Chicago Magic Lounge Presents "Spellbinder" Walter King, Jr.'s Diary of a Black Illusionist Wednesdays Beginning April 2, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Chicago Magic Lounge Presents

Exciting New Show by Legendary Chicago Magician

Walter King, Jr., “The Spellbinder”

Diary of a Black Illusionist 

Wednesdays beginning April 2, 2025

Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago’s home for close-up magic, welcomes Walter King Jr., aka The Spellbinder, as its next Artist-In-Residence with his new show Diary of a Black Illusionist. Taking the audience on a journey through his storied career, which began right here in Chicago, The Spellbinder will thrill audiences with his incredible illusions and unforgettable stories. Diary of a Black Illusionist runs Wednesdays at 7:00pm, April 2 – June 25, 2025. I'll be out for the press opening April 26th. Tickets are priced $42 (Main Floor) and $47.50 (Front Row). Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge shows are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com.

Diary of a Black Illusionist combines magic and heartfelt storytelling, inspired by the vibrant energy of Chicago's urban scene. Join Walter as he brings his personal diary to life on stage, sharing entries addressed to his father and revealing how his West Side roots influenced his unique blend of hip-hop dance, music, theater, and mind-bending magic. King's career spans more than four decades - from the epic dance clubs of 1980s Chicago, the grand stages of Las Vegas, viral fame, and international renown with millions of views on social media.

Diary of a Black Illusionist is more than a show—it's a celebration of culture, resilience, and wonder, brought to life by a master entertainer who knows exactly how to leave you astonished, uplifted, and spellbound.

About Walter King, Jr.

Walter King, Jr., “The Spellbinder” is America’s premier Master entertainer of magic and illusion. Born and raised on the Westside of Chicago, Walter is a self-taught illusionist/magician and the first to combine Hip-Hop dance, music, and theater with the visual art of illusion and magic. He is also the first African American Illusionist to perform in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. King, an award-winning illusionist, has performed for nearly 4 decades throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean Islands and has entertained stars like Jennifer Hudson, Gladys Knight, and Chance The Rapper, to name a few. A recent private performance went viral on TikTok and Instagram, accumulating over 15 million views worldwide. During the late 2000s, he was named one of the "Great Performers of Illinois" by the IAC (Illinois Arts Council.) Walter’s incorporation of theater, dance, music, and comedy with illusions never fails to leave audiences SPELLBOUND!

 

Also Happening at Chicago Magic Lounge

The Close-Up Show

Mondays at 7:00pm

Tickets: General Admission $30

 

The Showcase

Tuesdays at 7:00pm

Tickets: Standard: $37.50; Front Row: $42

Artist-in-Residence Series

Trent James’ Static Magic

Wednesdays at 7:00pm through March 28, 2024

Tickets: Standard: $42.50; Front Row: $47.50

 Trent James, a favorite at the Chicago Magic Lounge and the 2020 Artist-in-Residence is back on the Harry Blackstone Cabaret stage with his new one-person show, "Static Magic." This show features amazing magic, comedy, and stories about growing up as a second-generation magician.

 

The Signature Show

Thursdays-Sundays at 7:00pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 10pm, Sundays at 4pm starting May 11th

Tickets: Front Row $89.50 - $96, Premium Main Floor (main floor banquette and main floor cabaret) $76.00 – $82.50, Standard (rail and elevated banquette) $68.50 - $75, Mezzanine $55.00 – 61.50. 

 

Family Show

Sundays at 3:30pm through May 4th

Tickets: Standard: $40; Front Row: $50

 

Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge performances are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com. Chicago Magic Lounge is a 21+ venue. Ages 16+ allowed to ticketed evening shows with a legal guardian. Ages 5+ are allowed to The Family Show. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. The staff and performers of the Chicago magic lounge are fully vaccinated for covid 19. Ticket holders must attest to being fully vaccinated against covid-19 or have tested negative within 48 hours prior to your visit to enter the premises.

For a complete schedule of performances and more information about Chicago Magic Lounge, resident and guest performers, and more, please visit chicagomagiclounge.com.

