Lookingglass Theatre Company Announces Tickets on Sale Now for the World Premiere of VILLETTE February 8 – April 23, 2023

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Lookingglass Theatre Company Announces Tickets on Sale Now  

for the World Premiere of 

VILLETTE  

Written by Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter 

From the Book by Charlotte Brontë, 

Directed by Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh 

 

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces tickets are on sale now for the World Premiere of Villette by Sara Gmitter. Adapted from the Charlotte Brontë novel, Villette is a deeply surprising story featuring Brontë’s most modern of heroines: a love story, a ghost story, and an adventurous odyssey, revealing and unraveling life’s mysteries. Directed by Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh, Villette runs February 8 – April 23, 2023, at Lookingglass Theatre located in the Water Tower Water Works building, 821 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. 

“This is a story about the triumph of spirit,” says writer and Lookingglass Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter. “Villette is a gift to everyone who has ever felt misunderstood.” Artistic Director and Ensemble Member Heidi Stillman conveys that Lookingglass has been eager to produce this World Premiere since 2020. “We know how much this funny, exciting, moving and complex journey will resonate with audiences,” she says. “The show is an indelible and thoroughly unusual heroine, and one we don’t often see in stories: a shy and ‘plain’ woman, overlooked by most, living in the shadows. Yet, her inner life is vibrant and full of fire. It will be impossible for the audience not to fall in love with the clear-eyed, wry and soulful Lucy Snow.” 

You’ve never met a heroine like Lucy Snow. Suddenly bereft of family, friends, and funds, young Lucy journeys unaccompanied to an unfamiliar land armed only with determination, a fiercely dry sense of humor, and her prodigious brain. She soon finds herself entangled in romance and intrigue, as a vain debutante, quarrelsome teacher, and mysterious ghost draw her into a complicated maze. Will tenacious Lucy, and her wry wit, emerge intact? 

Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh directs Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter’s riveting adaptation of this novel by the author of Jane Eyre.  

Get tickets 

Online: https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/villette-2022/ 

Phone: (312) 337-0665 

In Person: 165 E Pearson, Chicago, IL 60611  

The box office is open (phone and in-person) Tuesday-Friday, 12PM-6PM. 

In Charlotte Brontë’s Villette, the determined Lucy Snow travels alone to an unfamiliar land, encountering one ambitious debutante, one very cranky teacher, and at least one mysterious ghost along the way – can her wry humor and generous soul remain intact? Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh directs Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter’s riveting adaptation of this novel by the author of Jane Eyre. 

Villette Performance Schedule 

Previews  

February 8 – 17, 2023 

Wednesdays – Saturdays 7:30PM 

Sunday 2PM 

 

Regular Run 

February 18 – April 23, 2023 

Tuesdays 7PM 

Wednesdays 7PM 

Thursdays 2PM & 7PM 

Fridays 7PM 

Saturdays 2PM & 7PM 

Sundays 2PM 

 

Please see the performance calendar on the website for full calendar and details. 

Get tickets: https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/villette-2022/ 

About the Artists 

Sara Gmitter (she/her/hers) (Writer; Lookingglass Artistic Associate) is a longtime Artistic Associate with Lookingglass Theatre. She began her career at Lookingglass as an Assistant Stage Manager for The Idiot. She subsequently stage managed 42 productions and workshops for the company including multiple iterations of Lookingglass Alice. She counts 20 world premieres among the shows she helped to shepherd from first rehearsal to closing night. She has also served the company as a teaching artist, writer, and director for the Lookingglass Young Ensemble (Waging Peace, Mending the Peace). In 2014 she made her main stage debut as a playwright with In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story (Jeff Award Nomination for Best New Work). Previous playwriting credits include: Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy (New Suit Theatre Company), co-written with Jason Burkett, adapted from the film by Dr. Randy Olson; and A Long Fatal Love Chase (Powerhouse Theatre Company) adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Her short story, Harold has been heard on WBEZ’s Stories On. 

She earned a B.A. in Theatre from the College of William and Mary and an M.A. in Peace Education from the UN mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. She currently serves as Program Assistant for Girls Inc. of Santa Fe and is also the co-clerk of the American Friends Service Committee’s Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Task Group. Sara is the recipient of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation Inaugural Playwrights Award.  

Tracy Walsh (she/her/hers) (Director; Lookingglass Ensemble Member) is an Ensemble Member of Lookingglass Theatre Company where she has choreographed, appeared in and directed many productions including: The Old Curiosity Shop (Director), Acts of God, Blood Wedding, Around the World in 80 Days (Choreography), and The North China Lover (Actor/choreographer). Most recently, she choreographed dances for all productions of The Steadfast Tin Soldier and appeared in Her Honor Jane Byrne (Lookingglass). She was Movement Consultant for The Notebooks of Leonardo DaVinci (Goodman Theatre/Shakespeare Theatre Company) and was also an original cast member (Goodman Theatre/Seattle Repertory Theatre/Lincoln Center). She choreographed and appeared in Electra and Iphigenia in Aulis (Court Theatre/The Getty Villa) and choreographed Agamemnon (Court Theatre). She choreographed Don Giovanni and The Jewel Box (Chicago Opera Theatre) and directed, adapted & choreographed the recorded, live, original show All Wigged Out featuring musicians Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink. 

