Lookingglass Theatre Company, in keeping with its celebrated tradition of bringing to life Ensemble-created new work, presents the world premiere of White Rooster, written and directed by Ensemble Member Matthew C. Yee (Lucy & Charlie's Honeymoon). Drawing from a personal family story rooted in early 1900s China, Yee's inventive and haunting play with music reimagines an American ghost town in a way only Lookingglass can, weaving together puppetry, movement, song, and folklore. Single tickets to the production, which runs March 5 – April 12, 2026, start at $33 and are available for purchase at www.lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at 312.337.0665. Formal invitations to follow.

White Rooster is a darkly funny tale of love, loss and the strange things we inherit. After a family tragedy, Min is pulled into a world of restless spirits, old curses and mysterious traditions. Her fiancé won't stay dead, her sister won't stay buried and a rooster won't be ignored. Blending spooky folklore with offbeat humor, White Rooster is a haunting tale of grief, family and the messiness of moving on.

"I started writing White Rooster after hearing an old family story that I had never known about my Great Grandfather, who was an orphan, being adopted as the "son" of two deceased children who were bonded together via a ghost marriage," comments Matthew C. Yee. "This discovery lead me down a rabbit hole filled with weird traditions, spooky folk tales, terrifying deities and unintentionally hilarious demons. I decided to set White Rooster in a fictional American ghost town, specifically one that was originally founded by long-gone Chinese gold miners. What if the people that were left behind were not only influence by the physical world created by those Chinese immigrants, but also the spiritual world?"

"Matt always finds fascinating roots upon which to build incredible stories. He writes deep and tragic narratives that radiate his unique sense of humor," comments Artistic Director Kasey Foster. "The theatrical elements of puppetry and movement, conventions as old as Lookingglass and beyond, are somehow terribly new under Matt's direction. I have swooned at every part of the White Rooster development process. This new and original work is inventive, collaborative, and transformative. Nothing has ever felt more Lookingglass."

About Matthew C. Yee
Matthew Yee (he/him) is a playwright, composer, actor, and musician living in Chicago, IL. Much of his work focuses on the Asian American experience, and features actor-musicianship, movement, and puppetry. His original musical Lucy And Charlie's Honeymoon premiered at Lookingglass Theatre in 2023, where he is an ensemble member. His new play White Rooster, which transposes Chinese folklore into an Americana setting, will have its world premiere this spring at Lookingglass. Lookingglass acting credits include: Treasure Island, Moby Dick, and Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon. He has performed at Writers Theatre, Steppenwolf, Court Theatre, Paramount, Berkeley Rep, The Old Globe, Alliance Theatre, and on Broadway in Almost Famous: The Musical.

Membership and Groups Information
Lookingglass Theatre Company's popular Memberships are now on sale, offering the lowest guaranteed ticket prices plus a host of exclusive perks. Members receive tickets to every Lookingglass production this season, including White Rooster and Untitled Vampire Play, along with free drinks at each performance, 15% off additional tickets, bar purchases, and merchandise, unlimited ticket exchanges, priority booking, and automatic entry into the company's biannual raffle. Members also enjoy 15% off Lookingglass camps and classes, and bonus savings on group sales.

New this year, Memberships now include tickets to GglassFest '26, Lookingglass's inaugural New Works Festival, and flexible group membership options. Audiences can join solo or build their own ensemble group of up to 4 patrons with four package levels: Solo ($140), Duo ($280), Trio ($420), and Party Pack ($560). Every Membership package includes all ticketing benefits, bar bonuses, and exclusive perks for each member of the group—making it the most immersive, flexible, and rewarding way to experience Lookingglass all season long.

Lookingglass Theatre Company offers group ticket discounts for parties of 10 or more, providing savings of up to 25% off regular ticket prices. Group ticket packages include priority access to tickets before public on-sale, best-available seating, and flexible payment plans based on group needs. Additional benefits may include post-show discussions at select performances, educational resource guides, and pre-show restaurant and hotel recommendations, offering planning support and contextual resources for groups attending performances at Lookingglass Theatre Company.

Accessibility at Lookingglass Theatre Company

Lookingglass Theatre Company is committed to making its performances accessible to all audiences. Each mainstage production offers open captioning, audio-described performances with Touch Tours,, and mask-required performances. For White Rooster, open captioning will be April 3, 2026 at 7:30PM, the audio-described performance with Touch Tour will be April 9, 2026 at 7:30PM (Touch Tour at 6:30PM), and the mask-required performance will be March 25, 2026 at 7:30PM. Discounted $35 tickets are available for each performance using the codes CAPTION, AUDIO, and MASK, respectively.

An accessible entrance is located on Pearson Street, west of the main entrance at 163 E. Pearson Street. The Joan and Paul Theatre is fully accessible via elevator or ramp, with seating available on the ground floor and balcony for patrons using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility aids. Assistive Listening Devices, sensory bags, and large-print programs are available for all performances, and accessible group sales offer up to 25% off for parties of 10 or more.

For assistance with accessible seating, tickets, or accommodations, contact the Box Office at 312.337.0665 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

FACT SHEET / White Rooster  

Title:                                        White Rooster  

Written and Directed by:         Ensemble Member Matthew C. Yee

Dates:                                      

Previews:  March 5 – 13, 2026

Regular run: March 15 – April 12, 2026

Community Nights: March 12, 22; April 9, 2026

Schedule:                                

Wednesdays:               7:30 p.m.

Thursdays:                   2:00 p.m. (except March 5 & 12) and 7:30 p.m.

 Fridays:                       7:30 p.m.

Saturdays:                    2:00 p.m. (except March 7 & 14) and 7:30 p.m. (except March 14)

Sundays:                      2:00 p.m. 

Accessible Performances:   Open Caption – April 3, 2026 at 7:30pm

Audio Described/Touch Tour – April 19, 2026 at 7:30pm Touch tour starts at 6:30p.m.

Masks Required – March 25, 2026 at 7:30pm    

Box Office:  Buy online at lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at (312) 337-0665

The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave.

Notes of Interest:

• Playwright and Lookingglass Ensemble Member Matthew C. Yee's first play Lucy & Charlie's Honeymoon premiered at Lookingglass in 2023. As an actor, he has appeared at Writers Theatre, Steppenwolf, Court Theatre, Paramount, Berkeley Rep, The Old Globe, Alliance Theatre, and on Broadway in Almost Famous: The Musical. White Rooster marks his directorial premiere.
• Lookingglass continues its artistic mission of creating and producing new, ensemble-based works. White Rooster includes the work of several ensemble members making their mark on the American theater and the company's legacy.

• Lookingglass, a destination arts hub for programming and community engagement on Michigan Ave., welcomes audience members through its new, community lobby space.