World Premiere Raven and Rivendell Co-Production GORGEOUS Announces Cast & Crew For May 1- June 7, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES CAST AND PRODUCTION TEAM FOR 

“GORGEOUS”

Previews May 1 - 4, Full Run May 7 - June 7, 2025

Running Time: approximately 90 minutes with no intermission

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're inordinately excited for a little R & R-- Raven and Rivendell that is! These two storefronts are legendary for excellent, thought provoking productions, and giving voice to women through artistic recognition of their lives. We've seen Stephanie Shum (actor, arts administrator, and all around badass) and Tara Mallen* (actor, director, and Producing Artistic Director at Rivendell, most recently seen in the Ghostlight film, alongside her husband and daughter, Katherine) in many shows over the years and adore their work. What's more, this female powered two hander is directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald (Artistic Director at A Red Orchid, talented director, and actor on stage and screen). As if all that isn't great enough, GORGEOUS is written by female screenwriter/playwright/performer, Keiko Green, and Chicago gets the world premiere! I'll be out to catch the press opening so check back shortly after for my full review.

Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company, in a co-production with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, today announced the cast and production team for Keiko Green’s World Premiere of GORGEOUS, directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald. The show holds previews May 1 - 4 and runs May 7 - June 7, 2025, on Raven Theatre’s stage at 6157 N. Clark St. Tickets ($45, $30 previews) on sale April 1, 2025 at www.raventheatre.com. 

(L-R): Stephanie Shum and Tara Mallen

Jenny has a simple life; she takes care of the elderly and shows dogs professionally. When her just-a-little-bit-older boyfriend Bill dies in the middle of a dog show, all Jenny wants is to get rid of his stuff and continue to show his champion Bulldog, Gorgeous. But then his ex-wife, Bernie, shows up talking about taking back the house…and the dog. Amid the boxes of things that made up Bill’s life and rants about his shortcomings (both are numerous), Jenny and Bernie must find a way forward for themselves and the dog. This funny and complicated world premiere of GORGEOUS asks questions about forgiveness and accountability in the face of grief.

GORGEOUS, written by Keiko Green and directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald, features Stephanie Shum (Jenny) and Tara Mallen* (Bernie). The production team includes Caroline Uy (Dramaturg); JC Widman* (Stage Manager); Theo Wampuszyc (Asst. Stage Manager); Mara Ishihara Zinky (Scenic Designer); Paloma Locsin (Props Designer); Maegan Pate (Costumes Designer); Seojung Jang (Lighting Designer); Connor Wang^ (Sound Designer); Catherine Miller (Raven Casting Director); Glenn Obrero (Rivendell Casting Director); Ruby Lowe (Master Electrician); Lucy Whipp (Production Manager)

* Member of Actors Equity Association

^ Member of USA 829, a labor and professional association of Designers, Artists, Craftspeople, and Department Coordinators.

Cast: Stephanie Shum (Jenny) and Tara Mallen* (Bernie)

Production Team: Keiko Green (Playwright); Kirsten Fitzgerald (Director); Caroline Uy (Dramaturg); JC Widman* (Stage Manager); Theo Wampuszyc (Asst. Stage Manager); Mara Ishihara Zinky (Scenic Designer); Paloma Locsin (Props Designer); Maegan Pate (Costumes Designer); Seojung Jang (Lighting Designer); Connor Wang^ (Sound Designer); Catherine Miller (Raven Casting Director); Glenn Obrero (Rivendell Casting Director); Ruby Lowe (Master Electrician); Lucy Whipp (Production Manager)

* Member of Actors Equity Association

^ Member of USA 829, a labor and professional association of Designers, Artists, Craftspeople, and Department Coordinators.

Dates: May 7 - June 7, 2025 (Previews May 1 - 4, 2025)

Press Opening: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

Location: Raven Theatre (6157 N. Clark St.)

Tickets: General Admission: $45; Previews $30. Discounts for students, seniors, military, and groups of 6 or more, are available. 

