BrightSide Theatre, Naperville’s professional theatre company, has announced the cast for the final show of its 13^th season – the Stephen Schwartz/Roger O. Hirson musical PIPPIN. This tale of a prince who learns the true meaning of glory, love, and war ran for nearly five years in its original Broadway production, thanks to the captivating songs by Schwartz (songwriter of WICKED, GODSPELL, THE MAGIC SHOW and others), and the stunning staging and choreography by the legendary Bob Fosse. A Broadway-sized cast of 17 and an orchestra of seven will bring PIPPIN to life for BrightSide in a glorious, fully staged production at the company’s home venue of the Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, from June 13 – 29. BrightSide Theatre’s Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass, whose more than 30 productions for BrightSide Theatre include such musicals as JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, CHESS IN CONCERT, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY, will direct. Phil Videckis, music director for BrightSide’s JEKYLL AND HYDE IN CONCERT and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, will be music director for Schwartz’s marvelous score that includes the legendary opening number “Magic to Do,” the plaintive “Corner of the Sky,” and the comic “No Time at All.” Aria Brynne, a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago, who recently created the dances for THE PROM with St. Paul Conservatory of the Arts, is Choreographer. 

BrightSide’s PIPPIN cast will include Kassidy Alderman (Player, Chicago), Matthew Andresen (Player, Greenfield WI), Stan Austin (Charles/Player, Winfield), Michelle Bolliger (Fastrada/Player, Roselle), Shane Alexander Brown (Player, Villa Park), Evelyn Dorough (Theo, Plainfield), Thomas Ferro (Lewis/Player, Chicago), Erol Ibrahimovic (Player, Chicago), Delaney Katz (Player, Lake Zurich), Meghan Kessel (Player, Chicago), Cheryl Newman (Berthe/Player, Naperville), Tommy O'Brien (Pippin, Chicago), Asia Posey (Leading Player, Chicago), Monica Romo (Player, Niles), Amy Steele (Catherine/Player, Naperville), Jubilee Tai (Player, Elk Grove Village), and Amanda Vinson (Player, Chicago).

The production team, in addition to Cass, Videckis and Brynne, includes Arabella Zurbano (Scenic Designer), Cheryl Newman (Costume Designer), Kurt Ottinger (Lighting Designer), Delaney Kosar (Props Designer), Gabe Seplow (Production Manager), and Jeff Sand (Technical Director). 

PIPPIN will be performed in the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville. Tickets are $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors and are on sale now at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497). 

LISTING INFORMATION 

PIPPIN

Book by Roger O. Hirson

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Directed by Jeffrey Cass

Music Direction by Phil Videckis

Choreography by Aria Brynne

June 13-29, 2025

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm

Press Opening Friday, June 13 at 7:30 pm

Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall

North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth in Naperville

Tickets $32 - $37, available at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497)

From the Tony Award winning composer of WICKED and GODSPELL, Stephen Schwartz, comes a captivating tale of a prince who learns the true meaning of glory, love, and war that will sweep you off your feet. With its unforgettable music, dynamic choreography, and imaginative storytelling, PIPPIN is a feast for the senses. There’s magic to do as the young prince finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

BIOS 

Jeffrey Cass (Artistic Director/Director) is a Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee and has successfully directed over 30 Productions for BrightSide Theatre, most recently JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, CHESS IN CONCERT, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY. He also played “Edna” in BST’s production of HAIRSPRAY. He holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Performance from Roosevelt University. He previously served as the Producing Director for Circle Theatre where he directed eight productions, including THE WHO’S TOMMY (6 Joseph Jefferson Nominations including Best Musical and Best Director).

Stephen Schwartz (Music and Lyrics). Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit WICKED. In addition, he has contributed music and lyrics to GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE BAKER’S WIFE, WORKING, CHILDREN OF EDEN, RAGS (music by Charles Strouse), SNAPSHOTS: A MUSICAL SCRAPBOOK, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (music by Alan Menken) and THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, as well as two musicals for younger audiences, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON PINOCCHIO. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a special Tony Award for his support of young theatre artists.

Roger O. Hirson (Book).  Awards and nominations: 1973 Tony Award® Best Book of a Musical Pippin [nominee] 1967 Tony Award® Best Musical Walking Happy [nominee] Productions: PIPPIN Book [Original, Musical, Comedy] (Oct 23, 1972 - Jun 12, 1977). WALKING HAPPY Book [Original, Musical] (Nov 26, 1966 - Apr 22, 1967).

ABOUT BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE

BrightSide Theatre (Jeffrey Cass, Artistic Director and Julie Ann Kornak, Executive Director) is committed to Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe.  A unique blend of award-winners, premieres, modern works and timeless classics meant to reflect upon and inform our community inhabit BrightSide’s stage. For more information on BrightSide Theatre, please visit www.BrightSidetheatre.com.

Eight Chicago artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines have spent the last eight months in residence at the Chicago Puppet Lab, a program of the Chicago Puppet International Puppet Theater Festival, where they have been expanding their skill sets by creating new, original puppet theater works.

On May 29 through June 1, the 2024-25 Chicago Puppet Lab cohort will present their emerging works at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, 4046 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago.

The 2025 Chicago Puppet Lab Showcase includes two rotating group shows, each featuring diverse works in progress by Chicago artists. Program A features Irene Wa., madigan burke, Sam Lewis and Charlie Malavé. Program B showcases work by Ruby Que, Anthony-Michael Stokes, Robbie Lynn Hunsinger and Michele Stine.

Tickets to each program, $20 regular/$15 student and seniors, are now on sale at chicagopuppetfest.org.  Act fast to take advantage of a 20 percent early bird discount, or get 20 percent off with promo code LABAB when purchasing tickets to both programs. Follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram or Vimeo, hashtag #ChiPuppetFest. 