About Lookingglass Theatre Company

Founded in 1988 by graduates of Northwestern University, Lookingglass Theatre Company is a nationwide leader in the creation and presentation of new, cutting-edge theatrical works and in sharing its ensemble-based theatrical techniques with Chicago-area students and teachers through Education and Community Programs. Guided by an artistic vision centered on the core values of collaboration, transformation and invention, Lookingglass seeks to capture audiences' imaginations leaving them changed, charged and empowered. Recipient of the 2011 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, Lookingglass has built a national reputation for artistic excellence and ensemble-based theatrical innovation. Notable world premieres include Mary Zimmerman's Tony Award-winning Metamorphoses and The Odyssey, J. Nicole Brooks' Her Honor Jane Byrne, David Schwimmer's adaptation of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Studs Terkel's Race: How Blacks and Whites Think and Feel about the American Obsession, Matthew C. Yee's Lucy and Charlie's Honeymoon and David Catlin's circus tribute to Lewis Carroll, Lookingglass Alice, which was captured by HMS Media and reached 1.6 million PBS viewers. Looking Alice is now available to more than four million students worldwide through Digital Theatre+. Work created by Lookingglass artists has been produced in Australia, Europe and dozens of cities throughout the United States.

World renowned ambassadors of Dance and Culture, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to its Chicago home – The Auditorium, Chicago's Landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive – with four dynamic performances debuting six new works, April 24-26, 2026.  Marking its 57^th Chicago engagement at The Auditorium, the company will perform two distinct programs, each featuring Chicago premieres and a finale of the must-see Alvin Ailey masterpiece Revelations. Tickets start at $46 and are now available at auditoriumtheatre.org, by calling 312.341.2300, or at the Box Office at 50 E Ida B Wells Drive in Chicago.  

In 1958, Alvin Ailey and a small group of dancers took the stage in New York and forever changed American dance and culture. One of the country's groundbreaking greats, Ailey's company earned a reputation as one of the finest international ambassadors of American culture, promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of American modern dance in a universal celebration of the human spirit.

The curtain has risen on AILEY's next era under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, the renowned dancer and educator, guided as ever by Alvin Ailey's pioneering legacy. Ms. Graf Mack was introduced to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater under the direction of Judith Jamison and became widely celebrated for her dance artistry. The Company's 32 extraordinary dancers, renowned for their unrivaled artistry, technique, and spirit, include five from the Windy City area: Solomon Dumas (Chicago); Isaiah Day (Chicago); Donnie Duncan Jr. (Carrier Mills, IL);  Renaldo Maurice (Gary, IN); and Sarah Daley-Perdomo (South Elgin, IL). The two dynamic programs include the Chicago debuts of world premieres from the recent season launch at New York City Center by frequent AILEY collaborator Jamar Roberts, along with contemporary choreographers Maija García, Fredrick Earl Mosley, Matthew Neenan; a new production by the late Judith Jamison, former AILEY Artistic Director; and a company premiere by Medhi Walerski.

"The Auditorium welcomes Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to our landmark stage each year with tremendous pride, privilege and gratitude.  This April, to conclude our 2025-26 Celebrating Women Leaders in Dance season, we look forward to showcasing AILEY under the company's new Artistic Director, Alicia Graf Mack.  With two different programs over four performances comes the opportunity for our guests to experience works by many of the most important choreographers in the world of dance today.  This weekend is certain to be a special addition to Chicago's Spring arts season!" said The Auditorium CEO Rich Regan. 

"This monumental season draws deeply on Alvin Ailey's legacy rooted in celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, while extending its truth and bold virtuosity to reflect this moment in time and our hopes for the future. It is an honor to be a caretaker of this ever-changing continuum of inspiration, which is a living testament to the vitality of the tradition Mr. Ailey gave us and the gifts of spirit that Judith Jamison so lovingly nurtured. Along with Matthew Rushing and the company of brilliant dancers whose artistry moves us all, I am proud and excited to be taking our next steps forward on The Auditorium stage, where I and generations of company members have cherished sharing Alvin Ailey's gift to the world with Chicago audiences." said AILEY Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack.

The programs for the 2026 Chicago engagement of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are as follows:  

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, AT 7:30 P.M. & SATURDAY, APRIL 25, AT 7:30 P.M. 

Blink of an Eye (2025) In an intriguing piece that probes the relationship between dance and music, choreographer Medhi Walerski lays bare the strength and vulnerability inherent in the creative process. The timeless beauty of J.S. Bach's violin sonatas and partita anchors the athletic movement that is both precise and expansive. 

A Case of You (2005) A new production of this sensual duet—an excerpt from Judith Jamison's 2005 Reminiscin'—is an emotionally intense showstopper danced to Diana Krall's sultry rendition of the classic Joni Mitchell song. 

Embrace (2025) Choreographer Fredrick Earl Mosley examines the ups and downs of human connections—messy, beautiful, and everything in between. Set to popular songs by Stevie Wonder, Kate Bush, Ed Sheeran, Des'ree, and Pink, this piece explores what it takes to love deeply, heal fully, and embrace the journey with open arms.  

Revelations (1960) Performed to African American spirituals, song-sermons, gospel songs, and holy blues, Alvin Ailey's Revelations fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. More than just a popular dance work, it has become a cultural treasure, beloved by generations of fans. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, AT 1:00 P.M. & SUNDAY, APRIL 26, AT 3:00 P.M.

Jazz Island (2025) In Maija García's first work for AILEY, a Caribbean folktale comes to life through ancestral rhythms and divine intervention. Inspired by Geoffrey Holder's "Black Gods, Green Islands" and featuring an original score by Etienne Charles, this theatrical staging explores the spiritual dimensions of human drama and the connective force of love across the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.  Adapted from Black Gods, Green Islands by Geoffrey Holder. Created in collaboration with the artists of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 

Difference Between (2025) Matthew Neenan's choreographic debut with AILEY features his signature wild abandon and gestural playfulness. Acclaimed singer and composer Heather Christian (a 2025 MacArthur Foundation Fellow) contributes her raw power to an intricate world of strange tensions, potent griefs, and quiet loves.  

Song of the Anchorite (2025) Renowned Ailey choreographer Jamar Roberts gives a fresh take on the 1961 solo Hermit Songs, Alvin Ailey's reaction to a set of medieval religious texts and the haunting song cycle by Samuel Barber that they inspired. The result is a powerful meditation on passion and devotion—both earthly and spiritual—danced to jazz trumpeter Avishai Cohen's interpretation of a Ravel adagio. 

Revelations

In addition to these four public performances, the Company will present two student matinees at The Auditorium, reaching thousands of youths with an inspiring excerpt of Ronald K. Brown's Grace – a fervent tour-de-force depicting individuals on a journey to the promised land – on Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, at 11 a.m.   