Box Office: www.raventheatre.com

ABOUT RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY:

Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays, as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts. Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Paul M. Angell Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, and The Shubert Foundation. This project is partially supported by a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This programming is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.raventheatre.com. 

ABOUT RIVENDELL THEATRE ENSEMBLE:

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (RTE) continues to make a tangible difference in the world by giving voice to women through artistic recognition of their lives, by developing new works that center women's stories and producing those plays along with the support of an award-winning ensemble of artists. Since its inception in 1994, Rivendell has become recognized as a national force in new play development and as a home for women theatre artists, engaging over 200 artists and 3,000+ audience members each year through its mainstage season, new work development, and community engagement programs. 

For more information about Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, visit http://rivendelltheatre.org. Follow Rivendell on Facebook at Facebook.com/rivendelltheatre and on Instagram at @rivendelltheatre.

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is supported by generous grants from: SIF Fund at The Chicago Community Trust; TERRA Foundation for American Art, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Shubert Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; Sarah and the 2 C Dogs and Amazing Edibles.

JACKALOPE THEATRE’S US PREMIERE OF DUMMY IN DIASPORA IS NOW PLAYING THROUGH MARCH 23, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

JACKALOPE THEATRE’S UNITED STATES PREMIERE OF 

ESHO RASHO’S 

DUMMY IN DIASPORA 

IS NOW PLAYING THROUGH MARCH 23 AT THE BROADWAY ARMORY PARK

One Of The Hits Of The 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, these "Confessions of a Very American Boy,” a Solo Play Directed By Karina Patel, is Absurd. Raw. Untold. And Funny, Until it isn’t.

The running time is currently 70 minutes with no intermission

Jackalope Theatre Company’s 17th season continues with the United States premiere of one of the hits of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Dummy in Diaspora, now playing through March 23, written and performed by Esho Rasho and directed by Karina Patel,  at the Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N Broadway St. I'll be out for the Press Opening March 3rd.

The performance schedule is Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The accessibility performance with audio description is Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. and the live captioning performance is Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m.  

Tickets are $15 - 35 with student and Edgewater resident discounts available. Subscription and single tickets are now available at JackalopeTheatre.org or call/text the box office at 773.340.2543.

Dummy in Diaspora is a coming-of-age solo play written and performed by Esho Rasho about a Middle Eastern American boy, Essa, whose parents are refugees. During its most recent run in the 2024 Edinburgh Festival, The Scotsman in its four-star review said Dummy in Diaspora is “brutally honest” and “chilling.” Essa confesses the experience of growing up in a country that doesn’t have a place for him. He navigates sexuality, the demands of a religion passed onto him from his parents, learning the English language, the fleetingness of youth and a nicotine demon that won't leave him alone.

“After premiering the show in the UK, I’m beyond excited to bring it to Chicago—the city the show was born in and the place that shaped me as an artist. Sharing this story with the Chicago community feels like such a gift,” said Esho Rasho. “While performing the show in Edinburgh, I kept hoping for the chance to bring it to Chicago in its fully developed form and I’m so grateful to be able to do that now with Dummy in Diaspora at Jackalope Theatre. The addition of Karina Patel's brilliant direction and our amazing design team makes this specific production even more special and fully fleshed.”

"We are thrilled to be hosting the United States premiere of this fantastic production. Chicago-based Esho Rasho is a phenomenal and absolutely magnetic performer in this tale. His story is both uniquely specific to him and surprisingly universal to so many who haven't felt like they culturally fit in,” added Artistic Director Kaiser Ahmed. “In his first written work, Esho's Dummy in Diaspora is a hilarious and touching experience that will warm the soul. I cannot wait to share it with audiences and to see what's next in store for this exciting artist."

