Following its critically acclaimed productions of Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods, Kokandy Productions once again celebrates the great Stephen Sondheim with a revival of his stunning masterpiece Sunday in the Park with George, playing August 13 – November 1, 2026 in the intimate Chopin Downstairs Studio, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago. Tickets are on sale now at kokandyproductions.com or bit.ly/SundayChicago. 

This beloved musical will feature Kevin Webb (Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods) as George and Missy Wise Vanderzee (Bonnie & Clyde) as Dot/Marie with an ensemble including Nick Arceo as Boatman, Danny Andrew Bennett as Jules, Rachel Carreras as Nurse, Ella Carson as Louise, Emily Holland as Celeste 1, Lauren Miller as Old Lady, Z Moore as Franz, Samantha Ringor as Celeste 2, KyraJo Petit-Walla as Frieda, Nathe Rowbotham as Yvonne, Jack Saunders as Soldier and Abraham Shaw as Louis. Swings include Brittney Brown, David Gordon-Johnson, Gabriel Levi, Brady Magruder, Halli Morgan, Sarah Seidler and Elexis Selmon.

The first Chicago storefront production Sunday in the Park with George in over 15 years is directed and choreographed by Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham with music direction by Nick Sul, book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

About the Production

Inspired by the painting, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat, Sunday in the Park with George merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art. One of the most acclaimed musicals of our time, this moving study of the enigmatic painter, Georges Seurat, won a Pulitzer Prize and was nominated for an astounding ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

"Sunday in the Park with George was one of the first shows I pitched to direct when interviewing to join the company back in 2018," says Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham. "It's almost a decade later and we're finally visiting this astonishing masterpiece. It feels like the right time. The show offers us a chance to reflect on what we've been creating and to look forward at what we still hope to achieve – both as a company and as individual artists. Sunday reminds us not to linger too much on the future or the past, but to focus on the present moment, to connect with each other in real space and time. What a gift that will be. What a gift it is to be together in a room, taking in a piece of art, having communal and singular experiences at the same time."

The production team includes G "Max" Maxin IV (Scenic and Lighting Design), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Design), Matt Reich (Sound Design), Julian Weslander (Properties Design), Syd Genco (Makeup Design), Keith Ryan (Wig and Hair Design), Stone TeSelle (Associate Scenic Design), Shane Roberie (Casting Director), Nicholas Reinhart (Production Manager), Amelia Osborn (Associate Production Manager), Kendyl Meyer (Stage Manager), Ethan Colish (Assistant Stage Manager), Michael Coppola (Stage Management Intern), Scot Kokandy (Executive Producer) and Derek Van Barham (Producing Artistic Director).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: Sunday in the Park with George

Book: James Lapine

Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim

Director and Choreographer: Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham

Music Director: Nick Sula

Cast (in alphabetical order): Nick Arceo (Boatman), Danny Andrew Bennett (Jules), Ella Carson (Louise), Rachel Carreras (Nurse), Emily Holland (Celeste 1), Lauren Miller (Old Lady), Z Moore (Franz), KyraJo Petit-Walla (Frieda), Samantha Ringor (Celeste 2), Nathe Rowbotham (Yvonne), Jack Saunders (Soldier), Abraham Shaw (Louis), Kevin Webb (George) and Missy Wise Vanderzee (Dot/Marie).

Swings: Brittney Brown, David Gordon-Johnson, Gabriel Levi, Brady Magruder, Halli Morgan, Sarah Seidler and Elexis Selmon

Location: Chopin Downstairs Studio, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, August 13 – Friday, August 28, 2026

Regular run: Sunday, August 30 – Sunday, November 1, 2026

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm; Sundays at 5 pm.