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs at The Auditorium Friday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 25, at 1 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 26, at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $46 and are now  available at auditoriumtheatre.org/events, by calling 312.341.2300, or at the Box Office at 50 E Ida B Wells Drive in Chicago, IL.

About Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by US Congressional resolution as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World," grew from a now-fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Forged during a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, the company was established to uplift the African American experience while transcending boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. Before his untimely death in 1989, Mr. Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor, and for 21 years she brought the company to unprecedented success. Alicia Graf Mack, widely celebrated for her dance artistry during her years with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, was appointed Artistic Director of AILEY as of July 1, 2025. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on six continents, promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. In addition to being the Principal Dance Company of New York City Center, where its performances have become a year-end holiday tradition, and its long Auditorium history, the Ailey company performs annually at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA, and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark (where it is the Principal Resident Affiliate), and appears frequently in other major theaters throughout the world during extensive tours. AILEY also includes Ailey II (1974), a second performing company of emerging young dancers and innovative choreographers; The Ailey School (1969), one of the most extensive dance training programs in the world; Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs (1992), which brings dance into the classrooms, communities, and lives of people of all ages; and Ailey Extension (2005), a program offering dance and fitness classes to the general public, which began with the opening of Ailey's permanent home— the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the dance capital of the world— named The Joan Weill Center for Dance, at 55th Street at 9th Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit ailey.org

Bank of America is Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Global Tour Sponsor

About The Auditorium

The Auditorium, located at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive in Chicago, is an Illinois not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community, and educational programming to all of Chicago and beyond as The Theatre for the People. The organization also is committed to the continued restoration and preservation of this National Historic Landmark that originally opened in 1889.

The Auditorium is grateful for the support of its 2025-26 Dance sponsors The Florian Fund, with additional support provided by Alphawood Foundation Chicago. The Auditorium 2025-26 Season is made possible in part by support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The Auditorium's official hotel partner is the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel.

The Auditorium thanks Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Student Matinee Sponsors Denise Littlefield Sobel, Mike Aden and James D. Miller, Deborah and Bruce Crown, and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation, and Opening Night Sponsor Helen Hall Melchior.   

For more information on The Auditorium, please visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the first production of its 2026 season, CATS, in the North Theatre, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, March 5 - 29, 2026. CATS, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical CATS” by T.S. Eliot, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is directed and choreographed by Mandy Modic and music directed by Linda Madonia. The production includes a preview performance Thursday, Mar. 5 at 7:30 p.m., with a press opening Friday, Mar. 6 at 7 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. Memberships for the 2026 season are also available at MusicTheaterWorks.com and group discounts for 10 or more people are available by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Music Theater Works kicks off its 46th season with CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s electrifying, Tony Award-winning musical. In this immersive production set in a larger-than-life British flat, audiences may join the magical and all encompassing world of the Jellicle cats as they gather for the annual Jellicle Ball, where one will be chosen for a new life. Through a series of dazzling musical numbers, each cat shares their story— from the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger, to the mysterious Macavity, and the once-glamorous Grizabella. Featuring unforgettable songs, breathtaking choreography, and a whimsical atmosphere, CATS is a celebration of life, community and the power of memory.

The cast of CATS includes Ava Lane Stovall (she/her, Grizabella); Luther Lewis (he/him, Old Deuteronomy); Nick Johnson (he/him, Mr. Mistoffelees/U/S Munkustrap); Ethan Lupp (he/him, Rum Tum Tugger); Daniel Hurst (he/him, Munkustrap); Sterling Ford (he/him, Macavity/Plato/Rumpus); Molly Bremer (she/her, Jellylorum); John Cardone (he/him, Bustopher Jones/Asparagus); Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor (she/her, Demeter); Danny Spagnuolo (he/him, Skimbleshanks); Emma Jean Eastlund (she/her, Bombalurina); Morgan Schoenecker (she/her, Jennyanydots); Alex Villaseñor (he/him, Mungojerrie); Madison Jaffe-Richter (she/her, Rumpleteazer); Irene Lo (she/her, Sillabub/U/S Victoria); Tola Abitogum (he/him, Tumblebrutus/U/S Skimbleshanks/Mungojerrie); Mikala Curless (she/her, Victoria); J'Nae Howard (she/her, Electra); Ciara Jarvis (she/her, Tantomile/U/S Demeter); Albert Johnston (he/him, Coricopat/U/S Rum Tum Tugger); Mia Hilt (she/her, Cassandra/U/S Rumpleteazer); Emily Ann Brooks (she/her, Carbuckety/U/S Jennyanydots/Jellylorum, Dance Captain); Alex Iaobucci (he/him, Pouncival/U/S Macavity); Whitney Turner (she/her, Exotica/U/S Bombalurina/Sillabub); Raymond Cam Truong (he/him, Alonzo/U/S Mr. Mistoffelees); Rachael Dec (she/her, Off Stage Chorus Alto/U/SCarbuckety/Cassandra/Tantomile); Andrew John Baker (he/him, Off Stage Chorus Tenor/U/S Tumblebrutus/Pouncival/Alonzo/Coricopat); Jake Elkins (he/him, Off Stage Chorus Bass/U/S Deuteronomy/Bustopher Jones/Gus) and Mai Hartwich (she/her, U/S Grizabella).

CATS’ creative team includes Mandy Modic (she/her, director/choreographer); Linda Madonia (she/her, music director); Alina Lowenstein (they/them, assistant music director); Jordan Beyeler (she/her, assistant choreographer); Danielle H. Gennaoui (she/her, circus artist); Jay Donley (he/him, violence choreographer); Amber Wuttkle (she/her, intimacy choreographer); Kathy Logelin (she/her, dialect coach); Rachel Rock (she/her, stage manager); Milo Bue (he/him, scenic designer); Nga Sze Chan (she/her, props designer); kClare McKellaston (she/her, costume designer); Kristen Brinati (she/her, wardrobe head); Melanie Saso (she/her, hair, wig and makeup lead); Adam Jezl-Sikorski (he/him, lighting designer); Jackson Mikkelsen (he/him, head electrician & light board programmer); Anthony Churchill (he/him, media designer); Forrest Gregor (he/him, production sound engineer); Keely Vasquez (she/her, casting director), Chris Chase (he/him, production manager); Katie Meine (she/her, company manager) and Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc (any with respect, producing artistic director). 

CATS Special Events

Post Show Discussions

Audiences are invited to stay after the 2 p.m. performances on Sunday, March 8 and Sunday, March 15 and 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 CATS. Free with your performance ticket, this engaging discussion is perfect for audiences to learn about the production, its history and more.

Binny’s Broadway Lounge

Music Theater Works’ donors of any level and season subscribers are welcome to access Binny’s Broadway Lounge before the performance and at intermission of CATS. Sponsored by Binny’s Beverage Depot, the Lounge is located on the second floor at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie and offers complimentary drinks and snacks. Reservations are not required. The Lounge will be available for CATS, Saturday, Mar. 7 (opens at 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, Mar. 14 (opens at 1 p.m.).

