The Artistic Home to present Tracy Letts’ SUPERIOR DONUTS November 2 - December 6 at The Den Theatre

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The Artistic Home to present 

Tracy Letts’ SUPERIOR DONUTS 

November 2 - December 6 at The Den Theatre

Ensemble member John Mossman to direct - full cast announced

The Artistic Home announced today it will stage Tracy Letts’ Chicago-set SUPERIOR DONUTS for a five-week run. This comedy drama, which premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre in 2008 and transferred to Broadway in 2009, is set in a run-down donut shop in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. The owner, Arthur Przybyszewski, is a former 1960’s radical whose routine is challenged when he hires Franco Wicks, a young African American man who has ideas for upgrading the shop. The play was also developed as a weekly television series for CBS that starred Judd Hirsch and ran for two seasons. SUPERIOR DONUTS will be directed by ensemble member John Mossman, who won a Jeff award for his direction of the company’s REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT. Mossman also boasts three Jeff Award acting nominations and is a filmmaker. He directed and co-wrote the award winning feature film INTO THE WAKE, wrote and directed GOOD GUY WITH A GUN, and has written and directed several short films that have won top awards at numerous international film festivals. SUPERIOR DONUTS will open to the press on Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm, following previews from November 2. It will play through December 6 at The Den Theatre at 1331 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

Mossman’s cast, announced today, will include a mix of Artistic Home ensemble members and newcomers. The role of Arthur Przybyszewski will be played by Scott Westerman*, the Chicago actor/director/filmmaker who appeared as James Whale in 2024’s GODS AND MONSTERS for Book and Lyrics Theatricals. Appearing as Franco Wicks will be John N. Williams, who recently performed in HAIRSPRAY at Beverly Arts Center. Max Tarasov, the owner of a neighboring appliance store who wants to acquire Arthur’s space for expansion of his own business, will be played by Reid Coker* (of the company’s DYING FOR IT). Cast as Randy Osteen, a neighborhood beat cop who takes a liking to Arthur, is Kristin Collins,* last seen in The Artistic Home’s production of WITCH.

The cast also includes Kevin Aoussou (Officer James Bailey), Barbara Roeder Harris (Lady Boyle), Adam Schulmerich (Luther Flynn), Michael Bayler (Kevin Magee), and John Wehrmann (Kiril Ivakin). Understudies are Harold Lloyd (u/s Franco Wicks), Nate Vangine (u/s Officer James Bailey), Mary Mikva (u/s Lady Boyle), John Dooley (u/s Luther Flynn), Christopher Willumsen (u/s Kevin Magee).

* indicates Artistic Home Ensemble member.

Row One L-R: Scott Westerman, John N. Williams, Reid Coker, Kristin Collins

Row Two L-R: Kevin Aoussou, Barbara Roeder Harris, Adam Schulmerich, Michael Bayler, John Wehrman

Row 3 L-R. Mary Mikva, Chris Willumsen, Harold Lloyd, John Dooley, Nate Vangine

The SUPERIOR DONUTS production team includes Kevin Hagan (Scenic Design), Rachel Lambert (Costume Design), Petter Wahlbäck (Sound Design and Original Music), Ellie Fey (Lighting Design), Randy Rozler (Properties Design), and David Blixt (Violence Design).

Previews are Sunday, November 2 at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30 pm, and Wednesday November 6 at 7:30 pm. Beginning with the press opening on Thursday, November 6, the regular performance schedule will be Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm. There will be two performances on Sunday, November 30: a matinee at 1:00 pm at which coffee and donuts will be served, and an early evening performance at 5:00 pm. There will be a matinee on Saturday, December 6 at 3:00 pm. There will be no performance on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27.

The Artistic Home performs at The Den Theatre and also maintains an acting studio and rehearsal space at 3054 N. Milwaukee Avenue in the Avondale/Logan neighborhood. Tickets are $35 general, $20 student, and $20 for previews and are on sale at www.thedentheatre.com.

* Artistic Home ensemble member

PRODUCTION DETAILS:
November 2 - December 6, 2025
Previews Sunday, November 2 at 3:00 pm; Tuesday November 4 and Wednesday, November 5 at 7:30 pm
Press Opening Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Regular run performances Thursdays*, Fridays, and Saturdays** at 7:30 pm; and Sundays*** at 3:00 pm

* No performance Thanksgiving Day, November 27
** Additional matinee Saturday, December 6 at 3:00 pm
*** Sunday, November 30: Performances at 1:00 pm (special coffee and donuts) and 5:00 pm

The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Ticket prices Regular performances: $35 general, $20 students/seniors; previews $20 all seats
Tickets available at www.thedentheatre.com, or by phone at 773-697-3830
More information at www.theartistichome.org

Arthur Przybyszewski owns a decrepit donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better. This comedy-drama by Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Letts explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.

