THE FACTORY THEATER ANNOUNCES KITTY JAMES AND DESTINY’S TRAIL TO OREGON FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 29, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE FACTORY THEATER ANNOUNCES

KITTY JAMES AND DESTINY’S TRAIL TO OREGON

FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 29 

WRITTEN BY FACTORY ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE PHIL CLAUDNIC

This Homage To Classic Adventure Films

is the Next Production of The Factory’s 30th Season

approximate runtime: one hour and thirty minutes

You have died of dysentery...  We played the Oregon Trail card game and early computer game back in the day, and can't wait to catch the musical version on stage at one of our favorite Chicago storefronts! 

We've adored The Factory Theater for years and here at ChiIL Live Shows we're particularly jazzed for Kitty James, since our son, Dugan Kenaz-Mara is Props Designer! We also know understudy Ben Jouras. I'll be out to review February 28th. Can't wait. Catch a preview this weekend for $15. Don't miss this! 

The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St., is proud to announce the second production of their 30th season, Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon, opening Friday, Feb. 21. The production runs through March 29 and was written by Phil Claudnic and directed by Jennifer Betancourt. 

Previews for Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon are Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. Press opening will be Friday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. The regular performance schedule includes Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. 

There will be additional Thursday performances March 20 and 27 at 8 p.m. An accessibility performance will occur on Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m. An understudy performance will occur on Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m.  Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon has an approximate runtime of one hour and thirty minutes. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased through the box office by calling 312-275-5757 or by visiting TheFactoryTheater.com.

Kitty James, the Coffee Queen of Independence, MO, is heading west to find her fortune, but a mysterious medallion and an ancient prophecy may lead her down a different path in this hilarious homage to classic adventure films and text-based historical games.

Row 1 (L to R): Kim Boler, Vic Kuligoski, Danny Mulae and Tierra Matthews

Row 2 (L to R): Reginald Hemphill, Abbi Bryson, Christopher Ratliff and Donovan Lunches

Row 3 (L to R): Eric Frederickson, Johnny Moran, Mandy Walsh and Sydney Hanson

Row 4 (L to R): Benjamin Jouras, Michael Davis Arnold, David Wiesenhahn and Cara Juan

The Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon cast includes Kim Boler~++ (Kitty James); Vic Kuligoski* + (Norris); Danny Mulae* + (Mangy Willy); Tierra Matthews* ++ (Dead); Reginald Hemphill + (Weight); Abbi Bryson ++ (Ursula); Christopher Ratliff + (Reginald); Donovan Lunches + (ensemble); Eric Frederickson∽ + (ensemble); Johnny Moran + (ensemble); Mandy Walsh ++ (ensemble); Sydney Hanson ++ (US Kitty/Weight); Benjamin Jouras + (US Reginald/ensemble); Michael Davis Arnold + (US Dead/ensemble); David Wiesenhahn + (Norris/Mangy Willy/ensemble US); and Leela Watts ++ (Ursula/ensemble US)

The Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon creative team includes Timothy C Amos∽ + (production manager); Phil Claudnic∽ + (playwright); Jennifer Betancourt∽ ++ (director); Henry Bender* = (assistant director); Katie Oliver ++ (stage manager);  Ellie Humphrys* ^/+ (lighting designer); Hunter Cole ^ (set designer); Maureen Yasko ++ (fight/intimacy director); Isaac Mandel* + (sound designer); Antonia DiValentin ++ (costume designer); Kieran O'Connor + (technical director); and Dugan Kenaz-Mara + (props designer).

∽ denotes Factory Ensemble; * denotes Artistic Associate 

Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); ++ (she/her/hers); ^ (they/them/theirs); = (any with respect)

 ABOUT PHIL CLAUDNIC, playwright

Phil Claudnic has been serving The Factory for 15 years. He has been a stage manager, production manager, operations manager, booking manager, and now is closing out his enure as the Executive Director.  He’s also done acting and writing for the company with Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon marking his first full-length play written by Claudnic and produced by The Factory.