The Chicago Puppet Lab, led by co-directors Tom Lee and Grace Needlman, is the developmental arm of the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. In addition to presenting the largest annual puppetry festival of its kind in North America, the Festival’s Puppet Lab is an education space that incubates new works of boundary-breaking puppetry in Chicago, expands equity in the field of puppetry, and encourages interdisciplinary experimentation in puppet theater. 

Program A – Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 31 at 3 p.m.; and Sunday, June 1 at 7 p.m. – includes:

she is drying
By Irene Wa.

Two characters and an excess of strings come together in a dance that explores the restriction of movement and the tension of dependency. It delves into the inner self; an encounter, an appearance, a fantasy. Featuring a large scale marionette. Music by Kobe.

Irene Wa. is a Mexican interdisciplinary artist who works in drawing, sculpture, ceramics, video, and writing. She holds a Master’s in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.

Operating Theater
By madigan burke


Join madigan and Harvey, two highly qualified medical puppet professionals, as they perform a surgery. Featuring figurative puppets and live feed video puppetry.

Burke (they/them) is a genderqueer ex-mechanical engineer turned multidisciplinary artist who likes to draw cartoons, make funny films, and sometimes create edgy and endearing puppet characters.

Black Episcopalian
By Sam Lewis


Sam asks his mom about their origins in the Episcopal Church. The incredible answer takes Sam on a journey back to his birthplace in rural Tennessee, uncovering a history he could have never imagined. Featuring live feed multiplane projection.

Sam Lewis is an actor, poet, vocalist, and recently, an “accidental puppeteer” because, in the early 2000s, he came across a vintage Black Americana marionette in an attic, which started him on an unexpected puppetry journey. Lewis explores racial issues and negative iconography with that marionette, renamed Jus Hambone.

A Suite of Dreams
By Charlie Malavé

Images, sounds and feelings pulled directly from the dream world into the shared waking world. A dream story told in the language of symbols. Puppetry styles include projected and manipulated shadows and puppet miniatures.

Charlie Malavé (he/him) is a musician, multi-instrumentalist, performing artist, and video maker whose body of work has produced an array of unique instruments, compositions, music videos, webisodes and theatrical productions. He’s also one of the leaders of the Chicago band, Mucca Pazza.

Program B - Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 31 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday,
June 1 at 3 p.m. - features:

Touch
By Ruby Que

Touch plays with constructed invisibility to propose new ways of seeing and communicating using object puppetry, live sensor input from a puppet microphone and ice puppetry.

Ruby Que (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on site-specific intervention and expanded cinema performance. In their work they open portals and create hauntings.

Anansi - a Dispersal of Wisdom
By Anthony-Michael Stokes

The aspiring god of storytelling earns their title by being entrusted by the elder Sky God Nyame, with an impossible task of traveling the world and gathering all the stories and wisdom. A Griot storyteller, immersive, spiritual experience; his quest reveals that no one has more lessons to be learned than Anansi himself, a “Humanette” large scale solo puppet.

Anthony-Michael Stokes is a newly-arrived, Chicago-based multidisciplinary teaching artist and award-winning educator. Originally from El Paso, Stokes holds BFAs in music theater and dance and a masters in education. He has trained as a puppeteer with the Jim Henson Company and the Sesame Street Puppeteer workshop. He also presented The Scarecrow, his riff on The Wizard of Oz, at the 2025 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival.

Shehnai Mist/Suona Flames
By Robbie Lynn Hunsinger
 
Transforming the moods and music of the Indian Shehnai and Chinese Suona into puppetry with translucent shadow puppetry, animations and wearable musical instrument puppets.

Robbie Lynn Hunsinger (she/her) is a professional classical oboist turned coder, multi-instrumentalist, composer, improviser, interactive installation artist and creative technologist. She specializes in live audiovisual performance and immersive interactive installations using motion, weight and sound activated triggers, robotics, responsive lights, custom circuits, multi-tracked audio and layered projections. 

AudioFile
By Michele Stine

A record player, a rotary phone, cassettes and ancient suitcases. The physical remnants of a life left behind, and the playground for someone to rediscover the joy of sound. Featuring object puppetry, crankie, figurative puppetry and solo.

Michele Stine (she/they) is an actor, clown and puppeteer. Stine spends time digging through trash alleys for materials, much to her mother’s dismay. They have performed with Rough House Theatre, Filament Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Theatre Unspeakable, Lifeline Theatre, Emerald City Theatre, Theatre SUMM, among others.

About the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival

Originally founded in 2015 as a project of Blair Thomas & Co., the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival has highlighted artists from nations including Belgium, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Norway, Puerto Rico, Poland, Scotland and South Africa as well as from Chicago and across the U.S. with the goal of promoting peace, equality, and justice on a global scale. 

Already, the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival has grown to be the largest of its kind in North America. The seventh and most recent Festival in January 2025 spanned 12 days and dozens of Chicago venues, presenting an international pageant of puppet artists and more than 120 puppetry activities. This year’s Festival attracted a record 22,128 audience members from Chicago, the U.S. and around the world, and was named Best Performing Arts Festival by the Chicago Reader.

In 2022, under the leadership of Artistic Director and Festival Founder Blair Thomas and Executive Director Sandy Smith Gerding, the Festival moved from a biennial to an annual event, and tripled its footprint in Chicago’s historic Fine Arts Building. It opened an expanded office suite, debuted the Chicago Puppet Studio, which designs and fabricates puppets for theaters and events around the U.S., and launched the Chicago Puppet Lab, an education space and developmental residency designed to incubate more works of boundary-breaking puppetry in Chicago, expand equity in the field of puppetry, and encourage interdisciplinary experimentation in puppet theater.

The Chicago Puppet Lab and the Chicago Puppet Lab Showcase are generously supported by Kristy and Brandon Moran, the Pritzker Foundation and the Paul M. Angell Foundation.