Become A gglasspass Member 

See yourself here, Chicago. In the Lookingglass.  

A partnership with one of this city’s leading Black theatre companies. A homegrown holiday hearth warmer. Two original CHI-made works each featuring unconventional central characters. A twirl around five extraordinary homespun districts (from Englewood to Edgewater to Avalon Park and more). And a transcendent summer sunset ritual that draws us all back waterside.   

Distinct. Unique. Reflecting is our function.   

Become a member and come see yourself at Lookingglass. 

The 3-play package includes the beloved holiday tradition, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and two World Premiere productions, Villette and Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon. The 2-play package includes both World Premiere productions. Members also get the best seats at the best prices, and enjoy a bounty of benefits including priority seating, no ticket fees, unlimited ticket exchanges, savings when purchasing additional tickets for friends or family, a discount at our online store, and more!  

Visit lookingglasstheatre.org/flex-passes to learn how to book your 2022-23 membership! 

Thank You to Our Season Sponsors  

Allstate Insurance Company 

BMO  

Hearn  

HMS Media  

Shirley Ryan Ability Lab  

Waldorf Astoria Chicago  

 

Thank you to our Villette Sponsor 

The National Endowment for the Arts 

 

Become A Scene Maker 

Inside our 190-seat storycastle we work tirelessly to produce unique theatre that leaves YOU changed, charged, and empowered. Theatre making takes meticulous attention to detail and years of work, often unseen. We could not take that initial spark of an idea to the wonder we finally see on stage without you. While you might not be IN the room, you too are an artist and vital to the process. Through your support you play YOUR role in shaping a flourishing, arts-driven tomorrow. Become a Scene Maker, today. 

Become a Scene Maker and support Lookingglass at lookingglasstheatre.org/scene-maker 

 

About Health and Safety  

The health and safety of our audiences, artists, and staff are a top priority and we have invested our resources accordingly. As guidelines are constantly evolving, all policies are subject to change.  

As of September 1, 2022, Lookingglass Theatre Company will no longer require audiences to provide proof of vaccination.  

Facial coverings are currently recommended, but not required. 

We encourage you to confirm our current protocols prior to your visit to the theatre. Please refer to the health and safety page for more information about our current policies and safety measures regarding COVID-19. 

 

About Accessibility 

Lookingglass Theatre offers ground floor seats for all patrons who use a wheelchair or a scooter, or patrons who cannot walk stairs. Assisted listening devices are available at the patron's request. Dates for shows for hearing and visually impaired audiences to be announced. 

 

Groups of Ten or More 

Bring a group to Lookingglass and save up to 25% off regular ticket prices. 

A trip to Lookingglass is the perfect outing for your school group, office, in-town visit, retirement community, social group, book club, scout troop, religious group, or alumni organization! To book a group, email groups@lookingglasstheatre.org. 

For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org/groups. 

About Lookingglass Theatre Company   

Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. Now in its 35th Season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company, located in Chicago’s landmark Water Tower Water Works, has staged 70 world premieres, received 161 Joseph Jefferson Award Nominations, and produced work all across the United States. In 2016, Lookingglass received the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions and in 2017, was the recipient of the League of Chicago Theatres’ Artistic Achievement Award.    

Lookingglass continues to expand its artistic, financial, and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Heidi Stillman, Executive Director Rachel L. Fink, a 29-member artistic ensemble, 22 artistic associates, an administrative staff, and a dedicated board of directors led by Chair Diane Whatton.   

For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.     

Engage with us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. #LookingglassTheatre 

In Charlotte Brontë’s Villette, the determined Lucy Snow travels away from home to an unfamiliar land, her solitary journey full of romance and intrigue. Will her wry wit and generous spirit emerge intact? 

Previews  

February 8 – 17, 2023 

 

Regular Run 

February 19 – April 23, 2023 

Tuesdays 7PM 

Wednesdays 7PM 

Thursdays 1:30PM & 7PM 

Fridays 7PM 

Saturdays 2PM & 7PM 

Sundays 2PM 

Tickets start at $45. Please see the performance calendar on the website for full calendar and details. Get tickets: https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/villette-2022/ 

REVIEW: The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© Now Playing Through December 31 at The Greenhouse Theater Center

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE©

CHICAGO’S FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE 

HOLIDAY SHOW, IS NOW PLAYING THROUGH DECEMBER 31 AT

THE GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER

Featuring the Best of Chicago’s Nightlife Entertainment; Highlighting the World of Burlesque, Boylesque, Magic, Sword Balancing, 

Circus, Dance and More

The cast of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE including (L to R) Lilly Rascal, Elena Avila, Anghell, Yasmyne Williams, Mandyn Mueller, Claire Francescon, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Baby Bagos Hood, Hannah Silverman and Jezzibel 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Sexy, sultry, silly... Alliteration aside, these belles slay! If you're looking for some adult holiday cheer, we highly recommend you shake a tail feather and get on over to see The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque©, now in their sixth season. We had a blast on opening night, our first time to see the show, but definitely not our last. 