ABOUT ESHO RASHO, PLAYWRIGHT/PERFORMER, DUMMY IN DIASPORA

Esho Rasho (he/him) is a Chicago-based actor and writer. His father is an Assyrian-Iraq refugee and his mother is an Assyrian-Lebanese immigrant. He is a graduate of the BFA in acting program at The Theatre School at DePaul University. His solo play, Dummy in Diaspora, which he wrote and performed, ran at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it received critical acclaim, earning four stars from The Scotsman, Broadway Baby, ThreeWeeks and Culture Fix UK. It was also given an "EXCELLENT SHOW" rating by Fringe Review and listed in a database of the best shows The Scotsman had seen at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He was a part of the 2024 “Criminal Queerness Playwriting Studio” cohort at The National Queer Theatre in New York and has also trained at The Second City Chicago.

ABOUT KARINA PATEL, DIRECTOR, DUMMY IN DIASPORA

Karina Patel (she/her) is a devised theatre artist, director and dramaturg originally from London, United Kingdom. She is currently the new works manager at Jackalope Theatre Company and literary associate at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Patel has developed new and devised work with The Story Theatre, The Understudy Chicago, APIDA Arts, TimeLine Theatre Company, Avalanche Theatre, Token Theatre, 24 Hour Plays and others. She has also served as an assistant director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Court Theatre and the Repertory Theatre of St Louis. 

ABOUT JACKALOPE THEATRE

Jackalope Theatre Company expands the definition of American Identity by engaging with communities to produce works that celebrate diverse perspectives. Jackalope is a premier home for new and exciting Off-Loop Theatre based in Chicago's Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. They are committed to cultivating new voices that contribute to an expanding American culture and mythology. Each season, Jackalope produces full-length plays, new play development programming and provides free classes in partnership with the Chicago Park District.

MORE FROM JACKALOPE 

WORLD PREMIERE

Neighborhood Watch

May 22 - June 28, 2025

Written by Rehana Lew Mirza

Directed by Artistic Director Kaiser Ahmed

Previews: Thursday, May 22 - Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m., 

Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

The Broadway Armory, 5917 N Broadway

JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season

Tickets: $15 - $40

Neighborhood Watch is a sharp and heightened tale of islamophobia in an American suburb. Paul, a suburban family man, becomes so convinced that his new neighbor is a terrorist that in his pursuit to uncover the truth, he begins terrorizing his daughter and neighborhood.

16th Annual Living Newspaper Festival 

August 21 - 25, 2025

Performance schedule: Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

The Broadway Armory, 5917 N Broadway

JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season

Tickets: $15 - $35

The Living Newspaper Festival is inspired by the 1930s Living Newspapers of the Federal Theatre Project that created stories based on recent events. This year’s Festival will include one-act plays inspired from recent news headlines.

Performances, show times, dates are subject to change. 

Jackalope Theatre expands American identity by engaging with our communities to produce works that celebrate diverse perspectives. Season 17 is made possible by the continued generosity of Season Sponsors Michael and Mona Heath.

Definition Theatre Presents the Chicago Premiere of Splash Hatch on the E Going Down March 14 to April 13, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Definition Theatre Announces Casting for the Chicago Premiere of

Splash Hatch on the E Going Down

by Kia Corthron

Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce

jada jackson, jabari khaliq, stetson pierre, quenna barrett, & rita wicks

Company Also Announces $500,000 Donation from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation in Support of Definition’s New Building in Woodlawn

Definition Theatre announces the cast of its next show, the Chicago premiere of Kia Corthron’s powerful drama Splash Hatch on the E Going Down. Helmed by lauded Chicago artist Cheryl Lynn Bruce, the production features Quenna Barrett, Jada Jackson, Jabari Khaliq, Stetson Pierre and Rita Wicks. Splash Hatch on the E Going Down runs from March 14 to April 13, 2025 at Definition at 55th, located at 1160 E 55th St in Hyde Park. 

In a cramped Harlem apartment, fifteen-year-old A-student Thyme faces the challenges of impending motherhood. Supported by her teenage husband and best friend, Thyme balances her intellectual curiosity with the harsh realities of her surrounding life. As she meticulously studies fetal development and dreams of a water birth, she becomes aware of the environmental injustices in her community. When tragedy strikes Thyme must confront the personal impact of her research, questioning what it truly means to prepare for the future. Explore this raw, poetic exploration of love, resilience, and the impact of environmental injustice on communities of color.

