
Open Space Arts has announced it will stage the Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, from April 3 through 19. A THIRD WAY is a sharply funny, deeply compassionate new play that reimagines what love, marriage, and family can look like in the 21st century. Winner of the Del Shores Foundation Playwriting Award, the play received its acclaimed world premiere in 2024 at Actor's Express in Atlanta, where it was praised for its emotional honesty, contemporary relevance, and nuanced queer storytelling. ARTSATL said, it was "deeply introspective" in addition to having "some truly hilarious moments, with a playful energy throughout." Open Space Arts' founder David G. Zak, who was recently nominated for the Jeff Awards for Direction – Short Run Production for OSA's MR. PARKER, will direct a cast to be announced. A THIRD WAY will play in Open Space Arts' intimate 25-seat theatre at 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago.
At the center of the play are Nico and Matt, a married couple committed to building a relationship that exists outside traditional binaries. When familiar figures from the past and unexpected new connections enter their world, long-standing assumptions are quietly—and sometimes explosively—challenged.
With humor, warmth, and razor-sharp insight, A THIRD WAY explores the fragile balance between desire and responsibility, freedom and commitment. Rather than offering easy answers, the play invites audiences to sit inside uncertainty, asking what it really means to choose love when there are no clear rules.
Intimate in scale but expansive in implication, A THIRD WAY speaks to contemporary audiences navigating evolving definitions of partnership, family, and belonging—without telling them what to think.
Open Space Arts' A THIRD WAY will open Friday, April 3 at 7:30 pm and play through Sunday, April 19, 2026. Performances will be at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson in Chicago. Tickets are $30 and are on sale now at www.openspacearts.org.
LISTING INFORMATION
A THIRD WAY
By Lee Osorio
CHICAGO PREMIERE
Directed by David G. Zak
April 3-19, 2026
Opening Friday, April 3 at 7:30 pm
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm
Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago
Tickets $30.00 general admission, $25.00 students and seniors. On sale now at www.openspacearts.org.
Nico and Matt are a married couple committed to building a relationship that exists outside traditional binaries. When familiar figures from the past and unexpected new connections enter their world, long-standing assumptions are quietly—and sometimes explosively—challenged. With humor, warmth, and razor-sharp insight, A THIRD WAY explores the fragile balance between desire and responsibility, freedom and commitment. Rather than offering easy answers, the play invites audiences to sit inside uncertainty, asking what it really means to choose love when there are no clear rules.
Intimate in scale but expansive in implication, A THIRD WAY speaks to contemporary audiences navigating evolving definitions of partnership, family, and belonging—without telling them what to think.
Celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian Heritage Month with Asian American Arts' EVOLUTION: ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL, May 2 and 3
Filament Theatre announces world premiere of Farewell Opportunity
Her Story Theatre's World Premiere "THE OFFICAL BIOGRAPHY" - Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm at The Den Theatre
TimeLine Theatre Company announces inaugural season at new Uptown home
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.