble Member) directs this new work for Lookingglass alongside Krissy Vanderwarker and Kevin Douglas. As a director Nicky has staged critically-acclaimed productions of Black Diamond: The Years the Locusts Have Eaten and Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting, and was associate director to David Schwimmer for Laura Eason’s Sex With Strangers. She is a published author (Black Diamond; Bloomsbury Publishing and recently Fedra; University of Wisconsin–Madison) with several commissions in development, including the untitled Yuri Kochiyama project, Her Honor Jane Byrne, and Brer Rabbit. Recent acting credits include: Tina in Death Tax at Lookingglass Theatre with Deanna Dunagan, and Nina in Immediate Family directed by Phylicia Rashad. Nicky is native to Chicago, but also lives in Los Angeles and Brooklyn.

KRISSY VANDERWARKER (Director) is a freelance director and the Co-Artistic Director of Dog & Pony Theatre Co. (D&P). D&P directing credits include Breach, Counterfeiters, The Dinner Party Project, God’s Ear, As Told by the Vivian Girls, Mr. Marmalade, Ape, Osama the Hero, Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) and As Much As You Can. Other professional directing credits include: Harry & The Thief (Pavement Group); The Grown-Up (Shattered Globe Theatre); Bethany (First Look/Steppenwolf Theatre Company); As Fat As You Can (Next Theatre Company); CLEAR, What Once We Felt (About Face Theatre); and As Much As You Can (Hendel Productions West). She graduated with her MFA in Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University and is currently on faculty.

MOLLY BRENNAN (Abby/Sarah) is an actor, singer and clown. She returns to Lookingglass where previously she has played a Red Queen and a Pirate. In addition to performing Off-Broadway in NYC, she has worked at Second City, Lyric Opera, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Red Tape Theatre, About Face Theatre, Factory Theater, House Theatre and 500 Clown. She was most recently seen in the Neo-futurists’ Pop Waits, an original devised CLQWN MUTINY piece with pARTner Malic White. She performs at Salonathon, co-curates the Kinky Butch Witching Hour and sings with Mainstream Velour.

ADAM WESLEY BROWN (Rufus/Johnny/Musician) makes his Lookingglass debut. Chicago: The Tempest, Henry VIII, Julius Caesar (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Long Way Go Down (Jackalope Theatre, Jeff Award Best Actor Nominee). Regional: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (Helen Hayes Best Actor Nominee), A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Folger Theatre); A Christmas Carol (Actors Theatre of Louisville). Broadway: Once. Film: Keith Urban’s 30 Song in 30 Days. Adam’s debut album is available on iTunes—Adam Wesley Brown: Live at Bowery Poetry.

LAWRENCE E. DISTASI (Frank/Ensemble Member) last appeared onstage at Lookingglass as Long John Silver in Mary Zimmerman’s Treasure Island. He is a co-founder of The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School as well as an Ensemble Member and co-founder of Lookingglass Theatre Company. Larry has performed in over 30 Lookingglass productions, among them the Tony Award-winning production Metamorphoses, and the Jeff Award-winning productions Lookingglass Alice, The Arabian Nights and Hard Times. He directed and adapted The Baron in the Trees, for which he received a Jeff Nomination in Adaptation. Larry has appeared on television, in film and in a Philip Glass Opera called Galileo Galilei. He received his B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.

RAYMOND FOX (Gerry/Ensemble Member) recently appeared in The Hammer Trinity with The House Theatre of Chicago in Miami, FL (Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami). His many Lookingglass credits include Moby Dick and Metamorphoses, a play he performed across the country including Off and on Broadway (Second Stage Theatre and Circle in the Square Theatre). Additional regional credits: TimeLine Theatre (Equity Jeff Award, Supporting Actor- Play for Blood and Gifts), Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Tectonic Theater Project/About Face Theatre, Route 66 Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Next Theatre Company, First Folio Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Mark Taper Forum, McCarter Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, American Repertory Theater, Hartford Stage, and Canada’s Stratford Festival.

SHARRIESE HAMILTON (Nellie) makes her Lookingglass Theatre debut. Sharriese hails from Okemos, MI with a B.A. in Theatre from Michigan State University. Chicago credits include: Sister Act (The Marriott Theatre); Pericles (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); How To Succeed, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Pal Joey, A Class Act (Porchlight Music Theatre); The Wild Party, See What I Wanna See, and Passing Strange (Bailiwick Chicago); All Shook Up (Theatre at the Center); Jesus Christ Superstar (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre); We Three Lizas (About Face Theatre); and various roles with the Chicago based children’s theatre, GreatWorks Theatre Company. Regional credits include: HAIR (McLeod Summer Playhouse); Spamalot, Working, The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Timber Lake Playhouse).

