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Thursday, 26 February 2026 11:38

JACKALOPE THEATRE COMPANY LAUNCHES ITS YOUNG AUDIENCE PROGRAMMING WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE DRESS-UP PLAY, MARCH 7 - 22, AT THE BROADWAY ARMORY PARK

JACKALOPE THEATRE COMPANY LAUNCHES ITS YOUNG AUDIENCE PROGRAMMING WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE DRESS-UP PLAY, MARCH 7 - 22, AT THE BROADWAY ARMORY PARK

Jackalope Theatre Company is proud to present its first production for young audiences and the launch of its 18th season with the world premiere of The Dress-Up Play by Juliet Kang Huneke, March 7 - 22, directed by Karina Patel, at the Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N Broadway St. The running time is 60 minutes with no intermission. There is a preview performance Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. The performance schedule is Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 - $35 with student and Edgewater resident discounts available. Subscription and single tickets are now available at JackalopeTheatre.org or call/text the box office at 773.340.2543.

The Dress-Up Play is a new family-friendly production from Jackalope. New friends gather in a bedroom to play dress up. But who gets to wear what? Do our clothes have to match what we look like outside? And what if our outside doesn't match our inside? Filled with tutus, fake mustaches, scarves and fierce runway walks. The Dress-Up Play is an immersive fashion party for all ages that celebrates self-expression, open-mindedness and the wholeness of everyone.

The cast of The Dress-Up Play includes Keimon Shook (he/him, Remi); Casey Whisler (she/her, Olivia); Aidan Henri (they/he/she, Aiden) and Jett Parr (they/them, Miles).  

The creative team for The Dress-Up Play includes Juliet Kang Huneke (she/they, playwright); Karina Patel (she/her, director and new works manager); AJ Links, CSA (she/her, casting director), Eric Turner (he/him, production manager); Seojung Jang (she/her, lighting designer); Newton Schottelkotte (they/she, sound designer); Amal Salem (she/her, stage manager); Hudson Therriault (he/him, accessibility manager); Amira Danan (she/her, development director) and Kaiser Ahmed (he/him, artistic director),  

ABOUT JULIET KANG HUNEKE, PLAYWRIGHT

Juliet Kang Huneke is a playwright and performer who is passionate about theatre that is larger than life. Her new TYA play, Hannah and Halmoni Save the World! recently had its world premiere at Filament Theatre. In addition, she was awarded the 2023 ReImagine: New Plays in TYA grant to develop Hannah and Halmoni with Filament. Juliet is also a 24 Hour Plays Nationals alum. Other Chicago writing credits include: Echo's Inferno (The Understudy), Home for the Summer (Theo Ubique, American Music Theatre Project), Mycelium (Playground Chicago) and Mechanicals (Impostors Theater Co Footholds Vol. 4). 

ABOUT KARINA PATEL, DIRECTOR

Karina Patel is a devised theatre artist, director and dramaturg originally from London, United Kingdom. She is currently the New Works manager at Jackalope Theatre Company and literary associate at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Patel has developed new and devised work with The Story Theatre, The Understudy Chicago, APIDA Arts, TimeLine Theatre Company, Avalanche Theatre, Token Theatre, 24 Hour Plays and more. She has also served as an assistant director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Court Theatre and the Repertory Theatre of St Louis. 

ABOUT JACKALOPE THEATRE

Jackalope Theatre Company expands the definition of American Identity by engaging with communities to produce works that celebrate diverse perspectives. Jackalope is a premier home for new and exciting Off-Loop Theatre based in Chicago's Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. They are committed to cultivating new voices that contribute to an expanding American culture and mythology. Each season, Jackalope produces full-length plays, new play development programming and provides free classes in partnership with the Chicago Park District.

MORE FROM JACKALOPE

WORLD PREMIERE

Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play

May 27 - July 6, 2026

Written by Terry Guest

Directed by AmBer Montgomery

Previews: Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m.

Press Opening: Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m., 

Sundays at 2 p.m.

The Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway St.

JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season

Tickets: $15 - $45

It's 1962 in New York City and Andy Warhol (no, not that Andy Warhol) is stuck. He hasn't finished a painting in years and has no new ideas. When a mysterious actress named Marilyn Monroe (no, not that Marilyn Monroe) stumbles into his life, she sends him down an epic path of madness, murder, betrayal and the desperate pursuit of fame, sex and beauty. Andy Warhol presents: The Cocaine Play is a 100% fake story about 100% real people that asks how far are you willing to go for the chance at superstardom. 