For more information, visit chicagopuppetfest.org.

“Spring Awakenings,” now playing at Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center, is not the Tony-winning 2006 Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” but an adaptation of its original basis, an 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind that was first performed in 1906. Translated by Francis J. Ziegler, and directed and adapted by Lazy Susan Theatre Co. company member Matthew Masino, it is a fervent and vibrant production with a cast clearly filled with passion for what might be seen as something of a theatrical novelty.

An exploration of the angst of sexual awakenings of teenagers, it was also a social commentary on the damaging effects of sexual repression, those things we haven’t liked to talk about - puberty, erotic dreams, BDSM, pregnancy, abortion - all on stage. And other things, too - teen suicide, the stress of scholastic competition, and societally enforced sexual repressiveness.

Measured against this window into the past, we must have learned something over the decades. At least we’ve been talking about these matters more.

Though not a musical, it is laced with song, and actor performers on cello (Nicholas Ford Kinney, and in the role of Georg), guitar (Grace Trivax, and in the role of Martha), flute (Phoebe Webstbrooks, also playing Otto) and piano (Pierce Howard, and in the role of Hänschen). Music for the show is composed by Michael Van Bodegom-Smith, with musical direction by Dominic Rinker.

Remarkable in their performances and the core of the drama are the trio of Isabelle Grima as Wendla, Jake Griffith as Melchior, and Bryce Lederer as Moritz. As the show runs on (two hours, no intermission) one begins to realize that Lederer has the most demanding role, and he really delivers. His Moritz is central to the storyline, heavily laced with tragic turns.

Moritz confides to his classmate Melchior that he struggles with confusing dreams. The more seasoned and knowledgeable Melchior quickly tells him essentials of the facts of life, explaining that these are erotic dreams, a natural companion to sexual development. Wendla, who has a thing for Moritz, asks her mother to explain where babies come from, and is met with obfuscation. Uninformed, she soon enough ends up in the hay with Melchior, and pregnant.

Set in Germany—young men wear short pants, young women just trading girlish skirts for long dresses—these school chums are a bonded group, and display real affection for each other. Characters are fully fleshed out in the charming production, even lesser roles like Ryan Vu’s Ernst, Quinn Skelly’s Rupert, both so good in their performances. A real standout is Hannah Loessberg as Thea.

Other than its historic theatrical interest, Is there a message in this show? Perhaps. With the rise in illiberalism fueled by drastic governmental shifts, it’s beneficial to look at the harms we suffer when social repressiveness suppresses openness to talk about taboo subjects. And this show is just plain fun, as well.
“Spring Awakenings” runs through May 11, 2025 at Greenhouse Theater Center.

Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park entertainment district (5501 Park Place, Rosemont) will turn up the volume this summer with the return of its popular "Rockin' in the Park" free summer concert series. Presented by Feldco, the 2025 series will kick off on Sunday, May 25 and include a post-show fireworks display. Free concerts will continue every Thursday and select Friday evenings from May 29 through August 29, showcasing music by renowned tribute bands alongside food and beverage tents on the park's great lawn. All Thursday night concerts will culminate with a musical fireworks display. The 2025 lineup features a mix of returning favorites and exciting new cover bands celebrating rock legends including Rod Stewart, the Doobie Brothers, and Foreigner.

"Rockin' in the Park" concerts will run from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Admission to "Rockin' in the Park" is free. Outside food and coolers are prohibited. Parking is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park's venues. This season, Parkway Bank Park will be giving away free "Rockin' in the Park" 2025 commemorative t-shirts onsite during concert hours, while supplies last. 

The 2025 Rockin' in the Park lineup is outlined below:  
* indicates post-show fireworks

Sunday, May 25: Pino Farina Band* – Adult alternative rock group, Pino Farina Band, bring audiences an energetic mix of original music and beloved covers. Lead singer and lyricist Pino Farina's powerhouse voice is often compared to late indie-artist Jeff Buckley. Known for their showmanship, Pino Farina Band's concerts dazzle fans with a blend of high-energy performances and tender, intimate songs.Thursday, May 29: Kings & Associates* – Kings & Associates have established themselves as one of Australia's most unique modern blues bands. Led by husband-and-wife duo Anjii Portolesi and Steve Portolesi, the award-winning Australian group blends blues, soul, funk, R&B and gospel together into a style that's all their own.Thursday, June 5: Infatuation STL* – Hailing from St. Louis, Infatuation is an eight-piece powerhouse of seasoned musicians united to deliver the ultimate Rod Stewart tribute experience. Fronted by the dynamic Tim Levene, the band brings Stewart's iconic hits to life with passion, precision and an electrifying stage presence that will keep audiences singing along all night.Thursday, June 12: Departure* – Celebrating 15 years, Departure recreates the look, sound and feel of the original 80s rock group, Journey. Known for their high-energy and engaging performances, Departure brings the very best of Journey to audiences of all ages.Thursday, June 19: The Dyer Davis Group* – American singer and guitarist Dyer Davis recently released his debut album, "Dog Bites Back" for WildRoots Records. The young talented artist finds inspiration in blues-based rockers such as Jeff Beck to create his unique sound, featuring fiery vocals and soulful guitar skills.