BIOS

John Mossman (Director) John Mossman is co-founder of The Artistic Home, where he directed REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT, winner of four Jeff Awards including Direction of a Play, Production of a Play, Performer in a Principal Role - Play, and Sound Design. He also directed the hit production of BY THE BOG OF CATS, and adapted and directed the world premiere of Paddy Chayefsky's Oscar nominated screenplay THE GODDESS, for which he received an equity Jeff Award for New Adaptation. John’s other Artistic Home productions include directing the Jeff Nominated JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK, LOOK HOMEWARD ANGEL, MARISOL, and the acclaimed revival of William Inge's NATURAL AFFECTION. Other productions include LANDSCAPE OF THE BODY, the revival of Clifford Odet's CLASH BY NIGHT, Beth Henley's THE MISS FIRECRACKER CONTEST, and RIDERS TO THE SEA by J.M. Synge. He directed THE SHADOW OF A GUNMAN for Seanachai Theater, for which he was named one of the top Directors of 2011 by WBEZ; and JULIUS CAESAR for Lakeside Shakespeare Theater.

Also a filmmaker, Mossman directed and co-wrote the award winning feature film INTO THE WAKE, wrote and directed GOOD GUY WITH A GUN, and has written and directed several short films that have won top awards at numerous international film festivals, including the Artistic Home-produced SPACEMAN DAN'S 243RD FLIGHT. He directed the short films DRAGGAGE and JELL-OHH LADY, featured in the American Cinematheque Series at LA's Egyptian Theater, for which he received the Best Director of 2002 award at the Midwest Independent Film Fest. Documentaries include THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS CRAZY, which received a Telly and a Voice Award for its portrayal of teenagers struggling with mental illness. His feature film GOOD GUY WITH A GUN was released in 2022, and his film LINE COOKS is currently in production. His many roles as an actor include Jeff Award nominations as Performer in a Principal Role for PEER GYNT and HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE; and Performer in a Supporting Role for ADA AND THE ENGINE, all with The Artistic Home.

Tracy Letts (Playwright) is an American actor, playwright, and screenwriter. He started his career at the Steppenwolf Theatre before making his Broadway debut as a playwright for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (2007), for which he received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. As an actor, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for the Broadway revival of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (2013). As a playwright, Letts' works include KILLER JOE, BUG, MAN FROM NEBRASKA, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, SUPERIOR DONUTS, an adaptation of Chekov’s THREE SISTERS, THE STRETCH, MARY PAGE MARLOWE, LINDA VISTA, and THE MINUTES. Letts has adapted three of his plays into films: BUG and KILLER JOE, both directed by William Friedkin: and AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, directed by John Wells.

ABOUT THE ARTISTIC HOME

The Artistic Home is noted for their innovative and intimate presentations of rarely produced classics as well for developing new works. The company has been frequently honored in the Jeff Awards. For 2024, the company was named with two nominations for BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK. For 2023, they received nine nominations for WITCH and DYING FOR IT, including a nomination for Production of a Play (DYING FOR IT) and a win for Kevin Hagan’s scenic design of DYING FOR IT. In 2022, they received nine nominations and two wins – one for New Work (MALAPERT LOVE, written by ensemble member Siah Berlatsky) and one for Supporting Actor in a play (Todd Wojcik – in THE PAVILION). The company’s 2022 nominations also included two for Best Play production (MALAPERT LOVE and THE PAVILION). The Artistic Home was one of the big winners in the 2019 Jeff Awards, with four awards including Production of a Play, Director of a Play, Principal Performer in a Play, and Sound Design, all for REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT. Brookelyn Hebert won a Jeff as Principal Performer in a Play for the company’s 2020 production of ADA AND THE ENGINE. The company was nominated for Jeff Awards in 2019 for ROCK ‘N’ ROLL, and in 2018 for HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE.

Other memorable productions of recent years include 2017’s WEDDING BAND, BY THE BOG OF CATS and THE SCHOOL FOR LIES; their Jeff-nominated productions of THE SEAGULL, WATCH ON THE RHINE, MACBETH and THE LATE HENRY MOSS; and their 2013 Jeff Award-winner THE GODDESS. Other Artistic Home productions include the Jeff-Award-winning production of JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK, which also received three After Dark Awards, the Jeff-Nominated SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, THE TALLEST MAN, LANDSCAPE OF THE BODY, NATURAL AFFECTION, FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS, AFTER THE FALL and PEER GYNT (which also received an After Dark award for Direction).

For more than 25 years, The Artistic Home has consistently produced compelling theatre in Chicago. First formed in 1998 with the belief that the actor is at the heart of great theater, the company strives to give birth to unforgettable moments; to touch audiences who are increasingly distanced from human contact; to readdress the classics and explore new works with passion.