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Hannah Silverman, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Mandyn Mueller and Yasmyne Williams

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The two-hour experience begins with a cocktail hour which includes craft vendors from local artists (Thursday nights), special pre-show performances (Friday and Saturday nights), and brunch fare (Sunday matinees), followed by Tchaicovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite in a saucy, alternative and adult retelling of the holiday classic. 

Anghell (Chocolate) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

On opening night our cocktail hour included fabulous samples from Jeppson's & ch. Though we're not fans of their Chicago classic, Malört, we were pleased to discover Jeppson's also makes a much tastier bourbon, ch espresso martini, and more! We're all about supporting Chicago businesses and are happy to drink locally (as long as it's not Malört) and shop locally whenever possible. Check out our social media channels for more Malört Face selfies and other original photos from our adventures at the show. 

 

Bonnie's "Not Buzzed Enough To Drink Malört" Face

My handsome husband, Dug

The holiday drinks were flowing for the cocktail hour, with Greenhouse Theatre bars both in the lobby and upstairs in the theatre itself. And then there were those delicious non-Malört ch & Jeppson's jems. We'll be picking up at least a few bottles this holiday season. 

 Another Bonnie, slinging samples and making friends. 

Booze can be beneficial for hanging with friends and making those family gatherings more palatable. The celebration of drinks, both alcoholic and non, continued into the onstage shenanigans. 

Lilly Rascal (Vodka) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

We weren't sure quite what to expect of the show, given the corny title, and were pleasantly surprised at the level of talent and creativity. Of course there's a good bit of creative license and updates, but the plot and music follow the original Nutcracker more that I thought they would. I'm still geeking out on the costumes. And those Sugar Bum Fairy butt tassels were next level... 

Autumn Christensen (Sugar Bum Fairy) Photo by Daf Miller 

(L to R) Autumn Christensen (Sugar Bum Fairy); Elena Avila (Clara) and Olivia Lindsay 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

There wasn't as much in the way of circus arts as we'd hoped, but the burlesque dances were much more fun than any traditional Nutcracker I've ever seen. In edition to the eye candy, we appreciate the show's mission statement, and we're thrilled that they are gaining quite the cult following for this cheeky, nontraditional take on a holiday staple.

"The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© subverts the classic holiday ballet to promote diversity in body, gender expression, sexuality and race. The show utilizes the platform of parody to encourage audiences to imagine a more inclusive world, redefining the art of the tease through an alternative take on burlesque."

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Mandyn Mueller, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Yasmyne Williams and Hannah Silverman 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

If you're 18 or over, get your butts in gear and get your tickets before they disappear. A friend of mine bravely took a first date she'd only "met" on a dating app and they both ended up loving the show, and digging each other. We adored this (dare I say) tongue in cheek, body positive, rendition of this holiday classic. I will never hear Tchaikovsky quite the same way again!

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

More About The Buttcracker: 

A Nutcracker Burlesque© 

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Hannah Silverman,  Mandyn Mueller and Eilish Morse-O’Rourke

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© is proud to announce its return this holiday season with the sixth edition of Chicago’s favorite alternative holiday show, a twist on the original story and a live event not to be missed, directed by Miguel Long and choreographed by Dylan Kerr, now playing through December 31 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.  

(L to R) Elena Avila (Clara), Olivia Lindsay (Buttcracker) and Claire Francescon (Drosselmeyer) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

Each week features the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment in the roles of Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Vodka and Mother Ginger, featuring sword swallowing, belly dancing, classic burlesque and more. It’s holiday performance schedule is Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. with a special New Year’s Eve closing night performance Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. 

This New Year’s Eve special event includes a party following the show with cheese and charcuterie snacks, two drink tickets for after the show, a midnight “pole dancer booty drop” countdown with balloons and prizes, a DJ and more. There are no performances Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25. Admission is available for those 18 years old and older (21+ to drink). 

Slightly Spitfire (Tea) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis

Tickets are Industry/SRO, $20; house left general admission, $30/$40 at the door, house center general admission, $40/$50 at the door and VIP, $75/$100 at the door with New Year’s Eve tickets house left general admission, $60/$70 at the door, house center general admission $80/$90 at the door and VIP $150/$200 at the door. Tickets are now on sale at greenhousetheatre.org and TheButtcrackerBurlesque.com and, based on availability,  at the door one hour before the performance.

(L to R) Olivia Lindsay (Buttcracker) and Elena Avila (Clara)

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The cast of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE including (L to R)Yasmyne Williams, Lilly Rascal, Darling Shear, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Baby Bagos Hood, Anghell, Jezzibel, Hannah Silverman, Autumn Christensen, Mandyn Mueller and Elena Avila 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

Audiences are invited to follow Clara and her Buttcracker on a wild hallucinogenic trip from a boring-AF holiday party to the Land of Sweets where they battle rats, save the day and learn that body and sex positivity are to be celebrated. A combination of fairy tale and exotic trip down the rabbit hole with the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment. The Buttcracker highlights the world of burlesque, boylesque, magic, sword balancing, circus, dance and more.

