REVIEW: DREAM at Governors State University, Feb. 28 - March 1, 2025 and 29th Season Lineup

DREAM 

at Governors State University

Feb. 28 - March 1

The GovSt Dance Company Presents an Evening of Dance 

Inspired By Dr. Martin Luther King’s Most Famous Speech

MYANNA DREAM AIE

Photo courtesy of Governors State University

GUEST REVIEW

By Alicia Starr

I brought my high school age daughter to see opening night of DREAM at Governors State University on Feb. 28th. When we arrived I felt very welcomed. The attendants were helpful in many ways. The auditorium was larger than I expected and very up to date. It was filled with many supporting families and friends, that responded to the performances in positivity. The audience was engaged and attentive. Visibility was no problem at all, and their sound system is great. There were even viewing screens in the lobby with a full bar. 

Every setting, background scene, lighting, and colors correlated well with the dance at hand. All elements combined to amplify the feelings that the dancers were evoking nonverbally. Though united by the common DREAM theme, it was clear that every dance had a different message, so nothing ever seemed redundant. You could really see the passion in the dancers eyes as they moved to the rhythm of each song. In the end it was very uplifting and spirited, as all the dancers came together, representing great unity. I would definitely recommend catching more of Governors State University’s 29th season lineup at The Center for Performing Arts. 

DREAM at Governors State University and 29th Season Lineup

Governors State University’s (GovState) The Center for Performing Arts (The Center), 1 University Parkway, University Park, continues its 29th season with DREAM, presented by the GovSt Dance Company, Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m.

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, witness an inspiring evening of dance that explores the enduring power of dreams. Experience breathtaking contemporary, liturgical, and jazz performances that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of hope.

Tickets for DREAM are $15 general admission and may be purchased by calling 708.235.2222 or visiting CenterTickets.net. Patrons may also make purchases at the box office. Box office hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and two hours prior to all performances. 

For more information on Governors State University’s 29th season visit www.GovSt.edu.

 

UPCOMING SHOWS:

UPTOWN

Sat March 08, 2025

Fusing Bruno-Mars-caliber stage presence with top-tier vocals and wall-to-wall choreography, the men of UPTOWN combine the smooth stylings of R&B with the fresh hits of today in a unique and modern show that will get you on your feet! From New York City, the epicenter of contemporary Pop and Soul, every single member of UPTOWN is a world-class soloist, with frequent comparisons to the artistry of icons like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye; when they come together as one collective, the resulting remix creates “the most electrifying show you’ll see this decade!”

ARTRAGEOUS® The Electrifying Art & Music Circus!

Sat March 15, 2025 - Sat March 15, 2025

Step into this outrageous adventure of arts: the ONLY show where you can witness the fusion of live art, rock concert, imaginative movement, vocal performance, comedy, blacklight Bunraku, Artpunk wear, and inclusion in one magical experience. Feel the anticipation to see if the artist will complete the painting in time and guess what is being created until the very last brushstroke. Artrageous is a high-energy, immersive theater experience that encourages audience participation with music, dance, puppetry, storytelling, and speed-painted visual art! ARTRAGEOUS for ALL AGES at 2pm! This is an abridged 45-minute matinee version of the performance, perfect for everyone from the youngest of Picassos to the most seasoned Van Gogh enthusiasts! 

Rosie and the Rivets

Sun March 23, 2025

An electrifying female-fronted retrospective tribute to the first ten years (1954-1964) of Rock & Roll. Along with early Rock & Roll favorites, you’ll hear Girl Group, Rockabilly, R&B, Surf, and British Invasion featuring Rosie’s powerful and versatile voice and backed by a band with extensive theater/tribute/roots music experience (members of the Rivets have worked in The Million Dollar Quartet, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and The Fab Four: Beatles Tribute).  

DOG SEES GOD 

by Bert V. Royal

Thu April 03, 2025 - Sun April 06, 2025

When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group’s bullying, offers CB a peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. “Drug use, child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, sexual relations, and identity are among the issues covered in this haunting and hopeful homage to the works of Charles M. Schulz. Ages 17+ and up. Children below the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Mimosas and Melodies: A Mother’s Day Brunch

Sun May 11, 2025

Join Opera Up Close favorites John Concepcion, Mike Cavalieri, and their friends for this vocal tribute to Mothers. Spanning Broadway to Classical and Opera, celebrate Mother’s Day with this mimosa-fueled, musical extravaganza!