Jada Jackson plays Thyme, a brilliant but overwhelmed 15-year-old who is navigating both the complexities of teenage pregnancy and the weight of her growing obsession with the urban environment and social justice. Jabari Khaliq is Erry, Thyme’s 18-year-old husband, Rita Wicks as Shaneequa, Thyme’s best friend and mother of an infant. With Stetson Pierre as Ollie and Quenna Barrett as Marjorie.

Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce, the team includes assistant to the director Ashley Keys, production manager Ellen Willett, stage manager Ariel Beller, and a talented group of designers and assistants. The creative team also includes scenic designer Brian Bembridge, costume designer Janelle Smith, lighting designer Conchita Avitia, sound designer Willow James, and props designer Lonnae Hickman, with Maya Vinice Prentiss serving as intimacy and fight designer.

Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. For more information about Splash Hatch on the E Going Down and the full schedule, please visit https://www.definitiontheatre.org/shows/splash.

Capital Donation from Paul M. Angell Foundation

Definition Theatre is thrilled to announce a generous $500,000 capital donation from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation in support of its new theater, community center, and business incubator in Woodlawn. This transformative gift marks a significant step toward Definition Theatre’s $15 million fundraising goal, reinforcing its mission to create a vibrant cultural and economic hub on Chicago’s South Side. With this investment, the organization moves closer to establishing a permanent home that will provide artistic opportunities, entrepreneurial support, and community-driven programming, fostering long-term impact and sustainable growth in the neighborhood.

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.

Definition Ensemble members include: Adia Alli, Owais Ahmed, Ariel Beller, Jared Bellot, Carley Cornelius, Ari Craven, Julie Jachym, Willow James, Martasia Jones, Slick Jorgensen, Yeaji Kim, Kristy Hall, James Ijames, Julie Jachym, Willow James, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Victor Musoni, Neel McNeill, Sophiyaa Nayar, Karyn Oates, Alexandra Oparka, Julian Parker, Maya Vinice Prentiss, Tyrone Phillips, Ireon Roach, Jacqueline Rosas, Christopher Sheard, and Dujon Smith.

Definition Artistic Advisory Board members include: director May Adrales, Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas, actress Shannon Cochran, actor Brandon Dirden, actor Jason Dirden, actor Jon Michael Hill, director Pam Mackinnon, Equity Quotient CEO Keryl McCord, professor JW Morrissette, director Ron OJ Parson, professor/lighting designer Kathy Perkins, media producer and host Troy Osborne Pryor, Tony Award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad, and Goodman Theatre director in residence Chuck Smith. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director, Neel McNeill is the Executive Director, Willow James is the Civic Engagement Director. 

For additional information, visit definitiontheatre.org and @definitiontheatre on Facebook and Instagram #stayinit

Redtwist Theatre’s William Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus NOW PLAYING THROUGH MARCH 30, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

REDTWIST THEATRE’S WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S 

TITUS ANDRONICUS

DIRECTED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT DUSTY BROWN

NOW PLAYING THROUGH MARCH 30

Anne Sheridan Smith Plays the Renowned General in this Original Adaptation by Brown, Caroline Kidwell and Jordan Gleaves

Award-winning Redtwist Theatre’s William Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus, is now playing through March 30, at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. This original adaptation by Artistic Director of Development Dusty Brown, Caroline Kidwell and Jordan Gleaves is directed by Brown and stars Anne Sheridan Smith as the titular character. The total running time, including the intermission, is two hours and ten minutes. The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available now at RedtwistTheatre.org. 

Redtwist's Titus Andronicus brings prejudice and the politics of revenge to the forefront in Shakespeare's bloodiest script. Foreign wars have left the country divided, an impulsive leader stokes resentment and now the country teeters on the brink of civil war over petty grievances and personal vendettas. Can Rome's leaders save the empire from itself? 