17th Annual Living Newspaper Festival 

August 20 - 24, 2026

Press Opening: Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance schedule: Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 7:30 p.m.

The Broadway Armory, 5917 N Broadway

JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season

Tickets: $15 - $35

The Living Newspaper Festival is inspired by the 1930s Living Newspapers of the Federal Theatre Project that created stories based on recent events. This year's Festival includes world premieres inspired from recent news headlines.

Performances, show times, dates are subject to change.

ABOUT JACKALOPE THEATRE

Jackalope Theatre Company expands the definition of American Identity by engaging with communities to produce works that celebrate diverse perspectives. Jackalope is a premier home for new and exciting Off-Loop Theatre based in Chicago's Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. They are committed to cultivating new voices that contribute to an expanding American culture and mythology. Each season, Jackalope produces full-length plays, new play development programming and provides free classes in partnership with the Chicago Park District.

Jackalope Theatre Company is proud to present its first production for young audiences and the launch of its 18th season with the world premiere of The Dress-Up Play by Juliet Kang Huneke, March 7 - 22, directed by Karina Patel, at the Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N Broadway St. The running time is 60 minutes with no intermission. There is a preview performance Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. with the press opening Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m. The performance schedule is Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 - $35 with student and Edgewater resident discounts available. Subscription and single tickets are now available at JackalopeTheatre.org or call/text the box office at 773.340.2543.

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Thursday, 26 February 2026 13:14

Announcing FAULT, an exciting addition to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater 2025/2026 Season

left to right) - Enrico Colantoni, Teri Hatcher and Jason Alexander to star in Fault at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces Fault, an exciting addition to the 2025/2026 season starring film and television star Enrico Colantoni (English Teacher, Galaxy Quest, Veronica Mars) and Golden Globe winner Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives), and directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Jason Alexander, who returns to Chicago Shakespeare Theater after 2024's smash-hit Judgment Day. The cast also features Jack Ball (Broadway's The Book of Mormon, Falsettos, Dunsinane). Written by Scooter Pietsch, Fault is a wickedly dark comedy, full of blistering humor and searing revelations. All's fair in love and marital warfare as Lucy and Jerry Green go head-to-head after 30 years of marriage in a late-night tangle of lies, ambition, and betrayal. Fault makes the case that being honest with ourselves might just be the trickiest game we play in life and love... but whose fault is that anyways? This world-premiere production runs April 18-May 24, 2026 in The Yard.

Fault replaces the previously announced spring production of Ain't Misbehavin', which has been postponed to a later date.

"We're delighted to have Jason Alexander back at CST to helm this hilarious and thought-provoking new play by Scooter Pietsch, and thrilled to welcome Enrico Colantoni, Teri Hatcher, and Jack Ball to Chicago with a top-rate creative team," shared Artistic Director Edward Hall. "Chicago audiences love a smart comedy, and we're excited to give them the chance to enjoy this entertaining world premiere this spring."

"I remember very well the joys of debuting a brand-new work at CST," shared director Jason Alexander. "That's why I'm thrilled to debut this new play with a superb creative team and a glorious cast for the Chicago audience that made me feel so welcome and appreciated. I can't imagine launching it anywhere else."

"I'm honored to have the world premiere of my play Fault in Chicago," said playwright Scooter Pietsch. "I love to write about edgy and outrageous but relatable subjects, and we are definitely not going to disappoint with this one. Fault is about marriage. The love. The passion. The pitfalls. The booby traps. The fact that no one ever wins an argument. EVER. And to have the brilliant comedic mind of Jason Alexander directing our fabulous actors? On the stage at Chicago Shakespeare? I didn't think I could love Chicago any more than I already do, but yes, I do."