Tickets: Previews $28.52* general admission, $39.19* reserved seating. Regular run $55.20* general admission, $65.87* reserved seating. Students/seniors $44.52*. There will be a limited number of lower-priced tickets (with code ARTIST) available to artists for each performance. Tickets are on sale now at kokandyproductions.com or bit.ly/SundayChicago. *Ticket prices include processing fees

Sunday in the Park with George is presented through

special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

About the Artists

Derek Van Barham (Director and Choreographer) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions. Directing credits include Children of Eden in Concert (Broadway In Chicago), Jekyll & Hyde (BIC/Kokandy), Amélie, Into the Woods, Alice by Heart, Sweeney Todd, American Psycho, Head Over Heels (4 Jeff Awards and 3 Jeff nominations, Kokandy); Spring Awakening (Flint Rep); Rock of Ages (Metropolis); The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre); Miracle by Dan Savage, Poseidon (Hell in a Handbag) Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Carrie, Bat Boy, Merrily We Roll Along (CCPA/Roosevelt University). Choreography credits include Evil Dead (Jeff nomination), Coraline the Musical, Ghost Quartet and Shockheaded Peter (Black Button Eyes). He was previously named one of Windy City Times' 30 Under 30, and one of Newcity Magazine's 50 Players 2024 and 2026. MFA: CCPA/Roosevelt University. IG: @dvbarham

Nick Sula (Music Director) is an award-winning pianist and music director, proud to return to Kokandy Productions and the Chopin Theatre where he served as music director for the Jeff Award-winning productions of Jekyll & Hyde (Jeff Award for Outstanding Music Direction), Sweeney Todd (Jeff Award for Outstanding Music Direction), Into the Woods (Jeff Awards for Outstanding Music Direction and Orchestrations) and the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival. Other Chicago theatre music direction credits include: Octet (Raven Theatre); Anything Goes (Porchlight Music Theatre); Ghost Quartet (Black Button Eyes Productions). As a professor of musical theatre he serves as a music director, instructor and vocal coach at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

About Kokandy Productions

Founded in 2010, Kokandy Productions seeks to leverage the heightened reality of musical theatre to tell complex and challenging stories, with a focus on contributing to the development of Chicago-based musical theatre artists, and raising the profile of Chicago's non-Equity musical theatre community.

The company's artistic staff is comprised of Derek Van Barham (Producing Artistic Director), Scot Kokandy (Executive Producer) and Adrian Abel Azevedo & Leda Hoffman (Artistic Associates). The Board of Directors includes Preston Cropp, Scot T. Kokandy, Danielle Sparklin and Katie Svaicer. 

For additional information, visit kokandyproductions.com. 

Steppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis are thrilled to welcome veteran Production Stage Manager Laura D. Glenn into the company's world-renowned ensemble. Glenn, whose journey with Steppenwolf began as a summer intern in 1988, has worked on more than 100 Steppenwolf productions over 38 years and collaborated with all 55 ensemble members. This historic appointment makes Glenn the second-ever stage manager invited into the ensemble, joining the late Malcolm Ewen. She has traveled with the company to Broadway, London and Ireland's Galway International Arts Festival. Glenn has been a proud member of Actors' Equity Association for 36 years and received the inaugural Joseph Jefferson Impresario Award for Stage Management in 2025.

Steppenwolf Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis comment, "Laura has been an invaluable part of the Steppenwolf community for nearly 40 years. She has supported directors to execute their vision, cared for actors as productions evolve from the first day of rehearsal to closing, and has mentored the next generation of stage managers. Every artist and ensemble member who has had the privilege of working with Laura has felt her care and appreciation for the craft. We cannot tell the story of Steppenwolf without including the contributions of Laura D. Glenn. She is a singular artist who has garnered the respect of our entire community. Even though she has felt like an ensemble member for decades, it's an honor to finally make it official."

Laura D. Glenn adds, "I am honored, moved and humbled by Audrey and Glenn asking me to join the Ensemble. Steppenwolf has been my life's work, and I am excited for this next step."