Jezzibel (Chocolate) Photo by Daf Miller 

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© cast includes Elena Avila*/^ (Clara); Olivia Lindsay* (Buttcracker);  Claire Francescon* (Drosselmeyer); Autumn Christensen* (Sugar Bum Fairy);  Baby Bagos Hood*/^ (Boss/Rat King); Hannah Silverman* (ensemble); Mandyn Mueller+/^ (ensemble); Eilish Morse-O'Rourke* (ensemble);  Yasmyne Williams*/^  (ensemble); Savannah Sinclair*/^ (swing) and Sierra Buffum*/^ (ensemble understudy). Features soloists for the roles of Vodka, Tea, Chocolate, Coffee, and Mother Ginger rotate weekly. Every week includes a different kind of performance from the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment.

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© production team includes Miguel Long+ (director); Dylan Kerr* (choreographer); Brighid Martensen*/^ (costume designer); Gabrielle Strong* (set designer); Samuel Stephen+ (lighting designer);

Rowan Doe^ (props designer); Michael Bulaw+ (sound designer); Jake Snell+ (stage manager) and Carlie Rummel* (backstage manager); Kayla Drescher* (magic consultant). Jaq Seifert^/(sub)version productions (producer) and Caylei Hallberg* (producing assistant).

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

Information on tickets:

New Year’s Eve

Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.

Ticket prices: HOUSE LEFT GA $60/75 at the door, HOUSE CENTER GA $80/$100 at the door, VIP $150/$200 at the door.

This special closing performance of the 2022 run includes a make-your-own cheese and charcuterie board, two drink tickets for after the show, a midnight “pole dancer booty drop” countdown with balloons and prizes, a DJ and other special guest performances. 

Darling Shear (Mother Ginger) Photo by Daf Miller 

Regular Performances:

VIP 

Ticket price: $75/$100 at the door

This upgraded ticket includes reserved seating at your own cafe table right on the theatre floor with early entrance to the theatre and a private VIP bar, meet and greet with cast members and official Buttcracker swag. 

General Admission

Ticket price: $40/$50 at the door

General Admission tickets include first come, first served seating in the center section of the theater.

House Left General Admission

Ticket price: $30/$40 at the door

General Admission tickets include first come, first served seating in the house left section of the theater.

Standing Room Only (SRO)

Ticket price:  $20

A limited number of standing room only tickets will be available at the door, based on availability.

ADA Accessible seating is available, email thebuttcrackerburlesque@gmail.com for more information or to make reservations.

ABOUT THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© subverts the classic holiday ballet to promote diversity in body, gender expression, sexuality and race. The show utilizes the platform of parody to encourage audiences to imagine a more inclusive world, redefining the art of the tease through an alternative take on burlesque. This performance would not be possible without the generous support of individuals and companies who understand the value of having alternative adult entertainment during the holiday season, as well as supporting our mission of subverting audience’s expectations of what live entertainment looks and feels like. 

HELP OUT: Porchlight Music Theatre Annual Fundraising Concert Tickets On Sale Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE ANNOUNCES 

CHICAGO SINGS BROADWAY POP, 

MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2023 AT HOUSE OF BLUES CHICAGO

Tickets for the Annual Fundraising Concert go on Sale 

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at 12 p.m.

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce Chicago Sings Broadway Pop, its annual fundraising concert, Monday, March 27, 2023 at the House of Blues Chicago, 329 N Dearborn St, directed by Porchlight’s Artistic Director Michael Weber+. This concert includes live performances by Chicago music theatre’s best loved artists, the presentation of the 2023 Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago and more. Chicago Sings Broadway Pop offers attendees two ways for patrons to participate in this unforgettable night: the “One Night Only” Experience, which includes seating on the main floor or in the boxes of the House of Blues and access to the VIP cocktail hour before the performance and the “Oh, What a Night” Experience, hosted by the Porchlight Young Professionals, which includes seating in the balconies of the venue. Tickets and sponsorships will be available for beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at 12 p.m. CST at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org. 

Since its earliest days, songs that have appeared on Broadway have crossed over to the music charts and popular songs heard on the radio have found their way to Broadway stages. In 2023, Chicago Sings Broadway Pop celebrates these Broadway musicals with an eclectic night of songs from such shows as Chess, Dreamgirls, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, 9 to 5 and others. 

A performance from CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM presented by Porchlight Music Theatre, May 23, 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo by Chollette

 

ABOUT THE GUY ADKINS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF MUSIC THEATRE IN CHICAGO

For more than 10 years, Porchlight Music Theatre celebrates an individual who has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the state of the art of Chicago music theatre, with the prestigious Guy Adkins Award. Guy Adkins was an award-winning Chicago actor who passed away in 2010. Among his significant stage credits were Oklahoma! Windy City and A Funny Thing Happened… at Marriott Theatre; The Taming of the Shrew at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; Pericles, Twelfth Night, The Invention of Love and the title role in Hamlet at Court Theatre; The Time of Your Life at Steppenwolf and the world premieres of the musicals The Return of Martin Guerre and The Visit, both at The Goodman Theatre. The Chicago Sun-Timescalled Adkins, “…a smart and invariably graceful actor” and The New York Times called him “outrageously talented” for his turn at “Puck” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream' at the McCarter Theatre in New Jersey. Porchlight commemorates Adkins’ spirit and life with this annual award and celebrates the many gifts he shared with our theatre community and the world. 