ABOUT JENNIFER BETANCOURT, playwright

Jennifer Betancourt is delighted to be an ensemble member with the Factory Theater. Factory stage credits include: The HoA, Xmas War: Endgame, Xmas War, Captain Steve’s Caring Kingdom, Fight City, and Born Ready, as well as a directorial debut at The Factory for The Factory Zone. When not at The Factory, she can be found baking pretentious bakes, doodling, recording her voice for posterity in audiobook form and setting small fires.

ABOUT THE FACTORY THEATER

For 30 years, The Factory has created its shows from scratch, doing exactly the kind of theater they wanted to do. From writing workshops to the closing night bash, Factory shows are a unique experience that fits its exacting standards: original, bold, and full-tilt. Its shameless ensemble is an ambassador of a good time, ensuring Chicago remains heartily entertained.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased through the box office by calling 312-275-5757 or by visiting TheFactoryTheater.com

Fest Alert: The Chicago Women of Color Puppetry & Performing Arts Fringe Festival Now Playing Through March 16, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

The Chicago Women of Color 

Puppetry and Performing Arts Fringe Festival 2025 

Celebrates its First Year at the Zhou B Art Center, 4th Floor Women of Color Theatre, 

1029 West 35th Street Chicago

Now Playing Through Sunday, March 16, 2025

The festival focuses on artists who create works about biodiversity, activism, human rights, oppression, race/racism, genocide, gender, LGBQT issues, being a woman, being Black, being indigenous, current events, the prison industrial complex, social justice issues, consciousness, spirituality, mental health, trauma, Black futurism, fantasy, empowerment, history and much more.

Where art meets storytelling ✨

Women of Color Productions brings powerful narratives to life through breathtaking puppetry and stop-motion magic. These striking creations by Jacqueline Wade are more than art—they’re a movement, a voice, and a celebration of culture.

🎭 Elevate your love for the arts and support women creators redefining the industry!

They also encourage artists to bring old and new works including works-in-progress that have been rehearsed. They welcome everyone. This is a festival that is on the edge of the mainstream and gives voice to the voiceless and encourages experimental works. It is a festival that is "open access" and gives opportunities. It is high energy with independent artists. 

The festival is also very supportive of artists who challenge the audience and themselves in creating works that make positive change; it is about community and mentorship and people of all ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations and abilities who want to come together to celebrate puppetry, performing arts and film.

Snap from the fest a couple weeks back of Steven’s performance: “The Gum Rappers”, Yo-yo, Sloop and Thin Ice, played by David C. Herzog, Jacqueline Wade, and Steven Widerman, performed at the Chicago Women of Color Fringe Festival on MLK day. Photo by Alex Griffin.

Are you a performing artist? Do you have art that you would like to share? Join us for our upcoming slams on 2/21, 2/28 and 3/14! DM us or reach out the festival website to be in touch and learn more.

Full schedule HERE.

Tickets HERE

 

Puppets by Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins

Sadly, two days of shows, film screenings and events with Puppeteer Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins happened last weekend, but I have caught his work two different years as part of the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival and his work is incredible! Saturday 2/8 join us for a screening of JUST ANOTHER LYNCHING with director Jeghetto @jeghettos_puppets followed by a Q&A and a puppet meet! Shows at 2pm and 8:30pm! I have seen this film and it's thought provoking, moving, and expertly done. I've also caught his futuristic film, 5P1N0K10 and it's quite creative and visually fun.

JUST ANOTHER LYNCHING is a puppet show that dives deep into the culture of racism and oppression during the Jim Crow era in the United States. Puppeteer Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins joins forces with a cast of Boston-based puppeteers to confront haunting truths about our country’s past, present, and future. Audiences experience the tale of a man who loves his family, but who nevertheless meets an unfortunate end at the hands of racism. Framed as one man’s eulogy to his lost childhood friend, the play unfolds as a series of touching memories that refuse to be ignored or mis-remembered. Jeghetto’s ghostly, large-scale puppets combine with extraordinary sound and projections, creating a space where contemporary audiences can reflect, bear witness, and engage in radical honesty. The performance will be followed by an open discussion between Jeghetto, the community, and the creative team.