About Laura D. Glenn:

Laura D. Glenn's history with Steppenwolf began as an intern in 1988, working various jobs on productions of Killers and The Grapes of Wrath at the theatre's then home at 2851 N. Halsted St. After completing her Theater Arts Degree at SUNY New Paltz, Glenn immediately returned to Chicago and worked as Assistant Stage Manager on Steppenwolf's 1989 Educational Outreach production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. In 1990, she was asked to stage manage her first Steppenwolf production: Love Letters – and secured her Equity card during the show's nearly five month run. Following an "all hands on deck" move to Steppenwolf's current home at 1650 N. Halsted St., Glenn stage managed 1991's Curse of the Starving Class, the second production at the new theater. Over the following 36 years, Glenn has worked as Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager on more than 100 Steppenwolf productions and collaborated with all 55 ensemble members. Glenn traveled to Broadway with Buried Child (1996), London's Barbican BITE Festival with The Man Who Came to Dinner (1988) and took multiple productions to Ireland's Galway Arts Festival including Purple Heart, Orange Flower Water and True West. Her most recent Steppenwolf credits include Purpose, Little Bear Ridge Road, Amadeus, The Dance of Death and Catch as Catch Can. Other favorite productions over the years include Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Buried Child, Space, Three Days of Rain, The Drawer Boy, Superiors Donuts, Domesticated, Downstate and True West. Between 2002 – 2016, Glenn also worked on 22 productions at the esteemed Northlight Theatre and returned to Galway with Northlight's production of Better Late starring John Mahoney. In 2025, she received the inaugural Joseph Jefferson Impresario Award for Stage Management. Glenn has been a proud member of Actors' Equity Association for 36 years.

The Steppenwolf ensemble includes: Joan Allen, Kevin Anderson, Alana Arenas, Randall Arney, Kate Arrington, Ian Barford, Robert Breuler, Cliff Chamberlain, Gary Cole, Carrie Coon, Celeste M. Cooper, Glenn Davis, Kathyrn Erbe, Audrey Francis, K. Todd Freeman, Laura D. Glenn, Francis Guinan, Moira Harris, Jon Michael Hill, Tim Hopper, Tom Irwin, Ora Jones, Rajiv Joseph, Terry Kinney, Tina Landau, Tracy Letts, John Malkovich, Sandra Marquez, Tarell Alvin McCraney, James Vincent Meredith, Laurie Metcalf, Amy Morton, Sally Murphy, Caroline Neff, Bruce Norris, Austin Pendleton, Jeff Perry, William Petersen, Yasen Peyankov, Martha Plimpton, Rondi Reed, Molly Regan, Karen Rodriguez, Anna D. Shapiro, Eric Simonson, Gary Sinise, Namir Smallwood, Lois Smith, Rick Snyder, Jim True-Frost and Alan Wilder. Steppenwolf honors the memory of late ensemble members Malcolm Ewen, Frank Galati, Martha Lavey, Mariann Mayberry and John Mahoney. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org/ensemble.

About Steppenwolf Theatre Company:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's premier Ensemble Theater with 51 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions have made this theatre legendary. From the early phenomenon of Balm in Gilead, to The Grapes of Wrath, August: Osage County, Downstate, The Brother/Sister Plays, and more recently, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Purpose, Steppenwolf Theatre has had a long-running and undeniable impact on American Theatre and Chicago's cultural landscape. Founded in 1974 by Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise, Steppenwolf started as a group of friends in their teens and early 20s performing in the basement of a school in Highland Park, Illinois. 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 E. 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.

Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) is proud to announce its Founder and Artistic Director Mark Yonally has been selected by the Preservation Committee for the American Tap Dance Foundation to receive the 2026 Hoofer Award. Yonally will accept the honor at the Tap City Awards, Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, 111 Amsterdam Ave, New York City. The annual Hoofer Award recognizes prominent tap artists as leaders in the community for their unique contributions to the form and for inspiring future generations. For more information on Yonally and upcoming Chicago Tap Theatre events go to ChicagoTapTheatre.com.

