World Premiere of Billie Jean at Chicago Shakespeare Theater July 18–August 10, 2025 in The Yard

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Electrifying World Premiere Play 

Billie Jean

Based on the life of sports icon and equality champion Billie Jean King

by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Marc Bruni

Starring Chilina Kennedy in the title role

July 18 Through August 10, 2025 in The Yard

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents the world premiere play Billie Jean, about sports icon and equality champion Billie Jean King. Playwright Lauren Gunderson, one of the most-produced playwrights in the US, and director Marc Bruni (Broadway’s The Great Gatsby and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), team up to stage this empowering new look at a legend who shattered glass ceilings on and off the court. Following her path to becoming a sports icon, from her record-breaking victories to her relentless fight for equal pay and equal rights, Billie Jean explores the cost of public battles and private struggles—bringing us closer than ever before to a woman whose battle for identity and equality inspired and continues to inspire generations. The production runs July 18–August 10, 2025, in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Chilina Kennedy stars as Billie Jean King, leading a cast that also includes Dan Amboyer, Julia Antonelli, Elena Hurst, Courtney Rikki Green, Wynn Harmon, Carolyn Holding, Jürgen Hooper, Callie Rachelle Johnson, Lenne Klingaman, Nancy Lemenager, and Murphy Taylor Smith.

Named one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by Life magazine, Billie Jean King is the first woman athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the first individual woman athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. She is the founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Women’s Tennis Association and the Billie Jean King Foundation. She is part of the ownership groups of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angel City FC and a member of the Advisory Board of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). In 2020, King became the first woman to have an annual global team sports event named in her honor when Fed Cup, the women’s world cup of tennis, was rebranded as the Billie Jean King Cup. The National Tennis Center, home of the US Open, was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2006 in honor of her accomplishments on and off the court.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s world premiere production of Billie Jean is developed by special arrangement with four-time Tony-winning producer Harriet Newman Leve (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, War Horse, Stomp) and Stephanie Sandberg (Country Lane Productions), with Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner (powerhouse creative duo in television, sound recording, film, theater, and animation for more than 40 years). 

Chilina Kennedy is best known for playing Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway for over 1,200 performances. Her Broadway credits include Myrtle in The Great Gatsby, Annie in Paradise Square, and Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, and she starred in the first national tour of The Band’s Visit (Toronto Critics Award). Kennedy’s other selected credits include the Off-Broadway world premiere of This Ain’t No Disco, the world premiere of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Hartford Stage/The Old Globe in San Diego), and the one-woman play The Human Voice (filmed for Toronto’s Ontario International College). She spent three seasons each at the Shaw Festival Theatre and the Stratford Festival, with credits including Rose of Sharon in The Grapes of Wrath.

The cast also features Dan Amboyer (Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest and Uncoupled, TV Land’s Younger, NBC’s Blacklist: Redemption) as Larry King, Julia Antonelli (Ari Aster’s Beau Is Afraid, Netflix’s Outer Banks, Nickelodeon’s Every Witch Way and WITS Academy) as Young Billie Jean, and Elena Hurst (Becoming A Man and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 at American Repertory Theater) as Rosie Casals, as well as Courtney Rikki Green (Henry V at CST, Romeo and Juliet at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Wynn Harmon (Porgy and Bess on Broadway), Carolyn Holding (HBO’s The Gilded Age, STARZ/Netflix’s Heels), Jürgen Hooper (The Comedy of Errors, Amadeus, and more at CST, Brighton Beach Memoirs on Broadway), Callie Rachelle Johnson (Hamlet at CST, Next to Normal at Drury Lane, Pal Joey at Porchlight), Lenne Klingaman (Waitress on Broadway and first national tour, The Underlying Chris at Second Stage), Nancy Lemenager (McNeal, Chicago, Never Gonna Dance, and more on Broadway), and Murphy Taylor Smith (A Transparent Musical at Center Theatre Group).

Understudies include Miles Borchard, Sydney Feldman, Kelli Harrington, Nathe Rowbotham, Hannah Ruwe, Marlene Slaughter, and Jocelyn Zamudio.

“It’s so exciting to be announcing this brilliant cast for Lauren Gunderson’s play about the heroic Billie Jean King,” shared Chicago Shakespeare’s artistic director Edward Hall. “Bringing thought-provoking and original drama into our repertoire alongside Shakespeare gives us and our audiences such a wonderful opportunity to explore the connections between Shakespeare’s world and ours. Billie Jean has left and continues to leave her mark on our world, helping to shape our thoughts and challenge accepted societal norms. It is a joy and a privilege to be bringing this play to CST first.”

Playwright Lauren Gunderson has been one of the most produced playwrights in America since 2015, topping the list thrice. She is a two-time winner of the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award for I and You and The Book of Will, the winner of the William Inge Distinguished Achievement in Theatre Award, the Lanford Wilson Award, and a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Her plays have been translated into a dozen languages and are produced across the world including the West End. Her anthology, Revolutionary Women, is published by Bloomsbury, where her play I and You is a “modern classic.”

Gunderson shared, “CST is the perfect place to launch this new play about Billie Jean King, her activism, and her ongoing impact on the world. Her story is a hero’s journey, and the house of Shakespeare’s heroes is a fitting home for this theatrical debut about excellence, equality, and heart. We want this play to be an exploration of contrast: instantly recognizable and also deeply surprising; athletic and also theatrical; heartfelt and heroic. I am honored and thrilled to have Billie Jean be a part of CST’s season.”

Director Marc Bruni’s credits include The Great Gatsby, currently running on Broadway and the West End as well as the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway, in the West End, US and UK Tours, and in Australia. He also directed Trevor: The Musical which was filmed Off-Broadway at Stage 42 and now streams on Disney+. Bruni was Jeff Award-nominated for Chicago credits Trevor at Writers Theatre and Old Jews Telling Jokes at the Royal George, and his many additional credits include Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, How to Succeed in Business..., 50 Years of Broadway (Kennedy Center), and Hey, Look Me Over!, Paint Your Wagon, Pipe Dream and Fanny (City Center Encores!).

Billie Jean features movement direction by Steph Paul (Sanctuary City at Steppenwolf Theatre, Nobody Loves You at American Conservatory Theater), scenic design by Wilson Chin (Cost of Living and Pass Over on Broadway), costume design by Linda Cho (Two Noble Kinsmen, Othello, and Mary Stewart at CST, Tony Award winner for The Great Gatsby and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder on Broadway), lighting design by Jen Schriever (Tony Award nominee for A Strange Loop and Death of a Salesman on Broadway), sound design by Jane Shaw (credits at Theater for a New Audience, Roundabout Theatre Company, Playwrights Horizons and many more), and video and projection design by David Bengali (Tony Award nominee for Water for Elephants). The creative team also includes Chels Morgan (Intimacy Coordinator), Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach), Tom Watson (Hair & Makeup Designer),The Telsey Office | Karyn Casl CSA & Charlie Hano CSA (Casting), Bob Mason (Chicago Casting), Amy Marie Seidel (Associate Director), Lily Tomasic (Assistant Scenic Designer),

Herin Kaputkin (Assistant Costume Designer), Colleen Doherty (Assistant Lighting Designer), Taylor Edelle Stuart (Associate Video Designer), Kristi J. Martens (Production Stage Manager, Amanda Blanco (Assistant Stage Manager), and Ethan Coon (Production Assistant).