Thursday, June 26: Atomic Punks* – Direct from Los Angeles, Calif., this group pays tribute specifically to the glory days of Van Halen fronted David Lee Roth. Roth himself referred to the group as "the best tribute to Van Halen ever." For more than 20 years, the Atomic Punks have been re-creating Eddie Van Halen's classic guitar sound, while capturing all of the enthusiasm and flash Van Halen brought to the stage.Friday, June 27: 24K Magic / George Michael Reborn 

Guaranteed to keep audiences on their feet, 24K Magic pays homage to the hottest hits from popular singer-songwriter Bruno Mars. Led by Evan Saucedo, 24K Magic's performances aim to emulate Mars' signature sound, choreography and flashy fashion, offering Bruno Mars fans the ultimate tribute.Robert Bartko exudes the energy and passion of George Michael and Wham! in the 80s and 90s with George Michael Reborn. From "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," to "Careless Whisper," George Michael Reborn embodies the vocal range, choreography and looks of George Michael and leaves audiences cheering for an encore.Thursday, July 3: Slippery When Wet* – Hailing from Atlanta, Ga., Slippery When Wet performs the exact live arrangements from Bon Jovi's 2000 "Crush" tour, 2002 "Bounce" tour, 2005 "Have a Nice Day" tour, 2008 "Lost Highway" tour and 2010 "The Circle" tour. This band's drive, musical ability and showmanship strive to duplicate the live Bon Jovi experience.Thursday, July 10: Listen To The Music* – Listen to the Music delivers an authentic, high-energy tribute to the legendary Doobie Brothers. Based in Canada and made up of top-tier musicians, the band faithfully reproduces the Doobie Brothers' greatest hits, bringing their timeless sound to life for audiences everywhere.Thursday, July 17: Live the Who* – Direct from Detroit, Mich., this band plays tribute to The Who at the band's unstoppable best from 1968-1974, capturing the feel, sound and look of the legendary rock band in each concert.Thursday, July 24: New World Men* – New World Men deliver a powerful tribute to the legendary sound of Rush, capturing the spirit and intensity of the iconic band's live performances. Featuring the exceptional talents of François Larouche, Mathieu Groulx and Marc Girard, this immersive concert experience takes audiences on a journey through Rush's most celebrated eras.Friday, July 25: Boy Band Night / Semple Band

From *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and New Kids on The Block to Boys 2 Men, One Direction and more, the Boy Band Night plays tribute to popular boy bands will have audiences dancing and singing along all night long.Semple Band is a high-energy, Chicago-based group known for its exceptional musicianship and dynamic stage presence. Led by the charismatic Keith Semple, the band offers a high-energy performance with tunes spanning from classic '70s rock to modern pop. Their diverse medleys feature iconic artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson and more, while also showcasing original songs in nearly every show.Thursday, July 31: Southern Accents* – Southern Accents recreates the music, style and sound of Tom Petty professionally with immaculate precision and wildly contagious enthusiasm. United in their quest to offer the ultimate Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers experience, each member of the band looks the part, plays the part and lives the part.Thursday, August 7: Double Vision* – Featuring some of New York City's top rock musicians, Double Vision delivers an authentic tribute to Foreigner with impressive technical skill and dedication. Known for their impeccable recreation of Foreigner's greatest hits from the '70s and '80s, the band brings audiences an unforgettable experience filled with energy, sing-alongs and non-stop energy.Thursday, August 14: Ticket to the Moon* – Ticket to the Moon is an Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) tribute band hailing from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Composed of eight talented musicians, the group is dedicated to bringing audiences the extraordinary musical arrangements of ELO through high-energy performances.Thursday, August 21: Brooklyn Charmers* – The Brooklyn Charmers are known for injecting a new, dedicated energy into the beloved musical catalogue of Steely Dan, bridging the gap between new and lifelong Steely Dan fans alike. Featuring masterful precision, the group is proud to pay tribute to Steely Dan's infectious hooks and poignant lyrics.Thursday, August 28: Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press* – Beloved Chicago band Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press delivers an electrifying, one-of-a-kind live experience. Known for their bone-crushing three-part harmonies and laser-sharp musicianship, the band delivers a powerhouse performance every time they hit the stage. With a wildly eclectic and carefully curated repertoire, each show is a joyful, genre-defying celebration that keeps audiences dancing, singing and coming back for more.Friday, August 29: Bee Gees Gold / The Wayouts

Backed by a renowned rhythm section, Bee Gees Gold recreates the look and sound of the Bee Gees from the 1960s and 1970s. Featuring the detailed vocals of John Acosta as Barry, Daryll Borges as Robin and Jeff Celentano as Maurice, the band performs legendary Bee Gees tracks from early hits such as "Massachusetts" and "I Started A Joke," to disco-era classics including "Stayin' Alive" and "You Should Be Dancing."The Wayouts play tribute to 1960s garage rock. Their concerts combine raw intensity with professional musicianship in order to bring fresh life to classic songs by artists such as The Kinks and The Animals.

About Parkway Bank Park
Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is a 200,000 square-foot complex home to 16 dining and entertainment venues offer upscale international cuisine, live music and comedy, state-of-the-art film, indoor skydiving, bowling and more. Conveniently located near O'Hare International Airport at 5501 Park Place, Parkway Bank Park is easily accessible from Chicago as well as the suburbs. A 20-minute drive from Chicago's Loop, Parkway Bank Park is walking distance from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the CTA Blue Line Rosemont station, Fashion Outlets of Chicago and the Rosemont Theatre. Convenient parking is available and is free with validation from any of the Park's venues.The current venues located within Parkway Bank Park include Adobe Gila's, Aloft Chicago O'Hare, AMC Theatre, Bub City, Crust Brewing, Fat Rosie's Taco & Tequila Bar, Fogo de Chão, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, Joe's Live, Kings Dining & Entertainment, Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, Pete's Tiki Tiki, Saltwater Coastal Grill, Sugar Factory, Verilife and Zanies Comedy Club. The venues surround a great lawn that plays host to a variety of seasonal events including concerts, festivals and a winter ice rink. For more information, visit ParkwayBankPark.com.About The Village of Rosemont
Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland's business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently located five minutes from O'Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago's downtown. Easily accessible via the area's major highways, Rosemont is home to the Allstate Arena, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, Rosemont Theatre, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Parkway Bank Park entertainment district and Impact Field. Rosemont continues to flourish and evolve, based on 69 years of growth and under the current leadership of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens. For more information, visit www.Rosemont.com. 