Past recipients include:

Jim Corti+, 2022

Felicia P. Fields*, 2021

Gary Griffin+, 2019

Brenda Didier*, 2018

Rachel Rockwell*, 2017

E. Faye Butler*, 2016

Dominic Missimi+, 2015

Paula Scrofano*, 2014

Douglas Peck+, 2013

Hollis Resnik*, 2012 and

L. Walter Sterns+, 2011. 

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

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre, now in its 28th season, is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Through live performance, youth education and community outreach, we impact thousands of lives each season, bringing the magic of musicals to our theatre home at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast and to neighborhoods across the city. Porchlight has built a national reputation for boldly reimagining classic musicals, supporting new works and young performers, and showcasing Chicago’s most notable music theatre artists, all through the intimate and powerful theatrical lens of the “Chicago Style.” 

Porchlight's history over the last 27 years includes more than 70 mainstage works with 15 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Porchlight’s commitment to the past, present and future of music theatre led the company to develop the Porchlight Revisits and New Faces Sing Broadway program series, both quickly becoming audience favorites. 

Porchlight's education and outreach programs serve schools, youth of all ages and skill levels and community organizations, most notably the ongoing collaboration with Chicago Youth Centers. Porchlight annually awards dozens of full scholarships and hundreds of free tickets to ensure accessibility and real engagement with this uniquely American art form. 

Students from Porchlight Music Theatre’s music classes (L to R) Mateo Martinez, Gabriel Lockhart and Celeste Kaplan join teaching artists (L to R) Becky Keeshin, Nik Kmiecik and Frankie Leo Bennett for a performance at CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM presented by Porchlight Music Theatre, May 23, 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo by Chollette

The company’s many honors include 178 Joseph Jefferson Award (Jeff) nominations and 49 Jeff awards, as well as 44 Black Theatre Alliance (BTA) nominations and 15 BTA awards. In 2019, Porchlight graduated to the Large Theatre tier of the Equity Jeff Awards and has been honored with seven awards in this tier to date including Best Ensemble for Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies (2019) and Best Production-Revue for Blues in the Night (2022). 

Through the global pandemic, Porchlight emerged as one of Chicago’s leaders in virtual programming, quickly launching a host of free offerings like Sondheim @ 90 Roundtables, Movie Musical Mondays, Porchlight by Request: Command Performances and WPMT: Classic Musicals from the Golden Age of Radio. In 2021, Porchlight launched its annual summer series, Broadway in your Backyard, performing at parks and venues throughout the city. 

 (L to R) Porchlight Young Professionals Chair Rosie Schultz and Emeritus Chair Cody Czmyr at CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM presented by Porchlight Music Theatre, May 23, 2022 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo By Chollette

Porchlight Music Theatre is partially supported by generous contributions from Allstate; Michael Best & Friedrich LLP; Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation; Elegant Event Lighting; Glimpse Vision; James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation; Hearty Boys; A.L. and Jennie L. Luria Foundation; The MacArthur Fund for Culture, Equity and the Arts at Prince; the Pritzker Traubert Foundation; Ryan and Spaeth, Inc.; Daniel and Genevieve Ratner Foundation; The Saints and Dr. Scholl Foundation.

The season program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, and by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. 

Porchlight Music Theatre wishes to thank members of the Matching Gift Corporate Program including Abbvie; Allstate; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Peoples Gas; Pepsico; Polk Bros Foundation and The Saints.

(L to R) Mackenzie Maples, Eilish Morse-O'Rourke and Claire McConnell in the Color and Light Lounge at CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM presented by Porchlight Music Theatre, May 23 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo by Chollette

FREE THEATRE: Goodman Theatre’s 18th annual New Stages Festival On Stage Now Through December 18, 2022

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

18TH ANNUAL NEW STAGES FESTIVAL 

IS UNDERWAY, CONTINUES THROUGH DECEMBER 18th  

FREE OF CHARGE WITH RSVP

Goodman Theatre’s 18th annual New Stages Festival, a celebration of innovative new work offered entirely free of charge and curated by Director of New Works Jonathan L. Green, is on stage now. Two fully staged developmental productions include This Happened Once at the Romance Depot off the I-87 in Westchester by Gina Femia, directed by Kimberly Senior and Rust by Nancy García Loza, directed by Laura Alcalá Baker.

In addition, four script-in-hand staged readings are presented during the last weekend of the festival, December 18-19: White Monkey by Charlie Oh, directed by Eric Ting (Saturday, December 17 at 10:30am); Fever Dreams (of Animals on the Verge of Extinction) by Jeffrey Lieber (co-creator of TV’s Lost), directed by Susan V. Booth (Saturday, December 17 at 2pm); Modern Women by Omer Abbas Salem, directed by Lavina Jadhwani (Sunday, December 18 at 10:30am); and What Will Happen to All That Beauty? by Donja R. Love, directed by Malika Oyetimein (Sunday, December 18 at 1:30pm). 

The New Stages Festival appears through December 18 in the 350-seat Owen Theatre; free tickets (reservations required) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/NewStages or by phone at 312.443.3800 (12noon – 5pm, daily).