Lyrica Opera of Chicago Presents Deadly Duo Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci November 1 - 23, 2025

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When love turns lethal: What you need to know about 

Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci

Photo: John Shaw/Lyric Opera of Chicago

November 1 - 23, 2025

Running time: A total running time of 2 hours and 55 minutes, including 1 intermission.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents a murderous double feature of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci — known collectively as Cav/Pag — two timeless operas that ignite music’s most incendiary emotions, on stage November 1 – 23, 2025. While both stories of Cav/Pag are set within southern Italian culture and tradition, their themes are universal; they tell of love that consumes, and revenge that devours. This chilling Lyric production returns for the first time in more than 15 years.

Ordinary lives erupt in extraordinary ways. More than just a random double bill, the two operas of Cav/Pag are united through the verismo style they defined. This 19th-century form of Italian opera broke from the traditional focus on mythology and royalty to ground itself in the realistic and often gritty depictions of everyday life. These operas strip love of its overwrought grandeur and show it for what it can become: messy, corrosive, and even fatal. Short in length but packed with unforgettable fervor, Cav/Pag delivers quick emotional blows to the heart.

Let passion follow their lead. Lyric Music Director Enrique Mazzola leads the Lyric Opera Orchestra in bringing this double production to life. Seasoned in the Italian repertoire, Mazzola turns to Cav/Pag after conducting the 2025/26 Season-opening performances of Cherubini’s Medea. Later this season, Mazzola conducts Lyric's company premiere of Orff's Carmina Burana as well as Mozart's Così fan tutte.

This Lyric production by the late Elijah Moshinsky, noted for its striking visuals and searing emotional depth, returns for the first time since the 2008/09 Season and is revived by stage director Peter McClintock. The staging threads the two operas together through the thematic foundations that drive both stories to their lethal ends.

A holy day of heartbreak. In Cavalleria rusticana, composer Pietro Mascagni sets a tender yet turbulent score against the backdrop of a Sicilian village on Easter morning, where sacred rituals can’t drown out explosive scandal. Santuzza, a woman shunned by her community and cast aside by her lover Turiddu, clings to her crumbling faith. As she pleads for forgiveness and recognition, she discovers that Turiddu has resumed his affair with Lola, who just so happens to be married to Alfio, a local cart driver. As the church bells ring, so does the call for blood to spill. In the church square, as villagers gather to celebrate, personal betrayals erupt into public vengeance.

In their Lyric debuts, mezzo-soprano Yulia Matochkina stars as the tormented Santuzza alongside tenor SeokJong Baek as Turiddu. Lyric veteran baritone Quinn Kelsey — a powerhouse alumnus of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, Lyric's renowned artist-training program — returns as Alfio, the first of his two roles in this production. Another alumna of the Ryan Opera Center, contralto Lauren Decker, is Turiddu's devoted Mamma Lucia. Mezzo-soprano Camille Robles, a current member of the Ryan Opera Center Ensemble, sings the role of Lola.

The clown isn’t laughing. The curtain rises again for Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, as a traveling troupe of performers arrives in a Sicilian village and envy and deception brew behind the scenes. Canio, the troupe’s leader, learns from Tonio that his wife and leading lady, Nedda, has taken Silvio as her lover. (Tonio also rages with an unrequited love for Nedda.) Canio must go on with the show, playing a clown whose wife betrays him — a role which hews all too close to his reality. Beneath its painted smiles and vaudeville spectacle, Pagliacci reveals a stage where illusion shatters and truth bleeds through the cracks.

Tenor Russell Thomas, a mainstay in leading roles at Lyric in recent seasons, returns to sing Canio. Soprano Gabriella Reyes, who charmed audiences as Musetta in the 2024/25 Season’s production of Puccini’s La Bohème, also returns as Nedda. In an impressive double-duty feat, baritone Quinn Kelsey also stars as Tonio. Baritone Luke Sutliff makes his Lyric debut as Silvio. Thomas and Kelsey were previously directed by McClintock in Lyric's Emmy-winning 2021 video production of Pagliacci, which was released for home streaming during the pandemic.

Worlds crumble under the weight of betrayal. Lyric’s acclaimed production of Cav/Pag captures both the beauty of traditional Sicilian village life and the charged theatricality of a traveling performance troupe. Set and costume designer Michael Yeargan creates the dramatic visual poetry of this production. Lighting designer Duane Schuler shapes the mood for these volatile tales of the soul. Under the leadership of Chorus Director Michael Black, the Lyric Opera Chorus beautifully evokes a solemn Easter morning and the celebration of a village festival.

A double dose of devastation. In Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci, sacred traditions give way to betrayals and become a battleground for passion and revenge. With entrancing music and unrelenting drama, Cav/Pag leaves no room for mercy and no character untouched. It is opera at its most heart-wrenching, brought vividly to life on the Lyric stage this November.

Important to know:

Eight performances only: November 1, 4, 7, 9 matinee, 12 matinee, 15, 20 matinee, and 23 matinee.

Language: Performed in Italian, with easy-to-follow projected English titles above the stage.

Pre-performance talks: Ticketholders are invited to a free pre-opera talk by noted opera scholar and former Lyric dramaturg Roger Pines on the composition history and social context of Cav/Pag; the talks begin one hour before each performance in the theater's Steiner Parquet (the main floor).