More information at chicagoshakes.com/billiejean or on social media at @chicagoshakes.

Billie Jean By Lauren Gunderson

Directed by Marc Bruni

July 18 – August 10, 2025

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

• Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

• Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (no matinee July 23)

• Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

• Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Chicago Shakespeare strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all patrons. Accessible seating, assistive

listening devices, large-print and Braille programs, and sensory tools are available at every performance. Enhanced

performances include:

• Audio-described performance – Sunday, August 3 at 2:30 p.m.

A program that provides spoken narration of a play’s key visual elements for patrons who are blind or have low vision.

• Open captioned performance – Wednesday, August 6 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

A text display of the words and sounds heard during a play, synced live with the action onstage.

• ASL interpreted performance – Friday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m.

All dialogue and lyrics are translated into American Sign Language by two certified interpreters

Creative Team

Lauren Gunderson - Writer

Marc Bruni - Director

Steph Paul – Movement Director

Wilson Chin - Scenic Designer

Linda Cho - Costume Designer

Jen Schriever - Lighting Designer

Jane Shaw - Sound Designer

David Bengali - Video & Projections Designer

Chels Morgan - Intimacy Coordinator

Eva Breneman - Dialect Coach

Tom Watson - Hair & Makeup Designer

The Telsey Office | Karyn Casl CSA & Charlie Hano CSA - Casting

Bob Mason - Chicago Casting

Amy Marie Seidel - Associate Director

Lily Tomasic - Assistant Scenic Designer

Herin Kaputkin - Assistant Costume Designer

Colleen Doherty - Assistant Lighting Designer

Taylor Edelle Stuart - Associate Video Designer

Kristi J. Martens - Production Stage Manager

Amanda Blanco - Assistant Stage Manager

Ethan Coon - Production Assistant

Cast

Chilina Kennedy - Billie Jean King

Dan Amboyer - Larry King

Julia Antonelli - Young Billie Jean

Courtney Rikki Green - Woman Two

Wynn Harmon - Man One

Carolyn Holding - Woman Five

Jürgen Hooper - Man Two

Elena Hurst - Rosie Casals

Callie Rachelle Johnson - Woman Six

Lenne Klingaman - Woman Three

Nancy Lemenager - Woman One

Murphy Taylor Smith - Woman Four

Miles Borchard - Understudy

Sydney Feldman - Understudy

Kelli Harrington - Understudy

Nathe Rowbotham - Understudy

Hannah Ruwe - Understudy

Marlene Slaughter - Understudy

Jocelyn Zamudio - Understudy

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER (CST)

CST is a leading international theater company and the nation’s largest year-round theater dedicated to the works of Shakespeare. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes, the Regional Tony Award recipient is committed to creating vivid, entertaining theatrical experiences that invigorate and engage people of all ages and identities by illuminating the complexity, ambiguity, and wonder of our world. Each year, nearly a quarter of a million people experience CST’s artistry through more than 12 productions. With Shakespeare at the heart of the artistic work, CST also produces compelling, contemporary stories from fresh voices of today. CST brings the world to Chicago and sends Chicago out into the world as Chicago’s foremost presenter of international theater, and consistent producer of North American and world premieres. Serving more students and teachers than any theater in the city, CST annually welcomes more than 20,000 students to performances and programs like Chicago Shakespeare SLAM, alongside professional development opportunities for teachers. CST activates its campus with three venues: 700-seat The Yard; the 500-seat Jentes Family Courtyard Theater; and the 200-seat Carl and Marilynn Thoma Upstairs Studio. Free programs like Shakes in the City bring performances to parks and community spaces across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. Shared humanity and unforgettable stories—now THIS is Chicago Shakespeare. chicagoshakes.com 

The Crane Wives Beyond Beyond Beyond Album Release Tour To Play The Vic in Chicago July 26, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

The Crane Wives

Announce New Dates For 

Beyond Beyond Beyond Album Release Tour 

Photo Credit for all unless otherwise noted: Dugan Kenaz-Mara for ChiIL Live Shows

"The Crane Wives charmed us again with its harmony-laced folk-rock…

polished sound and dynamic energy…

proves just how much fun the band is having with its music.” - NPR

Grand Rapids, MI-based indie rock band The Crane Wives (1.4m Spotify monthly listeners, 713.5k TikTok likes) are ready to charm live audiences once again, heading back out on the road this spring in support of their highly acclaimed new album Beyond Beyond Beyond, out everywhere now. Due to overwhelming demand, the band has also announced a new string of dates taking place through July, and will be making stops in major cities like Nashville, Chicago, Brooklyn, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and beyond. Tour dates and tickets for all shows are available here.

 "The Crane Wives are a four-piece band that have an uncanny ability 

at crafting goose-bump inducing three-part harmonies.” - No Depression

 

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we've covered The Crane Wives since their inception, and my 24 year old son and his girlfriend did a fabulous photo feature and review on their last Chicago gig in July of 2024. Check it out, then get your tickets for the summer leg of their album release tour.  The Crane Wives will be back in Chicago July 26th at The Vic, and Dugan and his girlfriend, Kit are covering the show again for ChiIL Live Shows. They're especially excited since the show falls on Kit's actual birthday, and The Crane Wives are a favorite of theirs. Check out their 2024 feature/review HERE.

"They’re an impeccable band with incredibly tight instrumentation and harmonies that, 

paired with an inclination for catchy hooks and scintillating lyricism, 

make a strong case for their burgeoning popularity.” - For Folk’s Sake

 

"They're reshaping the indie folk landscape 

with unforgettable performances and passionately crafted music." - Blurred Culture

Born of the 2010’s folk boom and now comfortably stationed in their rock and roll era, The Crane Wives epitomize the evolving landscape of indie folk. Their high-energy performances have been described as “charged with emotion and technical skill” (Blurred Culture), while their harmony-dense melodies support deeply resonant lyrics, exploring the vulnerable and the ugly sides of the human condition. The band has built a global community and has amassed over 1m Spotify monthly listeners and 100m total streams with their unparalleled, spirited live show, evocative lyricism and glimmering harmonies.

Featured by Michigan Radio and NPR’s “All Songs Considered," the band recently released their sixth full-length studio record, Beyond Beyond Beyond, to high praise, with Glasse Factory calling the album “a testament to the band’s ability to turn personal struggles into universally relatable anthems." 

Niner Times describes the new release as “angsty, haunting and gritty,” praising its departure from the more traditional folk sound of The Crane Wives’ previous records. Since its release in September 2024, Beyond Beyond Beyond has accrued over 7 million streams on Spotify.

The pulse of The Crane Wives is delivered by Ben Zito (bass) and Dan Rickabus (drums), creating a driving, dynamic backdrop while co-leads Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury establish expansive and gritty conversations between their electric guitars. A web of three-part harmony helps to soften the blow of their emotional candor, like a 21st century Cerberus, the hound of Hades reimagined as an emotional support animal.