As part of the Tap City Awards, Yonally was given the opportunity to have a performance honoring him. He selected Chicago Tap Theatre, the company he founded, to perform, with guest artist Lisa LaTouche.

The night before the award Yonally, with CTT Artistic Associate Sterling Harris and Rehearsal Director Molly Smith, will present a two hour event, "The Chicago Tap Theatre Connections Lab: Sharing the Repertory and Rhythm of CTT with the NYC Community" at the Rhythmic Arts Center in Harlem, 175 E. 105th St. in New York City.  The class will be followed by an hour-long "Connection" for the NYC tap dance community to learn more about Chicago Tap Theatre, their processes, values and open Company and Apprentice positions.

The Hoofer Award was created in 2001 with the presentation of the inaugural award to the late Gregory Hines. Since then, Hoofer Awards have been presented to fellow Chicago-artists M.A.D.D. Rhythms Bril Barrett, Dean Diggins, Reginald McLaughlin, "Reggio the Hoofer," Ted Levy as well as Ayodele Casel, Lynn Dally, Derick K. Grant, Sarah Petronio and the late Ernest "Brownie" Brown, Buster Brown, Jimmy Slyde and other notable members.

The Tap City Awards honors recipients of the American Tap Dance Foundation's Hoofer, Tap Preservation and International Tap Dance Hall Of Fame Awards. The evening will include surprise guests, archival film clips and live performances, celebrating the rich legacy and vibrant future of tap dance. Yonally, as well as Ali Bradley from Michigan will receive the Hoofer Award. In addition, Buddy Bradley, LaVaughn Robinson and NYC Tapworks will be joining the Tap Dance Hall of Fame and Thelma Goldberg will receive the Preservation Award.

"I am beyond thrilled to have been selected to receive the prestigious Hoofer Award," said Founder and Artistic Director Mark Yonally. "I am still trying to find words that truly express my feelings as I join this list of former Hoofer Award-winners including mentors, idols and contemporaries. My sincerest gratitude goes to the American Tap Dance Foundation for honoring me."

ABOUT MARK YONALLY

Mark Yonally is the founder and artistic director of Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT), a critically acclaimed dance company in Chicago, performing an annual three-show season and touring in America and Europe. CTT's performances have been recognized by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, SeeChicagoDance.com and Windy City Media, with the 2016 show "TimeSteps" named Best New Production by Dance Magazine Reader's Poll. Yonally is renowned internationally, performing solo in cities like Chicago, Helsinki, Barcelona, New York, Amsterdam and Paris, and has worked with mentors such as Sam Weber and Dianne Walker. He has performed with the Bill Evans Dance Company and Especially Tap Chicago at prestigious festivals, including the St. Louis Tap Festival and the Royal Opera House in Helsinki. His choreography has been commissioned by various dance companies and he collaborates with Valérie Lussac and Guillem Alcalay, teaching annually in Toulouse and Barcelona. He teaches and judges at dance conventions across the United States and is an educator at Oklahoma City University and Hope College. He has published in Dance Spirit, Dance Teacher and Dance Magazine and hosts "The Tea on Tap," featuring interviews with noted tap dancers.

ABOUT CHICAGO TAP THEATRE

Founded in 2002, Chicago Tap Theatre is a growing and vibrant dance company dedicated to preserving the quintessentially American dance form of tap while taking it to the next level of creativity, innovation and quality. CTT performs exclusively with live music provided by some of Chicago's finest musicians playing everything from Duke Ellington to David Bowie and many artists in between. Under the dynamic direction of master teacher and performer Mark Yonally, CTT has gained a loyal and sizable following in Chicago and continues to tour both nationally and internationally. Having pioneered the "tap opera" format, which tells stories with compelling characters and intriguing plots, CTT has used the language of tap dance, live music and narration to move audiences for more than 20 years.