Post-performance discussion: Following the Sunday, November 9 matinee performance, Roderick K. Hawkins leads a discussion with the artists of Cav/Pag.

Accessibility: Audio description, guided touch tours, and SoundShirts are available at the Sunday, November 9 matinee performance. Braille and large-print programs, high-powered opera glasses, assistive listening devices, and booster seats are available from the Steiner Parquet coat checks at all performances. For more information on these and other accessibility assets, visit lyricopera.org/accessibility.

Location: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL.

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

Lyric’s 2025/26 Season is presented by the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation.

Lyric’s presentation of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci is generously sponsored by Josef & Margot Lakonishok and Sonia Florian*.

Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Mary Stowell, and the Zell Family Foundation as members of the Enrique Circle.

Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, United Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

*deceased

About Lyric

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

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

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

Join us @LyricOpera on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads and Facebook. #LongLivePassion
For more information, visit lyricopera.org.

Lyric Opera of Chicago
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 860
Chicago, IL 60606
United States

World Premiere of Ghost Fetus Via Trap Door Theatre Now Playing Through September 27th, 2025

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Trap Door Theatre’s Trap Open Series Presents

The World Premiere of

Ghost Fetus

Written by Suz Evans

Directed by Anna Klos

Now Playing Through September 27th, 2025

Trap Door Theatre is thrilled to open its 32nd season with a World Premiere presented with the Trap Open Series: Ghost Fetus, written by Chicago playwright Suz Evans and directed by Anna Klos. Ghost Fetus will play September 11th –27th, 2025 at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W Cortland St. in Chicago. Tickets are now on sale at trapdoortheatre.com or by calling (773)-384-0494. 

The cast includes Jenn Geiger, Tia Pinson, Lolo Ramos, Gus Thomas, and Jacqui Touchet

A ghost seeking revenge. A church caught in its own contradictions. Two queer teens reckoning with faith, fear, and desire. Anna Klos and Suz Evans bring you a haunting, hilarious, and heartfelt piece like no other.

The production team includes Anna Klos (Director), Richard Norwood (Lighting Designer),Suz Evans (Set Designer), Emily Nichelson (Costume Designer), Anna Kosicki (Assistant Costume Designer), Laila Eskin (Sound Designer), Chels Morgan (Intimacy/Violence Director), Gabrielle Owens (Stage Manager), Laura Nelson (Marketing), Lo Miles

Cast (in alphabetical order): Jenn Geiger (Craig), Tia Pinson (Ghost Fetus), Lolo Ramos(Whitney), Gus Thomas (Aaron), and Jacqui Touchet (Sarah Jane).

Location: Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland St. Chicago, IL 60622

Dates: Regular Run: Thursday, September 11th –Saturday, September 27th, 2025

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 pm.

Tickets: $22. Tickets are currently available at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/trapdoor/ghost-fetus or by calling (773) 384-0494.

Group tickets: Special group rates are available. For information, call (773) 384-0494 or email boxofficetrapdoor@gmail.com.

Plan your visit: Free street parking is available.

Buses: #9 (Ashland), #50 (Damen), #72 (North), #73 (Armitage).

Metra: Clybourn metra stop.

Accessibility:

Trap Door Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

About the Artists:

Suz Evans (Playwright) (they/them) (b Cincinnati 1990) is a playwright, set designer and visual artist with a background in printmaking and performance art. Their work delves into questions about identity, hierarchy, cultural deviance, relationships and grief. Evans has a BFA in printmaking and art history from Montserrat College of Art (2013). They have shown visual work at the Lily Pad (Cambridge MA), the Crane Estate of Ipswich (MA), SOWA open studios (Boston), the Boston Printmakers Biennial, Roots and Culture and Archer Beach House (Chicago) and unofficially made live work at places such as the Cincinnati Art Museum, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Mass MoCa, and Smith College Museum of Art.

Their first script, Childhood Beauty, was produced at Trap Door Theatre in 2019. In 2021 they wrote for adevised work at Trick Lock Theater (Albuquerque). Evans designed the set for Antigonik, directed at Trap Door by Anna Klos in 2024. Their puppetry work has also been performed at several YUCK! shows in Chicago in collaboration with Klos. 

Evans is committed to making work that examines their own childhood of fundamental Christian upbringing. Whether it’s deep dives into the impacts of pro-life ideology or obsessions with cultural moments such as Jane Fonda Workout videos, their plays are all in consideration of understanding what got us to the present. Ghost Fetus was written a year before Roe v.Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court. As Evans creates work about a life that feels far removed from a progressive city like Chicago we are reminded that ideas of the body, the reproduction system, and societal control are strongly rooted in our American culture.