Lisa Sanaye Dring’s play “Kairos,” which just opened at The Edge Off Broadway theater, is one of the most thought-provoking and enjoyable productions I have seen lately. Set in the near future, the 90-minute play (no intermission) is as good anything you might see in streaming shows ("Black Mirror" comes to mind.) Directed by Clare Brennan, “Kairos” is in the midst of its rolling world premiere with the National New Play Network. 

As the play opens, David (Johnard Washington is really good), a somewhat detached and scholarly fellow, and the all-business Gina (Tamsen Glaser) meet one rainy night via a mall parking lot fender bender. David is only lightly concerned about his car's damage, as he’s smitten with Gina, who blames him for the accident. During a practical exchange about insurance, police reports and such, Gina discovers she is charmed by David as well. “Here’s my number,” she says. “Not for the accident. For sex….maybe?”

The scenes cycle rapidly through their evolving romance, and they discover more and more appeal in each other. But this fast-paced affair is only a prelude to the core of the story. A few weeks in, they are lounging around, when arresting news crosses their screens: medical science has discovered a treatment, dubbed “Prometheus,” promising eternal life.

What a remarkable premise for a drama. A developing relationship meets a decision about living everlastingly. Way beyond, “Should we get married?” That’s only until death do us part.

Because of its likely appeal, the Prometheus treatment is offered by lottery, and is restricted to those aged 25 to 34, who are also, once treated, prohibited from bearing children. The playwright has upped the ante with that. Candidates apply online, and once selected, must undergo a psychological screening.

David wants in immediately, while Gina figures she’ll just see if she qualifies, and then decide. Their relationship progresses while they await the news, with the usual ups and downs, and matters like meeting family playing out in the background.

As we await the lottery results, we get a feel for the likelihood of David and Gina's relationship surviving on its own terms. David seems more in touch with his feelings, and a bit more empathic. Gina is more self-centered, seemingly waving away the life challenges her partner encounters. When David’s father leaves his mother suddenly after 40 years, he is distraught. Gina doesn’t quite get it. “I’m sorry about your father,” she says, “but he can’t be where his heart is not.”

At the risk of a spoiler, Gina wins the lottery first. I felt my heart racing as she prepared to open the communication. David still hasn’t heard. And when he too is eligible for Prometheus, there is instant elation. “We’re not going to get old together!” he exclaims.

Soon enough we find out it’s not that simple. These two weren’t quite ready for marriage, let alone eternal life. And David must still undergo a psychological exam, which we gather Gina has passed.

The world around them also shifts as society spins into an upheaval, and protests against Prometheus arise. The world is split between “agers,” and those who, because of Prometheus, won’t age.

We soon see fissures in their relationship. David becomes depressed, partly about his parents’ divorce, and we suspect, also about this massive life change. Gina prods him to pull himself together for his psych exam: “They might not want immortal sad boys running around.” I think the heft of the play would be greater if there had been a little more depth to the emotional dynamics of the relationship. It felt a little too once-over-lightly to be convincing. But the storyline is so interesting, it’s not consequential.

“Kairos,” the Greek term for “the right time,” when an alignment of circumstances presents an opportunity, is a recurrent theme in the play, from their very first encounter in the mall parking lot, to opportunity for Prometheus as their relationship gets rooted. An epilogue to the play, dated 2068 A.D., lets us know how things turned out for Gina and David. Produced by Red Theater “Kairos” runs through May 18 at The Edge Off Broadway in Chicago.

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!

It was a night of celebration, reflection, and breathtaking talent at the Civic Opera House. Fifty years of song echoed through the hall, but it was the future of opera that took center stage. On Friday, April 25, Ryan Opera Center celebrated their 50th Anniversary Season with 11 opera singers in ‘Rising Stars in Concert’. The concert hosted by the Lyric Opera House served as a moving tribute to the Center’s mission of keeping opera vibrant in Chicago and nurturing the next generation of opera artists.

The evening began with a short video sharing the Ryan Opera’s history with testimonies from alumni about their experience. For context, the Ryan Opera Center was founded in Chicago in 1974 and has been central to Lyric Opera’s commitment to cultivating rising talent. With approximately 300 alumni, many of whom have gone on to international acclaim, the program is known for its intensive training, expert mentorship, and world-class performance opportunities. Reaching the 50-year mark is no small feat, it’s a sign not just standing the test of time, but of the Ryan Opera Center’s continued excellence and impact in the opera world.

The concert, conducted by Lyric’s Music Director Enrique Mazzola and directed by Paul Curran carried on into Part I, Orpheus in the Underworld. An operatic comedy by Jacques Offenbach that humorously reimagines the Greek myth of Orpheus, who journeys to the underworld to rescue his wife Eurydice. The “Rising Stars in Concert” was a more simplified version of the comic opera as the singers were not in costume and the set was mainly a massive bed and Greek pillars in the background. Despite the lack of set design and costumes, the singers entertained the crowd with powerful singing and captivating acting. 

Director Paul Curran.

In the first half of the show, as Orpheus and Eurydice's conflict unfolded, I was especially impressed by Emily Richter’s portrayal of Eurydice. Her soprano voice was not only beautiful but had incredible projection, filling the space effortlessly. Beyond her vocal talent, Richter brought an impressive flair for acting, making her portrayal of the disloyal wife entertaining.

In between each act, the show was narrated by different members in the ensemble in English. Helping the crowd with the movements of the story, while also providing a few jokes to keep us laughing. Various props were used in effort to bring the concert to life, including devil horns for Hades, picket signs with jokes, and teddy bears held by the Greek gods as they slept in the massive bed on center stage.

Following a 20-minute intermission, Part II of the concert transitioned into a varied program of operatic and non-operatic selections. Most of which were solo singer performances accompanied by the orchestra. Adia Evans, a soprano, sang a beautiful opera song from Hérodiade called “Vision Fugitive” by Jules Massenet in French. Evans showcased impressive vocal projection, sustaining long phrases between breaths with a rich, beautiful tone.

