Displaying items by tag: Oakbrook theatre

Drury Lane Theatre continues its 2026/2027 season with the divine extravaganza Nunsense, featuring book, music and lyrics by David Goggin, directed by E. Faye Butler. Enjoy some holy hilarity with the Little Sisters of Hoboken in Nunsense, running June 10 – August 2, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. 

Get ready to laugh the summer away with nuns from the Little Sisters of Hoboken. This beloved revue will have you in stitches as the five sisters stage a variety show fundraiser filled with outrageous musical numbers and zany comedy. 

The cast of Nunsense includes Aurora Boe (Sister Mary Leo), Rachel Carreras (Sister Robert Anne),  Kelly Felthous (Sister Mary Amnesia), Cory Goodrich (Reverend Mother), and Sharriese Hamilton (Sister Mary Hubert). Understudies include Marta Bady, Caron Buinis, and Kayla Shipman.

The creative team of Nunsense includes E. Faye Butler (Director), Kenny Ingram (Choreographer), Julia Schade (Music Director), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Anna Finerty (Costume Coordinator) Lee Fiskness (Lighting Design), Stephanie Farina (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager).

Single tickets, priced $85-$150, are on sale now and are available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at www.drurylanetheatre.com. Groups of 10 or more can receive special group pricing.

About the Artists

Aurora Boe (Sister Mary Leo)  is thrilled to be back on the Drury Lane Stage! On-stage Credits Include: Drury Lane's "Sister Act" (Tina, Waitress, Ensemble, Mary Robert US), The Beautiful City Project's "Designer Run" (Choreographer, Dancer) & "We Will Rock You" (Ensemble), or Columbia College's "Sunday In The Park With George" (Dot/Marie). Aurora graduated with a BA in musical theatre from Columbia College Chicago in 2025, and recently received Chicago Cabaret Professionals 2025 Emerging Artists scholarship & 2026 New Vocalist Award. She gives special thanks to Gray Talent Group and her Family & friends that have supported her on this journey.

Rachel Carreras (Sister Robert Anne) is thrilled to be back in the habit after playing Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act at Drury Lane last season! Other recent credits include: Amélie (Kokandy Productions), Brighter Futures (Paramount Theatre), Mary Poppins and Cinderella (Metropolis PAC), Honky Tonk Angels (LTOTS) and Into the Woods (Summer Lyric). Rachel is a Naperville native and proud Neuqua Valley alum! She is also a member of the professional Chicago/Macomb choir withonevoice. Special thanks to her family and friends for their unending love and support! Represented by Talent X Alexander. Psalm 28:7. I'm always singing for you, Grandma! www.rachelcarreras.com

Kelly Felthous (Sister Mary Amnesia) is thrilled to be back at Drury Lane having previously performed in Elf and Jeff nominated roles in Chicago and Little Shop of Horrors. Favorite credits include: Violet in Violet, Sally Bowles in Cabaret , Lauren in Kinky Boots, Judy in White Christmas, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda and Dawn in Waitress. She originated the roles of Caroline in Trip of Love, Ruby in Max and Ruby, Eva in Bring it On, and Gloria in Flashdance. National Tours: Marty in Grease and Galinda/Nessarose u/s in Wicked. Kelly has also appeared on Law and Order SVU, Night Sky, and numerous commercials. NYU/CAP21 grad and proud AEA/SAG member. Shout out to her agents at DDO, her mama and Jess! Couldn't do this without y'all.  Follow @KellyFelthous for more!

Cory Goodrich (Reverend Mother) is a Jeff Award-winning actress, singer/songwriter, and author. She began her professional career at Drury Lane playing another Nun - Maria in The Sound of Music, and received Jeff awards for her roles as Mother in Ragtime (Drury Lane) and June Carter Cash in Ring of Fire (Mercury Theater Chicago).  Most recently, she played Heidi in What the Constitution Means to Me at Paramount's Copley Theatre. Her many projects include five albums, Hush, Wiggly Toes, W.O.M.A.N, Wildwood Flower, and Long Way Around, and her memoir, Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA. Visit corygoodrich.com.

Sharriese Hamilton (Sister Mary Hubert) is excited to be back at Drury Lane. Tour credits include: Come from Away (Broadway National/Australian). Regional credits include: Ain't Misbehaving Rock of Ages, James and The Giant Peach (Drury Lane), The Color Purple, The Nacirema Society, Wonderful Town (Goodman Theatre), Falsettos, Big White Fog (Court Theatre) It Came from Outer Space, Pericles (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying , Pal Joey, Ain't Misbehavin, A Class Act, (Porchlight Music Theatre) Thaddeus and Slocum (Lookingglass Theatre) Rock of Ages (Mercury Theatre) Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas (Studebaker Theater) Passing Strange, See What I Wanna See, The Wild Party, (Bailiwick Chicago)The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Monty Python's Spamalot, Working (Timberlake Playhouse).