More than 100 plays have appeared in the New Stages Festival since its inception in 2004, the majority of which have gone on to premiere at the Goodman and its peer theaters across the country. Each year, the Festival’s final weekend draws national theater industry professionals to Chicago for the opportunity to view all of the plays.

The New Stages Festival is made possible by The Joyce Foundation, which provides Major Support for Diverse Artistic and Professional Development, and BMO is the Next Generation Artists Sponsor. The Goodman is grateful for the generosity of its New Work sponsors, including: Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation and the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Major Support of New Work; Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee New Works Fund, Major Support of New Play Development; The Glasser and Rosenthal Family, Mayer Brown LLP, and Shaw Family Supporting Organization, Support of New Work.

ABOUT ROMANCE DEPOT AND RUST

The cast for Gina Femia’s This Happened Once at the Romance Depot off the I-87 in Westchester, directed by Kimberly Senior, includes Satya Chávez (Janice/Amy), Sandra Delgado (Beth), Raymond Fox (Tom/Walt) and Eric Slater (Kevin). Kevin’s days are full of monotony, selling bondage gear and sex toys to ordinary customers.  But when schoolteacher Beth blows into Kevin's store in desperate search of a vibrator, it sparks an unlikely relationship that forces them both to confront what they think they know about love, romance and sex. Revealing that nothing, and no one, are what they seem, Gina Femia’s hilarious and intimate new play asks us to re-examine ourselves, our fears and our dreams. 

The cast for Nancy García Loza’s Rust, directed by Laura Alcalá Baker, includes Eduardo Xavier Curley-Carrillo (Fer), Arash Fakhrabadi (Papi), Molly Hernández (Yo), René L. Moreno (Abuelo), Daniella Pereira (Mami), Brandon Rivera (Pablo) and Jocelyn Zamudio (Güera). Güera, a young pocha, is trying very hard to be a perfect Mexican daughter and contain her glaring imperfections. The hot Chicago summer has her climbing trees, fighting with her brothers, and melting like a paleta under her parents’ searing gaze. Suddenly, when Abuelo moves in, Güera begins to wonder if she really has to be perfect at all. Why be perfect when you can be free? 

The design teams include Kevin Depinet (Original Set Design), Ryan Emens (Sets), Evelyn Danner (Costumes for Romance Depot) and Uriel Gomez (Costumes for Rust), Heather Gilbert (Lights), Stephanie Farina (Sound for Romance Depot and Co-Sound Design for Rust), Mike Przygoda (Composition for Rust) and Claudette Przygoda (Co-Sound Design for Rust).

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. The theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earner two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

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

As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s Action Plan for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access (IDEAA) was born out of the belief that progress means action, which includes building on the decades-long commitment to using art, assets and resources to contribute to a more just, equitable and anti-racist society.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Today, Goodman Theatre is led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director/CEO Roche Schulfer. Jeff Hesse is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Fran Del Boca is Women’s Board President and Craig McCaw is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

IGGY POP’S NEW ALBUM EVERY LOSER DUE OUT JANUARY 6, 2023 VIA ATLANTIC RECORDS X GOLD TOOTH RECORDS

ALBUM COVER FEATURES ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY WORLD RENOWNED ARTIST RAYMOND PETTIBON RELEASING ALONGSIDE UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF EXCLUSIVE OFFERINGS INCLUDING LIMITED-EDITION VINYL, CASSETTES AND CD  PLUS AN EXCLUSIVE RELAUNCH OF LEGENDARY FANZINE PUNK  LATEST SINGLE “FRENZY” OUT NOW LISTEN HERE PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE EVERY LOSER HERE