The Titus Andronicus cast includes Anne Sheridan Smith (she/they, Titus Andronicus); James Lewis (he/him, Aaron); Caroline Kidwell (she/her, Lavinia Andronicus); Sabine Wan (she/her, Marcus); Philip C. Matthews (he/him, Lucius Andronicus); Laura Strum (she/her, Tamora); Quinn Leary (he/him, Demetrius); Elijah Newman (he/him, Chiron); Joshua Servantez (he/him, Saturninus) and Madelyn Loehr (she/her, Bassianus/ensemble).  Rena Ahmed (she/her, Titus Andronicus U/S); Makari Robinson McNeese (they/them, Aaron U/S); Hannah McCauley (she/her, Lavinia Andronicus U/S); Daniel Vaughn Manasia (he/him, Marcus U/S); Christine Cummins (she/her, Lucius Andronicus U/S); Michelle Perry (she/her, Tamora U/S); Gavin Blayne (he/him, Demetrius U/S); Seth Eggenschwiller (he/him, Chiron U/S); Grayson Kennedy (he/him, Saturninus U/S) and Madi Bacino (she/her, Bassianus/ensemble U/S). 

The Titus Andronicus creative team includes Dusty Brown (they/them, adapter, director, technical director and sound designer); Raine DeDominici (they/she, production manager/production stage manager); Eliot Colin (they/he, stage manager); Andie Cash (she/her, assistant director); Korey Pimental (he/him, dramaturg); KClare McKellaston (she/her, costume designer); Leo Bassow (they/he, props designer); Meredith Ernst (she/her, text coach); Eric Luchen (he/them, scenic designer); Erin Sheets (she/her, intimacy director); Michael Dias (he/him, violence director) and Eileen Dixon (she/they, casting director and artistic director of production).

Productions, participants and dates are subject to change. 

ABOUT DUSTY BROWN, adapter/director/technical director

Dusty Brown is one of the co-artistic directors of Redtwist Theatre. They began their career as a stagehand in Atlanta, Georgia, working on everything from Shakespeare to new works. They received their MFA in directing from Ohio University in 2021. Notable productions include: Steve Yockey's Wolves at Redtwist and Pluto at Ohio University; William Shakespeare's Macbeth at Three Crows and Ohio University; Tracy Letts' Bug at Ohio University; Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd at DramaTech in Atlanta; Uffizi at Bottled Lightning in Atlanta and Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park at Vox Populi Productions in Chattanooga.

ABOUT CAROLINE KIDWELL, adapter

Caroline Kidwell is elated to be returning to Redtwist for Titus Andronicus. This summer, she performed at Rhinofest her original play-with-music, Penelope, based on the distinguished platypus of the same name. Other recent credits include Ten (The Gift); Cry It Out (Oil Lamp Theatre); Murder, Rewrote (Hell in a Handbag);and Vinegar Tom (Red Theater). She is a co-founder of WaitWhat Films, with whom she produced her debut short, “Killer Set,” directed by her sister Maura. 

ABOUT JORDAN GLEAVES, adapter

Jordan Gleaves is honored to do what Ira Aldridge did and add to Aaron’s story. Big props to James Lewis and Markari Robinson McNeese for accepting the charge. Gleaves thanks Redtwist for bringing him along for the ride. Actor first, Gleaves has collaborated with MPAACT, Court Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Theatre L’Acadie, The Nashville Shakespeare Festival and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, just to name a few. “He dies upon my scimitar's sharp point that touches this my first-born son and heir!” - Aaron

ABOUT REDTWIST THEATRE

Redtwist, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is an award-winning theatre company that stages up close and personal contemporary dramas annually in its intimate black box theatre housed proudly within the heart of Edgewater’s Bryn Mawr Historic District. 

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

Award-winning Redtwist Theatre’s William Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus, is now playing through March 30, at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. This original adaptation by Artistic Director of Development Dusty Brown, Caroline Kidwell and Jordan Gleaves is directed by Brown and stars Anne Sheridan Smith as the titular character. The total running time, including the intermission, is two hours and ten minutes. The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available now at RedtwistTheatre.org.