Into the Woods Jr (Camp Registration)

Wed July 02, 2025

Step into a world of imagination and creativity at our Performing Arts Summer Camp! This exciting program invites campers to explore the magic of bringing stories to life through movement, music, and performance. Campers will dive into the art of storytelling, learning how to craft and express captivating tales on stage. They'll also develop dance skills to enhance their performances and gain the tools needed for musical theatre, from singing to acting. Whether they’re creating their own characters or performing beloved stories, campers will build confidence, teamwork, and creativity in a fun, supportive environment. By the end of the camp, they’ll take center stage with a final performance of the hit Broadway musical, Into the Woods that showcases their hard work and artistic growth. Perfect for aspiring performers ready to shine!

Into the Woods Jr - Final Performance

Wed July 02, 2025

For more information on Governors State University’s 29th season visit www.GovSt.edu.

 

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

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES CAST AND PRODUCTION TEAM FOR 

“GORGEOUS”

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

Running Time: approximately 90 minutes with no intermission

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

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

(L-R): Stephanie Shum and Tara Mallen

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

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

* Member of Actors Equity Association

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

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

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

* Member of Actors Equity Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

Box Office: www.raventheatre.com

ABOUT RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY:

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

ABOUT RIVENDELL THEATRE ENSEMBLE:

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

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

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

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

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JACKALOPE THEATRE’S UNITED STATES PREMIERE OF 

ESHO RASHO’S 

DUMMY IN DIASPORA 

IS NOW PLAYING THROUGH MARCH 23 AT THE BROADWAY ARMORY PARK

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

The running time is currently 70 minutes with no intermission

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT ESHO RASHO, PLAYWRIGHT/PERFORMER, DUMMY IN DIASPORA

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

ABOUT KARINA PATEL, DIRECTOR, DUMMY IN DIASPORA

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

ABOUT JACKALOPE THEATRE

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

MORE FROM JACKALOPE 

WORLD PREMIERE

Neighborhood Watch

May 22 - June 28, 2025

Written by Rehana Lew Mirza

Directed by Artistic Director Kaiser Ahmed

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

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

Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

The Broadway Armory, 5917 N Broadway

JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season

Tickets: $15 - $40

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

16th Annual Living Newspaper Festival 

August 21 - 25, 2025

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

The Broadway Armory, 5917 N Broadway

JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season

Tickets: $15 - $35

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

Performances, show times, dates are subject to change. 

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

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

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

REDTWIST THEATRE’S WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S 

TITUS ANDRONICUS

DIRECTED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT DUSTY BROWN

NOW PLAYING THROUGH MARCH 30

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

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

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

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

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

Productions, participants and dates are subject to change. 

ABOUT DUSTY BROWN, adapter/director/technical director

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

ABOUT CAROLINE KIDWELL, adapter

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

ABOUT JORDAN GLEAVES, adapter

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

ABOUT REDTWIST THEATRE

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

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

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

UPCOMING:

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

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

RAVEN THEATRE’S “A LIE OF THE MIND”

Production Runs February 20 - March 22, 2025

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

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

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

Photo credit: Jenn Udoni, Franco Images

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

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

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

Dates: February 20 - March 22, 2025

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

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

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

Box Office: www.raventheatre.com

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

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

ABOUT RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY

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

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

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THE GIFT THEATRE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 

CYGNUS

WRITTEN BY MULTI-AWARD WINNER 

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

FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 16 AT FILAMENT THEATRE 

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

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

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

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

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

* Connotes The Gift Theatre company member.

ABOUT SUSAN SOON HE STANTON, PLAYWRIGHT

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

ABOUT BRITTANY BURCH, DIRECTOR

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

ABOUT THE GIFT THEATRE

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

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

Music Theater Works Presents GUYS AND DOLLS March 6 - 30, 2025 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

MUSIC THEATER WORKS ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR 

GUYS AND DOLLS

MARCH 6 - 30, 2025

AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE

Music Theater Works’ 45th Season Begins with the Frank Loesser Classic, directed by Sasha Gerritson, Choreographed by Clayton Cross and Music Directed by Linda Madonia

Run Time (currently): Two hours and 30 minutes including the intermission

Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the first production of its 2025 season, Guys and Dolls, in the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, March 6 - 30, 2025. Guys and Dolls, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, is directed by Sasha Gerritson, choreographed by Clayton Cross and music directed by Linda Madonia. 