Another standout artist was Christopher Humbert Jr., a Bass-Baritone who sang Charles Gounod’s “Le veau d’or” from the five-act opera called Faust. Humbert made a dynamic entrance, cueing the music with a snap before launching into song with his deep, animated voice that immediately drew in the crowd. He brought extra energy by encouraging the ensemble to join him, and his performance stood out for its vocal power and crystal-clear enunciation.

One of the final solo performances stood out for its departure from traditional opera. Baritone Finn Sagal delivered a beautiful rendition of “Que Reste-t-il de Nos Amours?” (“I Wish You Love”) by Léo Chauliac. Entering with a microphone in hand and accompanied by a pianist, Sagal captured the audience with his melodic, Sinatra-style vocals infused with operatic nuance. His heartfelt performance brought out genuine emotion and highlighted the versatility of opera singers, setting him apart from the rest of the ensemble.

The show concluded with the completion of Part II of the Orepheus in the Underworld opera performance with Enrique Mazzola’s brilliant leadership as the musical conductor. Mazzola led the music for Orpheus in the Underworld with great finesse, earning enthusiastic cheers from the audience as he stepped into the orchestra pit. In the second half of the concert, Chi-Yuan Lin took the baton, conducting a wide range of operatic and non-operatic selections. As only the second artist appointed to the Ryan Opera Center’s conductor position, Lin impressed with her precise and supportive accompaniment, skillfully guiding the ensemble through each performance

Throughout the lively evening, the Civic Opera House was nearly full, with concertgoers and proud family members of the ensemble filling the seats. The auditorium rang with enthusiastic cheers between performances, and bursts of laughter echoed often, thanks to the show’s playful humor and lighthearted moments. The night ended on a high note with a well-deserved standing ovation and thunderous applause from the crowd.

The 'Rising Stars in Concert' delivered three hours of musical entertainment, which, while a bit lengthy, felt appropriate given the significance of celebrating the Ryan Opera Center’s monumental 50th anniversary. The performance offered a glimpse into the bright future of opera, showcasing the immense talent of up-and-coming singers. As someone not deeply versed in the opera world, I was thoroughly impressed by the powerful voices and extraordinary musical gifts of the ensemble.

If you are interested in listening to or watching the show, ‘Rising Stars in Concert’ has been recorded and will be broadcast on 98.7 WFMT and streaming on wfmt.com on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CT.

Court Theatre’s world premiere of Berlin, adapted by Mickle Maher from Jason Lutes’ monumental graphic novel, is a breathtaking achievement. Directed with precision and deep sensitivity by Charles Newell, Berlin brings the chaos and beauty of Weimar-era Germany to stunning life on stage, rendered in an unforgettable 1930s noir style.

Lutes spent two decades crafting his sprawling graphic epic, and it’s clear Maher and Newell approached this adaptation with profound respect. The production’s black, white, and grey palette—designed by scenic designer John Culbert, lighting designer Keith Parham, and costume designer Jacqueline Firkins—immerses the audience in a city teetering on the edge of catastrophe. Every shadow and seam speak volumes, creating a world that feels both immediate and mythic.

Raven Whitley leads the ensemble as Marthe Muller, capturing a young woman’s vulnerability and fierce independence with magnetic grace. Tim Decker’s Kurt Severing carries the weary idealism of a journalist witnessing democracy’s slow death, while Ellie Duffey delivers a moving performance as the idealistic Silvia Braun. Elizabeth Laidlaw is harrowing as both Gudrun Braun and Adolf Hitler, offering a brutal glimpse into rising fascism.

Special mention must be made of Julia Rhoads’ fluid, expressive movement direction, which underscores the sense of a city swirling with ideas, danger, and desire. Sammi Grant’s expert vocal and dialect coaching ensures every character’s voice feels authentic—from Joseph Goebbels’ oily charisma (a chilling performance by Terry Bell) to the many Berliners struggling to survive an unraveling world.

Kate Collins, Mo Shipley, Jack Doherty, Guy Van Swearingen, Christopher Meister, Molly Hernandez, and Brandon Ruiter round out the exceptional ensemble, each carving out vivid portraits of citizens caught in history’s gears.

Watching Berlin today mirrors America’s turbulent political landscape with haunting clarity. From surging extremism to collapsing civil discourse, from journalism under siege to widening economic divides—these echoes ring too close to home. Berlin is more than historical; it is an urgent warning, a desperate plea, and a piercing call for vigilance.

Newell’s production reminds us that civilizations don’t collapse with a bang—they decay slowly, invisibly. Each small compromise, each overlooked lie, each quiet injustice piles up until the ground gives way beneath us. By then, we’ve sealed our fate, having watched our undoing unfold in slow motion.

Court Theatre hasn’t merely adapted a graphic novel—they’ve unleashed a theatrical thunderbolt. Under Newell’s visionary direction, Berlin transforms into something rare and electric: a defining moment of Chicago theatre that will be talked about for years to come. In a time when we desperately need art that matters, Berlin delivers with a punch that leaves you breathless.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED                                                                                                                                                              

When: Extended through MAY 18TH

Where: Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.

Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes 15-minute intermission

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!

Chicago's Rivendell Theatre Ensemble continues to celebrate its 30th Anniversary season with the World Premiere co-production of Keiko Green's GORGEOUS, directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald. The co-production with Raven Theatre runs May 1 - June 7, 2025, at Raven, 6157 N. Clark St. The press opening is Wednesday, May 7, at 7:30pm. The season includes Rivendell's current production of No Such Thing, in a world premiere production by Lisa Dillman, directed by Malkia Stampley. Rivendell continues devising work on the Folded Map Project, Tonika Johnson's groundbreaking work that addresses segregation in Chicago with core artists for a summer writing workshop. Rivendell will also host Tonika's photography in its theatre lobby throughout 2025.