On Sunday 2/9 more featuring the work of Jeghetto:

5P1N0K10 Dir by Jeghetto, part of the special collection of Handmade Puppet Dreams screening at 12:15

Performance of “Jim Crow The Puppet” at 5:30pm

Screening of JUST ANOTHER LYNCHING at 10pm

Check out the upcoming schedule HERE:

https://chicagowomenofcolorfest.com

https://www.instagram.com/womenofcolorproductions

The League of Chicago Theatres Celebrates Black History Month in Conjunction With Chicago Theatre Week 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

The League of Chicago Theatres shines a spotlight on 

Black History Month 

in conjunction with 

Chicago Theatre Week, February 6-16, 2025, 

and Chicago Theatre Week Continued, February 17-23, 2025.

 

The League of Chicago Theatres presents the first event in its Cultural Conversation Series. Join theatre leaders for a community conversation celebrating Black History Month at 6pm on Monday, February 17 at Definition Theatre, 1160 E 55th St, Chicago.

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Cultural Conversation Series intends to uplift theatres and artistic organizations who have a commitment to their communities and cultures. The program will engage industry leaders in thoughtful discission and showcase opportunities for attendees to get involved in their initiatives. The February Cultural Conversation will be moderated and curated by Definition Theatre Executive Director Neel McNeil. 

The following is a selection of work in Chicago available in February in celebration of Black History Month:

(*Those in red are shows we're reviewing here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama. We'll update with reviews as we see them.)

• First Lady of Song: Alexis J Roston sings Ella Fitzgerald (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre):

• We Always Bounce Black (The Second City)

• Debate: Baldwin v. Buckley (TimeLine) 

Recommended. ★★★ Three out of four stars. B Kenaz-Mara, ChiIL Live Shows

(Unique site specific debate that rings as true today, 60 years later. Truly a treat for architecture geeks, history buffs, and debate nerds alike. Not your typical night of theatre. Spot on for our political times and entirely captivating!)

• Fat Ham (Goodman)

Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. B Kenaz-Mara, ChiIL Live Shows

(This "Juicy" collab's so nice they extended it twice! FAT HAM is Goodman Theatre's co-production with Definition Theatre and an absolute must see. Now playing through March 9, 2025)

• 1619: The Journey of a People (3rd Dimension Performance Group)

• A Raisin in the Sun (Court)

• Policy: Running Numbers A Family Business (Harold Washington Cultural Center)

• The Promotion (MPAACT—Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre)

• Big Black Comedy (The Den)

• Three Little Birds (Young People’s Theater)

Discounted tickets to many of the productions are available at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com and HotTix.org. Otherwise, tickets may be purchased through the respective theatre companies.  

Chicago Theatre Week (#CTW25), presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in participation with Choose Chicago, is an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago during which visitors and residents can access value-priced tickets. Chicago Theatre Week is February 6-16, 2025. For the third consecutive year, HotTix.org will host Chicago Theatre Week Continued from February 17-23, 2025, which will extend Theatre Week discounts to participating productions for an additional week.

The value-priced CTW tickets will be $30, $15, or less. Tickets are on sale at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com .

Last year’s Chicago Theatre Week saw massive ticket sales with more than 18,000 tickets sold to 81 participating productions for more than 446 performances. 64 theaters participated in CTW 2024, with 29 neighborhoods and suburbs represented. The program continues to bring in new audiences to area theatres with approximately 58% of patrons visiting their chosen theatre for the first time. Chicago Theatre Week also raises the visibility of the theater industry, as evidenced by the 144,689 unique visitors to ChicagoTheatreWeek.com from the ticket onsale through the end of Theatre Week.

Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Subscribe to the Theatre Week email newsletter for updates and announcements. 

The official hashtag for Chicago Theatre Week 2025 is #CTW25.

About Chicago theatre 

Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 7 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. For more information, visit www.chicagoplays.com. #ChiTheatre

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement

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

About Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. 

Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and tag #ChicaGOandKNOW. For more information, visit choosechicago.com. Support the theatre community this fall during Theater Season and explore more than 100 shows happening now through the end of the year at TheaterSeason.com.

The Second City Honors 65 Year Anniversary With $19.59 Tickets in Chicago, Toronto, and New York!

THE SECOND CITY CELEBRATES 65 YEARS OF LAUGHTER

 $19.59 Tickets For Select Shows Across All Three Cities 

Thursday night performances in each city will feature this special $19.59 ticket price through November 20, 2025.

In December 1959, The Second City opened its doors on a snowy Chicago night, igniting a comedic revolution that continues to transform improv and live sketch comedy today. For 65 years, this iconic institution has been the launch pad for countless comedy legends and remains a driving force in nurturing the next generation of comedy creators, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

To honor this milestone, The Second City is hosting a yearlong celebration with specially priced $19.59 tickets to select shows in Chicago, Toronto, and New York. This offer pays tribute to its founding year while inviting audiences—old and new—to join in the laughter.

Chief Revenue & Operating Officer Parisa Jalili shared her thoughts on this momentous occasion: “For 65 years, our performers, staff, and audiences have built an unparalleled legacy of comedy and connection. This celebration is for everyone who has ever filled our theaters with laughter, and we look forward to welcoming even more comedy lovers into our community.”

Thursday night performances in each city will feature this special $19.59 ticket price through November 20, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to experience the hilarity of The Second City’s e.t.c. show in Chicago, the Mainstage show in Toronto, and the Mainstage show in New York at this anniversary price.

Celebrate with us and be part of this historic milestone! Tickets are available at each city’s box office or by visiting https://www.secondcity.com/celebrate-65-years-of-comedy.

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. Celebrating 65 years, 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.

Additional Performances of Betrayal and Fat Ham Extend the Run of Both Shows at Goodman Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

HIGH DEMAND FOR TICKETS PROMPTS EXTENSIONS OF TWO GOODMAN PRODUCTIONS

***FAT HAM EXTENDS A SECOND TIME (THROUGH MARCH 9) AND SUSAN V. BOOTH’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF BETRAYAL, STARRING IAN BARFORD, HELEN HUNT AND ROBERT SEAN LEONARD, EXTENDS THROUGH MARCH 23***

The new year is off to a strong start on stage as Goodman Theatre announces additional performances for both of its current productions: Fat Ham in the 350-seat Owen Theatre—marking the second extension for Tyrone Phillips’ Chicago-premiere production of James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play—and Susan V. Booth’s major revival of Betrayal in the 856-seat Albert Theatre. Dates and times for the extension week performances appear below. Betrayal, which begins performances this weekend, features Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Ian Barford as Robert, Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Helen Hunt as Emma and Tony Award winner Robert Sean Leonard as Jerry in Harold Pinter’s masterwork. Betrayal appears February 8 – March 23. 

I'll be out to review for ChiIL Live Shows on opening night, February 17th. Tickets ($40 - $175; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Betrayal or by phone at 312.443.3800. 

The Goodman is grateful for the support of Northern Trust (Lead Corporate Sponsor), Katten Muchin Rosenmann LLP and PAXXUS, Inc. (Corporate Sponsor Partners). 