Credit: Raymond Pettibon “… he’s back to flat-out, buzz-bombing, hard-riffing rock… Proudly foul-mouthed and convincingly irate, Pop lashes out in all directions, fully aware of his standing” —THE NEW YORK TIMES “Iggy Pop works himself into a ‘Frenzy’ and reignites some of his proto-punk fire… marks a left turn back toward the Godfather of Punk’s roots” —ROLLING STONE “… a blistering, unabashed three minutes of skittering rock and roll… it’s always a joy to hear Pop back in peak form.” —FLOOD In the wake of the ecstatic reaction to its appropriately titled opening track and first single “Frenzy,” it can now be revealed that Iggy Pop will unleash his new album, EVERY LOSER, on the public come January 6, 2023 – Pre-Order and Pre-Save HERE. EVERY LOSER is Iggy’s 19th solo album and his first to be released via the recently announced partnership between Atlantic Records and Gold Tooth Records, the new label founded by the album’s GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum executive producer, Andrew Watt. “I’m the guy with no shirt who rocks; Andrew and Gold Tooth get that, and we made a record together the old-fashioned way,” Iggy said in a recent statement. “The players are guys I’ve known since they were kids and the music will beat the shit out of you.” As indicated by the pinned db meters of “Frenzy,” EVERY LOSER harkens back to Iggy’s primordial roots while maintaining an undeniably modern lyrical point viewpoint and sonic palette. EVERY LOSER is an exemplary album of primal rock ’n’ roll—a master class in the art of lashing out with unequalled intensity and unflappable wit. The result is 11 songs by the man who refused to go gently into that good night on his previous album, 2019’s somber and contemplative Free, and is once again charging fearlessly at life itself on EVERY LOSER.  “Iggy Pop is a fucking icon. A true original. The guy invented the stage dive..I still can’t believe he let me make a record with him. I am honored. It doesn’t get cooler. This album was created to be played as loud as your stereo will go…turn it up and hold on…” says Andrew Watt The cover of EVERY LOSER is an original piece of art created by world renowned contemporary fine artist Raymond Pettibon. Pettibon burst onto the scene in the late 70s and designed iconic album covers for artists such as Sonic Youth and Black Flag with his signature comic book-like drawings. Pettibon’s work has been exhibited widely throughout the United States and around the world, including an installation of the High Line Billboard in New York and a solo exhibition at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The new album will also be available as limited-edition vinyl, cassettes and CDs – Available HERE. As part of the release of EVERY LOSER, Iggy is offering an exclusive relaunch of legendary fanzine, PUNK Magazine, from founder and legendary editor John Holstrom with a full Iggy issue, which contains an exclusive interview with Iggy by Flea. Iggy originally graced the cover of the John Holstrom Fanzine in July 1976.  Widely acknowledged as one of the most influential artists and dynamic live performers of all time, Iggy Pop is a singer, songwriter, musician, author, record producer, DJ, and actor whose epic body of work has earned him both worldwide critical acclaim and fanatic cult success. Beginning in 1967 with his era-defining group The Stooges, Pop merged primal rock, blues, and free jazz into something altogether dangerous and new, paving the way for punk, post-punk, hard rock, and grunge. His landmark solo career – which kicked off with 1977’s David Bowie-produced The Idiot and Lust For Life – has seen Pop traverse a stunning span of musical genres, inspiring generation after generation of rock ‘n rollers with his iconoclastic songcraft, uncompromising performance style, and one-of-a-kind charisma. Perhaps the greatest living embodiment of rock & roll, Pop has never slowed down, pushing the art form forward for more than half a century, including his most recent full length recording, 2019’s contemplative, critically acclaimed Free.  Andrew Watt’s diverse array of credits includes work with Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Ozzy Osbourne and more. In 2021 he was honored with the GRAMMY® Award for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, and recently produced Ozzy Osbourne’s #1 Billboard Chart-topping album Patient Number 9, as well as the single “Hold Me Closer,” the highly anticipated hit collaboration by Britney Spears and Elton John. At the top of 2022, Watt produced the entirety of Eddie Vedder’s critically acclaimed solo release Earthling, and in February, he landed two genre-bending hits on the Hot 100 in The Kid LAROI’s “Thousand Miles” and Ed Sheeran and Lil Baby’s “2step.” Beyond his producing and songwriting, Watt had the honor of joining Eddie Vedder on tour as part of his all-star side project, The Earthlings. EVERY LOSER – IGGY POP 1. Frenzy 2. Strung Out Johnny 3. New Atlantis 4. Modern Day Rip Off 5. Morning Show 6. The News For Andy 7. Neo Punk 8. All The Way Down 9. Comments 10. My Animus Interlude 11. The Regency Credit: Vincent Guignet

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre Through January 29th, 2023

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

HOLIDAY RUN OF 

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS 

AT THEO UBIQUE CABARET THEATRE 

The production features an all femme directing team with director Landree Fleming, choreographer Jenna Schoppe, and music director Isabella Isherwood.

Check out Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre's “Hard Candy Christmas” holiday hoedown production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. The award-winning musical comedy later adapted into the cult film starring Dolly Parton will play at Theo’s Howard Street Theatre December 2, 2022 through January 29, 2023. Please note there are no performances December 22-25, 2022 and January 1, 2023. The creative team reunites director Landree Fleming (she/her) with choreographer Jenna Schoppe (she/her), who led the critically celebrated Theo production of Once Upon a Mattress last season. Music Director Isabella Isherwood (she/her) makes her debut with the company.

"I am over the moon excited to share The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with audiences. If you're a fan of Dolly Parton, then you've most likely seen the beloved cult classic film, and our staged Whorehouse will be completely fresh and immersive!” says Fleming. “We're going to entertain the boots off y'all and pay homage to the world's oldest profession, while artfully navigating and shining a light on society's penchant for cyclical, hypocritical witch hunts. Quite frankly, I'm a big fan, and I can't wait for audiences to visit the Ranch."

The cast lauds many Chicago and Theo favorites including Anne Sheridan Smith (she/they) as the owner of the chicken ranch, Miss Mona, with Cynthia F. Carter (she/her) as Miss Jewel and Marc Prince (he/him) as Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd. The talented company includes Teddy Gales (he/him), David Blakeman (he/they), Chamaya Moody (she/her), Michaela Shapiro (they/them), Halle Bins (she/her), Kaitlin Feely (she/her), Laura Quiñones (she/her), Quinn Simmons (they/them), Brandon Acosta (he/him), Michael Penick (he/him), Bruce Holtman (he/him) and standby Miss Mona Khaki Pixley (she/her).

