Displaying items by tag: women in theatre
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble continues its 30th Anniversary Season with the World Premiere of Do Something Pretty
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Chicago's only professional theater that seeks to advance women through the power of storytelling, announces the cast for the world premiere of Do Something Pretty by Melissa Ross (The Luckiest, Thinner Than Water, Nice Girl, A Life Extra Ordinary), directed by Rivendell favorite, Jessica Fisch (The Firebirds Take the Field, I Wanna F**king Tear You Apart). Do Something Pretty runs May 2 – June 7, 2026, as part of Rivendell's 30th Anniversary Season of new plays.
The 30th Anniversary Season takes place at Rivendell's home, 5779 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago. Tickets are priced at $28 for previews and $38 for regular performances. Angel and Sponsor tickets are priced $58 and $88 and include a donation. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and military. Tickets go on sale March 23 at rivendelltheatre.org/dosomethingpretty and (773) 334-7728.
Summer of 1992. The United States is in a recession. Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton is about to run for president. Kurt is married to Courtney. Yo MTV Raps is on the TV. And Zach Morris is the only kid with a cell phone.
On a hot August night in a small Massachusetts town the last few weeks before school starts. Three teens try to navigate their way through the murky path to adulthood. Phoebe wants to grow up. Jason wants Evie. And Evie just wants to get as far away from everyone as she possibly can.
Artistic Director Tara Mallen comments, "A few years ago, I was inducted into to the world of Melissa Ross when I was cast in one of her (stunning) plays The Luckiest at Raven Theatre. What struck me most was these complicated, messy, outrageously human women that Melissa centers in all her plays are all portrayed as subjects rather than objects. In 2026, it shouldn't be the case that this is a rarity—but I promise you that it is. So, when Melissa reached out asking if Rivendell might be interested in her brand-new play depicting two sisters—one on the brink of teendom and the other on the edge of adulthood—I jumped at the chance. I am so delighted to welcome Chicago audiences to hearken back to 1992 and bring Do Something Pretty to our stage at Rivendell."
This world premiere production of Do Something Pretty marks ensemble member Katherine Mallen Kupferer's (Phoebe) Rivendell debut. The cast also features Jasper Johnson (Matt), Reilly Oh (Jason) and Jocelyn Zamudio (Evie).
The creative team includes Daira Rodriguez (Assistant Director), Lindsay Mummert (Scenic Design), Saawan Tiwari (Costume Design), Sierra Walker (Lighting Design), Eric Backus (Sound Design), and RTE Ensemble Members Sarah Slight (Dramaturg), and Caroline Michele Uy (Associate Dramaturg). The Production Stage Manager is Rita Vreeland and the Artistic Producer is RTE Member Pat Fries (Artistic Producer).
Rivendell is offering a special mid-season RivPass good for the remainder of its 30th Anniversary Season. The $65 subscription includes a ticket to the 2nd and 3rd mainstage shows. Purchase this offer atrivendelltheatre.org/tickets or by emailing General Manager Trisha Hooper at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Do Something Pretty lead production sponsors are Maureen and Anna Miller. Rivendell's 30th Anniversary Season is sponsored by Sharon I. Furiya.
FACTS / Do Something Pretty
Do Something Pretty
A world premiere by Melissa Ross
Directed by Jessica Fisch
May 2 – June 7, 2026
Cast: RTE member Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Phoebe) with Jasper Johnson (Matt), Reilly Oh (Jason) and Jocelyn Zamudio (Evie).
Creative Team: Daira Rodriguez (Assistant Director), Lindsay Mummert (Scenic Design), Saawan Tiwari (Costume Design), Sierra Walker (Lighting Design), Eric Backus (Sound Design), and RTE Ensemble Members Sarah Slight (Co-Dramaturg), and Caroline Michele Uy (Co-Dramaturg). The Production Stage Manager is Rita Vreeland and the Artistic Producer is RTE Member Pat Fries.
Dates:
Previews: May 2-8, 2026
Saturday, May 2 at 8pm
Sunday, May 3 at 3 pm
Tuesday, May 5 at 8pm
Wednesday, May 6 at 8pm
Thursday, May 7 at 8pm
Friday, May 8, at 8pm
Gala Opening: Sunday, May 10 at 6pm
Press Opening: Monday, May 11 at 7pm
Regular Run: May 15 – June 7, 2026
Thursday-Saturday at 8pm; Saturday at 4pm
Added Performances: Sundays, May 24 and May 31 at 3pm
Open Caption: Thurs May 21 at 8pm; Saturday May 30 at 4pm
Town Halls: Friday May 8, Young Industry Professionals; Saturday May 23 after 4pm performance
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