Enrico Colantoni is an actor and director known for portraying Principal Grant Moretti in English Teacher, Mathesar in Galaxy Quest, Elliot DiMauro in the sitcom Just Shoot Me!, Keith Mars on the television series Veronica Mars, Louis Utz on the sitcom Hope & Gloria, crime lord Carl Elias on Person of Interest, Vincent Brambilla on the CBC TV program Allegiance, and Sergeant Greg Parker on the television series Flashpoint. He has also had supporting roles in such series and films as Westworld, Station Eleven, SUITS LA, The Wrong Guy, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Contagion, Full Frontal, Outstanding, Humane and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and guest appearances on Monk, Numb3rs, Party Down, iZombie, Madame Secretary, Stargate SG-1, and Bones. Colantoni has an illustrious theatre background as well, after graduating from the Yale School of Drama, where he received their prestigious Carol Dye Award. He also won a Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut in the original drama Birthday Candles opposite Debra Messing. Colantoni's other notable theatre credits include the premiere of Neil LaBute's The Distance from Here at the Almeida in London, The Merry Wives of Windsor at the New York Shakespeare Festival's Delacorte Theater in Central Park, Arabian Nights at the Manhattan Theatre Club, The Triumph of Love at the Guthrie Theatre, and Dracula at San Diego's famed Old Globe Theatre. He also played the title role in Shakespeare's Macbeth at the Matrix Theater and Uncle Vanya at the Lillian Theatre in Los Angeles.

Teri Hatcher's acting career has spanned movies, television, and stage. She is known around the world for her starring roles in Lois & Clark and Desperate Housewives, for which she won a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy. She starred most recently in the holiday movies, Christmas at the Chalet, How to Fall in Love by the Holidays and the true-life drama The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story, and voiced Muthr in the Apple TV+ animated series WondLa. She showcased her comedic skills hosting a standout episode of Saturday Night Live in 1995 and making her stand-up comedy debut in Showtime's 2021 comedy special Even More Funny Women of a Certain Age. Her feature film credits include The Big Picture, Soapdish, Spy Kids, Tomorrow Never Dies, and the Oscar-nominated animated film Coraline. She starred as Sally Bowles in the 1999 touring company of Cabaret and starred as Morticia Addams in the regional premiere of the musical comedy The Addams Family in 2022. Her first book, a funny and inspiring look at a woman finding balance between family, career and self, entitled Burnt Toast and Other Philosophies of Life, was a New York Times Bestseller in 2006. She is a health advocate and an avid cook, having studied at the world-famous Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, and won The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer and Chopped. Her digital series, #Sandwiched, focuses on being "sandwiched" between caring for aging parents and your own children, and still prioritizing your own self-care. @OfficialTeriHatcher. In September, Hatcher launched Desperately Devoted, a podcast she hosts with her Desperate Housewives TV daughter Andrea Bowen and her real-life daughter Emerson Tenney, bringing fresh perspectives and personal insights to the iconic series. In addition to rewatching the series, the hosts use its themes as a springboard for broader conversations on women's issues, relationships, parenting, sex, identity, and more.

Jack Ball returns to Chicago Shakespeare after appearing in Dunsinane (with The Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre of Scotland). His other stage credits include The Book of Mormon on Broadway, Falsettos (Court Theatre/TimeLine Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Paramount), Hansel and Gretel (Broadway in Chicago), The Coast Starlight (Milwaukee Rep), and Hit the Wall (Inconvenience). His film and television credits include Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, Chicago Justice, Somebody, Somewhere, Sirens, Henry Gamble's Birthday Party, An Acceptable Loss, Kill the Monsters, Room Six, and What Rhymes with Magdalena.

Over his acclaimed 50-year career as a Tony Award winning actor and entertainer, Jason Alexander has also maintained a noted career as a director across the multiple mediums of film, television, and theater. On Broadway, he made his directing debut with Sandy Rustin's The Cottage. He served as the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles based Reprise Theatre Company for five years and directed Sunday in the Park with George, The Fantasticks, and Damn Yankees for the company. He also directed Sam Shephard's The God of Hell, starring Bryan Cranston for the Geffen Playhouse; Neil Simon's Broadway Bound, starring Gina Hecht for the Odyssey Theatre; Karen Zacarias' Native Gardens starring Bruce Davison and Francis Fisher at the Pasadena Playhouse; the world premiere of the musical comedy revue When You're in Love The Whole World is Jewish; the world premiere of The Joy Wheel at the Ruskin Theater;  the production of Steven Levenson's  If I Forget at the Fountain Theater; and the world premiere of Windfall by Scooter Pietsch at Arkansas Repertory Theater and Bay Street Theatre. Most recently, Jason directed the critically acclaimed new production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd for La Mirada Theatre. On television, Alexander directed "The Good Samaritan" episode of the hit sitcom Seinfeld, and other series television episodes including Til Death, Campus Ladies, Franklin and Bash, Everybody Hates Chris, Mike and Molly, Criminal Minds and Young Sheldon. He has directed two feature-length films: For Better or Worse and Just Looking.  His upcoming directing projects include the feature film adaptation of The Cottage (2026). Alexander is a proud member of AEA, SAG, and DGA.