Bringing the chicken ranch to Theo’s intimate Howard Street Theatre will be scenic designer Manuel Ortiz (he/him), lighting designer Josiah Croegaert (he/him), costume designer Gregory Graham (he/him), properties designer Lonnae Hickman (she/her), and sound designer Stefanie Senior (she/her). The production team also includes production manager Molly Smith (they/them), stage manager Michelle Levinson (she/they), assistant director Lillian Castillo

(she/her), assistant choreographer/swing J Alan (J/she), technical director Carl Herzog (he/him), audio engineer Isaac Mandel (he/him) and scenic painter Cassie Gant (she/her).

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a musical with a book by Texas author Larry L. King and Peter Masterson and music and lyrics by Carol Hall. It is based on a story by King that was inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. 

Tickets can be purchased online at theo-u.com or via phone at 773-939-4101. Single tickets are $35 for preview performances, and range $45-$55 during the regular run of performances. Box office hours are Wednesday-Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. In addition to single tickets, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is also available as a part of a three-pack subscription offer that includes the remaining shows in the season The Threepenny Opera and Passing Strange. Theo continues to offer its one-stop dinner and theatrical experience with pre-show dinner courtesy of a local restaurant to be announced! All performances take place at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre located at 721 Howard Street in Evanston.

Previews: Dec. 2-10 (Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 6:00pm) Run: Dec., 12-Jan. 29 (Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 6:00pm) Please note: No performances Dec. 22-25 and Jan. 1

Nominated for 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this bawdy-but-wholesome crowd- pleaser skewers pretension, celebrates life and touches the heartstrings. Miss Mona, the madam of a beloved Texas whorehouse, finds her business suddenly under attack from a television evangelist and local politicians. A raucous, red-blooded, hilarious musical comedy about a "Lil Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place," Whorehouse took Broadway by storm and continues to enthrall audiences worldwide.

ABOUT THEO UBIQUE

Theo Ubique was founded in 1997 by Artistic Director Fred Anzevino. Productions were first staged at the Heartland Studio Theatre, and from 2004 to May 2018, at No Exit Café, where the company began focusing on musicals and revues, reigniting the cabaret theatre trend in Chicago. The company moved to the Howard Street Theatre, a venue owned and developed for Theo Ubique by the City of Evanston, in fall of 2018. Theo Ubique has produced more than 60 shows and won 64 Jeff Awards, having received 154 nominations. The company also earned three After Dark Awards. www.theo-u.com

The Den Theatre Presents Comedian CAMERON ESPOSITO December 30 & 31, 2022 on The Heath Mainstage

  ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

The Den Theatre Presents Comedian

CAMERON ESPOSITO

December 30 & 31, 2022 on The Heath Mainstage

Plus: Ring in 2023 at “The Den’s New Year’s Laughin’ Eve”

The Den Theatre is pleased to welcome back comedian Cameron Esposito, performing two stand-up shows December 30 & 31, 2022 on The Heath Mainstage, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood Tickets are currently available at thedentheatre.com or by calling (773) 697-3830. Regular, mezzanine and VIP table seating available. Drink service is provided for all seats (two drink minimum).

Following Cameron’s December 31 performance, ring in 2023 at The Den’s New Year’s Laughin’ Eve, featuring additional comedy performances by Chicago favorites Lucia Whalen and Nate Armbruster, music from DJ Thee David Davis and a midnight toast with a surprise drag queen! Admission ($47 including fees) includes two cocktails and a midnight champagne toast! Purchase a ticket to Cameron’s NYE show and check your email confirmation for a code that unlocks a 50% discount on tickets to the party.

Cameron Esposito is an award-winning standup comic, actor, podcaster and bestselling author. Cameron most recently appeared in HBOMax's Moonshot and ABC's A Million Little Things. Cameron's new hour is about divorce, self-acceptance and butthole surgery.

 

Performance schedule:

Friday, December 30 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, December 31 at 8:30 pm (followed by The Den’s New Year’s Laughin’ Eve)

 

COVID safety: Effective November 21, 2022, The Den Theatre will no longer require patrons to offer proof of vaccination for COVID-19 to gain entry into the facility. For the most up-to-date information on our venue’s COVID precautions, please visit thedentheatre.com/covid19-policy.

 

About The Den Theatre

The Den Theatre opened in 2010 in the Wicker Park neighborhood with just a single theatre space. Now celebrating its thirteenth year, Co-owners Ryan Martin and Carol Cohen, along with their talented and dynamic staff, have developed The Den into a multi-level, live entertainment venue that boasts five intimate and unique theaters ranging from 50 – 300 seats. In addition, the first floor houses The Den Bar & Lounge – a full-service bar where audiences gather before and after performances to share a drink and commune with like-minded culture-hounds. Today, The Den is focused on providing world-class stand-up comedy and cultivating its first love – the theatre. The Den is home to six resident theatre companies including About Face Theatre, The Artistic Home, Broken Nose Theatre, First Floor Theater, Haven and The New Coordinates. Hundreds of other companies, artists and comedians from Chicago and beyond have called The Den home – from national names to local stars, and The Den consistently plays host to a lineup of exciting and diverse talent. As a building created for interdisciplinary arts, The Den has accommodated a wide variety of programming, including plays, musicals, stand-up comedy, improv, dance, film screenings, seminars and speaking engagements. For additional information, visit thedentheatre.com.