About GORGEOUS

Gorgeous, written by Keiko Green and directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald, features Stephanie Shum (Jenny) and Rivendell Theatre Artistic Director Tara Mallen (Bernie). The creative team includes: Mara Ishihara Zinky (Scenic Designer), Paloma Locsin (Props Designer), Maegan Pate (Costume Designer), Seojung Jang (Lighting Designer), Connor Wang (Sound Designer), Caroline Uy (Dramaturg), and JC Widman (Stage Manager).

Jenny has a simple life; she takes care of the elderly and shows dogs professionally. When her just-a-little-bit-older boyfriend Bill dies suddenly, all Jenny wants is to get rid of his stuff and continue to show his champion Bulldog, GORGEOUS. Enter Bernie, a tornado of a woman. Amid the boxes of things that made up Bill's life, Jenny and Bernie must find a way forward for themselves and the dog.

Tickets are on sale at www.raventheatre.com. 

Rivendell Artistic Director Tara Mallen comments, "We are thrilled to be bringing Keiko Green's fresh and unapologetic voice to Chicago with this co-production between Raven and Rivendell. With Rivendell's continued commitment to amplifying women's voices and Raven's history of championing and producing new work, our combined efforts make for a production that gets at the heart of this world premiere comedy. It has been an absolute delight to share resources with the wonderful artists at Raven and it has served as a great reminder that the truly the best way forward is through collaboration and community."

FACTS:

Dates: May 1 - June 7, 2025

Press Opening: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

Running Time: approximately 90 minutes with no intermission

Location: Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. in Chicago

Tickets: General Admission: $45; Previews $30 (May 1-4).

Discounts for students, seniors, military, and groups of 6 or more, are available. 

Pay-What-You-Can Performances: Saturday, May 3, Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 23

Box Office: www.raventheatre.com 

ABOUT No Such Thing

The world premiere of No Such Thing by Rivendell Ensemble Member Lisa Dillman and directed by Malkia Stampley continues through April 27, 2025. Tickets are now available at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago, (773) 334-7728 or www.RivendellTheatre.org.

Ren was once a sought-after screenwriter. Now in late middle age, her career foundering, she finds herself at a crossroads of social and professional invisibility. Seeking the intimacy that's been missing from her friendly but sexless marriage without capsizing the rest of her life, she begins an intricately constructed affair that blends sex and storytelling. Fact and fiction collide.

No Such Thing looks at the question of what makes a life story and charts the unpredictable changes to that story in a society that tends to downsize women out of some of their most productive years.

The cast of No Such Thing includes RTE member Jessica Ervin (Olivia) with Susan Gosdick (Ren), Matt DeCaro (Ted), Cheryl Hamada (Marilyn) and Josh Odor (Fallon).

The creative team includes Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Evelyn Danner (Costume Design), Madeleine Reid (Lighting Design), Ethan Korvne (Sound Design), Lonnae Hickman (Props Designer), Shannon Golden (Production Manager), Kristi Martens (Stage Manager) and Autumn Dancy (Assistant Stage Manager).

Tara Mallen says, "No Such Thing is the absolute embodiment of Rivendell's 30 years of excellence – a new play developed through our Fresh Produce developmental series, featuring contributions from a cadre of genius artists, with a resonant story told from an all too often invisible perspective – a woman over sixty. We are delighted to offer Chicago yet another provocative and surprising work penned by our longtime ensemble member, Lisa Dillman, and cannot imagine a better way to kick off our thirtieth anniversary season!"

Title: No Such Thing

Written by: RTE member Lisa Dillman

Directed by: Malkia Stampley

Featuring: RTE member Jessica Ervin (Olivia) with Susan Gosdick (Ren), Matt DeCaro (Ted), Cheryl Hamada (Marilyn) and Josh Odor (Fallon).

Creative Team: Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Evelyn Danner (Costume Design), Madeleine Reid (Lighting Design), Ethan Korvne (Sound Design), Lonnae Hickman (Props Designer), Kristi Martens* (Stage Manager) and Autumn Dancy (Assistant Stage Manager).

Production Sponsor: Michael Litt

Dates: through April 27, 2025

Schedule: Thursdays at 8:00pm; Fridays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00pm

Special added performances include: Monday, April 21 at 8:00pm (Industry Night); Sunday, April 27 at 3:00pm (Closing)

Tickets: $39 General Admission

$17 Student, Educators, Military/Veterans, Industry (Limited quantity, first-come, first-served); $28 Seniors; $49 Sponsor Admission (to help us pay artists fair wages by covering the full cost of a seat at the performance); $94 Angel Admission (1 Basic Admission, plus helping to cover discounted or free tickets to people who need them

Membership / Subscription: RIV Pass: $95 (see Rivendell productions and other events as often as desired)

Box Office: (773) 334-7728 or www.RivendellTheatre.org

ABOUT RIVENDELL THEATRE ENSEMBLE

Since 1994, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has advanced the lives of women through theatre. Rivendell cultivates the talents of women artists—writers, actors, directors, designers and technicians—by seeking out innovative plays that explore unique female experiences and producing them in an intimate salon environment.

Rivendell employs women theatre artists, offers mind-expanding experiences with new voices and perspectives, and sparks dialogue and action on critical issues in the lives of women and their communities.

In our 30-year history, Rivendell has earned 12 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nearly four dozen nominations. We are recognized as a national force in new play development and a home for women theatre artists. We engage about 200 artists and 3,000+ audience members each year through our mainstage season and new work development.

For more information about Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, visit http://rivendelltheatre.org. Follow Rivendell on Facebook at Facebook.com/rivendelltheatre and on Instagram at @rivendelltheatre.

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is supported by generous grants from: SIF Fund at The Chicago Community Trust; TERRA Foundation for American Art, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Shubert Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Bayless Family Foundation; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; Sarah and the 2 C Dogs and Amazing Edibles.