ASL Interpreted Performance

The Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. performance will be ASL interpreted.

ABOUT MANDY MODIC, DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER

Mandy Modic is so excited to return to Music Theater Works where she directed Legally Blonde last year! Some other favorite directing credits include: Guys and Dolls (Berkie Award Winner for Most Outstanding Musical), Matilda and Dear Jack Dear Louise. Some favorite choreographer credits include: Something Rotten! (Berkie Award Winner for Best Choreography), 42nd Street, Beauty and the Beast, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, State Fair, White Christmas, R&H Cinderella, Wedding Singer, Guys and Dolls, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sound of Music and Newsies. Modic is passionate about educational theater and has helped build musical theater programs abroad in Shanghai, China and Lima, Peru. Proud AEA member.  

ABOUT LINDA MADONIA, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Linda Madonia is thrilled to be back at Music Theater Works for CATS where she has previously music directed Guys and Dolls, Shrek, 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 and Music Theater Works. 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 2026 SEASON

The 46th season opens with CATS, March 5 - 29, 2026 and is followed by West Side Story, August 13 - 30, 2026. The season will continue with Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, October 8 - November 1, 2026 and concludes with Hairspray, December 17, 2026 - January 3, 2027. Memberships and single tickets are now available. For more information on the 46th 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. 

Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, continues its 2025/26 Season with Two Sisters and a Piano, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Celebrated Chicago director Lisa Portes joins Writers for the first time to direct. Two Sisters and a Piano will run February 26 – March 29, 2026, in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. Trapped under house arrest, novelist Maria Celia and her sister Sofia can still hear the rumors of the Russians' departure from Cuba in 1991. While awaiting news from Maria Celia's exiled husband and dreaming of their freedom, the two sisters find their small world unexpectedly shaken by the arrival of a romantic young piano tuner and a charismatic military officer infatuated with Maria Celia's writing. Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz (Anna in the Tropics) weaves an authentic tale of oppression, human spirit, and intertwining fates in a world of shifting global politics.    

Tickets are on sale at Writers Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; 847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org.   

"The particular convergence of firsts in this production is exciting to me," said Artistic Director Braden Abraham. "A major contemporary American writer, Nilo Cruz, and a celebrated long-time Chicago director, Lisa Portes, both making their Writers Theatre debuts. Nilo's plays delight on the page, but they are really sensory experiences meant to be experienced on stage. Two Sisters and a Piano combines the palpable heat of an unlikely romance with the high stakes of a political thriller. Nilo has little interest in debate; instead he's interested in the shape of desire, the cost of repression, and the contradictory forces that shape his characters."   

The cast includes Arash Fakhrabadi (Victor Manuel/Understudy Lieutenant Portuondo), Neysha Mendoza Castro (Sofia), Adam Poss (Lieutenant Portuondo), Andrea San Miguel (Maria Celia), Veronica Garrubbo (Understudy Sofia), Richard Gomez (Understudy Militia Guard/Victor Manuel) and Carisa Gonzalez (Understudy Maria Celia).    

The creative team includes: Lisa Portes (Director), Brian Sidney Bembridge (Scenic Designer), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Jason Lynch (Lighting Designer), Andre Pluess (Sound Designer), Jonny Martinez  (Choreographer), Greg Geffrard (Violence & Intimacy Director), and Michelle Lopez-Rios (Dialect Coach), and Francesca Patrón (Assistant Director). The stage manager is Katie Klemme and the assistant stage manager is Olivia Leslie.  

Fact Sheet / Two Sisters and a Piano 

Two Sisters and a Piano   

Written by Nilo Cruz 

Directed by Lisa Portes 

 
Arash Fakhrabadi (Victor Manuel/Understudy Lieutenant Portuondo), Neysha Mendoza Castro (Sofia), Adam Poss (Lieutenant Portuondo), Andrea San Miguel (Maria Celia), Veronica Garrubbo (Understudy Sofia), Richard Gomez (Understudy Militia Guard/Victor Manuel) and Carisa Gonzalez (Understudy Maria Celia).   

Creative Team: Lisa Portes (Director), Brian Sidney Bembridge (Scenic Designer), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Jason Lynch (Lighting Designer), Andre Pluess (Sound Designer), Jonny Martinez (Choreographer), Greg Geffrard (Violence & Intimacy Director), and Michelle Lopez-Rios (Dialect Coach), and Francesca Patrón (Assistant Director). The stage manager is Katie Klemme and the assistant stage manager is Olivia Leslie.   

Dates: First performance: February 26, 2026 

Closing performance: March 29, 2026   

Performance Schedule: 

Wednesdays: 2:00pm and 7:30pm 

Thursdays: 7:30pm  

Fridays: 7:30pm  

Saturdays: 2:00pm and 7:30pm  

Sundays: 2:00pm and 7:00pm   

Open Captioned Performance: Thursday, March 19 at 7:30pm 

ASL-Interpreted Performance: Saturday, March 21 at 2:00pm 

Pay What You Can Performances: Thursday, February 26 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 22 at 7:00pm   

Location: Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe   

Prices:   $35-$95 

Discounts are available for students, educators, theater industry professionals, active military personnel, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and their immediate families. Information is available at: https://www.writerstheatre.org/plan-your-visit/box-office-and-theatre-center/pricing--special-offers   

Box Office: The Box Office is located at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; 847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org   

NOTES OF INTEREST 

• Playwright Nilo Cruz won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his playAnna in the Tropics, making him the first Latino to receive that honor. His opera El último sueño de Frida y Diego will be produced at the Lyric Opera this spring. He is the most produced Cuban-American playwright in the United States.

• Celebrated Chicago director LisaPortes joins Writers for the first time to direct.

• The production features a new prologue to the second act.

• The play is set in Cuba in 1991. It explores themes of oppression, resilience, love, and the power of art through the story of two sisters under house arrest. Two Sisters and a Pianois a poetic drama about resilience, the soul's yearning for liberty, and how art and love struggle to survive within the confines of political oppression.   

• Two Sisters and a Pianowas inspired by the imprisonment of Cuban poet and activist Maria Elena Cruz Varela. 

EVENTS:   

The Green Room: Lisa Portes 

Wednesday, February 4 at 7pm 

Interview with director Lisa Portes about Two Sisters and a Piano 

Lisa Portes is a former Chicagoan who is very excited to make her WT debut with this rarely seen play she has wanted to direct for years. At this event, Lisa will discuss growing up in a Cuban-American family, her love of Nilo Cruz's plays, what was going on in Havana in the early 1990s when the play is set, and what discoveries are happening in the rehearsal room.   