The Crane Wives have 6 full-length albums under their belts and have performed over 600 shows across the US, sharing stages with acts such as The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Rusted Root, The Dead South, Joseph, and many more.

2025 US Tour Dates Newly Added:

July 10          Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre

July 11          Madison, WI @ The Sylvee

July 12          Minneapolis, MN @ Palace Theatre

July 14          Kansas City, MO @ Truman

July 15          St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

July 17          Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl 

July 18          Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

July 19          Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi Annex

July 20          Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi Annex

July 22          Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s

July 23          Columbus, OH @ Athenaeum Theatre

July 25          Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews

July 26          Chicago, IL @ The Vic

 

Follow The Crane Wives:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Spotify | YouTube

Photo Credit: Hwa-JeenNa

American Blues Theater Opens its 40th Anniversary Season With the World Premiere of THINGS WITH FRIENDS August 22 – October 5, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

American Blues Theater presents the World Premiere of 

THINGS WITH FRIENDS

By Artistic Affiliate Kristoffer Diaz

Directed by Artistic Affiliate Dexter Bullard

August 22 – October 5, 2025

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, is thrilled to open its 40th anniversary season with a world premiere by Artistic Affiliate Kristoffer Diaz, Things With Friends. The winner of the 2023 Blue Ink Playwrighting Award and workshopped through American Blues Theater, Things With Friends will receive its world premiere staging August 22 – October 5, 2025, under the direction of Artistic Affiliate Dexter Bullard. 

Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside states, “We’re thrilled to share Kristoffer Diaz’s provocative world premiere that will leave audiences breathless. Things With Friends received our 2023 Blue Ink Award for new work and its relevance has only grown in the interim. Pairing Dexter Bullard’s deft direction with this powerful script is sure to produce a night of theater audience will not forget.”

Manhattan. Burt and Adele are hosting a dinner party. Steak is on the stove. The George Washington Bridge has collapsed into the Hudson. Kristoffer Diaz has written a play about it. We’ve already said too much.

The cast of Things With Friends includes Audrey Billings* (Adele), Casey Campbell* (Burt), Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel (Vy), Maya Lou Hlava (Joony), Flaco Navaja (NYC), & Jon Hudson Odom* (Chabby).

The production team includes Grant Sabin* (scenic), Lily Walls* (costumes & wardrobe supervisor), Levi J. Wilkins (lights), Rick Sims* (sound), Amy Peter (properties), Richard Lundy* (stage manager), Michael Trudeau* (facilities manager), Nate Walczyk* (production manager & ME), Tom Daniel* (technical director), & Chris Walls (audio supervisor).

*denotes Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.

Tickets, priced 39.50-$49.50, are on sale now the American Blues Theater box office, online at www.americanbluestheater.com, or by phone at (773) 654-3103.

About the Artists

KRISTOFFER DIAZ (Playwright) is a proud Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater. Kristoffer is a playwright, screenwriter, musical librettist, and educator. His teaching interests include dramatic writing and contemporary US theater, with a special focus on new American plays and musicals. His musical Hell’s Kitchen (created with Alicia Keys) was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including Best Book, and is currently running on Broadway. His play The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama, and has gone on to more than forty productions nationwide. Other full-length titles include Hercules (adapted from the Disney film for the Joseph Papp Public Theater’s Public Works program), Reggie Hoops, Welcome to Arroyo’s, #therevolution, Rebecca Oaxaca (Lays Down A Bunt), Expect Victory, and The Unfortunates. His work has been produced, commissioned, and developed at The Public Theater, Dallas Theater Center, Geffen Playhouse, Center Theatre Group, The Goodman, Second Stage, Victory Gardens, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Chelsea Factory, American Theater Company, The Atlantic, InterAct, Mixed Blood, The Orchard Project, Hip-Hop Theater Festival, The Lark, Summer Play Festival, Donmar Warehouse, and South Coast Repertory, among many others. Awards include the Guggenheim, Jerome, Van Lier, NYFA, and Gail Merrifield Papp Fellowships; New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award; Lucille Lortel, Equity Jeff, and OBIE Awards; and the Future Aesthetics Artist Regrant, among others. As a screenwriter, Kristoffer adapted the musical Rent for the Fox network, wrote on the Netflix series GLOW, and has developed original television pilots for HBO and FX. Kristoffer holds a BA from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, an MFA from NYU’s Department of Dramatic Writing, and an MFA from Brooklyn College’s Performing Arts Management program. He teaches in both Gallatin and the Department of Dramatic Writing at the Tisch School of the Arts. Kristoffer sits on the board of New Dramatists (where he is an alumni playwright) and serves as an officer on the council of the Dramatists Guild.

DEXTER BULLARD (Director) is a proud Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater. Dexter has directed throughout Chicago since at theaters such as Steppenwolf, Goodman, Northlight, Victory Gardens, HOUSE, A Red Orchid, Next, Famous Door, and of course, American Blues: Tom & Jerry.  He directed Tracy Letts’ Linda Vista at Steppenwolf, Center Theater Group LA, Mies Julie and Sucker Punch at Victory Gardens, Christmas with Elvis at Chopin, and The Flick also at Steppenwolf.  On Broadway, he directed Linda Vista with Second Stage and Craig Wright’s Grace; Bug, Lady, and Mistakes Were Made Off-Broadway. Dexter is alumni director for the Second City developing original revues for Detroit, ETC and Second City Theatricals. Dexter founded and led Plasticene “a pioneer physical theater company” (Chicago Reader) and with the ensemble developed over fourteen critically-acclaimed experimental works appearing at venues including The Edinburgh Fringe, Soho Theater NYC, Viaduct, Links Hall, the MCA and the Storefront. He has received a Jeff Citation, a Lucille Lortel Award, several Jeff Nominations, a Drama Desk Nomination, and was named “Best of Chicago” by Chicago Magazine. Dexter studied acting at Northwestern and received his MFA in Performance from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Dexter is a Professor of Acting at The Theatre School at DePaul and hosts ongoing classes for all levels with his own Studio. dexterbullard.com

AUDREY BILLINGS (Adele) is a proud Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. American Blues Theater credits include Mary Bailey in the annual production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (Jeff Award nominations for Ensemble, Short Run Production, and Production-midsize); The Commons, Blue Ink Festival, and The Ripped Festical. Some favorite roles outside of Blues include: Emilie in A Red Orchid Theatre’s production of The Moors, Christmas Eve in the long-running production of Avenue Q at the Mercury Theater, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, Antonia in Man of la Mancha, and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. She has graced the stages at the Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, and Lookingglass Theatre Company. Audrey is the managing director at A Red Orchid Theatre, bookkeeper for Visionary Eye Care Professionals, and a proud member of Actors’ Equity.