The schedule includes a preview performance  at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6th. One of my fabulous freelancers will be out to cover the press opening March 7th at 7 p.m. for ChiIL Live Shows so check back shortly after for our full review. 

The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., with additional performances on Saturdays, Mar. 15, Mar. 22 and Mar. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $19.50 to $106 with tickets for guests 25 years old and younger available at half-price at MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center, 847.673.6300. Group discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more by contacting 847.920.5360.

Music Theater Works’ season kicks off with what many believe is the “perfect musical” with every song in its score a part of the American musical classic. Guys and Dolls whisks audiences from Manhattan to Havana and back again with career gambler Sky Masterson, “Save-A-Soul” missionary Sarah Brown, Adelaide, Nathan Detroit and others in this exuberant, big, brassy musical. Join Music Theater Works at the Hot Box Club onstage for an unforgettable time.

The cast of Guys and Dolls includes, in alphabetical order: Brandon Acosta (he/him, Liver Lips/Ensemble/US Nathan Detroit/fight and intimacy captain); Jordan Beyeler (she/her, swing); Kristin Brintnall (she/her, Miss Adelaide); Caron Buinis (she/her, General Cartwright); Jeffrey Charles (he/him, Sky Masterson); Jenny Couch (she/her, ensemble); Emma Jean Eastlund (she/her, ensemble); Andrew Freeland (he/him, Big Jule/ensemble); David Geinosky (he/him, Benny Southstreet/ensemble/US Nicely Nicely); Joe Giovannetti (he/him, ensemble/US Sky Masterson); Isabella Gomez-Barrientos (she/her, Agatha/ensemble/US Sarah Brown); Ben Harmon (he/they, Angie The Ox/ensemble); Emily Holland (she/her, ensemble/US Miss Adelaide); Cecilia Iole (she/her, Sarah Brown); Dee Kimpel (she/her, Martha/ensemble/US General Cartwright); Kyle Kite (he/him, ensemble); Miguel Long (he/him, Rusty Charlie/ensemble); Cary Lovett (he/him, Nicely Nicely Johnson/US Arvide Abernathy); Matthew Millin (he/him, swing); Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor (she/her, ensemble); Adam Raso (he/him, Harry the Horse/ensemble/US Lt. Brannigan); Ian Reed (he/him, Lt. Brannigan); Callan Roberts (he/him, Nathan Detroit); Peter Ruger (he/him, Calvin/ensemble/US Big Jule); Bob Sanders (he/him, Arvide Abernathy) and Alex Villaseñor (he/him, ensemble/Non-Equity Deputy)

Guys and Dolls’ creative team is Sasha Gerritson (she/her, director); Clayton Cross (he/him, choreographer); Linda Madonia (she/her, music director); Amber Wutke (she/her, intimacy and violence choreographer); Kathy Logelin (she/her, dialect coach); Rachel Rock (she/her, stage manager); Ethan Colish (he/him, assistant stage manager); Ben Lipinski (any with respect, scenic designer); Nga Sze Chan (she/her, properties designer), Bob Kuhn (he/him, costume designer); Kristen Brinati (she/her, wardrobe head); Alice Salazar (she/her, hair/wig/makeup co-designer); Melanie Saso (she/her, hair/wig/makeup co-designer); Andrew Meyers (he/him, lighting designer); Forrest Gregor (he/him, sound designer); Kimberly Carbone (she/her, production sound engineer) and Andersonville Scenic Studios (scene shop). 

“Behind the Curtain with Thomas M. Shea”

Immediately following the Sunday, March 9 and March 16 matinees, audiences may join musical theater historian Thomas M. Shea, author of “Broadway’s Most Wanted,” for a post-show talk exploring the behind-the-scenes history of Guys and Dolls.

Binny’s Broadway Lounge

Music Theater Works’ Donors of any level and subscribers are welcome to access Binny’s Broadway Lounge before the performance and at intermission of Guys and Dolls. Binny’s Broadway Lounge, sponsored by Binny’s Beverage Depot, is located on the second floor at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie and offers complimentary drinks and snacks and does not require reservations. The Lounge is available during Guys and Dolls, Saturday, March 8 (opens at 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 15 (opens at 1 p.m.).  

ASL Interpreted Performance

The Saturday, Mar. 22 at 7:30 p.m. performance will be ASL interpreted.