Family Matinee Series 

Saturday, March 14 at 2pm 

Going to the theatre just got a little bit easier for parents and caregivers. Enjoy a Saturday matinee while your young ones engage in active, creative play with WT Education's professional teaching artists at an onsite class. 

The Final Word Audience Discussion 

Sunday, March 29 at 12pm 

Join fellow audience members and WT Artistic staff for a lively, in-person discussion delving into the characters and themes at the heart of Two Sisters and a Piano. 

ABOUT THE ARTISTS 

Nilo Cruz (Playwright) is a Cuban-American playwright who gained national prominence in 2003 when he won the Pulitzer Prize for drama for his play Anna in the Tropics, for which he also received a Tony Award nomination. The immigrant experience is a common theme in many of Cruz's plays and he has become known for his ability to successfully weave strains of magic realism and other literary traditions into his works. In addition to the Pulitzer, he has received numerous awards, including those from the Kennedy Center Fund, American Theatre Critics and the Humana Festival for New American Plays, as well as grants from the National Endowment of the Arts and the Rockefeller Foundation, among others. His plays include Dancing on Her Knees; A Park in Our House; Two Sisters and a Piano; A Bicycle Country; Hortensia and the Museum of Dreams; Lorca in a Green Dress; Beauty of the Father; Hurricane and A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings, as well as translations of Doña Rosita the Spinster; The House of Bernarda Alba; Life Is a Dream and ¡Ay, Carmela! His work has been seen at numerous theaters around the country, including, among others, South Coast Rep, the Mark Taper Forum, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Washington D.C.'s Studio Theatre and New York's Public Theater; and around the world in Canada, England, France, Australia, Germany, Belarus, Costa Rica, Colombia, Japan and Spain. Cruz, who received an M.F.A. from Brown University and an honorary doctorate degree from Whittier College, has twice previously served as a playwright-in-residence: in 2000 for the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, N.J., and in 2001 for the New Theatre in Coral Gables, Florida, which commissioned Anna in the Tropics. Cruz has also taught drama at Yale, Brown and the University of Iowa. During the 2019/20 academic year, he was the Hearst Theater Lab Initiative Distinguished Visiting Playwright-in-Residence at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. He is a member of the New Dramatists.  

Lisa Portes (Director) is an award-winning director, leader, educator and advocate. She is a co-founder of the Latinx Theatre Commons and serves on the board of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and on the Directors Council of the Drama League. Her work has been seen regionally at Cal Shakes, Cincinnati Playhouse, Denver Cetner, Goodman Theatre, Guthrie Theatre, Olney Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Seattle Rep, South Coast Repertory Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre and Victory Gardens Theater. In New York she has developed and/or directed new work for Soho Rep, Playwrights Horizons, The Public, and New York Theatre Workshop. In 2016 she was honored with the SDC Zelda Fichandler Award for Directors and was the first freelance director to be so honored. Recent projects include the world premieres of Laughs in Spanish by Alexis Scheer (Denver Center) and Clean/Espejos by Christine Quintana (South Coast Rep), as well as numerous productions of Quixote Nuevo by Octavio Solis (Denver Center, South Coast Rep, Seattle Rep, Portland Center Stage, and Round House Theatre). She serves as Chair of the UCSD Department of Theatre & Dance. 

Arash Fakhrabadi (Victor Manuel/Understudy Lieutenant Portuondo) is thrilled to be performing in his first show with Writers Theatre. Chicago credits include: A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre ); RUST (Goodman Theatre New Stages),The Thanksgiving Play u/s (Steppenwolf Theatre Company:); Layalina (Goodman Theatre New Stages); Anna in the Tropics (Remy Bumppo Theatre); A Lie of the Mind (Raven Theatre); The Leopard Play or sad songs for lost boys (Steep Theatre). Regional: Laughs in Spanish (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre). Television: Chicago Fire (NBC). 

Neysha Mendoza Castro (Sofia) is a Puerto Rican SAG-E actress and theatre artist born and raised in Puerto Rico. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from University of Puerto Rico and an MFA in Acting from DePaul University in Chicago, where she received extensive training in classical and contemporary theatre. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Neysha brings emotional depth and cultural range to her performances. Recent theatre credits include Fefu and Her Friends, portraying Fefu. On screen, she has appeared as a Guest Star on Chicago P.D. and recently led a Spanish feature film. 

Adam Poss (Lieutenant Portuondo) returns to Writers Theatre after previously appearing in A Doll's House. Broadway credits include Peter Morgan's Patriots (Ethel Barrymore Theatre). Select regional credits include The History Boys (Studio Theatre), Lady Macbeth in Robert O'Hara's all-male Macbeth (Denver Center), Oedipus in Oedipus el Rey and the world premiere of Maduri Shekar's Queen (Victory Gardens), Angelo in Measure for Measure (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), the world premieres of Christopher Shinn's Teddy Ferrara and 2666 (Goodman Theatre), Birthday Candles and Dracula in the world premiere of Dracula (Cincinnati Playhouse), the world premiere of Rajiv Joseph's The North Pool (Theatreworks Silicon Valley) and his The Lake Effect (Silk Road Rising). Select credits include Chicago Med/Fire/PD, Empire, Shameless, Paper Girls and The Big Leap.  

Andrea San Miguel (Maria Celia) previously appeared at Writers Theatre in As You Like It and Twelfth Night. Other Chicago area credits include: Circus Quixote (Lookingglass), The Penelopiad, The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci (Goodman), The Thanksgiving Play (Steppenwolf), Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), How to Defend Yourself (Victory Gardens Theater), Georgiana & Kitty (Northlight). Select Regional Work: Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Old Globe, Guthrie Theater, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Syracuse Stage, Indiana Repertory Theatre, American Players Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse.  

Veronica Garrubbo (Understudy Sofia) is honored to make her Writers Theatre debut. She recently earned her BA in Theatre from Northwestern University and has additionally trained at the British American Drama Academy in London. 

Richard Gomez (Understudy Militia Guard/Victor Manuel)   

Carisa Gonzalez (Understudy Maria Celia) is Chicago-based multidisciplinary performer of Puerto Rican decent, and is honored to be back at Writers after taking over the role of Princess Mary in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Last seen in TUTS Houston's production of In The Heights as Daniela, other favorite regional productions include: Little Women at Geva Theater in NY (Beth/Laurie), The Sound of Music at Paramount Theatre (Maria), and Where Did We Sit on the Bus by Brian Quijada at the Kravis Center and the Arsht Center in Florida (Bee Quijada). 

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS AT WRITERS THEATRE 

Two Sisters and a Piano is followed by the off-Broadway/Broadway hit Job by Max Wolf Friedlich, directed by David Esbjornson. The subscription season caps off with the Midwest and Chicago Premiere of Tom Stoppard's epic, Tony Award-winning play Leopoldstadt, directed by Carey Perloff.  