CASEY CAMPBELL (Burt) is a proud Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. American Blues Theater credits include Oklahoma (Jeff Award nominations for Supporting Actor & Musical-midsize), It’s a Wonderful Life (2006-2008), Holiday Cabaret Show, and The Ripped Festival. He is a professional voice-over actor who resides in Burbank, California. His television voice credits include: THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT (Regular VO for Comedy Cold Opens), MORE POWER (History Channel, Narrator), CUBS CORNERSTONES (Marquee Sports Network, Narrator), and the video games CALL OF DUTY: COLD WAR, TOPSPIN 2K24. Casey is also the voice of THE GENERAL for the THE GENERAL AUTO INSURANCE COMMERCIALS, as well as the exclusive voice for NBA TV. He recently also became the voice of Chester the Cheetah for CHEETOS. His other commercial voice-over work includes clients such as DODGE RAM, HBO MAX, GEICO, NINTENDO, MO’S SOUTHWEST GRILL, CARRABBAS, NISSAN, FORD, HULU, CARMAX, ECHO PARK, JOHN DEERE, MUCINEX, WALMART, LA RAMS, BIG BUS TOURS CHICAGO and LOS ANGELES, KANSAS CITY ROYALS, CASEY’S CONVENIENCE STORES, MENARDS, HOME DEPOT and many, many more. His on-camera works includes playing Chef Murphy on the first four seasons of Disney’s BUNK’D, as well as BIZAARDVARK, BEST FRIENDS WHENEVER, MIGHTY MED, MTV’s AWKWARD, HAPPYLAND and NBC’s SUPERSTORE. On camera commercial work includes AMAZON PRIME, CARMAX, TOYOTA, JOSE CUERVO, GEICO, CHEVY and an unfortunately named auto school called UTI (Universal Technical Institute). Theatre credits include “The Buddy Holly Story” at Drury Lane Oakbrook, “Troilus and Cressida” at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and “Fool For Love” at Los Angeles Fringe Festival.

CRUZ GONZALEZ-CADEL (Vy) is an award-winning theatre, film, and television actor originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Selected Chicago credits include: Measure for Measure (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Fen, The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice and Electra (Court Theatre), The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci (Goodman Theatre); Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Lookingglass Theatre Company); Lela & Co. (Steep Theatre Company; Jeff Award, Performer in a Principal Role) and The Abuelas, Hope: Part II of a Mexican Trilogy, La Havana Madrid and i put the fear of mexico in ’em at Teatro Vista, where she serves as an Artistic Collective member and Managing Director. Regional credits include: In The Heights (Marriott Theatre) and La Havana Madrid (South Coast Repertory) Film: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice; Rounding, Heist 88, Single Car Crashes. Television: “Fargo”, “Chicago Med”, “The Chi”, “Empire”.

MAYA LOU HLAVA (Joony) is thrilled to be making her American Blues Theater Debut. Additional Chicago credits include, Prayer for the French Republic (Northlight Theatre); Little Mermaid, Christmas Carol, Shrek, White Christmas and Bye Bye Birdie (Drury Lane Theatre); The Penelopiad (Goodman Theatre); Happy Days Are Here (Again) and Zurich (Steep Theatre); The Best Damn Thing (The Understudy Cafe); Dory Fantasmagory and Last Stop On Marketplace (YPPT/Greenhouse Theater); Spring Awakening (Porchlight Theater); Act 5, The Killing Game and The Nether (A Red Orchid Theatre); Oklahoma (Marriott Theatre); Violet (Griffin Theater); Trevor (Writers Theatre); The Secret Garden (Court Theatre); Jane Eyre (Lifeline Theatre); The Wheel (Steppenwolf Theatre); Film and Television credits include –  Will Trent, The Perpetrator, Chicago Med, The Chi, and The Big Leap. Maya is represented by Stewart Talent.

FLACO NAVAJA (NYC) is thrilled to make his American Blues Theater debut. Born and raised in the Bronx, Navaja is a legendary poet, dynamic singer, seasoned actor, and film performer. As a member of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, he toured internationally, bringing his voice to audiences around the globe. His award-winning one-man show, Evolution of a Sonero, has toured nationally to critical acclaim. A longtime collaborator of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Navaja was featured on the Warriors album and sings the theme song for the PBS Kids animated series Alma’s Way, with lyrics written by Miranda. Theatre credits include The Seven (New York Theatre Workshop), among others. His film and television appearances include Fighting, Gun Hill Road, Pride and Glory, and East Willy B. With his salsa band, The Razorblades, Navaja continues to blend spoken word, soul, salsa, and street into an unforgettable live experience.

JON HUDSON ODOM (Chabby) is a proud Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater. Chicago credits: The Reclamation of Madison Hemings (Jeff Award nomination for Performer) & On Clover Road (American Blues Theater); No Man’s Land, Describe the Night, The Seagull, Ms Black For President (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); Toni Stone, A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); Witch (Writers Theatre) Regional: Ain’t No Mo’, An Octoroon, Botticelli in the Fire, Shipwreck (Woolly Mammoth Theatre); Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Denver Center for the Performing Arts); The Magic Play (Actors Theatre of Louisville); Angels in America (Round House Theatre & Olney Theatre Center) TV: “Lovecraft Country “(HBO), “Somebody Somewhere” (HBO Max), “South Side” (HBO Max), “Chicago PD” (NBC) Film: “The Year Between”, “A Savage Nature”, “Reporting for Christmas.” Five-time nominee and recipient of the Helen Hayes Awards & Jeff Award nominee. Education: University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Represented by Paonessa Talent and Kaplan Mills Entertainment.              

Featuring: Audrey Billings* (Adele), Casey Campbell* (Burt), Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel (Vy), Maya Hlava (Joony), Flaco Navaja (NYC), & Jon Hudson Odom* (Chabby).       

Creative Team: Grant Sabin* (scenic), Lily Walls* (costumes & wardrobe supervisor), Levi J. Wilkins (lights), Rick Sims* (sound), Amy Peter (properties), Richard Lundy* (stage manager), Michael Trudeau* (facilities manager), Nate Walczyk* (production manager & ME), Tom Daniel* (technical director), & Chris Walls (audio supervisor).

Dates: August 22 – October 5, 2025

Schedule:                     

Wednesdays: 2:00 PM  (Sept 10 & 17); 7:30 PM (Sept 24 only)

Thursdays: 7:30 PM

Fridays: 7:30 PM

Saturdays: (Sept 6, 20 & Oct 4 only); 7:30 PM (Aug 23, 30 & Sept 13, 27 & Oct 4)

Sundays: 2:30 PM

Location:  American Blues Theater, 5627 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago

Ticket prices:  Previews: $39.50; Regular Run: $49.50; Opening night with reception: $64.50

Box office:  Buy online at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.

Public Programming and Special Events

American Blues Theater is excited to offer audiences even more ways to engage with artists, neighbors and the larger community through its two programs The Commons and @Home Accessibility Series

The Commons features readings, live concerts, open mics, game nights, town halls and more at American Blues. The @Home Accessibility Series features readings, live concerts, and town halls from the comfort of home via Zoom. For the most up-to-date programming schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanbluestheater.com. Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.

About American Blues Theater

Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: “What does it mean to be American?”

The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2025, the theater and artists received 239 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.  

Chicago Premiere of INCOGNITO Via Tin Drum Theatre Company at Theater Wit July 17 - August 3

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

TIN DRUM THEATRE COMPANY PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF 

INCOGNITO 

BY NICK PAYNE, JULY 17 - AUGUST 3, AT THEATER WIT

Directed by Nick Payne, Incognito is an Unforgettable Journey Across the Landscapes of Love, Loss and Self-Discovery.