UPCOMING:

Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND at Raven Theatre February 20 - March 22, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

RAVEN THEATRE’S “A LIE OF THE MIND”

Production Runs February 20 - March 22, 2025

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission

We're having a Sam Shepard moment here in Chicago and we're here for it. Check out A LIE OF THE MIND at Raven Theatre and FOOL FOR LOVE at Steppenwolf. 

Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company today released production images of Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND, directed by Azar Kazemi. The show runs February 20 - March 22, 2025 on Raven Theatre’s stage at 6157 N. Clark St. Tickets ($45) on sale at www.raventheatre.com.

Photo credit: Jenn Udoni, Franco Images

The full moon over the highway. A pay phone call in the middle of the night. And a terrible act of violence that forever changes the trajectory of eight people’s lives. Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND follows two families, connected by marriage, as they grapple with the pain and fear of loving and living. Famous for his imagery, language, and tour-de-force roles for actors, Shepard’s plays dig deep into the ideas of family, destiny, and American idealism. Raven’s production, directed by Azar Kazemi, deepens the questions at the heart of the play by layering an Immigrant story on top of the already searing critique of the American Dream at the heart of this American Classic.

Cast: Ian Maryfield (Jake), Gloria Imseih Petrelli (Beth), John Drea (Frankie), Arash Fakhrabadi (Mike), Jocelyn Maher (Sally), Meighan Gerachis* (Lorraine), Joan Nahid (Meg), Rom Barkhordar* (Baylor)

Production Team: Emma Burkey (Assistant Director), Martine Kei Green-Rogers (Dramaturg), Jean E. Compton* (Stage Manager), Lauren M. Nichols^ (Scenic Designer), Sally Dolembo^ (Costume Designer), Jamie Auer (Props Designer), Hannah Andruss (Makeup Designer), Liz Gomez (Lighting Designer), Thomas Dixon (Sound Designer), Ruby Lowe (Master Electrician), Catherine Miller (Casting Director), Lucy Whipp (Production Manager) 

Dates: February 20 - March 22, 2025

Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

Location: Raven Theatre (6157 N. Clark St.)

Tickets: General Admission: $45; Student, Military, and Industry tickets $20. Previews $30.

Box Office: www.raventheatre.com

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

^ Member of USA 829, a labor and professional association of Designers, Artists, Craftspeople, and Department Coordinators.

ABOUT RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY

Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays, as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts. Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Paul M. Angell Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, and The Shubert Foundation. This project is partially supported by a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This programming is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.raventheatre.com. 

THE GIFT THEATRE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CYGNUS FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 16 AT FILAMENT THEATRE

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THE GIFT THEATRE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 

CYGNUS

WRITTEN BY MULTI-AWARD WINNER 

SUSAN SOON HE STANTON, WRITER AND PRODUCER OF HBO’S “SUCCESSION,” 

FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 16 AT FILAMENT THEATRE 

The Mythic, Hilarious and Poetic New Play, is Directed by Co-Artistic Director Brittany Burch 

The Gift Theatre, is proud to present the world premiere of Cygnus, written by Susan Soon He Stanton and directed by Co-Artistic Director Brittany Burch, February 6 - March 16, at Filament Theater, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. The schedule includes preview performances on Thursday, Feb. 6 - Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 13 - Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. with the opening night, Sunday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The industry performance is Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 12 p.m., understudy performance is Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and the access performance is TBA.Tickets may be purchased at  TheGiftTheatre.org and start at $35 for general admission with $15 tickets for students and $20 for veterans. 

Cydney believes an angel rescued her from an ineffable trauma, and the truth may prove stranger than she imagines. In Cygnus, a mythic, hilarious, and poetic new play, a burnt feather may illuminate the possibility of a divine intervention.

“Cygnus is a modern-day fairytale that weaves fantasy into a very honest story of trauma and recovery," said Co-Artistic Director and Cygnus Director Brittany Burch. “Its themes of escapism as a defense mechanism and the co-dependent mother-daughter relationship immediately resonated with me, but I fell in love with Stanton’s use of dark humor, absurdism and Greek mythology to guide her richly layered characters through their search for meaning in life’s adversities.”