Writers Theatre is offering a variety of subscriptions with an option for every theatregoer, Flex subscriptions, with options for either four tickets ($280) or five tickets ($350), are still available. 

Season package subscribers receive the new Writers Theatre concierge service for ticket exchanges and questions. Exclusive subscriber benefits include: complimentary ticket exchanges (upgrade fees may apply), special "subscriber-rate" prices on additional tickets, advance access to special events and programs, easy, free parking, exclusive discounts in bar items and merchandise, discounts on rental of Writers Theatre event spaces on Writers Theatre merchandise, event rentals, and more. For a complete list of benefits visit writerstheatre.org. 

Single tickets will go on sale for each show approximately two months prior to first preview. Flex subscriptions and tickets are available online at www.writerstheatre.org, and at the Box Office by calling 847-242-6000. 

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

Writers Theatre offers Open Captioning and ASL-interpretation on select dates for each production. Please visit writerstheatre.org/accessibility for more information. 

Throughout the season, Writers Theatre offers a variety of audience enrichment and special programming. This includes regularly occurring offerings like the Family Matinee Series, The Green Room artist interview series and podcast and The Final Word Audience Discussion Series. Please visit writerstheatre.org for a full listing of upcoming offerings. 

ABOUT WRITERS THEATRE   

Writers Theatre is proud to continue its 34th season. Having captivated audiences for years with its dedication to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called "America's finest regional theater company" by The Wall Street Journal. Under the leadership of Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, the company is charting a path forward for the next 30 years. 

Since its founding in 1992, Writers Theatre has stayed true to its core values: Creating intimate connections through astonishing performances and innovative programs; by activating relationships between artists and community; and by inviting people to gather in our spaces for transformative experiences. The company has produced over 140 productions—everything from inventive interpretations of classics to groundbreaking new work. In 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility designed by the internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects.  

Writers Theatre now welcomes more than 60,000 patrons each season and has helped establish the North Shore of Chicago as a premier cultural destination. Through its Literary Development Initiative, which has been responsible for the nurturing and premiering of over 30 world premieres, the theatre has established itself as a major originator of new theatrical works. Serving as an extension of the Writers Theatre mission, WT Education programs engage an average of 10,000 students each year with active learning opportunities centered around the written word. 

Drury Lane Theatre cordially invites you to the wedding of the season as it opens its 2026/2027 season with Father of the Bride, by Caroline Francke, directed by Michael Heitzman. Heitzman, who last directed Drury Lane's smash-hit production of 42^nd Street, helms this heartwarming comedy, running April 8 – May 31, 2026, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. 

Father of the Bride is the classic comedy that has touched our hearts for decades. Based on the novel that inspired the Elizabeth Taylor and Steve Martin films, this hilarious yet bittersweet play reminds us that sometimes the greatest love a father can give to his daughter is to let her go.

Single tickets, priced $65-$125, go on sale January 16 and are available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at www.drurylanetheatre.com. Groups of 10 or more can receive special group pricing.

Season and Membership Information

The 2026/2027 season includes the wedding of the season in Father of the Bride (April 8 – May 31, 2026); holy hilarity with the Little Sisters of Hoboken in Nunsense (June 10 – August 2, 2026); the toe-tapping tribute to a rock'n'roll pioneer Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (August 19 - October 11, 2026); the heartwarming family classic Annie (November 4, 2026 – January 10, 2027); and the musical office rebellion in heels 9 to 5 (January 27 - March 21, 2027).

Drury Lane Theatre's performance schedule for the 2025/2026 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Lock in your seats for a season of spectacular theatre with Drury Lane's Membership Program! Members have exclusive access to uniquely tailored benefits designed to enrich their Drury Lane experience, all at a cost savings of up to 50% off single ticket prices. Membership includes Tier One seating for all five Drury Lane Theatre productions, free ticket exchanges, dedicated dining credits at Lucille Restaurant, one complimentary Champagne Brunch, exclusive event invitations, Member pre-sales and unlimited single ticket discounts. Membership prices range from $254 - $285. For more information, Call Memberships at 630-570-7280 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Group tickets start at $45 and Student group tickets start at just $35. On-site dining is available at Lucille Restaurant with convenient pre-show or post-show prix fixe menus. To book a group of 10 people or more, call Group Services at 630-570-7272 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Gift certificates to Drury Lane can be purchased in any denomination, never expire, and can be used for performances, at Lucille Restaurant or for Drury Lane Events. Gift certificates can be purchased online at drurylanetheatre.com/gift-certificates or by calling the box office.

Dining and Special Events

Excellence isn't limited to the stage at Drury Lane! Before or after the show, theatergoers can indulge in delicious onsite dining at Lucille Restaurant featuring seasonal pre-fixe menus and an elevated atmosphere to complete their experience. Boasting over a century of collective expertise in hospitality, the dedicated team ensures that you will be cared for with freshly prepared meals, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional service. At Drury Lane, everything is in one place, so you will never be late for your performance.

Fact Sheet / On Your Feet

Title:                                                    Father of the Bride

By:                                                       Caroline Francke

Directed by:                                         Michael Heitzman

Dates:                                                  April 8 – May 31, 2026

Press Opening:                                   Sunday, April 12 at 6:00pm

Schedule:                                             Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m.

                                                            Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

                                                            Fridays: 7:00 p.m.

                                                            Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

                                                            Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.                                

Location:                                             Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

Tickets:                                               Tickets range from $65 - $125

Group discounts available to groups of 10 or more

Dining and show packages available

Senior discounts available

Box Office:                                          100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

                                                            (630) 530-0111

                                                            Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm

                        or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com

About Drury Lane Theatre    

Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you. 

Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 70 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation's leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form. 

The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting.

Lifeline Theatre today announced the cast and crew of its upcoming KidSeries production, the World Premiere of KITTY AND THE BEANSTALK, adapted by Ensemble Member Jess Wright Buha in collaboration with Miles & Molly Buha from JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. Directed by Ensemble Member Calvin Adams with music and lyrics by Jess Wright Buha and John Szymanski, the production runs February 15 - March 22, 2026 (previews February 14) on the Rogers Park theatre's stage at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Tickets ($20) at www.lifelinetheatre.com. 

Throughout the run, Lifeline will be partnering with Tree House Humane Society. After each performance, audience members will be encouraged to donate to support Tree House's mission to help pets find their forever homes. Tree House is also sponsoring an event at Lifeline Theatre on Saturday, February 28, from noon - 1 p.m., with a demonstration on safe cat trapping techniques using stuffed animals and art activities for kids. 

In the alleys of a sunless Big City, sibling stray cats Kitty and Tom use the garbage around them to make their world a more magical place. But when Kitty trades one of Tom's precious creations for some magic beans, Tom angrily throws them away–only to have them sprout into a magnificent beanstalk. When they climb it, they discover why the sun has vanished from the city below (hint: a giant is involved). A world premiere play with music for kids ages 4-10 and their families.