TOSIN MOROHUNFOLA (Zeke) is the founder of the Multicultural Theatre Initiative, where he served as Artistic Director for two years, including producing four of his own original plays. His stage appearances include Goodman Theatre, Northlight Theatre, New Victory Theater (Off-Broadway), Court Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, Creede Repertory Theatre, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and the Coterie Theatre, where he was Resident Artist for two years. In 2014, Tosin was honored with “Best Supporting Actor” from the Black Theater Alliance for his role in The Gospel of Lovingkindness at Victory Gardens Theater. In 2015 he wrote and directed his own film, On Sight. Other films include: Destination Planet Negro and If Night Comes. On television, he’s appeared on Chicago Med (NBC), Empire (FOX) and Chicago Fire (NBC). Tosin’s also a member of Those People Comedy, and represented by Stewart Talent Chicago.

CHRISTINA NIEVES (Isabella beginning 7/20) makes her Lookingglass debut. Christina has recently relocated to New York City, where she did the Off-Broadway premiere of Exit Strategy at Primary Stages. Chicago theatrical credits include: The House on Mango Street (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); El Nogalar, The Sins of Sor Juana (Goodman Theatre); West Side Story, Les Miserables (Drury Lane Theatre); In The Heights (Paramount Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale (Broadway Playhouse), Depraved New World (The Second City), Welcome to Arroyo’s (American Theater Company). Christina is an Ensemble Member with Teatro Vista and a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University.

MONICA RAYMUND (Isabella through 7/17) stars as Gabrielle Dawson in NBC’s Chicago Fire. A graduate of The Juilliard School, she starred for three seasons on the FOX drama Lie to Me. Other notable credits include Happy Baby and Arbitrage, as well as a recurring role on The Good Wife. Monica starred in the musical Like Water for Chocolate (Sundance Theatre Lab) and Boleros for the Disenchanted (Huntington Theatre Company). Monica is the founder and president of SISU Theatrical Productions, a director for the upcoming campaign The Hidden Tears Project, and is also on the board of MOGUL, an online news aggregator and publishing platform for women.

SAMUEL TAYLOR (Slocum) returns to Lookingglass, where he last appeared in Lookingglass Alice. He is a Stakeholding Partner in the Back Room Shakespeare Project. Chicago credits include: The Feast: An Intimate Tempest and Hunchback (Redmoon Theater); Hot L Baltimore (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); and several productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Regional credits include: Doctor’s Dilemma (American Players Theatre); Christmas Carol (Actors Theatre of Louisville); The Boys Next Door (Syracuse Stage), and Henry V on tour with The Acting Company. TV Credits include appearances on Boardwalk Empire, Chicago PD, Mob Doctor, and Crisis.

TRAVIS TURNER (Thaddeus) makes his Lookingglass debut with Thaddeus and Slocum. Recent Chicago credits: The Flick (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); The Upstairs Concierge (Goodman Theatre); Twist Your Dickens (The Second City/Goodman Theatre); Tartuffe and The Misanthrope (Court Theatre); Bud, Not Buddy (Chicago Children’s Theatre). Second City credits include the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago collaboration The Art of Falling, seen at the Harris Theater and also the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as revues at La Jolla Playhouse, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Travis is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Audience Engagement and Public Programs

Lookingglass has put together a coalition of individuals and organizations to design programming and content that will explore the racial and social issues presented in Thaddeus and Slocum and expand our understanding of the world of 1908 and our current realities of 2016. 

These include:

Facilitated post-show discussions with the audience after every performance;

The REFLECT series of Sunday panel-discussions, featuring a wide array of topics, including the history of vaudeville, Chicago’s segregated history, the role of blackface in American entertainment, and others. These panel discussions are free and open to the public, and take place directly following the 2 p.m. matinee at Lookingglass Theatre. REFLECT panels will take place June 19 and 26; July 10, 17, 24, and 31; and August 7, 2016. 

Community partners for Thaddeus and Slocum include the Chicago History Museum, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, Facing History and Ourselves, the Rebuild Foundation, and WBEZ 91.5 Chicago. 

Click here for dramaturgical resources available on the Lookingglass website.

  

About Lookingglass Theatre Company

Inventive.  Collaborative.  Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. Now in its 28^th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company has staged 62 world premieres, received 101 Joseph Jefferson awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis. Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003. In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Heidi Stillman, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Director Philip R. Smith, Connectivity and Engagement Director Andrew White, General Manager Michele Anderson, a 24-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman John McGowan of CTC| myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group) and President Nancy Timmers, civic leader and philanthropist. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org. 