Scooter Pietsch is a playwright and Emmy-nominated composer/songwriter. His play, Windfall, was produced in London (directed by Mark Bell), Bay Street Theater in New York, and Arkansas Repertory Theatre (both directed by Jason Alexander). As a composer and songwriter, Pietsch has written music for over 200 TV shows and movies, some of which include Pretty Little Liars, Burn Notice, All Dogs Go To Heaven, Greek, American Idol, Sex And The City, Deal Or No Deal, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, So You Think You Can Dance, Divorce Court, Sanctuary (starring Margaret Qualley), Van Wilder, Urban Legends, Getting to Know You, Persons Unknown, Run, and The Marrying Man. He's also written hundreds of songs for various artists.

Joining Alexander on the creative team is Scenic Designer Paul Tate dePoo III (The Great Gatsby, Spamalot, The Cottage on Broadway), Costume Designer Mara Blumenfeld (Metamorphoses on Broadway, King Charles III, Sunday in the Park with George, As You Like It, and many more at CST), Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann (Cats, Frozen, Billy Elliot at Paramount Theater, Nell Gwynn, Love's Labor's Lost, Road Show at CST), and Sound Designer Ray Nardelli (Lookingglass Alice at Lookingglass Theatre Company and Off-Broadway, Shakespeare in Love, Sense and Sensibility, The Tempest and more at CST).

CST thanks Principal Production Sponsor Old National Bank for supporting this production.

Tickets (starting at $64) are on sale now. More information at chicagoshakes.com/fault or on social media at @chicagoshakes.

Fault

By Scooter Pietsch
Directed by Jason Alexander
April 18-May 24, 2026
The Yard

PERFORMANCE LISTING

  • Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. (no matinee April 22)
  • Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
  • Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (no matinee April 18)
  • Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Chicago Shakespeare strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all patrons. Accessible seating, assistive listening devices, large-print and Braille programs, and sensory tools are available at every performance. Enhanced performances include:

  • ASL interpreted performance – Friday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. 
    All dialogue and lyrics are translated into American Sign Language by two certified interpreters
  • Audio-described performance – Sunday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m. 

A program that provides spoken narration of a play's key visual elements for patrons who are blind or have low vision.

  • Open captioned performance – Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  
    A text display of the words and sounds heard during a play, synced live with the action onstage.

CREATIVE TEAM

Scooter Pietsch - Writer 

Jason Alexander - Director 

Paul Tate dePoo III - Scenic Designer 

Mara Blumenfeld - Costume Designer 

Greg Hofmann - Lighting Designer

Ray Nardelli - Sound Designer

CAST

Enrico Colantoni - Jerry

Teri Hatcher - Lucy

Jack Ball - Shaun

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER (CST)

CST is a leading international theater company and the nation's largest year-round theater dedicated to the works of Shakespeare. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes, the Regional Tony Award recipient is committed to creating vivid, entertaining theatrical experiences that invigorate and engage people of all ages and identities by illuminating the complexity, ambiguity, and wonder of our world. Each year, nearly a quarter of a million people experience CST's artistry through more than 12 productions. With Shakespeare at the heart of the artistic work, CST also produces compelling, contemporary stories from fresh voices of today. CST brings the world to Chicago and sends Chicago out into the world as Chicago's foremost presenter of international theater, and consistent producer of North American and world premieres. Serving more students and teachers than any theater in the city, CST annually welcomes more than 20,000 students to performances and programs like Chicago Shakespeare SLAM, alongside professional development opportunities for teachers. CST activates its campus with three venues: 700-seat The Yard; the 500-seat Jentes Family Courtyard Theater; and the 200-seat Carl and Marilynn Thoma Upstairs Studio. Free programs like Shakes in the City bring performances to parks and community spaces across Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. Shared humanity and unforgettable stories—now THIS is Chicago Shakespeare. www.chicagoshakes.com
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Thursday, 26 February 2026 12:18