On Sundays at noon beginning February 22, Lifeline Theatre presents its ongoing Stories Come Alive! workshop, where members of the education team lead a one-hour interactive storytelling session with on-your-feet theatre games that explore the themes from the story. Workshops are $10 per attendee, and can be purchased ahead of time at https://lifelinetheatre.com/stories-come-alive/ or in person at the theatre. 

The production features Connar Brown Sprenger (Kitty), Danny Andrew Bennett (Tom), and Katie Incardona (Mrs. Cuttingbalm), with understudies Sazi Bahkti, Carter Sherman, and Lucas Gassmann. 

The production team includes Bobbie Buie (Scenic Designer), Reiley Duffy (Props Designer), Hannah Wien (Lighting Designer), Saawan Tiwari (Costume Designer), Emily Hayman (Sound Designer), Jaime Nebeker (Puppet Designer), Diane Fairchild (Production Manager), Bec Dose (Stage Manager), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), and Avery Spellmeyer (Lighting Supervisor). 

Lifeline offers weekday matinees for student groups, which can be booked for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday performances at 10:30 a.m. Weekday matinees must be booked at least two weeks in advance, visit https://lifelinetheatre.com/education/student-matinees to book. 

FACT SHEET: KITTY AND THE BEANSTALK

Title: KITTY AND THE BEANSTALK

Adapted From "Jack and the Beanstalk" By: Jess Wright Buha*, in collaboration with Miles & Molly Buha

Music & Lyrics By: Jess Wright Buha* & John Szymanski

Directed By: Calvin Adams*

Cast: Connar Brown Sprenger (Kitty), Danny Andrew Bennett (Tom), and Katie Incardona (Mrs. Cuttingbalm), with understudies Sazi Bahkti, Carter Sherman, and Lucas Gassmann.

Production Crew: Bobbie Buie (Scenic Designer), Reiley Duffy (Props Designer), Hannah Wien (Lighting Designer), Saawan Tiwari (Costume Designer), Emily Hayman* (Sound Designer), Jaime Nebeker (Puppet Designer), Diane Fairchild* (Production Manager), Bec Dose (Stage Manager), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), and Avery Spellmeyer (Lighting Supervisor)

* denotes Ensemble Member

Dates: February 15 - March 22, 2026 (Previews February 14 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.)

Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Autism/Sensory-Friendly Performance Sunday March 15 at 1 p.m.)

Run Time: 60 minutes

Location: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.

Tickets: General Admission: $20

Military, student, and senior discounts available

Box Office:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 773-761-4477

TICKETS HERE

Invictus Theatre Company, whose summer 2025 production of the two-part epic, ANGELS IN AMERICA, was named top Chicago theatre production of the year and "the best non-Equity production here since before the pandemic" by the CHICAGO TRIBUNE's Chris Jones, has announced programming for its 2026 season. All performances will be at the Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road. Consistent with Jones's assertion (in his review of the company's THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND) that Invictus "is cementing a reputation as the home of epic American drama," the company will continue its tradition of presenting classic and contemporary American plays along with innovative stagings of Shakespeare. Founding Artistic Director Charles Askenaizer announced the company's 2026 season today, which will open with Tennessee Williams's 1955 drama, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. Askenaizer will direct the play, which will open to the press on February 24, 2026; following previews from February 17. It will play through March 29.
 
Following its success with Tony Kushner's ANGELS IN AMERICA, Invictus will again tap into Kushner's canon with CAROLINE, OR CHANGE – the company's first musical. Kushner penned both book and lyrics for the semi-autobiographical musical. The story was inspired by his childhood growing up as a young Jewish boy in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his interactions with the Black woman who worked as the family's maid. The music is by Jeanine Tesori, a Tony Award winner for her scores for KIMBERLY AKIMBO and FUN HOME, and a nominee for her scores for CAROLINE, OR CHANGE and THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. CAROLINE, OR CHANGE will open to the press on June 1, 2026, following previews from May 26; and will play through July 10. The show will be directed by frequent Invictus collaborator, Aaron Reese Boseman.  Creative team to be named. Invictus's production of CAROLINE, OR CHANGE is licensed by Music Theatre International.
 
In August, Askenaizer will direct Paula Vogel's 2015 drama INDECENT, which recounts the controversy surrounding the 1923 play GOD OF VENGEANCE by Sholem Asch. When GOD OF VENGANCE was produced on Broadway, its producer and cast were arrested and convicted on the grounds of obscenity because the play depicted a Lesbian relationship with an onstage kiss between two women. NEWSDAY's Linda Winer said of INDECENT's 2017 Broadway production, "Has there ever been anything quite like INDECENT, a play that touches — I mean deeply touches — so much rich emotion about history and the theater, anti-Semitism, homophobia, censorship, world wars, red-baiting and, oh, yes, joyful human passion?..." INDECENT will open to the press on August 17, following previews from August 14, and will play through September 22.
 
The 2026 season will close with Shakespeare's ever-popular story of young love thwarted by hate and prejudice, ROMEO AND JULIET, which will be directed by Louis Contey, a Jeff Award winning Chicago theater veteran. The tragedy, which has enjoyed numerous film adaptations and was updated for the musical WEST SIDE STORY, will open on November 2, 2026, following previews from October 30. It will play through December 13. 

Tickets and season subscriptions for the 2026 season are on sale now at www.invictustheatreco.com.

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) today announced three world premieres to headline their upcoming April 10 & 11 Harris Theater program. The works are being choreographed by GDC Resident Choreographer and Emmy Award-winning Al Blackstone ("So You Think You Can Dance"); Broadway, Commercial and Stage choreographer Jon Rua; and DanceOne Convention Executive Director and founder of Tapaholics, Mike Minery. GDC takes a leap continuing to push the boundaries of jazz dance influences incorporating tap, urban street, concert and commercial forces. All three new works will be part of two electrifying evening performances showcasing Giordano Dance Chicago's eclectic repertoire.

"The feat of bringing three world premieres to the stage is bold," says GDC Artistic Director Nan Giordano. "Despite the vast diversity in process and style, there underlies a unifying pulse and spirit that is jazz dance. Jazz is a uniquely American dance form that is ever evolving to reflect the contemporary culture. For more than 63 years, we have been a driving force moving the art form forward and are excited to be blending our concert dance company with Broadway, television and the commercial sectors. In the year of America's 250th birthday, there is no better time to be celebrating jazz dance, America's quintessential art form."

GDC returns to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance for its 63rd season with a thrilling program at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11. Among the world premieres is "Dumb Luck!," Blackstone's third work for GDC. Grounded in swing style and infused with contemporary flair, the piece transforms the notion of chance into a joyful celebration. Blackstone, known for his groundbreaking work in musical theater and television's "So You Think You Can Dance," and "Dancing With The Stars" blends technical precision with emotional resonance.