REVIEW: Lyric Opera's The King and I Review and 50% Off Select Tickets

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Disclosure: We're elated to partner up with Lyric Opera and share this stellar 50% off discount with our readers. We have been compensated with tickets in exchange for promoting this offer. As always, all opinions are our own.

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we adore the Lyric Opera's The King and I. This production is truly a treat for the eyes and ears. We're thrilled that the children in the cast are all from Chicago. And Kate Baldwin and Paolo Montalban's star power is well deserved. 

It's a tough task to take on an iconic classic that's a revered movie as well as a long time stage favorite. People get attached to particular casting choices and wardrobe pieces and have a tough time envisioning something fresh and new. Lyric Opera does a fantastic job reinventing rather than reproducing this favorite. The vocals, acting, sets, and costumes combine to create an opulently original production. This is an excellent choice for families with multigenerational appeal. Even my 15 year old son, a notoriously tough demographic for operas and musicals, enjoyed it! Do note, the run time is a bit over 3 hours, so keep that in mind if you're thinking of bringing elementary age children. Highly recommended. 

It was our great pleasure to catch opening night and to also partner up with Lyric Opera and give away a pair of tickets to one of our lucky readers. Out of 620 entries, congratulations again to Yael Hoffman, our big ticket pair winner. Still, all our readers are winners, so we're happy to offer you an incredible deal on weekday seats. 

ChiIL Live Shows Readers Save 50% Off Select Shows:

“Whistle a Happy Tune” with HALF OFF tickets to Lyric Opera’s critically acclaimed production of The King and I! Use code “SIAMBLOG” for 50% off Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances. Offer is subject to availability and not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with any other offer. Please see lyricopera.org/promo for full offer details. Code expires 5/19/2016. Click HERE for more information on The King and I.

Don't miss this! Click HERE for our past coverage on The King and I and Children's Casting.

Disclosure: Once again, we're elated to partner up with Lyric Opera and share this stellar discount with our readers. We have been compensated with tickets in exchange for promoting this offer. As always, all opinions are our own.

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S CHESS IS OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S PORCHLIGHT REVISITS,  

“LOST” MUSICALS IN STAGED CONCERT SERIES, 

2015 – 2016 SEASON CONCLUDES WITH THE 

CHICAGO PREMIERE OF 

THE ORIGINAL LONDON VERSION OF CHESS,

MAY 3 - 5 AT 7:15 P.M., AT STAGE 773

Cold War Aggressions, Treason, Trust and Competition on a Global Scale Clash in this Music Theatre Cult Classic Directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber with Choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier and Music Direction by Jimmy Morehead, Starring Adrian Aguilar, Danni Smith and Justin Adair in Porchlight’s first-ever collaboration with the VOX 3 Collective

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the final production in the third smash season of Chicago’s “lost” musicals in staged concert series, Porchlight Revisits Chess, music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Tim Rice and Björn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, with direction by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber, choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier and music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Porchlight Revisits Chess is presented for three-nights-only Tuesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 5 at 7:15 p.m. and is performed on the set of Porchlight’s Dreamgirls (previews begin April 8) on nights when there are no performances at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets for Chess are $30 in advance and $35 at the door the night of the performance. All tickets include access to the popular pre-performance event, Behind the Show Backstory, a multi-media presentation, created and hosted by Weber, that discusses that evening’s production including the show’s creative history, juicy backstage gossip and more. Single tickets to Chess are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or by calling the Stage 773 box office, 773.327.5252. 

The 2016 – 2017 season subscriptions to Porchlight Revisits includes The Rink (October 4 – 6), Little Me (February 28 – March 2, 2017) and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (May 9 – 11, 2017) are also available at porchlightmusictheatre.org.

Never before seen live in Chicago, this Porchlight Revisits production by the creators of Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Mamma Mia will be the original stage version of Chess that debuted in London in May 1986 following the hugely successful 1984 concept album. The later 1988 Broadway production was completely reimagined from the top down with considerable differences from this original British version in both plot and music.

One of the best loved "cult" musicals, featuring the hits "One Night in Bangkok," "I Know Him So Well" and "Anthem," Chess is set during the Cold War in the world of 1980s international chess competition where a romantic triangle develops among the defending American champion (Adrian Aguilar), his lover (Danni Smith) and a possible defecting Russian opponent (Justin Adair). 