Spamalot at CIBC Theatre on Sale Friday, February 27th

Spamalot at CIBC Theatre on Sale Friday, February 27th

Broadway In Chicago is is delighted to announce that tickets for SPAMALOT will go on sale on Friday, February 27. SPAMALOT will play Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited two-week engagement, May 19-31.SPAMALOT tour production photos here, rehearsal footage here, and B-roll hereSPAMALOT, which first galloped onto Broadway in 2005 after its 2004 world premiere in Chicago, features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The original Broadway production was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and won three including Best Musical. Following its critically acclaimed 2023 Broadway revival at the St. James Theatre in NYC, SPAMALOT is now on an all-new North American tour. Under the direction and choreography of Josh Rhodes , the production was praised for its inventive staging, design, and exceptional performances, reaffirming the enduring appeal of Monty Python’s distinctly British wit and comedic brilliance. The Broadway revival now brings its celebrated production to audiences across the country. The tour will travel to more than 30 cities in its first year including Cleveland; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Las Vegas; San Francisco; Seattle; Denver; Atlanta; Dallas; New Orleans; St. Louis; Houston; Ft. Worth; Charlotte; Schenectady; St. Paul, Greenville; Rochester; Milwaukee; Hartford and Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit www.spamalotthemusical.com. 

The cast includes Major Attaway (Aladdin) as King Arthur, Sean Bell (Harmony) as Sir Robin, Chris Collins-Pisano (Forbidden Broadway) as Sir Lancelot, Ellis C. Dawson III (Hamilton) as Sir Bedevere, Leo Roberts (Les Misérables) as Sir Galahad, Amanda Robles as The Lady of the Lake, Blake Segal (Mary Poppins) as Patsy and Steven Telsey (The Book Of Mormon) as The Historian/Prince Herbert.The cast also includes Lindsay Lee Alhady, Delaney Benson, Jack Brewer, Connor Coughlin, L'ogan J'ones, Graham Keen, Claire Kennard, Ben Lanham, Nathaniel Mahone, Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier, Mark Tran Russ and Meridien Terrell.  The creative team includes scenic and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III, costume design by Jen Caprio, lighting design by Cory Pattak, sound design by Kai Harada & Haley Parcher, wig design by Tom Watson and music supervision by John Bell. Jonathan Gorst is the Musical Director/Conductor. The team also includes Matthew Brooks (Production Stage Manager), Anna K. Rains (Stage Manager) and Dani Berman (Asst. Stage Manager), James Neal (Company Manager) and Kat McIntyre (Asst. Company Manager). Derek Kolluri is the Associate Director, and Michael Fatica is the Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Geoff Josselson, CSA and RCI Theatricals serves as General Manager. SPAMALOT is produced by Jeffrey Finn.
 
Lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT has everything that makes a great knight at the theatre: from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery, and of course, the Lady of the Lake. SPAMALOT features well-known songs including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theater canon.   
 

www.spamalotthemusical.com

CONNECT WITH SPAMALOT
spamalotthemusical.com
Instagram: @spamalotbway
X: @SpamalotBway
Facebook: @SpamalotBway
TikTok: @SpamalotBway


PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 19 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 21 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 22 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 – 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.Tuesday, May 26 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 28 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 29 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 31 – 1:00 p.m.TICKET INFORMATION (as of February 26, based on availability and subject to change)


Individual tickets for SPAMALOT will go on sale Friday, February 27 and range from $35.00 - $125.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Ticket price listed is when purchased in person at the box office. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 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, The Auditorium, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
 

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @BroadwayInChicago on
Facebook ● Instagram ● TikTok ● Bluesky ● YouTube
#broadwayinchicago

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Tuesday, 23 December 2025 14:14

THE DANCE OF DEATH - Steppenwolf Theatre – Through March 22, 2026

Pictured (left to right) Ensemble members Kathryn Erbe and Cliff Chamberlain in a publicity image for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of "The Dance of Death."

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 50th Anniversary Season with August Strindberg's master class in marital warfare The Dance of Death, adapted by Conor McPherson, directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov and featuring an all ensemble cast. The Dance of Death will play January 29 – March 22, 2026 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Single tickets starting at $20 are now on sale at steppenwolf.org or the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. The press opening is Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:30 pm.