Fat Ham, the “heartwarming, tension-filled and laugh-out-loud funny” (Daily Herald) reimagination of Shakespeare’s Hamlet directed by Tyrone Phillips adds five performances to its Chicago run with a second extension. Co-produced with Chicago’s famed Definition Theatre—of which Phillips is Founding Artistic Director and playwright James Ijames is a company member—Fat Ham tells the story of Juicy, a Black, queer young man who is confronted by the ghost of his father during a family barbeque. Seeking revenge for his murder, his father puts a screeching halt to Juicy’s quest for joy and liberation. Ijames’s reinvention of Shakespeare’s masterpiece features an all-Chicago cast: Trumane Alston (Juicy), Sheldon Brown, E. Faye Butler, Ronald L. Conner, Victor Musoni, Ireon Roach and Anji White. 

It was my great pleasure to catch opening night of Fat Ham, reviewing for ChiIL Live Shows. We've long been fans of Definition Theatre's excellent work and love this creative, high energy riff on Hamlet as a modern black barbecue. Don't miss this! 

(This "Juicy" collab's so nice they extended it twice! FAT HAM is Goodman Theatre's co-production with Definition Theatre and an absolute must see. Now playing through March 9, 2025)

Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. B Kenaz-Mara, ChiIL Live Shows

Fat Ham appears through March 9. Tickets ($35 - $85; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Ham or by phone at 312.443.3800. 

Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of ITW (Corporate Sponsor Partner), the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust (Lead Sponsor of IDEAA Programming) and the National Endowment for the Arts (Production Support).

FAT HAM EXTENSION WEEK SCHEDULE

-Thursday, March 6 at 7:30pm

-Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm

-Saturday, March 8 at 2pm

-Saturday, March 8 at 7:30pm

-Sunday, March 9 at 2pm

BETRAYAL EXTENSION WEEK SCHEDULE

-Tuesday, March 18 at 7:30pm 

-Wednesday, March 19 at 2pm 

-Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30pm 

-Thursday, March 20 at 7:30pm 

-Saturday, March 22 at 2pm and 7:30pm*

-Sunday, March 23 at 2pm and 7:30pm

*At these two performances, the role of Emma will be played by Cheyenne Casebier.

Full Company of Betrayal (in alphabetical order)

By Harold Pinter

Directed by Susan V. Booth

Ian Barford…Robert

Nico Grelli…Waiter

Helen Hunt…Emma

Robert Sean Leonard…Jerry

Understudies…Cheyenne Casebier, Michael Milligan and Jeff Parker.

Creative Team

Set Designer…..Neil Patel

Costume Designer ……Linda Roethke

Lighting Designer…..Xavier Pierce

Projection Designer….Rasean Davonté Johnson

Sound Designers and Composers….Michael Bodeen and Rob Milburn

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Neena Arndt is the Dramaturg. Nikki Blue is the Production Stage Manager and Jennifer Gregory is the Stage Manager.

Full Company of Fat Ham (in alphabetical order)

By James Ijames

Directed by Tyrone Phillips

Trumane Alston…Juicy

Sheldon Brown…Larry

E. Faye Butler…Rabby

Ronald L. Conner…Rev/Pap

Victor Musoni…Tio

Ireon Roach…Opal

Anji White…Tedra

Understudies…Blake Hamilton Currie, Marquise De’Jahn, TayLar, Joseph Primes and Jazzy Rush.

Creative Team

Set Designer…..Arnel Sancianco

Costume Designer ……Jos N. Banks

Lighting Designer…..Jason Lynch

Sound Designer….. Willow James

Illusion Consultant…Benjamin Barnes

Fight and Intimacy…Gaby Labotka

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Jared Bellot is the Dramaturg. Patrick Fries is the Production Stage Manager.