The cast of Porchlight Revisits Chess also includes: John B. Leen (Alexander Molokov), Brandon Moorehead (The Arbiter), Daniel Riley (Walter de Courcey), Britt-Marie Sivertsen (Svetlana Sergievsky), Max DeTogne (Quartet), Sierra Naomi Nibbe (Quartet), Andy Robinson (Quartet) and Genevieve Thiers (Quartet). 

For this production, Porchlight is collaborating with the noted vocal music ensemble, VOX 3 Collective to add a group of accomplished classical crossover singers to support the thrilling demands of this complex and varied pop score. VOX 3 is a collective of artists who educate both performers and audience through varied presentations of vocal music. Chicago's voice for a living art music tradition, VOX 3 regularly showcases a mix of art song recitals, rare operatic repertoire, and genre-bending classical cabarets.

The production team includes: Brennan Jones (assistant director/dramaturg),  Keegan Bradac (sound design/board operator),  Bill Walters (stage manager,) and Aaron Shapiro (production manager). 

ABOUT ADRIAN AGUILAR (Frederick Trumper, The American)

Adrian Aguilar was recently seen on Broadway in Rocky, made his Porchlight Music Theatre debut in tick, tick…BOOM! (Jeff Award-nomination) followed by the title role in Pal Joey and starred opposite his brother Alexander Aguilar in the Chicago premiere of Double Trouble. Other credits include October Sky at Marriott Theatre, Follies at Chicago Shakespeare and as “Agent Freddie Castillo” on Chicago PD.

ABOUT DANNI SMITH (Florence Vassy)

Danni Smith makes her Porchlight debut with Porchlight Revisits Chess. Recent credits include A Christmas Story at Paramount, City of Angels at Marriott Theatre, The Wild Party at Bailiwick Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar and Passion with Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre and Harold and the Purple Crayon at Chicago Children’s Theatre. Smith has received two Joseph Jefferson Awards and seven nominations.

JUSTIN ADAIR (Anatoly Sergievsky, The Russian)

Justin Adair makes his Porchlight debut with Porchlight Revisits Chess. Credits include Fugitive Songs at Boho Theatre, South Pacific with Light Opera Works, Titanic (Jeff Nominated) at Griffin Theatre, Juno with TimeLine Theatre, Les Misérables at Drury Lane, Cyrano de Bergerac at Chicago Shakespeare and The Light in the Piazza (Jeff Award) at Theo Ubique.

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT REVISITS

Continuing to forge its role as “Chicago’s Music Theatre,” Porchlight launched the exciting new series, Porchlight Revisits in 2013 especially created for the die-hard music theatre aficionado. Each season, Porchlight Music Theatre shares with audiences the rare opportunity to visit three musicals that opened on the Great White Way but have since gone “unsung.” The finest music theatre artists in Chicago dustoff these neglected treasures and, with script in hand and minimal staging, escort audiences to a world of Broadway long past. Previous Porchlight Revisits productions include: (2015/16) Applause, Babes in Arms, (2014/15) Bells Are Ringing, City of Angels, Mack & Mabel, (2013/14) Anyone Can Whistle, Golden Boy, Fade Out-Fade In.

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre, now in its 21^st season, is nationally recognized for developing innovative new works, reimagining classic productions and showcasing musical theatre’s noted veterans and rising stars. Porchlight elevates the genre in Chicago by providing intimate and powerful theatrical experiences for its growing and diverse audiences. With the vision of Artistic Director Michael Weber, Porchlight builds on its role as Chicago’s only Equity not-for-profit company exclusively specializing in music theatre. Porchlight’s rich history includes the staging of more than 65 productions with 13 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Through Porchlight’s “Off the Porch” new works program, the musicals of the next generation are developed and given a first audience. The School at Porchlight is Chicago’s new center for music theatre training in the areas of performance, writing and appreciation. The company’s many accolades include 11 Black Theatre Alliance nominations and two awards, as well as a total of 126 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations resulting in 35 Jeff Awards, garnering three consecutive Best Production awards for Sondheim on Sondheim (2015), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2014) and A Class Act (2013)

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the final production in the third smash season of Chicago’s “lost” musicals in staged concert series, Porchlight Revisits Chess, music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Tim Rice and Björn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, with direction by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber, choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier and music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Porchlight Revisits Chess is presented for three-nights-only Tuesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 5 at 7:15 p.m. and is performed on the set of Porchlight’s Dreamgirls (previews begin April 8) on nights when there are no performances at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets for Chess are $30 in advance and $35 at the door the night of the performance. All tickets include access to the popular pre-performance event, Behind the Show Backstory, a multi-media presentation, hosted by Weber, that discusses that evening’s production including the show’s creative history, juicy backstage gossip and more. Single tickets to Chess are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or by calling the Stage 773 box office, 773.327.5252.