Anna Klos (Director) (they/them) has worked with Trap Door for the last five seasons, and during thattime they have explored a myriad of projects, including: Antigonick (Director), The Ugly One (Assistant Director), Trap Door's 25/25 (Event Manager), Old Woman Broods (Actor), and Monsieur D'Eon is a Woman, The White Plague, Lipstick Lobotomy, Queen C, Decomposed Theater, The Martyrdom of PeterOhey (Chicago run and New York tour), Jeanne et le Feu, and Bowie in Warsaw (Stage Manager). Anna is grateful for clowns, their Trap family, and their partner, Suz.

About the Trap Open Series

The Trap Open Series explores non-traditional forms of playmaking, while developing and giving voice to the next generation of groundbreaking theater artists. In keeping with the promise to foster innovative forms of expression, Trap Door opens up its space to company members, as well as guest artists, to develop new work that exists outside the realm of a traditional theatrical run. These performances occur sporadically throughout the prime-time season as additional offerings during the week and late nights. Whether it is a workshop of a bold new play, a daylong performance installation, or a collaboration with artists from other mediums, Trap Open offers audiences thrilling, unexpected experiences while granting artists the opportunity to take risks that push their artistic practices to new heights.

About Trap Door Theatre

Trap Door Theatre is committed to seeking out challenging and obscure works. Whether a forgotten European classic, an international project rarely seen in the United States, or an untarnished piece of American literature, Trap Door seeks diverse voices and presents them through innovative expression. We mix established and imaginative techniques to illustrate theabsurdities of living in today’s society.

Trap Door Theatre is funded in part by The Paul M Angell Family Foundation, The CliffDwellers Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council Agency, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The John R Halligan Charitable Fund, The Reva and David Logan Foundation, and the generosity of individual donors.

For additional information, visit trapdoortheatre.com

TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody Announces Final Extension Through Nov. 9, 2025

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TWIHARD! A TWILIGHT MUSICAL PARODY 

SINKS ITS TEETH INTO FINAL EXTENSION WITH PERFORMANCES NOW ON SALE THROUGH SUNDAY, NOV. 9

Tickets On Sale Now at www.TwihardTheMusical.com, Just in Time for Spooky Season

TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody, the smash hit original musical from Otherworld Theatre Company that was called “super funny” by WBEZ’s Mike Davis, today announced that performances will extend through Sunday, Nov. 9 at Chicago’s Apollo Theater (2550 N Lincoln Ave), with tickets for the entirety of the run on sale now at www.TwihardTheMusical.com.

Hailed as “too much fun” with a “surprising amount of heart” by Chicago Tribune, TWIHARD! reimagines the beloved Twilight saga with irreverent humor and showstopping original music. Written and directed by Tiffany Keane Schaefer with music by Brian Rasmussen, TWIHARD! “goes hard” (Chicago Reader), with Entertaining Chicago calling it “the musical you never knew you needed in your life.”

The cast, called “superb” by Around the Town Chicago, includes Rachel Arianna, Peter Stielstra, Aliyah Necaise, Allie Grace Ember, Trey Plutnicki, Maxwell Peters, Kyra Young, Ryan Wagner, Hannah Decker, Cris Moreno, Stephanie Boyd, Ginny Weant, Jacob Watson, Mason Sammarco, Liam Ryan, Jackson West, Nicholas Ian, Maddi LeBlanc, Carly Nadeau, Cosmo Coniglio, Isabel Koleno and Jordan Thompson.

Photo Credit for all: Nadir Waxali

Tickets to TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody are available now at www.TwihardTheMusical.com through Sunday, Nov. 9. Performances take place Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. To relive the fang-tasy at home or to prepare for your next visit to Forks, stream the TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody original cast recording album on Spotify.

About TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody

TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody is a hilarious reimagining of the iconic Twilight saga, blending catchy original songs, over-the-top humor, and a fang-filled twist on the story of Bella, Edward, and the supernatural world of Forks. Created by Otherworld Theatre Company—North America’s premier sci-fi and fantasy theatre—this side-splitting parody delivers a wildly entertaining experience for die-hard fans and first-timers alike. Whether you're Team Edward, Team Jacob, or just in it for the chaos, TWIHARD! promises an evening of laughter, love and glitter.

REVIEW: Lifeline Theatre's World Premiere Production of RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS Through October 5, 2025

When Life's the Pits, Embrace The Cherries!

Black Joy and Rabbit Luck Abound in Lifeline's World Premiere

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

“RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS”

Developed in Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Workshop: Chicago Playwright’s Debut Production 

Run Time: 90 minutes

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

(L to R) Marcus D. Moore (Jasper), Simmery Branch (Harley), and Felicia McNeal (Inola). Improv students Jasper and Inola try a scene as Harley’s ancestors in Lifeline Theatre’s “Rabbits In Their Pockets” Photo credit for all: Josh Bernaski

I've always been fascinated by the idea that homes soak in the energy and emotions of what transpired there. Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays, RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS takes this concept to the next level with the invention of walls that can store up black joy like solar panels. This play hits home in an era where DEI initiatives are being rolled back on the regular, lynchings are resurging, and black joy is under attack. 