Steppenwolf ensemble member Jeff Perry (No Man's Land, August: Osage County, Scandal) returns home to the company he co-founded five decades ago, joined by fellow ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain (You Will Get Sick, Fool for Love, The Minutes) and Kathryn Erbe (The Grapes of Wrath, A Streetcar Named Desire, Law & Order: Criminal Intent), who returns to the Steppenwolf stage for the first time in nearly three decades.

About the Production:

In the high stone tower of an isolated naval fortress, Alice and Edgar are about to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss – if decades of resentment, recrimination and mutual sabotage count as bliss. But when an alluring visitor arrives, the delicate balance of their tedious arrangement falls off its axis, cracks growing into canyons. In Conor McPherson's wicked take on Strindberg's masterclass in marital warfare, a twisted love triangle waltzes off the edge of a cliff, plunging us all into the deep.

Steppenwolf Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis comment, "When we set out to program the 50th Anniversary Season, our priority was to welcome a large host of ensemble members from across Steppenwolf's storied history back home. Nowhere is this clearer than in The Dance of Death, which has an all ensemble cast and an ensemble director at the helm. With Jeff, Katie and Cliff – representing three generations of ensemble members – in one room, we know we're in store for a quintessentially Steppenwolf night of combustible and provoking theater."

The creative team includes Collette Pollard (Scenic Design), Ana Kuzmanic (Costume Design) Lee Fiskness (Lighting Design), Rick Sims (Sound Design), Jyreika Guest (Fight and Intimacy Consultant), Jason K. Martin (Voice Coach), Claire Kaplan (Movement Consultant), Abhi Shrestha (Dramaturg), Patrick Zakem (Creative Producer), Tom Pearl (Producing Director), JC Clementz, CSA (Casting), Laura D. Glenn (Production Stage Manager) and Kathleen Barrett (Assistant Stage Manager). For full cast and creative team bios, click here.

Production Details:

Title: The Dance of Death
Playwright: August Strindberg
Adaptor: Conor McPherson
Director: ensemble member Yasen Peyankov
Cast: ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain (Kurt), Kathryn Erbe (Alice) and Jeff Perry (Captain)

Location: Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, January 29 – Friday, February 6, 2026
Press performance/Opening: Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Tuesday, February 10 – Sunday, March 22, 206
Curtain Times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be 7:30 pm performances on Tuesday, February 3, Wednesday, February 11, Tuesday, February 17, Wednesday, February 25, Thursday, February 26, Tuesday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 17; there will not be 3 pm performances on Saturday, February 7, Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, February 8; there will be an added 2 pm matinee on Wednesday, March 11.

Tickets: Single tickets for The Dance of Death ($20 – $148.50*) are now on sale at steppenwolf.org and the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. Steppenwolf Flex Memberships are currently on sale at steppenwolf.org/memberships: Black Card Memberships with six tickets for use any time for any production and RED Card Memberships for theatergoers under 30. *Pricing includes an $8.50 handling fee

Steppenwolf offers 20 tickets for $20 (no added fees) for each performance of every membership series production. Use promo code 20FOR20 to redeem this offer online, available in advance until they're sold out for every main series show. Limit 2 tickets per person. You can also purchase by phone at (312) 335-1650 on the day-of show at 12 pm for main series performances. Limit 2 tickets per person.

Accessible Performance Dates:

Audio-Described and Touch Tour: Sunday, March 1 at 3 pm (1:30 pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned: Saturday, February 28 at 3 pm & Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 pm
ASL-Interpreted: Friday, March 6 at 7:30 pm

Education and Engagement:

Throughout the 2025/26 season, Steppenwolf continues its commitment to the next generation of theatre learners, makers and appreciators with robust education and engagement programming. Programming includes dedicated student matinee performances during four of the five Membership Series productions including Mr. Wolf, Amadeus, The Dance of Death and Windfall, in-school residencies in partnership with Chicago Public schools, workshops, panels and events specifically geared towards teens, as well as professional development trainings and resources for educators. Additionally, Steppenwolf is reimagining their community engagement and will pilot new public programming, continue accessibility programming and offer opportunities for deeper explorations for audiences throughout the season. For additional information about Steppenwolf's Education and Engagement programming and to register your school for a field trip visit steppenwolf.org/education-and-engagement/steppenwolf-field-trip-series.