Jon Rua creates his first work for GDC, a full-company piece that fuses jazz and street styles for an urban funk sensibility. A Colombian American performer and creator, Rua is best known for his roles in Broadway hits including original cast of "Hamilton", "In the Heights," as well as his recent choreography for "Floyd Collins" and "Boop! the Musical."

Completing the premieres is a new tap duet by Mike Minery, who will perform alongside dancer Erina Ueda, Dance Magazine's Top 25 to Watch (2024). A 1997 World Tap Champion and Princess Grace Dance Fellowship recipient, Minery brings virtuosic rhythms and his innovative tap voice to his first creation for GDC. The performance is also a rare return to the stage for Minery, whose recent focus has been on dance education through the largest dance convention and competition organization in the world, DanceOne. This further enhances the ongoing collaboration and partnership between GDC & DanceOne.

The program also features audience favorites from GDC's repertoire, including Blackstone's "Sana" (2025), a moving exploration of healing set to an original score by Stahv Danker; "Sabroso" (2011) by Del Dominguez and Laura Flores, a vibrant Latin ballroom showcase praised by the Chicago Tribune; excerpts from Roni Koresh's physically charged "Crossing/Lines" (2016); and Jon Lehrer's high-octane ensemble work with 16 dancers "A Ritual Dynamic" (2007).

Tickets

Giordano Dance Chicago presents the exclusive Chicago engagement of their 63rd "Ignite the Soul" season at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11. Tickets are $36.80-$117.30. For tickets and more information visit harristheaterchicago.org.

America's original jazz dance company electrifies into their 63rd season with radiance and infinite horizons. Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) is an iconic cultural institution with deep roots in Chicago and around the globe (28 countries, 47 states, and more than 1,300 cities). From founder Gus Giordano's vision, the company continues to honor the past while pushing the art form forward. Nan Giordano celebrates 41 years as an artistic leader responsible for commissioning innovative choreographic works and mentoring thousands of dancers. Alongside Nan, Associate Artistic Director, Cesar G. Salinas and the magnificent dancers are an integral part of the GDC legacy. Al Blackstone serves as Resident Choreographer, truly a testament that the art form of jazz dance is thriving. The company is one of the few in the world that has a foundational technique, Nan Giordano Certification Program®, with certified teachers in 9 countries and 36 states. GDC is committed to Youth Arts Education at home and on tour through mentorships, scholarships, and our free Chicago Public Schools and park programs. GDC is proud to be one of the longest running dance companies in the world, continuing to enrich lives through dance. For more information visit giordanodance.org.

Black Ensemble Theater celebrates 50 years of its mission-based theater with a full season of musicals and special events. The season opens with the return of one of its biggest national hits The Jackie Wilson Story, followed by Muddy Waters: The Hoochie Coochie Man, the celebration of You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music and the holiday-time favorite The Other Cinderella.

Information and tickets are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

"Throughout the past 50 years, Black Ensemble Theater has welcomed audiences to celebrate Black excellence, history, and artistry through music and storytelling," said Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. "As we honor this milestone season, we reflect on the legacy we've built while continuing our mission to eradicate racism through education, inspiration and communication.  We continue to inspire future generations through powerful, purpose driven theater.

The company will continue with the Plays With A Purpose series for school groups, Black Playwrights Initiative, Soul of a Powerful Woman on June 14, 2026, the annual Gala on October 15, 2026, and the free summer concert series Fridays on the Green.

The 50^th Anniversary includes:

The Jackie Wilson Story
Written and directed by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor
March 7-April 26, 2026
Opening: Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3pm

Originally premiering at Black Ensemble Theater in 2000, this outstanding production began a highly successful national tour in 2002, including a record-breaking run at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York. In 2012, The Jackie Wilson Story made history once again by opening the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center.

This award-winning production continues its remarkable legacy as it opens the 50th Anniversary Season. Experience this thrilling tribute to the most dynamic and electrifying entertainer of all time—Mr. Excitement, Jackie Wilson.

Muddy Waters: The Hoochie Coochie Man
Directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks

Written by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor and Jimmy Tillman

June 20-July 26, 2026

Opening: Sunday, June 28 at 3pm

Muddy Waters: The Hoochie Coochie Man is a soul-stirring celebration of the man who popularized the blues and carried its sound around the world. Follow McKinley "Muddy Waters" Morganfield from his humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to his groundbreaking success as the Father of Chicago Blues.

Packed with electrifying performances of his iconic hits, Mannish Boy," "Got My Mojo Working," and "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man", this exhilarating production explodes with the grit, power, and genius of a true musical revolutionary. Muddy Waters' influence shaped rock, soul, and rhythm and blues, leaving a legacy that continues to pulse through generations of artists and audiences alike.

 "Hey, hey—the blues is alright."

You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music

Written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks

September 5-October 25, 2026

Opening: Sunday, September 13 at 3pm

Hop aboard the Mothership and take a groovy ride back to the era when Afros were high, bell-bottoms were tight, and the music was truly out of sight! You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music is a high-energy, feel-good celebration of the sound that defined a generation.

From Sly and the Family Stone to Parliament-Funkadelic to Earth, Wind & Fire, this electrifying production will have you dancing in the aisles and testifying to the unstoppable power of the Funk.

Ya dig?!

Jackie Taylor's The Other Cinderella

Written and directed by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor

Music by Jackie Taylor and Michael Ward
December 12, 2026-January 24, 2027

Opening: Sunday, December 20, 2025

Jackie Taylor's The Other Cinderella is a beloved Black Ensemble Theater classic that has delighted audiences for decades. This joyful African American version of the timeless fairy tale is filled with laughter, soul, and heart. In this story, Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmamma works at the post office, the Fairygodmama hails from Jamaica, and the Brothers from the Hood keep the kingdom jumpin'!

Overflowing with show-stopping songs, vibrant dancing, and unforgettable characters, The Other Cinderella is a treasured family tradition, and the perfect way to close our 50th Anniversary Season, reminding us to embrace our greatness and follow our spirit!

Performances are Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $69 (fees included). Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).

The 5-Play Card

Black Ensemble Theatre's 5-Play Card is a digital ticket package unlike any other. At a cost of $280 (including fees), it offers a savings of $65 over regular ticket prices. One of the greatest perks of the 5-Play Card is its flexibility – use the five tickets any way you want! You can: bring five people to one show, treat yourself to five different shows, or use the 5-Play Card in any ticket number combination until all five tickets are spent.

The 5-Play Card is good for 18 months and becomes active immediately after purchasing. If you buy multiple 5-Play Card packages, please note that a maximum of five tickets can be redeemed on a single show date.

Black Ensemble Theater   

Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Four Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally, and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational, and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.  

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts and community engagement.  For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.