The 2016 – 2017 season subscriptions to Porchlight Revisits includes The Rink (October 4 – 6), Little Me (February 28 – March 2, 2017) and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (May 9 – 11, 2017) are also available at porchlightmusictheatre.org.

Porchlight Music Theatre is partially supported by generous contributions from the Actors’ Equity Foundation, the Arts Work Fund at the Chicago Community Trust, Bloomberg Philanthropies,  the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation, the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Prince Foundation, the National Association of Realtors, and The Saints. The season program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

EXTENDED: Mary Page Marlowe at Steppenwolf Now Playing Through June 5

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Mary Page Marlowe

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Killer Joe, Superior Donuts and August: Osage County. Extended by popular demand through June 5. 

"Intensely thoughtful…the work has depth and an elegant potency"

– Variety 

"A captivating portrait of an ordinary life" 

– TimeOut Chicago 

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've been so booked with reviews and our own rehearsals we have still not caught Mary Page Marlowe yet. This production is high on our must see list and we're hoping to get over to Steppenwolf this week to review. 

We're eager to see Blair Brown and Carrie Coon in action and one of the cast's youngest, Caroline Heffernan. She was a gymnastics team mate of my daughter's for years and it's been a joy to see her masterful portrayals at Lookingglass Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and Gift theatre.

"Deeply moving…intoxicatingly thrilling. Four Stars (out of four)"

– Chicago Tribune 

“Exquisite new play… beautiful and affecting…about the evolutions, reversals and resurrections in a woman’s life” 

– The New York Times 

Mary Page Marlowe is an accountant from Ohio. She’s led an ordinary life, making the difficult decisions we all face as we try to figure out who we really are and what we really want. As Tracy Letts brings us moments—both pivotal and mundane—from Mary’s life, a portrait of a surprisingly complicated woman emerges. Intimate and moving, Mary Page Marlowe shows us how circumstance, impulse and time can combine to make us mysteries… even to ourselves.

Get up close: see the actors and experience the drama in the most intimate and exciting way possible. Steppenwolf’s newly added Pit Seats will bring you as close as you can get to the stage—at only $30/seat. 

"Artfully crafted…luminous performances" 

– Daily Herald 

“It’s the most purely beautiful play that Mr. Letts has given us, and its subtleties will linger in your mind long after you leave the theater” 

– Wall Street Journal 

THE ARTISTS

Author: ensemble member Tracy Letts

Directed by: ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro

Scenic Design: Todd Rosenthal

Costume Design: Linda Roethke

Lighting Design: Marcus Doshi

Original Music: Diana Lawrence

Sound Design: Richard Woodbury

Stage Manager: Malcolm Ewen

Assistant Stage Manager: Brian Maschka

Dramaturg: Edward Sobel

Projection Design: Sven Ortel
Wig and Hair Design: Penny Lane Studios
Voice and Text Coach: Gigi Buffington
Artistic Producer: Jonathan Berry
Casting: Jessamyn Fuller
Assistant to the Projection Designer: Yeaji Kim
Programmer: Joseph A. Burke

THE CAST

Blair Brown

Stephen Cefalu, Jr.

Carrie Coon

Amanda Drinkall

Jack Edwards

Laura T. Fisher

Kirsten Fitzgerald

Tess Frazer

Keith D. Gallagher

Caroline Heffernan

Sandra Marquez

Annie Munch

Rebecca Spence

Ariana Venturi

Madeline Weinstein

Gary Wilmes

FEATURED ENSEMBLE MEMBERS

Ian Barford

Alan Wilder

1 hour and 25 minutes, no intermission

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Major support for Steppenwolf’s New Play Development Initiative is provided by The Davee Foundation and the Zell Family Foundation.

ASL interpretation:
Sunday, May 8 at 7:30pm

Open-captioned:
Saturday, May 7 at 3pm

Audio-described:
Sunday, May 22 at 3pm

Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, May 29 at 1:30 touch tour, audio-described performance at 3pm


Click here to purchase tickets and for further show information.