 ABOUT AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION

The American Tap Dance Foundation (ATDF) is a non-profit 501c3 organization committed to establishing and legitimizing Tap as a vital component of American dance through creation, presentation, education and preservation.  ATDF is recognized as a local, national and international leader in the field and continues to further three main objectives:

•  to perpetuate Tap as a flourishing contemporary art form on a national and international level,
•  to provide a basis for the growth of tap dance by teaching new generations through comprehensive educational programs and
•  to preserve the artistry of the early generations of tap masters.

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that single tickets for Tony® and Olivier Award®-winning OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, Entertainment Weekly’s #1 Broadway Show of 2025, are now on sale. OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL will play Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited two-week engagement, September 29 – October 11, on its North American leg of its World Tour.

In OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), OPERATION MINCEMEAT tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Written by triple Tony Award nominees SpitLip (comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), OPERATION MINCEMEAT began performances on Broadway on February 15, 2025, and continues to play at the historic Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), where it has been extended eight times and will soon celebrate its 500^th performance. The West End production, which has been playing at the Fortune Theatre since March 29, 2023, is widely recognized as one of the best-reviewed shows in West End history, holding the record for the most five-star reviews for a new musical, with a tally of 131. OPERATION MINCEMEAT has just launched its world tour, beginning with a UK leg before heading across the pond.

Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – Best New Musical Olivier Award winner) will reprise his work for the tour, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. The creative team will include Olivier nominated Set and Costume Designer Ben Stones (Standing at the Sky’s Edge), Tony and Olivier winning Lighting Designer Mark Henderson (The History Boys), Tony nominated Sound Designer Mike Walker (Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), Tony nominated Orchestrator Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and Olivier nominated Music Supervisor Joe Bunker (Spring Awakening). Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Production Stage Management is by Geoff Maus, Casting is by Carrie Gardner, CSA, and General Management is by TT Partners.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has been nominated for 64 awards since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, winning 13, including Best Musical three times, from the Olivier Awards®, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show was nominated for four Tony Awards® in 2025, including Best Musical. The production won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone ’s portrayal of Hester Leggatt, who previously won the Olivier Award® in the same category. The production has also received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans’ Choice Awards, and Favorite New Musical at the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.

Over 2,000 performances – from its origins on the London Fringe to the West End, to Broadway, OPERATION MINCEMEAT has cultivated a fervent fanbase, affectionately dubbed “Mincefluencers.” On Broadway alone, more than 2,000 audience members – roughly one in fifty – have bought tickets for multiple performances, including 53 superfans who have purchased tickets for ten or more shows.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT is produced on Broadway, in the West End and on its world tour by Avalon (in association with SpitLip). The show was commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, co-commissioned by The Lowry, and also supported by the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat.

For more information, visit operationmincemeat.com/tour/us
Follow OPERATION MINCEMEAT on TikTok, X, and Instagram.

TICKET INFORMATION (As of July 17, based on availability and subject to change)
Individual tickets for OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL are on sale now and range from $40.00 - $135.00 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.
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Over the course of one night, through a haze of tequila, texting, and Taylor Swift, three teenagers banter, bicker, and push each other to the edge of danger — with consequences that could prove lethal. 

Theater Wit presents the Chicago premiere of Adolescent Salvation, L.A. playwright Tim Venable’s audacious new play that dares to portray adolescence in all its abundance of contradictions: sloppy, raw, and deeply human. Performances are August 14-October 3.

Adolescent Salvation begins light and funny, then shifts into something far darker, its tonal shifts as natural as the mood swings of youth. Critically acclaimed in its L.A. world premiere in 2025, Stage and Cinema wrote Adolescent Salvation "lurches, it burns, it contradicts itself — alive in ways most new plays are not." StageScene LA called it “one humdinger of a stunner.”