ABOUT RAVEN THEATRE COMPANY

Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays, as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities' needs through the arts. Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Paul M. Angell Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, and The Shubert Foundation. This project is partially supported by a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This programming is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information visit www.raventheatre.com. 

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that its free SUMMER CONCERT will return to Millennium Park on August 11, 2025. The free concert, sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, will take place on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St). The annual event is presented with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Fans can expect selections from PARADE, which will already be in performances at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe), and MJ THE MUSICAL, which will begin performances at the James M. Nederlander Theatre on Tuesday, August 12; as well as upcoming subscription shows THE SOUND OF MUSIC, HELL’S KITCHEN , the modern-day holiday classic ELF THE MUSICAL, STEREOPHONIC, and 2024 Tony Award® winning Best Musical THE OUTSIDERS. More shows will be announced later this summer.

Production photos of participating shows available to download here.

The Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert is presented in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Every summer in Millennium Park, the City of Chicago proudly presents symphonic music, dance, opera, Broadway hits and more—performed by some of Chicago’s best-loved cultural institutions. For the latest news and events, visit millenniumpark.org and follow Millennium Park on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter, and Instagram (Millennium_Park).

For more information on the Summer Concert and Broadway In Chicago, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.


ABOUT MILLENNIUM PARK
Discover a world-class collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provides the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, interactive art and family activities. In Millennium Park, you’ll find a spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city, a destination for all Chicagoans and visitors alike. Millennium Park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the U.S. It is also the anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open daily during the summer from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Plan your visit at millenniumpark.org, follow us on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter, and Instagram (@Millennium_Park) and join the conversation on social media using #MillenniumPark.

ABOUT CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city—to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city—serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium.
 

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @BroadwayInChicago on
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#broadwayinchicago

The Joffrey Ballet concludes its 69^th season with two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's enchanting and family-friendly Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Set to Joby Talbot's hallucinatory sound world of sweeping melodies and ticking clocks, the production features vibrant stagecraft and puppetry by Tony Award®-winning designer Bob Crowley, transforming Lewis Carroll's classic tale with a modern twist. The production run has been extended for the first time in the Company's history, with 14 performances across three weekends at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, from June 5 to 22, 2025 (originally scheduled to close June 15). 

Based on Carroll's beloved story, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland takes audiences on a magical journey through a fantastical world filled with iconic characters, including the high-strung Queen of Hearts, the entrancing Caterpillar, and the tap-dancing Mad Hatter. Through a seamless fusion of humor, whimsy, and fantasy, Wheeldon makes Wonderland wonderfully real in this audience-favorite dance adventure.

A highlight of the year, the Joffrey is the first American company to bring Wheeldon's whimsical Wonderland to life. Premiering in 2011 at the Royal Opera House in London, the ballet has since toured internationally with some of the world's most prestigious ballet companies.

Renowned for blending popular culture with artistic brilliance, Wheeldon also choreographed The Joffrey Ballet's reimagined holiday classic The Nutcracker, celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year. The Joffrey first collaborated with Wheeldon on Swan Lake in 2014.

"The Joffrey holds a special place in my heart. I can't think of a more fitting U.S. company to premiere Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," says choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. "The Joffrey dancers lead the way in storytelling through dance, approaching choreography with enthusiasm and energy. Their passion allows them to fully inhabit the zany and colorful characters of Wonderland. Each year, I'm in awe of their growth in The Nutcracker; it remains one of my proudest achievements. These dancers are artists of curiosity and great integrity."

The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE said, "Collaborating with Christopher is always extraordinary. We are honored to be the first American company to perform Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a production that dazzles on every level. This spectacular finale to our record-breaking season bursts with theatricality, whimsical stagecraft, and inspiring design. The versatility, theatricality, and technical prowess of the Joffrey artists will bring the iconic characters of Wonderland to life in the most magical way."

President & CEO Greg Cameron added, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland embodies the Joffrey's commitment to artistic excellence and accessibility. For the first time, we've added four extra performances to expand our Joffrey for All initiatives. These added performances provide more opportunities to engage with our Community Engagement partners and affiliated schools, offering equitable access to arts education for Chicago's youth. Wonderland is a joyful and imaginative showcase of the very best the Joffrey has to offer."

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.

Special thanks to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Producing Sponsor Margot and Josef Lakonishok; Presenting Sponsors Ethel Gofen, The Negaunee Foundation, and Sonja and Conrad Fischer; Major Sponsors Mary Jo and Doug Basler, Dancing Skies Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald V. Waters III, Audrey Weaver, and the Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet; Production Sponsors Lynda Sue Lane, M.D., Holly Palmer Foundation, Jeanette Stevens, Richard and Diane Weinberg, and an anonymous Production Sponsor; and Costume Sponsor Jane Ellen Murray Foundation.

Tickets and Schedule
The Joffrey Ballet presents Alice's Adventures in Wonderland from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 22, 2025; the full performance schedule is as follows: Thursday, June 5 at 7:30PM; Friday, June 6 at 7:30PM; Saturday, June 7 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM; Sunday, June 8 at 2:00PM; Thursday, June 12 at 7:30PM; Friday, June 13 at 7:30PM; Saturday, June 14 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM; Sunday, June 15 at 2:00PM; Thursday, June 19 at 7:30PM; Friday, June 20 at 7:30PM; Saturday, June 21 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM; Sunday, June 22 at 2:00PM.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Lyric Opera Box Office located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.

About The Joffrey Ballet 
The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 69 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works.  

Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron. 

The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2024-2025 Season Sponsors: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Florian Fund, Gallagher, Anne L. Kaplan, and Live Music Sponsors: Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges Season Partners: Chicago Athletic Clubs, and Athletico Physical Therapy, official provider of physical therapy for The Joffrey Ballet. 

For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.