GOODMAN THEATRE HONORS THE LIFE OF CHICAGO LEGEND LORRAINE HANSBERRY WITH CELEBRATION APRIL 30 – JUNE 5

GOODMAN THEATRE HONORS THE LIFE OF CHICAGO LEGEND 

LORRAINE HANSBERRY 

THROUGH A CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF THE ACCLAIMED PLAYWRIGHT’S WORKS AND LEGACY

  

**CELEBRATION EVENTS INCLUDE A SOUTH SIDE BUS TOUR, SCHOLARLY DISCUSSIONS, LORRAINE HANSBERRY DAY” (MAY 19) AND THE HANSBERRY AWARDS (MAY 24), HONORING FIVE DISTINGUISHED AFRICAN AMERICAN CHICAGO WOMEN WHO HAVE MADE INDELIBLE IMPACTS ON THE AMERICAN THEATER**

***THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW, DIRECTED BY OBIE AWARD WINNER ANNE KAUFFMAN, KICKS OFF THE LORRAINE HANSBERRY CELEBRATION (APRIL 30 – JUNE 5)***

 In conjunction with a production of playwright Lorraine Hansberry’s final work, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Goodman Theatre presents a Lorraine Hansberry Celebration (April 30 – June 5), curated by Goodman Resident Director Chuck Smith. Honoring Hansberry’s life and career, the celebration will consist of programs and performances that focus on the author’s Chicago roots, the forces that shaped her groundbreaking work and her legacy. In addition to scholarly discussions and events designed to highlight her life and career, the celebration will culminate in two major events: Lorraine Hansberry Day as proclaimed by the City of Chicago (May 19), commemorating what would have been Hansberry’s 86^th birthday and The Lorraine Hansberry Awards (May 24), honoring five African American women, all natives of Chicago and contemporaries of Hansberry, whose work helped transform the American theater. For celebration information and tickets, visit: GoodmanTheatre.org/Hansberry. Blue Cross Blue Shield and Proskauer Rose are Contributing Sponsors, and Mesirow Financial is the Discussion Series Sponsor.

At the center of the celebration is Obie Award winning director Anne Kauffman’s revival of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Hansberry’s final work which premiered on Broadway just three months before her death at age 34 in 1965. Set in Greenwich Village 1964—a magnet for ideals and activism of every stripe—the work eerily reflects today’s political climate, holding up a mirror to the injustice and corruption of the contemporary world. As Sidney gets increasingly swept up in the radical issues of the day, however, he ignores the equally dangerous tension mounting between himself and his wife Iris, the one person he holds most dear. The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window appears in the Goodman’s 856-seat Albert Theatre starting April 30. Tickets ($25-$75, as well as special $10 student tickets) are on sale now; visit GoodmanTheatre.org, call 312.443.3800 or purchase in person at the Box Office at 170 N. Dearborn. Goodman Theatre Women’s Board is the Major Production Sponsor; Edelman and ITW are Corporate Sponsor Partners; and WBEZ 91.5 is the Media Partner.

“During her all-too-brief life and career, Lorraine Hansberry left an indelible mark on the American theater. It has been an honor and a pleasure to curate the celebration of this great literary giant—and one of my personal heroes," said Smith, who directed a major revival of A Raisin in the Sun at the Goodman in 2000. "The rich history of the Hansberry family in Chicago is always worthy of discussion. Since performances of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window are scheduled throughout May, the month of Lorraine’s birth, a celebration seemed in order. Highlights include exploring Lorraine’s lesser-known works like Les Blancs and To Be Young, Gifted and Black. I’m looking forward to sharing a fascinating journey through the life and works of this legendary artist."

EVENTS
Events take place at Goodman Theatre (170 N. Dearborn) unless otherwise noted

The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window directed by Anne Kauffman

April 30 – June 5

$20 - $75 ($10 Student tickets), Full schedule, tickets and more info: GoodmanTheatre.org/TheSign

The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window follows Sidney Brustein in Greenwich Village, 1964—a magnet for ideals and activism of every stripe. At its center is Brustein’s apartment, the gathering place for an eclectic group of bohemians during a time of rapid change. As Sidney gets increasingly swept up in the radical issues of the day, however, he ignores the equally dangerous tension mounting between himself and his wife Iris, the one person he holds most dear.

The Chuck Smith Lecture Series: “In Her Own Words: The Lorraine Hansberry/Studs Terkel Interview”
Monday, May 2 | 7pm

FREE, Reservations Required

After the historic Broadway premiere of A Raisin in the Sun, legendary Chicago journalist Studs Terkel spoke with Lorraine Hansberry, resulting in one of her most incisive and personal interviews. Revisit this extraordinary look into Hansberry’s life and art with Northwestern University professor and Hansberry scholar Harvey Young and Goodman Resident Director Chuck Smith.