Artist Biographies:

August Strindberg (Playwright) Johan August Strindberg was a Swedish author and playwright whose work engaged the concepts of naturalism and expressionism. He was born in Stockholm on January 22, 1849, to an unsuccessful shipping agent and a maidservant. He attended the University of Uppsala, but he would often leave to act at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, teach or write plays. He left Uppsala permanently in 1872 to work as a journalist and a librarian at the Royal Library in Stockholm. In 1879, Strindberg published his novel "The Red Room," making him famous in Sweden. His play Master Olof, a historical drama published in 1872, was finally performed in 1881, and he wrote several plays criticizing social conventions in Sweden, including Lucky Peter's Travels (1882), The Father (1887), Miss Julie (1888), Creditors (1888), The Stronger (1888) and Playing with Fire (1892). During the 1890s, Strindberg suffered from psychological and emotional stress, which he described in his novel "Inferno," that culminated in his adoption of mysticism. The post-"Inferno" period was more productive for Strindberg. He wrote thirty-six plays from 1898 to 1909, including To Damascus (1898), a trilogy, Gustav Vasa (1899), Erik the Fourteenth (1899), Easter (1900), The Dance of Death (1900), A Dream Play (1901), Queen Christinia (1901), Storm (1907), The Ghost Sonata (1907) and The Great Highway (1909). He died in Stockholm on May 14, 1912. 

Conor McPherson (Adaptor) was born in Dublin in 1971. He attended the University College in Dublin, where he began to write and direct. His plays include Rum & Vodka, The Good Thief, This Lime Tree Bower, St. Nicholas, The Weir (Olivier Award, Best Play), Dublin Carol, Port Authority, Shining City (Tony Award nomination, Best Play) and The Seafarer. Film work includes I Went Down, Saltwater, Samuel Beckett's Endgame and The Actors. Other awards include the George Devine Award; Critics' Circle Award; Evening Standard Award; Meyer Whitworth Award; Stewart Parker Award; two Irish Film & Television Academy Best Screenplay Awards; CICAE Best Film Award, Berlin Film Festival (Saltwater); Best Film and Best Screenplay Awards, San Sebastian Film Festival (I Went Down).

Yasen Peyankov (Director) last directed at Steppenwolf Theatre his own adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Seagull in 2022 and has been an Ensemble Member since 2002. Other Steppenwolf main stage directing credits include: The Fundamentals, Between Riverside and Crazy (Jeff nomination for Best Production), Grand Concourse and Russian Transport. He also directed Hushabye for Steppenwolf's First Look Repertory and The Glass Menagerie for Steppenwolf for Young Adults. He most recently directed Samuel Beckett's Endgame at Facility Theatre. He also translated and directed the Bulgarian premieres of August: Osage County and last fall Doll's House, Part 2 (still running) at the National Theatre in Sofia, Bulgaria. As an actor he has appeared in over 20 productions at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, some of which include: Amadeus, Time of Your Life (also in Seattle and San Francisco), Morning Star (Jeff Award), Hysteria, Lost Land, Cherry Orchard, Frankie and Johnny at the Claire De Lune (also in Dublin), Superior Donuts (also on Broadway), and others. Film: Maestro, Captive State, A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, The Company, US Marshalls, and others. Television: Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Madame Secretary (recurring), FBI, Stranger Things, The Mob Doctor, Alias, The Practice, The Unit, Numb3rs, and others. Mr. Peyankov is a Professor and Head of Theatre at the School of Theatre and Music at UIC where he teaches acting and directs plays.

Cliff Chamberlain (Kurt) joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2018. Steppenwolf Theatre Company: You Will Get Sick, Fool For Love, The Minutes, Belleville, Clybourne Park, Theatrical Essays, Superior Donuts. Chicago: The Seagull (Goodman Theatre); The Sparrow (The House Theatre of Chicago). Broadway: The Minutes, Superior Donuts. Television: Homeland, Altered Carbon, The Act, Dirty John: Betty, Easy, State of Affairs, Chicago PD, Paper Girls, The Chair. Film: The Wise Kids, Moses the Black, The Rip. Cliff trained at UCSB and The School at Steppenwolf.