It's fantastic that this play came to life through Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop and firmly centers the lives of two very different black siblings and their struggle to reconnect as adults. I applaud the choice of productions outside of the white, male canon, and the strong representation of lead roles for both women and actors of color. Simmery Branch (Harley) and LaKecia Harris (Ash) expertly play siblings, whose conflict and connection is fascinating to see. Felisha McNeal (Inola) is also a hoot in her role as a cryptic ancestor/investor. We also enjoyed watching Marcus D. Moore (Jasper, R) in action.

Since Virginia Woolf's famous essay, the idea of a room of one's own, has captivated imaginations. It's particularly important for mothers, caregivers, and women to have a space of their own to retreat into and recharge, no matter how small, and the sisters saw this as children, in their Mother's cherry wallpapered hidey hole beneath the stairs. In RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS there's something so joyful and special about reclaiming sacred space, rekindling the bonds of blood, and moving forward together. I love the juxtaposition of old school, low tech, self care with futuristic, cutting edge invention, all in pursuit of joy. 

There's also quite a bit of humor and rabbit fun from an improv assignment to a full body, jump scare inducing bunny suit, complete with a giant furry head. 

Simmery Branch (Harley, L) coaches her improv student Marcus D. Moore (Jasper, R) as he tries to be a rabbit in Lifeline Theatre’s “Rabbits In Their Pockets”

It was such a pleasure to catch opening night of this playfully thought provoking piece. We'll be keeping an eye out for more work from playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays whose insightful themes on human psychology and family dynamics are at once universal and deeply personal. And if that joy collector wall panel actually works, those wall will be oozing joy after the laughter and applause of opening weekend. 

Sisters LaKecia Harris (Ash, L) and Simmery Branch (Harley, R) meet after a long estrangement in Lifeline Theatre’s “Rabbits In Their Pockets” a world-premiere original comedy by Kimberly Dixon-Mays

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar. Recommended. Three out of four stars. ★★★ 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

(L to R) Simmery Branch (Harley) and LaKecia Harris (Ash) play sisters who find shared joy in childhood memories 

Lifeline Theatre's World Premiere production of Kimberly Dixon-Mays’ RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS is directed by Christopher Wayland and running through October 5, 2025 on the Rogers Park theatre’s stage at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Tickets ($25 - $45) are now available at https://lifelinetheatre.com/.

(L to R) Simmery Branch (Harley) and LaKecia Harris (Ash) play siblings with very different approaches to life.

In the pursuit of joy, does method matter? Two siblings–opposites and estranged–take one last shot at putting grief behind them to create the joy they both seek. But their daring project can only succeed if they can accept each other's special magic. A world premiere original play by Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays, RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS began in Lifeline’s 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop.

(L to R) LaKecia Harris (Ash) and Simmery Branch (Harley)

RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS PRODUCTION DETAILS

Title: RABBITS IN THEIR POCKETS

Written By: Kimberly Dixon-Mays

Directed By: Christopher Wayland

Cast: LaKecia Harris (Ash), Simmery Branch (Harley), Marcus D. Moore (Teddy), and Felisha McNeal (Inola)

Production Crew: Maryha Paige (Stage Manager), Shokie Tseumah (Scenic and Props Designer), Joseph Nelson (Lighting and Projections Designer), Emily McConnell (Costume Designer), and Isaac Mandel (Sound Designer)

Dates: Now Playing Through October 5, 2025 

Schedule: Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Location: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.

Tickets: General Admission: $45

Military, student, and senior discounts available

Box Office:  info@lifelinetheatre.com or by phone at 773-761-4477

ABOUT LIFELINE THEATRE

Now in its 43rd season, Lifeline Theatre continues to explore, interpret, and reimagine books and other literary works to create stories that move us beyond the margins of our own lives. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre’s MainStage programs are partially supported by the Carole Oppenheim and Jerome S. Lamet Charitable Fund; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Anonymous; Paul M. Angell Foundation; Rogers Park Social; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The Saints; and the annual support of businesses and individuals. https://lifelinetheatre.com

(L to R) Simmery Branch (Harley) and LaKecia Harris (Ash) play siblings in Lifeline Theatre’s “Rabbits In Their Pockets” a world-premiere original comedy by Kimberly Dixon-Mays, directed by Christopher Wayland. Now running through Sunday, October 5. Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Chicago, IL 60626. For tickets visit https://lifelinetheatre.com or call the box office at 773-761-4477. 

DUCK SOUP VIA THE CONSPIRATORS AT STARS & GARTERS OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 23, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE CONSPIRATORS ANNOUNCE DUCK SOUP,

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 23, AT STARS & GARTERS

The Conspirators Lovingly Dismantle This Marx Brothers Classic Film in Their Inimitable Style

The Conspirators present Duck Soup by Harry Ruby and Burt Kalmar, adapted from the Marx Brothers’ movie for the stage by Sid Feldman and directed by Wm. Bullion, at the NEW Stars & Garters venue, 3914 N. Clark St., October 24 - November 23. The production includes two preview performances on Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays - Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for previews, $30 for the regular run, and may be purchased online at ConspireWithUs.org. I'll be out to review at the press opening, Thursday, Oct. 30th, so check back soon after for my full review.