Artist Encounter: The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window

Sunday, May 8 I 5pm

$5 for the general public; Free for Subscribers, Donors and students

Join Anne Kauffman, director of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, and Joi Gresham, executive director of the Lorraine Hansberry Literary Trust, as they discuss the complex historical, political and social themes of Hansberry’s final play.

Scholar Discussion: A Raisin in the Sun and The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window

Tuesday, May 10 | 7pm

FREE, Reservations Required

Harvey Young analyzes Lorraine Hansberry’s first and last plays, focusing on the author’s social activism and the political movements each work predicted. Noted Chicago actors read excerpts from each play will be read by some of Chicago’s most noted actors.

Carl Hansberry: His World and Legacy | A Bus Tour of South Side Chicago

Saturday, May 14 I 10:30am Departure from the Goodman Theatre; Tour lasts approximately two hours

$15 for the general public; $10 for Subscribers, Donors and Students

Architecture critic and writer Lee Bey leads a bus tour of the South Side neighborhoods where Hansberry grew up—and tells the inspiring story of her father, realtor and activist Carl Hansberry, and his fight against some of the most restrictive housing laws in the country.

Scholar Discussion: The Drinking Gourd and What Use Are Flowers?

Monday, May 16 I 7pm

FREE, Reservations Required

Director and writer Coya Paz leads an in-depth look at two of Hansberry’s unproduced works: the teleplays The Drinking Gourd and What Use Are Flowers? The evening will feature excerpts from these rarely-performed works, as well as contextual discussions of race, justice and the power artists hold to incite change.

Scholar Discussion: Les Blancs

Tuesday, May 17 | 7pm

Arts Incubator (301 E. Garfield Blvd.)

FREE, Reservations Required

Completed after her death and not performed until 1970, Les Blancs, Hansberry’s complex chronicle of race, oppression and an Africa on the brink of colonial revolt is discussed by Northwestern University professor Ivy Wilson, author of Specters of Democracy: Blackness and the Aesthetics of Nationalism. Scenes from the play will be performed by local actors.

“Lorraine Hansberry Day,” Proclaimed by Rahm Emanuel in honor of Hansberry’s birthday

Thursday, May 19 | Schedule below

The Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement, Goodman Theatre
FREE, Reservations required

On what would have been her 86^th birthday, the City of Chicago and Mayor Rahm Emanuel proclaim May 19, 2016 “Lorraine Hansberry Day” in Chicago in honor of her life, legacy and impact on the city of Chicago and the American Theater. Enjoy special events at the new Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement at the Goodman. Check the web site for activities on this day including a free screening of A Raisin in the Sun.

  

Scholar Discussion: To Be Young, Gifted and Black: How Much Has Changed?

Monday, May 23 | 6:30pm

Harold Washington Library Pritzker Auditorium (400 S. State St.)

FREE, Reservations Required

Director and critic Dani Snyder-Young explores Hansberry’s autobiography in an interactive analysis of Hansberry’s background as it relates to contemporary urban education, intersections between race and class and the ways in which African American women learn to navigate public life. Excerpts from the book will be performed by playwright and actor Lydia R. Diamond.

The Lorraine Hansberry Awards | Hosted by Chuck Smith and Woodie King, Jr.

Tuesday, May 24 I 7pm

Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.; Accessible Entrance at 77 E. Randolph St.)

FREE, Reservations Required I LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Presented by Goodman Resident Director Chuck Smith, New Federal Theatre Artistic Director Woodie King, Jr. and members of the Hansberry family, these one-time-only awards honor the unique cultural contributions of five Lorraine Hansberry contemporaries—African American women who were raised and educated in Chicago, and who went on to make indelible impacts on the American theater. Goodman Theatre is proud to honor these artists, whose work and legacies mirror the pioneering spirit of Hansberry.

These distinguished honorees include: 

• Micki Grant, singer, actress and composer
• Lynn Hamilton, actress
• Shauneille Perry, playwright and director
• Dr. Glory Van Scott, actress, dancer and educator
• Camille Yarbrough, musician, actress, poet, producer and activist

About Lorraine Hansberry

Born in Chicago, Lorraine Hansberry made history in 1959 as the first African American female playwright to have a work produced on Broadway with A Raisin in the Sun.  The play’s success led Hansberry, at age 29, to become the youngest American playwright, the fifth woman and the only African American to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play of the Year. In addition to earning a Tony Award nomination for the play, Hansberry wrote the screenplay for its 1961 film adaptation, which won a special award at the Cannes Film Festival and earned Hansberry a Writers Guild of America Award. Her second play to be produced on Broadway, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, was in its early run when Hansberry died of cancer at age 34 in 1965.  To Be Young, Gifted and Black, an autobiographical portrait in her own words adapted by her former husband and literary executor Robert Nemiroff, was posthumously produced in 1969. In 1970, Les Blancs,  her play about African colonization, ran on Broadway to critical acclaim. At her death, she left behind file cabinets holding her public and private correspondence, speeches, journals and various manuscripts including an almost complete novel. Her published writings also include The Drinking Gourd; What Use Are Flowers?; and The Movement, a photo history of the civil rights movement. 