 (l to r): Teddy Boone and Shannon Leigh Webber / Photography by Jacob Coggshall

Tin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the Chicago premiere of Incognito at Theatre Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., July 17 - August 3. The provocative play by award-winning British playwright Nick Payne is produced by Steve Needham and directed by Jason Palmer. Incognito promises to take audiences on an unforgettable journey across the landscapes of love, loss and self-discovery. The preview for Incognito is Thursday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. and the opening night/press performance is Friday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule for Saturday, July 19 - Sunday, Aug. 3 is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. The regular run begins Saturday, July 19 - Sunday, Aug. 3 with performances  Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.Tickets are $25 - $39 with $15 student tickets and may be purchased at https://www.theaterwit.org/tickets/productions/box_office.

Tin Drum Theatre Company invites audiences to discover the extraordinary tapestry of the heart and mind on display in Incognito—a play that redefines our understanding of self and the ever-shifting narrative of our lives.  This unique and compelling narrative bridges science and philosophy, tracing how emotions intertwine with our concept of identity and challenging the boundaries of traditional narrative storytelling.

First staged in London to enthusiastic reviews, Incognito has since enjoyed several acclaimed productions on both sides of the Atlantic. Critics have praised the play for its innovative storytelling and its fearless probing of memory, genius and identity. Its past productions have been heralded as groundbreaking explorations that challenge audiences to rethink the boundaries of the human psyche, setting the stage for this highly anticipated Chicago premiere.

The Incognito ensemble cast includes Teddy Boone, Shannon Leigh Webber, Erin Alys and Riles August Holiday.

The creative team includes Steve Needham (producer), Jason Palmer (director), Teddy Boone (casting director), Jacob Coggshall (assistant director), Joey Bluhm (stage manager), Alex Kinglsey (sound designer), Marcus Klein (scenic designer), Jack Goodman (lighting designer), Kasey Wolfgang (costume designer), Erin Annarella (dialects) and Izzi King (intimacy).

ABOUT TIN DRUM THEATRE COMPANY

Tin Drum Theatre Company thrives on presenting works that challenge the mind, stir the soul and inspire our audiences to engage actively and more critically with the world around them. 

ABOUT NICK PAYNE, playwright

Nick Payne is an acclaimed British dramatist celebrated for his incisive exploration of the human condition. Best known for his internationally lauded work Constellations, Payne has established himself as a dynamic voice in contemporary theatre. His plays are marked by their inventive narrative structures and deep philosophical inquiry—qualities that shine brightly in Incognito. Payne’s works captivate audiences worldwide with a  blend of wit, intellect and raw emotional power.

Nick Payne’s plays include If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet (Bush Theatre and Roundabout Theatre Company, New York), Wanderlust (Royal Court Theatre), Sophocles' Electra (Gate Theatre), One Day When We Were Young (Paines Plough/Sheffield Theatres and Shoreditch Town Hall), Lay Down Your Cross (Hampstead Theatre), Constellations (Royal Court Theatre and Duke of York’s), and The Same Deep Water As Me (Donmar Warehouse). He is the recipient of the 2009 George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright, 2012 Harold Pinter Playwright’s Award and the 2012 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Play for Constellations. His screenplays include The Sense of an Ending and We Live in Time.

ABOUT JASON PALMER, director

Hailing from the scenic coal region of north central Pennsylvania, Palmer has worked in the storefront theater scene and entertainment industry on both coasts, as well as our very own ‘third coast.’ Memorable work in New York includes Assistant Director for the Off-Broadway premiere of Keith Reddin’s Black Snow and serving as a Literary Manager for the Gilgamesh Theater Group.  Chicago work includes producing the annual Directors’ Festival at the Bailiwick Repertory.  In California, Palmer embarked on a career with the entertainment unions, working for both Actors’ Equity Association and The Directors’ Guild of America.  Returning to Chicago after a long hiatus, he directed Tin Drum’s inaugural production, Winter Garden in 2024, and co-founded Tin Drum Theatre with longtime friend Steve Needham. 

ABOUT STEVE NEEDHAM, producer

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Needham is a founding member of Convergence-Continuum, where he directed and performed, and which he is proud to say is still producing provocative and experimental black box theatre nearly 25 years later for a new generation of audiences.  In Chicago, Neehamhas worked at The Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, About Face Theatre, and Pride Films & Plays.  While completing his studies at The University of Chicago, he wrote the play Winter Garden about Edwin and John Wilkes Booth, which he later developed with Jason Palmer into Tin Drum Theatre’s inaugural production. 

About Face Theatre Presents OM Mission Limited Engagement for Pride Month at The Den Theatre June 20-28, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

About Face Theatre presents 

OM Mission

Co-Created and Performed by Zahra Baker and Shanta Nurullah

Directed by Kezia Waters

Limited engagement for Pride Month at The Den Theatre

June 20-28, 2025

About Face Theatre announces OM Mission, a special, limited engagement event for Pride Month, to be held at The Den Theater for two weekends only. This spellbinding and joyful journey through stories, music, and ritual amplifies the lives and legacies of Black lesbians. Co-created and performed by award-winning artists Zahra Baker and Shanta Nurullah and directed by Kezia Waters, this theatrical celebration runs June 20-28 at The Bookspan at The Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Ave.

Co-creators Zahra and Shanta set out on an adventure to find stories of Black lesbians in the public archive. At first they are met with silence and gaps, until they come to discover unexpected and remarkable unsung histories of some loud and out Blues women of the 1920s and ‘30s. Gathering inspiration from the past, these visionary performers build a vibrant and joyful tribute that shines a light on Black lesbians today. Along your journey with them, you’ll get to add your voice to the growing chorus of people building a future that is safe and inclusive for all.

Through a combination of performance, ritual, and communal storytelling, this collaborative team aims to disrupt erasure, amplify Black lesbian narratives, and invite audiences into a brave, joy-filled space of remembrance and transformation.

OM Mission was originally commissioned and produced as part of About Face Theatre’s KICKBACK festival in partnership with the Stony Island Arts Bank. The show has since been featured as part of Chicago, Live! Festival on Navy Pier and other venues.

Director Kezia Waters, in collaboration with Baker and Nurullah, aims to “create a space where Queer Black histories are not only redressed but celebrated like a rotating kaleidoscope.” Waters envisions “a living archive, an embodied celebration, and a call for visibility.” 

TICKETS

Tickets available at AboutFaceTheatre.com by calling 773.697.3830, or by visiting The Den Theatre box office. Ticket prices range from $5 to $35.

AFT offers a ticket pricing system that allows each patron to decide the price that they can comfortably afford to pay for a ticket. Ultimately, About Face wants everyone who wants to attend a show to be able to do so. Please note: there are limited quantities available at each pricing level.

The Performance Schedule is: 

Friday, June 20 8PM

Saturday, June 21 8PM

Sunday, June 22 3PM 

Wednesday, June 25 8PM

Thursday, June 26 8PM

Friday, June 27 8PM

Saturday, June 28 3PM and 8PM

ABOUT FACE THEATRE advances LGBTQ+ equity through community building, education, and performance. AFT envisions an affirming and equitable world in which all LGBTQ+ individuals are thriving and free from prejudice and discrimination. Due to the intersectionality of our identities, we understand that our work to advance LGBTQ+ equity is directly connected to movements for economic and racial justice and we are guided by our values of collaboration, care, equity, courage, sustainability, and joy.