ABOUT DEFINITION THEATRE

Definition Theatre has been a vibrant force for over a decade, celebrating stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, Definition expands perspectives, stewards resources, and bridges the possibilities found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education. Known for bold and impactful productions, we’ve brought to life plays by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, Pulitzer Prize-winners James Ijames and Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. We strive to promote equity, foster empathy, and enhance the quality of life for our community members by offering opportunities for creative, entrepreneurial, and cultural expression. Our work emphasizes collaboration in theater-making and raises awareness of career paths in the arts. In 2024, Definition leased and equipped a storefront space in Hyde Park, enabling us to engage artists and expand programs as we prepare for our permanent home in Woodlawn on the southside of Chicago. This new theater, community center, and business incubator will amplify and preserve BIPOC voices, promote social justice, and empower the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to drive positive progress through the transformative power of the arts. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director, Neel McNeill is the Executive Director, Willow James is the Civic Engagement Director.

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades.

The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of theatrical practice, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand and empathize with cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

Goodman Theatre was built on the unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations. We recognize that many other Nations consider the area we now call Chicago as their traditional homeland—including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo and Mascouten and remains home to many Native peoples today. The Goodman is proud to have a relationship with Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum. Located in Evanston, the Museum honors the survival and perseverance of Indigenous communities and promotes a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples: gichigamiin-museum.org.

Goodman Theatre was founded 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. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Julie Danis is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Lorrayne Weiss is Women’s Board President and Kelli Garcia is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

Black Ensemble Theater Presents Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe March 1 – April 20, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar: 

Black Ensemble Theater presents 

Elvis Presley Was A Black Man Named Joe

Written and Directed by Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor

March 1 – April 20, 2025

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've admired the talent and creative vision of Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor, for decades. We can't wait to catch this true story based on Ms. Taylor’s relationship with her brother Joe and their lifelong fascination with Elvis Presley.  Jackie Taylor wrote this one, and is directing as well. I'll be out for the Press Opening March 9th and can't wait to check it out. The production runs March 1, 2025 – April 20, 2025, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. 

On The surface they were worlds apart. Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi and Joe grew up in the Cabrini Green Projects in Chicago. They were different - but they were very much the same. You really have to be in the know to understand how Elvis Presley was a Black man named Joe.

The cast of Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe includes: Dennis Dent (Joe), Britt Edwards (Young Janet), Rhonda Preston (Janet #1), Melanie McCullough (Mother), Jaitee Thomas (Father), and ensemble members Direoce Junirs, Trequon Tate, Dwight Neal and Destin Warner.

The creative team includes Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor (Writer/Director), Tia Jemison (Assistant Director), Christopher Chase Carter (Choreographer), Denise Karczewski (Set/Light Designer), DJ Douglass (Projection Designer), Sean Alvarez (Sound Designer), and Cat Andrade (Stage Manager). 

Tickets for Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe are available at www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Performances are Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $56.50-$66.50 (fees included). Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).

The 5-Play Card

Black Ensemble Theatre’s 5-Play Card is a digital ticket package unlike any other. At a cost of $225, buying a 5-Play Card saves $20 off each individual ticket, giving an average of $45 a ticket as opposed to our standard $65 ticket price. One of the greatest perks of the 5-Play Card is its flexibility – use the five tickets any way you want! You can: bring five people to one show, treat yourself to five different shows, or use the 5-Play Card in any ticket number combination until all five tickets are spent.

The 5-Play Card is good for 18 months and becomes active immediately after purchasing. If you buy multiple 5-Play Card packages, please note that a maximum of five tickets can be redeemed on a single show date. 

Schedule: 

March 1, 2025 – April 20, 2025

Previews: March 1 at 8pm, March 2 at 3pm, March 7 at 8pm and March 8 at 8pm

Regular run: March 9 – April 20, 2025 

Fridays at 8pm

Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm

Sundays at 3pm

Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago

Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).

Tickets: $56.50-$66.50 (fees included)

Box Office: The Box Office is located at 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

(773) 769-4451; www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org

Black Ensemble Theater 

Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Four Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally, and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational, and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists. 

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts and community engagement. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451. 

Puccini's La Bohème Returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago March 15 – April 12, 2025 at Lyric Opera of Chicago

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Puccini's La Bohème 

Returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago, March 1, 2025

Sung in Italian, with easy-to-follow projected English titles above the stage.