About Chuck Smith

A member of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees and Goodman Theatre’s Resident Director, Chuck Smith is also a resident director at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, Florida. Goodman credits include the Chicago premieres of Pullman Porter Blues; By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; Race; The Good Negro; Proof and The Story; the world premieres of By the Music of the Spheres and The Gift Horse; James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner, which transferred to Boston’s Huntington Theatre Company, where it won the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) Award for Best Direction; A Raisin in the Sun; Blues for an Alabama Sky; August Wilson’s Two Trains Running and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Ain’t Misbehavin’; the 1993 to 1995 productions of A Christmas Carol; Crumbs From the Table of Joy; Vivisections from a Blown Mind and The Meeting. He served as dramaturg for the Goodman’s world-premiere production of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean. He directed the New York premiere of Knock Me a Kiss and The Hooch for the New Federal Theatre and the world premiere of Knock Me a Kiss at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater, where his other directing credits include Master Harold... and the Boys, Home, Dame Lorraine and Eden, for which he received a Jeff Award nomination. Regionally, Mr. Smith directed Death and the King’s Horseman (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Birdie Blue (Seattle Repertory Theatre), The Story (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Blues for an Alabama Sky (Alabama Shakespeare Festival) and The Last Season (Robey Theatre Company). At Columbia College, he was facilitator of the Theodore Ward Prize playwriting contest for 20 years and editor of the contest anthologies Seven Black Plays and Best Black Plays. He won a Chicago Emmy Award as associate producer/theatrical director for the NBC teleplay Crime of Innocence and was theatrical director for the Emmy-winning Fast Break to Glory and the Emmy-nominated The Martin Luther King Suite. He was a founding member of the Chicago Theatre Company, where he served as artistic director for four seasons and directed the Jeff-nominated Suspenders and the Jeff-winning musical Po’. His directing credits include productions at Fisk University, Roosevelt University, Eclipse Theatre, ETA, Black Ensemble Theater, Northlight Theatre, MPAACT, Congo Square Theatre Company, The New Regal Theater, Kuumba Theatre Company, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Pegasus Players, the Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois and the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He is a 2003 inductee into the Chicago State University Gwendolyn Brooks Center’s Literary Hall of Fame and a 2001 Chicago Tribune Chicagoan of the Year. He is the proud recipient of the 1982 Paul Robeson Award and the 1997 Award of Merit presented by the Black Theater Alliance of Chicago.

About Goodman Theatre

Called America’s “Best Regional Theatre” by Time magazine, Goodman Theatre has won international recognition for its artists, productions and programs, and is a major cultural, educational and economic pillar in Chicago. Founded in 1925 by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth (an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s), Goodman Theatre has garnered hundreds of awards for artistic achievement and community engagement, including: two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards (including “Outstanding Regional Theatre” in 1992), nearly 160 Joseph Jefferson Awards and more. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the Goodman’s artistic priorities include new plays (more than 150 world or American premieres in the past 30 years), reimagined classics (including Falls’ nationally and internationally celebrated productions of Death of a Salesman, Long’s Day’s Journey into Night, King Lear and The Iceman Cometh, many in collaboration with actor Brian Dennehy), culturally specific work, musical theater (26 major productions in 20 years, including 10 world premieres) and international collaborations. Diversity and inclusion have been primary cornerstones of the Goodman’s mission for 30 years; over the past decade, 68% of the Goodman’s 35 world premieres were authored by women and/or playwrights of color, and the Goodman was the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Each year, the Goodman’s numerous education and community engagement programs—including the innovative Student Subscription Series, now in its 30^th year—serve thousands of students, teachers, life-long learners and special constituencies. In addition, for nearly four decades the annual holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol has led to the creation of a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago.

Goodman Theatre’s leadership includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Joan Clifford is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Swati Mehta is Women’s Board President and Gordon C.C. Liao is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

Visit the Goodman virtually at GoodmanTheatre.org, and on Twitter (@GoodmanTheatre), Facebook and Instagram.