Two Times the TUTA in Rotating Repertory June 27 – August 16, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

TUTA Theatre Announces Summer Rep of 

Celine Song’s TOM & ELIZA 

Alternating With 

White Rabbit, Red Rabbit

Plays to be performed in rotating repertory June 27 – August 16.

TUTA Theatre announces changes in two-play summer rep: 

Celine Song’s TOM & ELIZA will now be paired with the experimental 

WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour

TUTA Theatre has announced a change in its two-play summer repertory. WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT will replace the replace the previously announced EVERY BRILLIANT THING and will play Sundays and Mondays through August 16. This highly experimental play by Iranian German playwright Nassim Soleimanpour, like some of his other plays, is performed cold by a different actor at each performance, with no rehearsal, no director, and no set. Company member Huy Nguyen will perform the play on opening night, with actors for the remaining performances to be announced. Forbidden to leave his country, playwright Nassim Soleimanpour distilled the experience of an entire generation in a wild, utterly original play. WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT is as much about contemporary Iran as it is about power dynamics in the rest of the world. Please note - this play is NOT overtly political and should not be portrayed as such. It operates on a deeper, metaphoric level, and very expressly avoids overt political comment. I'll be reviewing WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT for ChiIL Live Shows at the press opening Monday, July 7th, so check back shortly after for my full review. I reviewed Interrobang's version of this show back in 2018, and I'm eager to see what TUTA's style and the changing world over the past 7 years will bring to this fresh production. The show will play Sunday and Monday evenings through August 11.

Since its joint premiere in 2011 in Edinburgh and Summerworks festival, WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT has been translated into more than 30 different languages and been performed over 3000 times by some of the biggest names in theatre and film including actors John Hurt, Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, Stephen Rea, Sinead Cusack, Marcus Brigstocke, Dominic West and film director Ken Loach. It was produced off-Broadway in New York in 2016. The production team for TUTA’s staging will be Co-Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone (Artistic Producer), Huy Nguyen (Artist Liaison), Keith Parham (Lighting Design), Becky Warner (Stage Manager), and Helen Lattyak (Creative Producer).

TUTA’s summer rep will begin on June 26 with the Chicago premiere of TOM & ELIZA by Celine Song, whose directorial film debut PAST LIVES (2023) received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Song’s following feature film, MATERIALISTS, opened to rave reviews on June 13. TUTA Co-Artistic Director Aileen Wen McGroddy will direct. The two plays will be performed in repertory through mid-August at TUTA Theatre, 4670 N. Manor Avenue, Chicago.

TOM & ELIZA, which premiered at Brooklyn, New York’s JACK theater in 2016, examines a young couple from their ordinary first date toward the end of civilization. In little more than an hour, with no intermission, the two characters use rapid-fire language to chronicle their entire relationship, mercilessly withholding nothing. A teethy battle of wills that centers on obsessions with bathing and book-burning, the play wakens both ecstasy and disgust with life. TUTA Co-Artistic Director Aileen Wen McGroddy, who was Jeff-nominated for her direction of the Jeff Award-winning ensemble of TUTA’s ATTEMPTS ON HER LIFE in summer 2024, is directing this Chicago premiere.

The two-hander TOM & ELIZA will be played by Clifton Frei and Seoyoung Park, who were both members of the Jeff Award-winning ensemble cast of ATTEMPTS ON HER LIFE. Keith Parham, Jeff-nominated for his lighting design of ATTEMPTS ON HER LIFE, is Lighting Designer. Tatiana Kahvegian, a 2024 Tony Award nominee for the scenic design of THE OUTSIDERS, is Set and Costume Designer. I'll be covering TOM & ELIZA for ChiIL Live Shows on Sunday, June 29th so check back soon for my full review. Previews begin June 26th. It will play an irregular schedule through August 16.

Seats for all performances of TOM & ELIZA and WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT can be reserved by purchasing in advance. Prices for all performances (excluding opening nights) are $20,  $45 and $60 (plus a $3.00 per ticket fee). Any seating not reserved in advance will be available the day of the performance for in person, pay-what-you-choose tickets at the door 30 minutes before curtain time. Additional information on TUTA Theatre’s ticketing is available at www.tutatheatre.org. There is no late seating. If available, pay what-you-choose 30 minutes before curtain.

Clifton Frei and Seoyoung Park. 

MORE PRODUCTION INFORMATION

TOM & ELIZA

By Celine Song

CHICAGO PREMIERE

Directed by Aileen Wen McGroddy

Performed by Seoyoung Park and Clifton Frei

June 26 – August 16, 2025

Performance Days: Vary per week. See schedule below.

Press Openings Sunday, June 29 at 7:30 pm and Monday, June 30 at 7:30 pm

TUTA Theatre, 4670 N Manor Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Ticket Prices: $20 - $60

Tickets and more information at www.tutatheatre.org

Tom's mother and father made love

Tom was born

Tom grew up

Tom entered this restaurant

Tom is on a date

 

Eliza's mother and father made love

Eliza was born

Eliza grew up

Eliza entered this restaurant

Eliza is on a date

 TOM & ELIZA is a dual meditation on the choices we make (and those we don't) in a world that spins relentlessly into the future. Performed in one long breath by two virtuosic actors, TUTA Co-Artistic director Aileen Wen McGroddy directs the Chicago premiere of this idiosyncratic work by Celine Song, writer of Oscar-nominated PAST LIVES and the recently released rom-com MATERIALISTS.

Performance Schedule:

Previews: Thursday 6/26 – 7:30 pm, Friday 6/27–7:30 pm, Saturday 6/28 – 7:30, pm

Openings: Sunday 6/29 – 7:30 pm and Monday 6/30 – 7:30 pm

Regular Run: Thursday 7/3 – 7:30 pm, Thursday 7/10 - 7:30 pm, Friday, 7/11 – 7:30 pm, Saturday 7/12 – 7:30 pm, Sunday 7/13 – 2:00 pm, Thursday 717 – 7:30 pm, Saturday 7/19 – 7:30 pm, Sunday 7/20 – 2:00 pm, Thursday 7/24 – 7:30 pm, Friday 7/25 – 7:30 pm, Sunday 7/27 – 2:00 pm, Thursday 7/31 – 7:30 pm, Saturday 8/2– 7:30 pm, Sunday 8/3 – 2:00 pm, Thursday 8/7 – 7:30 pm, Saturday 8/9– 7:30 pm, Sunday 8/10 – 2:00 pm, Friday 8/15 – 7:30 pm, Saturday 8/16 – 7:30 pm

Additional performances listed above in bold. Monday 7/28 – 7:30 pm will now be a performance of WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT.

WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT

by Nassim Soleimanpour

Presented in association with Nassim Soleimanpour Productions

July 6 – August 11, 2025

Press Opening Monday, July 7 at 7:30 pm

Performance days and times vary per week

TUTA Theatre, 4670 N Manor Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Ticket $20 - $60

Ticketing and more information at www.tutatheatre.org

Forbidden to leave his country, playwright Nassim Soleimanpour distilled the experience of an entire generation in a wild, utterly original play. WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT is as much about contemporary Iran as it is about power dynamics in the rest of the world. The play is  performed cold by a different actor at each performance, with no rehearsal, no director, and no set.

Performance Schedule

Preview: Sunday 7/6 – 7:30 pm.

Press Opening: Monday, 7/7 – 7:30 pm

Regular Run: Sunday 7/13 – 7:30 pm, Monday 7/14 – 7:30 pm, Sunday 7/20 – 7:30 pm, Monday 7/21 – 7:30 pm, Sunday 7/27 – 2:00 pm, Monday 7/28 – 7:30 pm, Sunday 8/3 – 7:30 pm, Monday 8/4 – 7:30 pm, Sunday 8/10 – 7:30 pm, Monday 8/11 – 7:30 pm.

BIOS

Celine Song (Writer, TOM & ELIZA) is a Canadian director, playwright, and screenwriter based in New York City. Her directorial film debut PAST LIVES (2023) received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Song's other plays include ENDLINGS and THE SEAGULL ON THE SIMS 4  FAMILY, and THE FEAST. According to her biography on The Playwright's Realm, "she has been awarded residences, fellowships, and commissions from MTC/Sloan, Sundance, the Millay Colony for the Arts, the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the Edward F. Albee Foundation." Her next film project,  MATERIALISTS, starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, was released in theatres on June 13, 2025. 

Aileen Wen McGroddy (Director, TOM & ELIZA; TUTA Co-Artistic Director) is a Chinese and Irish American theatre director, educator, and producer of live events. She is a co-artistic director of TUTA Theatre Chicago. She is also the Creative Producer for the Writing is Live Festival at Brown University, a member of the Roundabout Directors Group, a past 2050 Fellow at New York Theatre Workshop, and the BOLD Resident Director at Northern Stage. MFA Directing from Brown-Trinity. Past work includes: ATTEMPTS ON HER LIFE (TUTA, Jeff Award winner for Ensemble – Play), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Trinity Rep); THE CHINESE LADY (Kitchen Theatre and Geva Theatre Center); SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (Northern Stage); AIRNESS (Breckenridge Backstage Theatre); THE LATE WEDDING, THE DUMB WAITER, SUMMER AND SMOKE, and THE TEMPEST (Brown-Trinity); COLD WAR CHOIR PRACTICE, THROWBACK ISLAND, ON THE Y-AXIS, AKIRA KUROSAWA EXPLAINS HIS MOVIES AND YOGURT (Writing is Live); MR. BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY (Adelphi); THE GLASS MENAGERIE, OR,, DANI GIRL (Winnipesaukee Playhouse); KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL and THE SNOWY DAY (Emerald City Theatre); MONTAUCIEL TAKES FLIGHT (Lifeline Theatre); ULYSSES (The Plagiarists); A HERO’S JOURNEY, THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK, ROBIN HOOD, and THE PIED PIPER (The Forks & Hope Ensemble); THE WHISKEY RADIO HOUR, WAKE: A FOLK OPERA, KODACHROME TELEPHONE and SIGN OF RAIN (The Whiskey Rebellion). She has directed readings for New York Theatre Workshop, The Bushwick Starr, Clubbed Thumb, NY Classical Theatre, The Yale Drama Prize, Northern Stage, and Babes with Blades.

Jacqueline Stone (Artistic Producer, WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT; TUTA Co-Artistic Director) Jacqueline Stone is honored to be Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of TUTA. Her TUTA directing credits include THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER, the world premiere of HEDDA GABLER (as well as adaptor), Chicago and New York premieres (59E59 Theaters) of Adam Rapp's THE EDGE OF OUR BODIES, world premiere of THE ANYWAY CABARET (AN ANIMAL CABARET), and U.S. premiere OF THE SILENT LANGUAGE.  Her TUTA performance credits include FULTON STREET SESSIONS, BAAL, THE WEDDING (1996, 2010, 2011), UNCLE VANYA (2008, 2009), A STILL LIFE IN COLOR, THE BIRDS, THE SWEET LITTLE PRINCE, ALICE, and THE HOUR.  

In addition to TUTA, Stone currently serves as Producing Artistic Director of Breckenridge Backstage Theatre in Breckenridge, CO. BBT directing credits include the Colorado premiere of Jim DeVita and Josh Schmidt’s musical adaptation of THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, MT Cozzola’s A LADY’S GUIDE TO MOUNTAINS (Denver Fringe), and A CHRISTMAS STORY. This spring she will direct EVERY BRILLIANT THING.

From 2016 - 2020, Stone served as Artistic Director of Emerald City Theatre Company, Chicago's largest professional theatre serving young audiences.  ECT directing credits include the Chicago premiere of FANTASTIC MR. FOX, the Chicago premiere of KEN LUDWIG'S 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (Broadway Playhouse), the Chicago premiere of THE SNOWY DAY & OTHER STORIES, the world premiere of MOTHER GOOSE'S GARDEN, world premiere of PETER RABBIT (also adapter), JUNIE B. JONES, RAMONA QUIMBY, and the world premiere of Mo Willems' DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS.  

Select Chicago directing credits include Strawdog Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Chicago Immersive, Broadway in Chicago, Piven Theatre, The Second City, Mudlark Theater, Akvavit Theatre, Step Up Productions, 20% Theatre Company, You & Me Productions, and DCASE. Jacqueline is co-founder of Sirens, the longest running all-female improv group in the country.  She has appeared and created over 200 original shows with them.

Stone taught acting and improvisation at The Second City for ten years and Columbia College Chicago for five years. She spent twelve years as Emerald City Theatre's Education Director, building and fostering new acting programs for young people ages 3.5 - 13 years old.  Other select teaching credits include The Faculty of Dramatic Arts (Belgrade, Serbia), Chicago Improv Festival, Miami Improv Festival, Duke University's FUQUA School of Business, UCLA, and University of Chicago. 

ABOUT TUTA THEATRE

TUTA Theatre was established in 1995 in Washington, DC by co-founders Zeljko and Natasha Djukic, who brought a unique sense of artistic expression from their European homeland. In 2002, they relocated the company to Chicago. In the ensuing 23 years, TUTA has presented numerous US premieres of foreign plays from France, Russia, Austria, and Serbia. TUTA has produced seven world premieres, eight US premieres, four Midwest premieres and many modern re-imaginings of classics.  In 2012, longtime company member Jacqueline Stone stepped into the role of Artistic Director, and TUTA added productions for youth with the US premiere of THE SILENT LANGUAGE.  TUTA’s productions have been listed on Chicago critics’ ‘best of the year’ list eight times in the past 10 years and have been produced nationally (in NYC and LA) and internationally (in Serbia with the National Theatre in Belgrade).In 2023, TUTA named a new leadership structure with Co-Artistic Directors Aileen Wen McGroddy, Aziza Macklin, and Jacqueline Stone. Brad Gunter is Managing Director.