Duck Soup Synopsis: Stop them if you've heard this one before—an influential billionaire installs a crackpot president who hires incompetents into his cabinet and starts a war out of complete vanity. Ring a bell? The Conspirators lovingly dismantle the Marx Brothers classic film in their own inimitable style.

“Instead of our usual political satire, we just wanted to do something fun this time,” offered Adapter and Producer Sid Feldman, “pure comedy without the commentary.” Director Bullion added, “This will TOTALLY take our mind off of our national decline and get our minds onto Freedonia’s national decline.”

The cast and production team for Duck Soup are to be announced.

ABOUT WM. BULLION (Director, Executive Artistic Director)

Wm. Bullion is a veteran tragicomedian, director and actor on the fringe of the Chicago theater fringe and beyond. Bullion is an emeritus member of The Factory Theater, for whom he directed Prophet$ and Born Ready. He started Sliced Bread Productions in 1988 and put up some fine work before it folded in 2008. He co-founded The Conspirators in 2016 and has proudly directed their oeuvre, including Chicago Cop Macbeth; Viva la Mort; Commedia Divina: It’s Worse Than That; The Ineptidemic; Accidental Death of a Black Motorist; The Deckchairs, or Make the Titanic Great Again and The Resistible Rise of Herr Helmut Drumpf—but he was a fool to think starting another theater group in Chicago is a viable, sustainable idea. Yet, here we are.

ABOUT SID FELDMAN (Adapter, Producer/Style Coach, Producing Director)

Sid Feldman co-founded The Conspirators and has written plays, adaptations, screenplays, reviews and essays. He has produced plays, concerts and events for numerous organizations, including New Crime and Sliced Bread Productions (also with Wm. Bullion).

ABOUT THE CONSPIRATORS

The Conspirators are a (newfangled) theater and performance collective in Chicago dedicated to provoking thought and action through dynamic, immediate theater art. The Conspirators work exclusively in a style of neo-Commedia called “The Style”—a highly theatrical performance mode developed by movie stars Tim Robbins and John Cusack from the techniques of Ariane Mnouchkine, Commedia dell’Arte, Bugs Bunny cartoons and punk rock, as historically performed by New Crime Prod. (R.I.P.) and The Actors’ Gang. The company also offers free Style workshops to interested performers of all calibers.

The regular performance schedule is Thursdays - Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for previews, $30 for the regular run and may be purchased online at ConspireWithUs.org. 

Please follow The Conspirators on Facebook and Instagram.

FEST ALERT: Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble Presents the Full Circle Festival September 19 - 28, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

CHICAGO DANZTHEATRE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS 

FULL CIRCLE FESTIVAL 

SEPTEMBER 19 - 28, 2025

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble (CDE) is pleased to announce the plays and artists featured in the reimagined “Full Circle Festival,” September 19-28, at Chicago Danztheatre, 1650 W. Foster Avenue. The performance schedule is Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. For additional information on this upcoming season and to purchase tickets, visit DanzTheatre.org.

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble has reimagined its Full Circle Festival, featuring physical, fringe, and dance theater works between 30 and 60 minutes in length. About the festival, for eight years, CDE has produced this eclectic festival for works under 15 minutes. Since reopening three years ago after being closed due to the pandemic, the company has been responding to the needs of the performance community even more, and has found that there is a need to present longer works. CDE is co-producing this event with Whispering Theatre Collective (Britt Anderson and Richie Schiraldi). This year’s lineup will feature: RE|dance, Whispering Theatre Collective, Michelle Stine, CIRCA-Pintig, HGBIC Productions, Emma Jean Eastling and Broken Planet.

The 2025 Full Circle Festival includes:

Josephine

Friday, Sept. 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Presented by HGBIC Productions

Directed by Mikey Duran

Choreographed by Dushawn Darling and Juan Irizarry

Set before the Actress Josephine Baker’s historic debut at The Folies Bergere, Josephine recounts her childhood and early career, which led her to become the most famous black woman in the world.

Well-Balanced Dads

Saturday, Sept. 20 and 27 at 4 p.m.

Presented by Whisper Theater

Well-Balanced Dads is a family-friendly physical comedy about two dads navigating life after their kids have left the nest. Through partner acrobatics, classic rock, and an abundance of audience interaction, Dick and Dale take the audience on a camping adventure complete with a beloved Minivan, dance numbers, a cheese stick fight, movie references, and a spooky ghost story.  Suitable for all ages.

Every Brilliant Thing

Saturday, Sept. 20 and 27 at 5:30 p.m.