A total running time of 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one intermission.

What you need to know about Puccini's La Bohème

The timeless tale of Parisian romance, friendship, and tragedy returns to Lyric in a stunning new-to-Chicago production that immerses audiences in one of opera’s most beloved stories.

March 15 – April 12, 2025 at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Puccini’s masterpiece La Bohème, on stage at Lyric Opera of Chicago from March 15 to April 12, 2025, captures the essence of young love, artistic passion, and the bittersweet nature of life’s fleeting joys. An extraordinary blend of world-class performers — Pene Pati in his Lyric debut and returning favorites Ailyn Pérez, Gabriella Reyes, and Will Liverman — masterfully reenact the triumphs and struggles of bohemian Paris. Conducted by Jordan de Souza and directed by Melanie Bacaling, this poignant and visually stunning production is sure to captivate audiences of all ages with its enduring charm.

Love burns bright in the City of Light. Against the backdrop of 19th-century Paris, a group of scrappy young artists navigate the complicated social landscape of love and loss. At the center of it all is the tender love story of Rodolfo, a poet, and Mimì, a fragile seamstress. As their love blossoms, the realities of poverty and illness loom, weaving a tale of passion, sacrifice, and the enduring power of connection. This vibrant opera is bursting with soaring arias, lush ensembles, and moments of both joyous celebration and heartbreaking tragedy. Reflecting its well-deserved reputation as a classic, Puccini’s score brings the bohemian lifestyle to life like no other. From the camaraderie of Café Momus to the intimacy of Mimì and Rodolfo’s duets, La Bohème is an emotional journey that will leave audiences reaching for their handkerchiefs.

An operatic dream team. La Bohème is a showcase for the unparalleled artistry of some of opera’s most acclaimed voices.

Pene Pati leads the cast as Rodolfo in his Lyric debut. After performing on stages from San Francisco to Paris, this Samoan tenor won the 2022 Reader's Choice Award at the International Opera Awards, and has been hailed as "the most exceptional tenor discovery of the last decade." He recently made his much anticipated Metropolitan Opera debut as the Duke in Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Chicagoland native soprano Ailyn Pérez returns to Lyric to sing her signature role as Mimì. Pérez has made four previous appearances at Lyric, most recently as Adina in Donizetti's The Elixir of Love in the 2021/22 Season, and has performed as Mimì at major opera houses worldwide, including at London’s Royal Ballet and Opera and earlier this season in acclaimed performances at the Met and the Vienna State Opera. Known for her breathtaking artistry, this Richard Tucker Award winner continues to captivate audiences with her memorable portrayals of opera’s most iconic female leads.

Soprano Gabriella Reyes returns to Lyric in the role of Musetta, following her acclaimed debut as Rosalba in Daniel Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas during the 2021/22 Season. Reyes has moved audiences worldwide with her dynamic artistry. She has previously performed Mimì with the Atlanta Opera and Musetta with the Met and the Philadelphia Orchestra, earning raves for her interpretations of Puccini’s beloved heroines.

Grammy Award-winning baritone Will Liverman also stars as Marcello. An alumnus of Lyric’s renowned artist-development program, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Liverman is celebrated for his versatility and artistry, from dramatic and comedic roles to groundbreaking works like The Factotum, the soul-infused opera he co-created and premiered at Lyric in the 2022/23 Season. A recipient of the Met’s Beverly Sills Artist Award, he continues to thrill audiences with his dynamic performances, including recent standout roles in Terence Blanchard and Kasi Lemmons's Fire Shut Up in My Bones and Anthony Davis and Thulani Davis’s X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X.

