Displaying items by tag: McKenzie Chinn

Definition Theatre is proud to present the Amplify World Premiere of Keerah, a quick-witted dramedy by playwright Netta Walker and directed by McKenzie Chinn. Keerah will run from May 29 to June 28, 2026 at Definition @ 55th (1160 E. 55th St, Chicago, IL). Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now through definitiontheatre.org.

Two aspiring young writers meet in a Chicago neighborhood on the cusp of gentrification. Ciara, a Black American poet, and Cormac, an Irish writer on a J1 visa. They connect over their shared love of language, literature, and the art of cruelty. What begins as fun flirtation transforms into an intense summer romance—until immigration, bad decisions, and unspoken truths tear them apart.

Seven years later, now a successful TV writer in London, Ciara faces an unexpected reunion when a journalist named Dedalus arrives to interview her about her hit series—a series based on their relationship. Inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, this quick-witted dramedy asks: Can you rewrite the past? Should you? And what happens when the person you immortalized shows up to confront you?

The cast features Netta Walker, Cat Christmas, Beck Nolan, and Jacob Coggshall.

The production team includes Director McKenzie Chinn, Assistant Director Ireon Roach, Production Manager Jordan Stewart-Curet, Stage Manager Ariel Beller, Scenic Designer Isa Noe, Costume Designer Janelle Smith, Lighting Designer Garrett Bell, Sound Designer Aaron Harris Woodstein, Props Designer Cecilia Chan, and Intimacy Director Jyreika Guest.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Keerah

Dates: May 29 – June 28, 2026

Previews: May 29 – June 2, 2026

Location: Definition @ 55th | 1160 E. 55th Street, Chicago, IL

Tickets: On sale now at definitiontheatre.org

ABOUT DEFINITION THEATRE

Definition Theatre has been a vibrant force for over a decade, celebrating stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, Definition expands perspectives, stewards resources, and bridges the possibilities found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education. Known for bold and impactful productions, we've brought to life plays by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, Pulitzer Prize-winners James Ijames and Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. We strive to promote equity, foster empathy, and enhance the quality of life for our community members by offering opportunities for creative, entrepreneurial, and cultural expression. Our work emphasizes collaboration in theater-making and raises awareness of career paths in the arts. In 2024, Definition leased and equipped a storefront space in Hyde Park, enabling us to engage artists and expand programs as we prepare for our permanent home in Woodlawn on the southside of Chicago. This new theater, community center, and business incubator will amplify and preserve BIPOC voices, promote social justice, and empower the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to drive positive progress through the transformative power of the arts.

Definition Ensemble members include: Adia Alli, Owais Ahmed, Ariel Beller, Jared Bellot, Carley Cornelius, Ari Craven, Julie Jachym, Willow James, Martasia Jones, Slick Jorgensen, Yeaji Kim, Kristy Hall, James Ijames, Julie Jachym, Willow James, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Victor Musoni, Neel McNeill, Sophiyaa Nayar, Karyn Oates, Alexandra Oparka, Julian Parker, Maya Vinice Prentiss, Tyrone Phillips, Ireon Roach, Jacqueline Rosas, Christopher Sheard, and Dujon Smith.

Definition Artistic Advisory Board members include: director May Adrales, Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas, actress Shannon Cochran, actor Brandon Dirden, actor Jason Dirden, actor Jon Michael Hill, director Pam Mackinnon, Equity Quotient CEO Keryl McCord, professor JW Morrissette, director Ron OJ Parson, professor/lighting designer Kathy Perkins, media producer and host Troy Osborne Pryor, Tony Award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad, and Goodman Theatre director in residence Chuck Smith. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director, Neel McNeill is the Executive Director, Willow James is the Civic Engagement Director. For additional information, visit definitiontheatre.org and @definitiontheatre on Facebook and Instagram #stayinit

If you follow the Chicago theater scene, you’ve likely heard about local playwright Ike Holter. His Rightlynd series has been appearing in near rapid succession at various theatre companies around town. The Rightlynd saga concludes its seven-play series at the Goodman in a new play called 'Lottery Day'. Accomplished local director, Lili-Ann Brown and a cast of entirely Chicago faces make this production an authentic experience.If you follow the Chicago theater scene, you’ve likely heard about local playwright Ike Holter. His Rightlynd series has been appearing in near rapid succession at various theatre companies around town. The Rightlynd saga concludes its seven-play series at the Goodman in a new play called 'Lottery Day'. Accomplished local director, Lili-Ann Brown and a cast of entirely Chicago faces make this production an authentic experience.

Rightlynd is a fictional ward on Chicago's south side that has undergone many changes as a result of gentrification. In 'Lottery Day' many characters from the rest of Holter's plays gather for a final barbeque in matriarchal character Mallory's (J. Nicole Brooks) backyard. This isn’t just any barbeque for Mallory, she's decided to play a little game with her ten guests. One of them will leave with a large sum of money. 

'Lottery Day' plays out like peak-era Edward Albee. The structure of the game and the poetic ways Holter's characters play verbal tennis make this a satisfying watch. Often playwrights miss the real spirit of Chicago. Holter hits Chicago life on the head for anyone who's spent a good chunk of time living here. That spirit is further distilled through the lens of particularly underserved citizens. Local references don't feel clunky or jammed in. These are conversations you'd really hear. 

An all Chicago cast gives this play an edge. Here are actors who are not only familiar with each other but have a palpable chemistry. Within minutes of McKenzie Chinn's entrance as Cassandra, she shares a touching moment with Mallory. A simple gesture of affection feels so real that it makes you misty. Sydney Charles takes most of the laughs as Zora, but again, her scenes with Chinn feel so real you'll want more. There's not a bad performance on this stage. This cast is having so much fun together, it's almost an invitation for the audience to join their party. 

'Lottery Day' is an exciting moment in Chicago theatre. It seemed like everyone in the intimate Owen space was having a good time. The laughs and celebration of Chicago, as well as urban life, create a sense of community in the two-and-a-half-hour production. Those with a deep knowledge of pop culture and theatre in general will find plenty of shout outs to chuckle about. See this play if for no other reason than it will give you compassion for everyone you encounter in a day in this unique city. 'Lottery Day' is a love letter to a Chicago we are losing year by year as neighborhoods go from bad to "safe". 

Through April 28th at Goodman Theatre. 170 N Dearborn. 312-444-3821