Presented by CiRCA Pintig

Written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe

Directed by RJ Silva and Annemarie Andaleon

Featuring Mari Joy

Every Brilliant Thing is a heartwarming, interactive play that celebrates life’s joys and struggles. Starring Mari Joy, the show invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and participate in a unique theatrical experience.

Chicago MemoryScape

Saturday, Sept. 20 and 27 at 7 p.m.

Presented by RE|Dance Group

Chicago MemoryScape is a public art and dance installation

that creates a moving memory map throughout the city of Chicago. Lucy Vurusic Riner turns Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods into stages for spontaneous, crowdsourced dance performances, using public art as a backdrop to spark connection with dance and community members. Together they experience, participate, and create their own MemoryScape.  Suitable for all ages.

The Storage Closet

Saturday, Sept. 20 and 27 at 8 p.m.

Written by Emma Jean Eastlund

The Storage Closet is a new play by Emma Jean Eastlund that peels back the curtain on GoGo dancing to reveal a raw, femme-driven story of survival, sisterhood, and reclamation. Set in the storage closet of a nightclub, the play follows a group of women as they navigate the chaos of nightlife, clinging to their power and dreams. Both gritty and poetic, The Storage Closet is a tribute to the women of GoGo—and to all femme artists who continue to make art by any means necessary.

Broken Planet Show

Saturday, Sept.  27 at 9:30 p.m.

Broken Planet Show is an absurd interactive cabaret of apocalyptic proportions where clown, music, and chaos collide in a nightly riot of world-saving mischief. Featuring characters like Clown God, Mothman, and Fart Monkey, the show dares audiences to laugh at our flaws, misbehave joyfully, and unite through ridiculousness. It’s a rebellious celebration of imperfection, set to a live-looped cosmic soundtrack.

Always, Sometimes, Maybe

Sunday, September 21 and 28 at 3 p.m.

Presented by Michele Stine

Michele Stine’s Always, Sometimes, Maybe follows a janitor who unexpectedly finds herself onstage. With nothing but her rubbish and a lot of imagination, she tries to find a connection. Using physical comedy, puppetry, dance, and non-verbal storytelling, this is a warm, accessible experience suitable for all ages and backgrounds. A funny, tender journey directed by Sean Garratt into what it means to be alone- and how we find our way back to each other.  Suitable for all ages.

Destination Wedding

Sunday, September 21 and 28 at 6 p.m.

Presented by Fat Theatre Project

The ins and outs of a wedding are told from a variety of perspectives.

 Arachne

Sunday, September 21 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Presented by Whisper Theater

Written by Britt Anderson

Directed by Alex Mallory

Greek mythology meets Steel Magnolias in Arachne, a bold, hilarious solo show about the very first spider. Athena, the Goddess of Justice and Handicrafts, is hosting a launch party for her memoir… until a mysterious force demands that she tell the WHOLE truth about her past. If she doesn’t, she’ll be coughing up webs for all eternity. Athena’s story dives into issues like justice, accountability, and the complexities of women’s friendships. Britt Anderson uses music, multiple characters, and audience interaction to weave this tale about two former best friends.

ABOUT CHICAGO DANZTHEATRE ENSEMBLE

Founded in 2001, Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble (CDE) is Chicago’s only multidisciplinary arts organization dedicated to social justice and socially conscious work that builds community through the arts “one voice, one story, one person at a time.” CDE’s mission is to engage, inspire, and challenge the community, both onstage and in the classroom, through innovative and collaborative multidisciplinary storytelling to illuminate aspects of social issues. We do this in the genre of Tanztheatre, "which unites all art media to achieve an all-embracing, radical change in humankind.” Through our school-based art and performance programs, CDE helps students in Chicago schools explore their own creativity, supporting their social and emotional learning. CDE provides a physical and emotional space where community conversation and cultural change can happen.

For our performance series, CDE is dedicated to creating performances that blend together dance, theatre and visual art to tell stories about the human condition. We give an artistic voice to those who are not always heard.

Dedicated since our founding to diverse casting of age, body type and ethnicity

Consistently listed as a “Top Theater and Dance Performance to See” by New City and Chicago Reader

Unique collaborations with the Veterans Art Museum, Poetry Center Chicago, Cantigny Museum, Neighborhood Writing Alliance, Voice of the City and numerous dance and theater companies

MacArthur Award Grantee for International Collaborations.  

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble (CDE) is pleased to announce its 2025 - 2026 season. CDE will open this season with LUMINOSITY, Aug. 1-2, followed by a reimagined “Full Circle Festival,” Sept. 19-28, featuring local artists participating in a classic fringe-style festival. The Artists’ Residency, Body Passages, returns to CDE from Nov. 14-15, as well as the New Plays Program and Next Stage Development. In addition, CDE announces Davon Suttles as its new assistant artistic director.

Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble is supported by The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Bayless Family Foundation, The Saints Foundation,The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; Innovation 80; Farny Wurlitzer Foundation; Mardi Gras Fund and the annual support of individual donors.