Season and Membership Information

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

Drury Lane Theatre's performance schedule for the 2026/2027 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

Dining and Special Events

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

Fact Sheet / Nunsense

Title:                                                    Nunsense

Book, Music and Lyrics by:                 David Goggin

Directed by:                                         E Faye. Butler

Featuring:                                            Aurora Boe (Sister Mary Leo), Rachel Carreras (Sister Robert Anne) Kelly Felthous (Sister Mary Amnesia), Cory Goodrich (Reverend Mother), Sharriese Hamilton (Sister Mary Hubert), understudies include Marta Bady, Caron Buinis, Kayla Shipman

Creatives:                                               E. Faye Butler (Director), Kenny Ingram (Choreographer), Julia Schade (Music Director), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Design), Stephanie Farina (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Casie Morell (Production Stage Manager)

Dates:                                                  June 10 – August 2, 2026

Press Opening:                                   Wednesday, June 17 at 7pm

Schedule:                                             Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m.

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

                                                            Fridays: 7:00 p.m.

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

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

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

Tickets:                                               Tickets range from $85-150

Group discounts available to groups of 10 or more

Dining and show packages available

Senior discounts available

Box Office:                                          100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

                                                            (630) 530-0111

                                                            Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com

About Drury Lane Theatre    

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

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

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

The 1950s is easy to idealize. Men styled tailored suits, women dazzled in pleated dresses, and everything glimmered like it was in a commercial. Life’s troubles were solved with a talk from pop or a hug from mom – or that’s how it seemed. Drury Lane Theatre’s Father of the Bride transports audiences to that romanticized time, and it’s a welcome trip!

Published in 1949, Father of the Bride was adapted for the stage and screen, including two beloved movies starring Hollywood heavy-weights Elizabeth Taylor, Spencer Tracy, and, later, Steve Martin in 1991. While a wedding-gone-wrong may be a familiar story, director Michael Heitzman infused Drury Lane’s rendition with charm, laughter, and sincerity, making it feel fresh.

The play follows Stanley Banks, whose one-and-only daughter prepares for her big day, but she just wants a simple ceremony. Then again, she does want to invite all of her friends… and wants a beautiful dress… and well, by the time everything adds up, the small affair balloons into a whopping headache for dad.

Joe Dempsey’s portrayal of Banks, the set-in-his-ways father, is spot on, and his ad-libbed groans and physical comedy can’t help but make you laugh and empathize with poor, ol’ dad. He balances his old‑school bravado with the teddy-bear-interior so well, creating the heart of the story and avoiding the tired “dumb dad” troupes.

Aurora Penepacker and Jake DiMaggio Lopez in Father of the Bride. Photo by Justin Barbin.

Also making up the family is Rachel Sullivan, who plays the mother, Ellie Banks, with a gentle, confident air, and sons Ben and Tommy are portrayed by Kyle Ringley and Charlie Long, who bring charismatic Leave It to Beaver energy.

Aurora Penepacker plays Kay Banks, the soon-to-be bride with all of the charm of Elizabeth Taylor, and Jake DiMaggio Lopez is her moonstruck, in-over-his-head fiancée, Buckley Dunstan. Their chemistry is fun to watch as every emotion ping-pongs around as their nuptials draw near.

The ensemble also includes some fantastic performances. Michele Vazaquez portrays the tightly wound secretary, Miss Bellamy, who delivers a hilarious meltdown when every member of the family sabotages her efforts to finalize a guest list. Ed Kross brings quirky comedy as the caterer, Mr. Missoula, who steamrolls the Banks (and jumps like Super Mario), and Maya Hlava as Peggy Swift is an overzealous girl-next-door who plots to catch the bouquet.

The original compositions composed by Curtis Moore also deserve a shout-out. They serve as the perfect soundtrack during sequences which showed seasons changing or wedding gifts flooding in and add that extra something that makes you feel like you’re watching your favorite black-and-white sitcom.

Comedy can be tricky to tackle, but Father of the Bride makes ever beat work. It’s whimsical, playful, and a reminder that when things go awry, those you love will always be there. Father of the Bride is an invitation to a pure, wholesome evening, and it’s an invite you should not pass up.

Father of the Bride runs through May 31 at Drury Lane Theater. Click here for tickets and more information.

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