The cast of Cygnus includes Angela Morris (she/her, Cydney Hansen) and Jeff Kurysz (he/him, Jason) and Rengin Altay (she/her, Mama). The production team includes Brittany Burch* (she/her, director); Carol Ann “Cat” Tan (she/her, dramaturg); Sarah Luse* (she/her, stage manager); Joonhee Park  (she/her/they/them, scenic designer); Michael Huey (he/him, sound designer); Kotryna Hilko  (she/her, costume designer); Diane Fairchild (she/her, light designer and lighting supervisor); Saskia Bakker (she/her, props designer); Gaby Labotka  (she/her/they/them, fight and intimacy director); Jennifer Glasse* (she/her, co-artistic director/producing artistic director); Jennifer Aparicio (she/her, production manager) and David Preis* (he/him, technical director). 

* Connotes The Gift Theatre company member.

ABOUT SUSAN SOON HE STANTON, PLAYWRIGHT

Susan Soon He Stanton is a playwright, television writer and screenwriter originally from ‘Aiea, Hawai‘i and now living in New York and London. Her plays have been produced internationally and regionally across the United States: We, The Invisibles (Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival); Today Is My Birthday (Page 73, Yale Repertory Theatre); Both Your Houses (ACT New Strands/ Crowded Fire); TAKARAZUKA!!! (Clubbed Thumb, East West Players, Oregon Shakespeare Festival Workshop); Cygnus (workshop: WP Theater Pipeline, Kilroys List); Solstice Party! (Live Source); The Things Are Against Us (Washington Ensemble Theatre); Moana, Jr (book) for Disney Theatrical Group, among others. Her reimagined Turandot, music by Puccini and Christopher Tin, will be produced by Washington National Opera in 2024. She has worked on all four seasons of HBO’s “Succession” as a writer/producer, for which she has received Emmy, Writers Guild of America and Peabody Awards.

ABOUT BRITTANY BURCH, DIRECTOR

Brittany Burch met Michael Patrick Thornton and Sheldon Patinkin at The School at Steppenwolf in 2010 and they cast her in her first Chicago production, The Gift Theatre’s The Lonesome West. She then joined The Gift ensemble in 2011, appearing in Northwest Highway, Absolute Hell, Oh The Humanity, Thinner Than Water, Royal Society of Antarctica, Good For Otto, Richard III, Unseen, Pilgrims and The Locusts. She became The Gift’s co-artistic director in 2022. Other Chicago credits include In Quietness at A Red Orchid Theatre; The Minutes by Tracy Letts at Steppenwolf and productions with Wildclaw, Lakeside Shakespeare, The Goodman and Redtwist Theatre. Regionally, she has worked with Portland Center Stage, Artists Repertory Theatre, ProfileTheatre (Portland, OR); Perseverance Theatre (Juneau, AK); Chautauqua Theatre Company (NY); The New Theatre (Kansas City). She received her BA at Willamette University and studied at the British American Drama Academy, Chautauqua Theatre Company and Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre. 

ABOUT THE GIFT THEATRE

Since 2001 and with more than 70 productions, The Gift Theatre has been dedicated to telling great stories onstage with honesty and simplicity. Its unwavering dedication to accessibility and intimacy as a professional equity theatre has garnered national recognition for both the company and ensemble. The Gift Theatre strives to push boundaries, broaden perspectives and ignite a cultural revolution on Chicago's northwest side. Please visit TheGiftTheatre.org for more information.

The Gift Theatre, is proud to present the world premiere of Cygnus, written by Susan Soon He Stanton and directed by Co-Artistic Director Brittany Burch, February 6 - March 16, at Filament Theater, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. The schedule includes preview performances on Thursday, Feb. 6 - Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 13 - Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. with the opening night, Sunday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The industry performance is Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 12 p.m., understudy performance is Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and the access performance is TBA.Tickets may be purchased at TheGiftTheatre.org and start at $35 for general admission with $15 tickets for students and $20 for veterans.