World Premiere of GIRLS & BOYS Via Griffin Theatre Company at Bramble Arts Loft July 11 - August 16, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

GRIFFIN THEATRE COMPANY 

ANNOUNCES THE MIDWEST PREMIERE OF 

GIRLS & BOYS 

AT BRAMBLE ARTS LOFT, JULY 11 - AUGUST 16, 

WRITTEN BY DENNIS KELLY 

DIRECTED BY ROBIN WITT

This Solo Performance that’s Equal Parts Hilarious and Harrowing Stars Cynthia Marker 

Griffin Theatre Company, is proud to announce the midwest premiere of Girls & Boys, written by Dennis Kelly and directed by Robin Witt, July 11 - August 16 at Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N Clark St. Previews for Girls & Boys are Friday, July 11, Saturday, July 12, Thursday, July 17 and  Friday July 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m. The press opening is Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Girls & Boys has an approximate runtime of 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 6 for $30- $43 and may be purchased at GriffinTheatre.com.

When a woman meets the man of her dreams, their whirlwind romance promises a future full of happiness and fulfillment. Their lives are painted with the vibrancy of passion, success and the joys of parenthood. Yet, as their ambitions escalate and subtle fractures begin to emerge, the veneer of their idyllic existence starts to crumble, leading to the unimaginable. A powerful and unflinching exploration of love and the dark truths that lie beneath, Girls & Boys is told with biting humor and raw emotion--a masterclass in storytelling that’s equal parts hilarious and harrowing.

Girls & Boys will be performed by Cynthia Marker as “Woman,” understudied by Andrea Uppling.

The Girls & Boys creative team includes Robin Witt (director); Sotirios Livaditis (scenic design); Brandon Wardell (lighting design); Jessical Wardell (costume design); Thomas Dixon (sound design); Paloma Locsin (properties design); Matthew Chase (production management); Grace Elizabeth Mealey (stage management); Adam Goldstein (dialect coach); Harrison Ornelas (technical director) and Joe Johnson (asst. scenic designer).  

ABOUT DENNIS KELLY, playwright

DENNIS KELLY (Playwright) is a British screenwriter and playwright.  Born in Barnet, North London, Kelly left school at age sixteen. While working at a Sainsbury's grocery store, Kelly became involved in local youth theatre. Kelly later pursued a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts at Goldsmiths College in South London. Kelly's first play, Debris, was well-received. After a string of other successful plays (Orphans, Love and Money) , Kelly co-wrote the BBC Three sitcom Pulling, which was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award in 2007. Kelly is also known for co-writing Matilda the Musical (Tony Award - Best Book of a Musical) and for his 2007 play DNA, which has been staged and taught in many secondary schools.

ABOUT ROBIN WITT, director

For Griffin Theatre, Robin Witt has directed For Services Rendered, London Wall (Jeff Award), Men Should Weep (Jeff Award), Flare Path (Jeff Nomination) and Stage Door (Jeff Nomination).  She is also a member at Steep Theatre where she recently directed A SlowAir by David Harrower and A Case for the Existence of God by Samuel D. Hunter. Among the other productions she has helmed for Steep are Simon Stephens’s Light Falls, Harper Regan and Wastewater, Alistair McDowall’s Pomona and Brilliant Adventures, as well as Cordelia Lynn’s Lela & Co (Jeff Award) and Dennis Kelly’s Love and Money. Other theatres she has worked for include Steppenwolf, Goodman, Northlight, Writers Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Edinburgh Theatre Festival, Everyman Theatre (Baltimore), A Red Orchid and The Artistic Home. Her essay,  “Interview theatre and the Dream Act: Activism through raising community voices” may be found in “DREAM Act Activists & Teacher Allies: Are You Listening?” (Teachers College Press). She is a professor of directing at UNC Charlotte and holds a BFA from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA from Northwestern University. As an actor, she last appeared on stage in A Red Orchid’s production of Bug by Tracy Letts in 2001. Robin is the daughter of the late actor Howard Witt.

ABOUT CYNTHIA MARKER, (Woman)

Cynthia Marker is a member of Steep Theatre where she has appeared in Light Falls, Mosquitoes, Linda, Birdland, Earthquakes in London and Moment. Marker most recently played the role of “Dean Healy” in First Floor Theater's premiere of One Party Consent. An alum of The School at Steppenwolf, she is ecstatic to return to Griffin and resume her work with the indomitable and incomparable Robin Witt.

ABOUT ANDREA UPPLING (Woman U/S)

Andrea Uppling is very excited to be working with Griffin Theatre Co. and these amazing creators. Recent credits include her work with Paramount Theatre in What the Constitution Means to Me (“Heidi” U/S) and A Streetcar Named Desire (“Eunice,” “Blanche” U/S) as well as The Winter's Tale (“Hermione”) and the Jeff Award-winning Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (‘Martha”) at Invictus Theatre Co.

ABOUT THE GRIFFIN THEATRE COMPANY

Established in 1988, the mission of the Griffin Theatre Company is to create extraordinary and meaningful theatrical experiences for both children and adults by building bridges of understanding between generations that instill in its audience an appreciation of the performing arts. Through artistic collaboration the Griffin Theatre Company produces literary adaptations, original work and classic plays that challenge and inspire, with wit, style and compassion for the audience. 

The Griffin Theatre has provided a wide range of work including world and mid-west premieres of acclaimed scripts, critically lauded productions of Shakespeare and original adaptations of novels.  Many of the Griffin’s 150 plus productions have appeared on Chicago area critics “Best of the Year” lists. The Griffin Theatre Company is the recipient of 140 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for theater excellence in Chicago. The Griffin was honored with four 2018 Jeff awards for Ragtime including Best Ensemble, Best Musical, Best Director-Musical and Best Performer in a Supporting Role-Musical. Additionally, the company was the repeat winner of the 2016 Jeff Award for Best Production of a Play for London Wall having won the same award in 2015 for its production of Men Should Weep. In 2014, the Griffin was honored with a Special Jeff Award for  artistic excellence and its dedication to provocative and transformational theatre for Chicago  audiences as well as its touring theater that engages and enlightens youth throughout the  United States.

The Griffin is a nationally recognized producer of youth touring theatre in the United States. The Griffin’s national audience exceeds 100,000 young people and adults each year. Tours have included such prestigious venues as Cleveland Playhouse Square, Tennessee Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, and the Cerritos Center for the Arts in Cerritos, California. Touring productions include both youth focused plays, Frindle and The Stinky Cheese Man and the Griffin’s hit adult production of Letters Home—a production that pays tribute to the men and women in the US military, In to America, a play that traces America’s 400-year immigrant history and Ghosts of War. Most recently, the Griffin produced the world premiere production of Astronaut Group I, the story of the original Mercury 7 Astronauts. Overall, Griffin’s touring productions have been performed in 44 of the 50 United States.

Griffin Theatre Company, is proud to announce the midwest premiere of Girls & Boys, written by Dennis Kelly and directed by Robin Witt, July 11 - August 16 at Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N Clark St. Previews for Girls & Boys are Friday, July 11, Saturday, July 12,  Thursday, July 17 and Friday July 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m. The press opening is Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Girls & Boys has an approximate runtime of 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets go on sale Thursday, June 5 for $30- $43 and may be purchased at GriffinTheatre.com.