Kathryn Erbe (Alice) first worked with Steppenwolf on the Broadway production of The Grapes of Wrath (1990 Tony Award for Best Play). Her most recent Steppenwolf production was A Streetcar Named Desire. She was nominated for a Tony for The Speed of Darkness. Kathryn also appeared in The Father (MTC) and A Month in the Country (Roundabout) on Broadway. Off Broadway credits include Yosemite, Ode To Joy, AZAK (Rattlestick); Checkers (The Vineyard); Nikolai and the Others (Mitzi Newhouse LTC); Something Clean (Roundabout Underground) and Down the Shore (Atlantic) and most recently Ashes & Ink (AMT). She is best known to television audiences for her work on Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order SVU. Her other TV credits include Oz, Homicide, The Runaway, George Wallace, Breathing Lessons, POSE, The Sinner, City On A Hill, Billions, How to Get Away With Murder and the upcoming Black Rabbit on Netflix. Film credits include 3 Backyards, Mistress America, Dating My Mother, Assassination Nation, Alex Strangelove, No Alternative, The Good House, Red Pill, Being Dead, Speaking of Sex, Stir of Echoes, Dream with the Fishes, Naked City, Entropy, What About Bob?, D2: The Mighty Ducks, Kiss of Death, The Addiction, Rich in Love and the upcoming The Plea.

Jeff Perry (Captain) is a co-founder of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and has acted and directed in over 40 Steppenwolf productions. Regional: No Man's Land, Seagull, Streamers, Time of Your Life, Anna Christie, A Steady Rain. International: The Grapes of Wrath, August: Osage County. Television: Nash Bridges, Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, $1, Dirty John, Inventing Anna, Alaska Daily. Upcoming: Co-Producer The Steppenwolf Theatre Documentary. "I owe my life in art to the guidance of every teacher, artist, student, and storytelling colleague I've been blessed to share time and space with."

Accessibility:

As a commitment to make the Steppenwolf experience accessible to everyone, performances featuring American Sign Language Interpretation, Open Captioning and Audio Description are offered during the run of each STC production. Assistive listening devices (ALDs), large-print programs and Braille programs are available for every performance and all our spaces are equipped with an induction hearing loop. Our building features wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms, push-button entrances, a courtesy wheelchair and all-gender restrooms, with accessible counter and table spaces at our bars. For additional information regarding accessibility, visit steppenwolf.org/access or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sponsor Information:

United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf is also grateful for the significant season support from lead sponsors Allstate Insurance Company, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Caroline and Keating Crown, Julius Frankel Foundation, Lefkofsky Family Foundation, Northern Trust, Anne and Don Phillips, John Hart and Carol Prins, Shubert Foundation, Inc, Walder Foundation, and Zell Family Foundation. Steppenwolf also acknowledges generous support from premier sponsors Anonymous, Andrew and Amy Bluhm, Michael and Cathy Brennan, Ann and Richard Carr, Chicago Community Trust, Steven and Nancy Crown, Conagra Brands Foundation, Rich and Margery Feitler, FROST CHICAGO, Joyce Foundation, Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, The Orlebeke Foundation, PNC, Polk Bros. Foundation, Thoma Bravo, Bryan Traubert and Penny Pritzker, Sacks Family Foundation, Smart Family Foundation of Illinois, and Vinci Restaurant. Steppenwolf also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council. 

About Steppenwolf Theatre Company:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's premier Ensemble Theater with 49 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions have made this theatre legendary. From the 1980 phenomenon of Balm in Gilead, to The Grapes of Wrath, August: Osage County, Downstate, The Brother/Sister Plays, and now, the 2025 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Purpose, Steppenwolf Theatre has had a long-running and undeniable impact on American Theater and Chicago's cultural landscape. Founded in 1976, Steppenwolf started as a group of teens performing in the basement of a church. Today, the company's artistic force remains rooted in the original vision of its founders: an artist-driven theatre, whose vitality is defined by its appetite for bold and innovative work. Every aspect of Steppenwolf is rooted in its Ensemble ethos, from the intergenerational artistic programming to the multi-genre performance series LookOut, to the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education and Engagement which serves nearly 15,000 teens annually. While grounded in the Chicago community, more than 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf also holds accolades that include the National Medal of Arts, 14 Tony Awards, two Pulitzer Prize-winning commissions and more. Led by Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Executive Director Brooke Flanagan and Board of Trustees Chair Keating Crown — Steppenwolf continually redefines the boundaries of live theater and pushes the limits of acting and performance.

Steppenwolf's Mission: Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world. steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

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