ABOUT SASHA GERRITSON, DIRECTOR

Sasha Gerritson is an opera and musical theater stage director who directs shows for many local and regional companies. Most recently having directed the critically acclaimed Music Theater Works’ production of Carousel, in addition to previous Music Theater Works’ shows Brigadoon and Irving Berlin's White Christmas, she is proud to return for Guys & Dolls. Known for her expertise in the standard repertoire, Gerritson is also a highly sought after opera director, having most recently directed Puccini's Manon Lescaut and Il Assassinio Nella Cattedrale for The Opera Festival of Chicago, where she serves as general director. In addition to her work as a stage director, Gerritson is a choral conductor and serves as the director of Music Ministries for the Park Ridge Community Church. Previous work as a choral conductor included positions with the Chicago Children's Choir and Merit School of Music. Gerritson is a proud board member of Music Theater Works, in addition to The Goodman Theatre, the Brookfield Zoo and DePaul University, where she serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees. She served as the opera and music theatre director of Northeastern Illinois University from 2010-2022, has directed for Musica Nelle Marche (Urbino, Italy), Opera Piccola, DePaul University, the Cherub Music Theatre program for Northwestern University, in addition to various other summer programs in the area. She lives in Glenview with her husband Eugene Jarvis and their two sons, Nate and Josh. 

ABOUT CLAYTON CROSS, CHOREOGRAPHER

Clayton Cross works nationwide as a choreographer, performer and dance instructor. Cross was most recently in the ensemble and dance captain of Rock Of Ages with Mercury Theater Chicago, with Drury Lane in the ensemble and dance captain in Grease as well as in the ensemble in Evita. He most recently choreographed Brigadoon for Music Theatre Works. He was last seen on the Music Theater Works stage as “Scuttle” in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, in the ensemble of Mamma Mia!, as choreographer for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Billy Elliot The Musical. He was choreographer in residence with Music Theater Works under the direction of Rudy Hogenmiller for seven seasons where he choreographed and/or performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as “Benjamin”, Hunchback of Notre Dame, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Into The Woods, Anything Goes as “ensemble”, Pirates of Penzance as “ensemble”, Peter Pan as “Nana/Croc”, Gypsy as “Tulsa”, Mame as “ensemble”, Candide, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Die Fladermanus, The Fantasticks as “Mute,” Damn Yankees as “Eddie” and in A Chorus Line as “Greg” with Porchlight Music Theatre. Cross also performed at Marriott Theatre in La Cage Aux Follies as “Mercedes”. He is an instructor and choreographer for M.A. Dance Nation, a Texas based traveling convention circuit, where he has been choreographing, teaching and judging since 1999. Cross has five times been a consultant and contributed choreography for the Capital One Bowl’s “All American Halftime Show.” Throughout his 25 year career as a dancer he has worked with Robert Battle, Fernando Bujones, Sherry Zunker, Paul Taylor and Anne Reinking. Cross’s television credits include “Every Dancer Has a Story,” a PBS special on the River North Chicago Dance Company, where he was a company member for 10 seasons and toured nationally and internationally. He is originally from Midland, Texas where he received his early training from La Petite Dance Co., Coleman Academy and the Midland Community Theatre as a member of the Pickwick Players. He holds a double B.F.A. in Ballet and Modern Dance from Texas Christian University.

ABOUT LINDA MADONIA, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Linda Madonia is thrilled to be back at Music Theater Works where she has previously music directed Legally Blonde:The Musical, Shrek: The Musical, Mamma Mia! and Camelot. Other recent projects include; Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages and Sister Act at Mercury Theater Chicago. Anything Goes, Cabaret and A Chorus Line at Porchlight Music Theatre. Madonia also serves as the contractor for the Chicago Federation of Musicians for Porchlight Music Theatre, Music Theater Works and Teatro Zinzanni. She is the vocal coach for the Master’s Degree program in Music Theatre Pedagogy at Carthage College and owns American Eagle Productions, which has been at the forefront of Theatre Education in the Chicago area for the past 35 years.

Music Theater Works 2025 Season

The 45th season includes Guys and Dolls, March 6 - 30; Fiddler on the Roof, August 7 - 17; Godspell, October 23 - November 16 and Annie, December 18, 2025 - January 4, 2026. For more information on the 45th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com. 

ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS

Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in 1980. During its 45-year history it has presented more than 150 productions and intimate presentations. Music Theater Works is a professional theater company whose mission is to present works for the musical stage including historic repertoire, revitalizing the Golden Age of Broadway and earlier works, celebrating the Great American Songbook and introducing modern classics.