Powerful supporting talent. Lyric is marshaling forces from around the world to bring La Bohème to life. Renowned bass Peixin Chen, playing Colline, is known for his powerful voice and dramatic range. He was last seen at Lyric as the Monk in Verdi’s Don Carlos in the 2022/23 Season and performs a diverse repertoire from comedic roles in Donizetti and Mozart to the intense characters of Verdi and Wagner. La Bohème features two current members of the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble. Baritone Ian Rucker plays Schaunard, after appearing as the Foreman in Janáček’s Jenůfa and as Man at Bar in Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofer’s Champion in Lyric’s 2023/24 Season. Fellow Ensemble member and tenor Travon D. Walker takes the stage to perform Parpignol. Winner of the 2024 Best Vocal Artist Award from the American Opera Society, Walker returns to Lyric’s stage after receiving much critical acclaim for his role as the Son in this season's production of Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue. Baritone and Ryan Opera Center alumnus Levi Hernandez returns to Lyric to sing the roles of Benoit and Alcindoro, having performed Schaunard in the 2007/08 Season.

Shaping the story. Conductor Jordan de Souza makes a triumphant return to Lyric after previously leading the Lyric Opera Orchestra in Florencia en el Amazonas in the 2021/22 Season. An accomplished Puccini specialist, he led La Bohème at the Canadian Opera Company during their 2023/24 Season. De Souza was recently appointed General Music Director of Theater Dortmund and Chief Conductor of Dortmund Philharmoniker, with a five-year tenure beginning in August 2025. Alongside de Souza, Melanie Bacaling returns to Chicago to direct La Bohème. She recently worked on the world premiere of The Factotum during Lyric’s 2022/23 Season. In addition to her nation-spanning credits working on productions for the Met, the Detroit Opera, and Santa Fe Opera, she has also recently broken into the film world with her new concert docuseries The Butterfly Process: B (2022). Bacaling and de Souza bring La Bohème to renewed life in a captivating, new-to-Chicago production.

Turning vision into reality. The set design was created by Gerard Howland in his Lyric debut. Costume designer Jeannique Prospere reimagines the costumes originally designed by Peter J. Hall; lighting design is by Duane Schuler, an acclaimed designer of nearly 200 Lyric productions. Chorus Director Michael Black leads the 60-member Lyric Opera Chorus. They will be joined by Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children's Choir) under the direction of Josephine Lee.

A treasured classic back on stage. With its timeless story of affection and adversity, La Bohème continues to enchant audiences with its intense emotion and unparalleled melodies. With its stirring music and unforgettable characters, this production brings the heart of Paris to life and reminds us why La Bohème — the inspiration for the iconic Broadway musical Rent — remains one of the most beloved operas of all time.

Important to know:

Ten chances to see La Bohème: March 15, 19 matinee, 22, 25, 28, and 31 and April 3 matinee, 6 matinee, 9, and 12 matinee.

To complement the performances, Lyric presents the art exhibition La Bohème: An "American" Opera, featuring works by Ryan Opera Center stage director alumnus Luther Lewis, on view to ticketholders in the Grand Foyer. Inspired by 1990s Harlem and Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, this vibrant exhibit reimagines Puccini’s timeless opera through a new cultural lens and reminds modern audiences of the struggles and triumphs of being a young artist. The exhibit is also open to the public from March 18 to April 10, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. (excluding March 27 and April 3).

Ticketholders are invited to a free pre-opera talk by noted opera scholar Dr. Harris Saunders on La Bohème’s composition history and social context; the talks begin one hour before each performance on the main floor of the theater.

Audio description, a guided touch tour of the set, and SoundShirts are available at the Sunday, April 6 matinee performance. Braille and large-print programs, high-powered opera glasses, assistive listening devices, and booster seats are available from the main floor coat check at all performances. For more information on these and other accessibility assets, visit lyricopera.org/accessibility.

A production of Los Angeles Opera and Dallas Opera. Production by Herbert Ross.

For more information and tickets, visit lyricopera.org/boheme or call 312.827.5600.

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists — magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

Join us @LyricOpera on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads and Facebook. #LongLivePassion

For more information, visit lyricopera.org.