Adolescent Salvation marks the Chicago debut for playwright Tim Venable. Originally from Iowa, and a graduate of Illinois State University, he is an L.A. writer/ director/actor/producer. His other plays include Baby Foot, The Beautiful People, Blue Roses and Crystal Gayle is a Beautiful Lady. 

Guillermo Cienfuegos (the directing pseudonym of L.A. actor Alex Fernandez) staged the world premiere of Adolescent Salvation at Rogue Machine Theatre, where he is Artistic Director, in November 2025. Under both names, he has had an extensive 30-year career as a director and actor in theater, television, feature films and voice over. Cienfuegos returns to helm this second staging of Adolescent Salvation.

Theater Wit’s cast features Brandon Joseph Acosta as Taylor (M), Piper Jean Bailey as Natasha, Jordan Levene as Taylor (F) and Maura Kidwell as Victoria.  Designers include Jonathan Berg-Einhorn (set), Josephine Everett (costumes), Ellie Fey (lights), AnnaMae Durham (props), Daniella Brown (sound) and Sarah Scanlon (intimacy).  Drew Donnelly is production stage manager. Matthew R. Chase is production manager.

Adolescent Salvation is another Theater Wit production sure to spark conversation and linger long after the curtain. Previews are August 14-23: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Press opening is Monday, August 24 at 7 p.m. Performances run through October 3: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Exception: No show Thursday, August 27. Tickets are $18-$46. Run time is ninety minutes, no intermission. Purchase tickets at theaterwit.org, by calling (773) 975-8150, or in person at the Theater Wit box office. Be advised: Adolescent Salvation contains material that might be challenging for some viewers. For more, look for a link to spoilers on the show web page.

Theater Wit is located at 1229 W. Belmont Ave., in the Belmont Theatre District in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Convenient parking is available for $10 across the street from the theater in the lot behind Kubo restaurant (pay at the Theater Wit box office.) Neighborhood street parking is available, as are private paid lots (tip: book ahead and at a discount with SpotHero). Theater Wit is also accessible via the CTA 77 Belmont bus, and is three blocks west of the CTA Belmont Red/Brown/Purple line stop. To learn more, visit theaterwit.org or follow the company on Facebook or Instagram. 

Following Adolescent Salvation, Theater Wit’s four-play, 2026-27 season continues with the return of its holiday season smash hit Who’s Holiday!, and the Chicago premieres of Dead Outlaw, book by frequent Wit collaborator Itamar Moses, in a co-production with Porchlight Music Theatre, and Joshua Harmon’s latest work, We Had a World. Purchase tickets at theaterwit.org, call (773) 975-8150, or purchase in person at the Theater Wit box office. 

Better yet, a great way to support Chicago’s storefront theater scene is to purchase a Theater Wit Membership. The monthly fee is just $35, often less than the price of a single ticket, $25 for students and $62 for a dual membership. For that, members see as many shows as they want on the company’s three stages – Theater Wit productions, resident, and visiting companies – year round. Sign up at theaterwit.org/boxoffice/membership.

In addition to Adolescent Salvation, visiting companies opening shows soon at Theater Wit include Nova Entertainment’s Hail Mary/Maria, August 14-22; Black Cat Theatre’s Elephant in the Room, August 28-September 13; and Water People Theatre’s Muses, September 1- 27.

About Theater Wit, Chicago’s “Smart Art” theater

As a production company, Theater Wit is the premier smart art theater in Chicago, producing humorous, challenging, and intelligent plays that speak with a vibrant and contemporary theatrical voice. As an institution, Theater Wit seeks to be the hub of the Chicago neighborhood theater scene. Led by Artistic Director Jeremy Wechsler, Wit brings together Chicago’s best storefront theater companies in its three, 99-seat spaces, where audiences find a smorgasbord of excellent productions, see the work of a parade of talented artists, and mingle with audiences from all over Chicago.

In Fall 2025, Theater Wit received a three-year, $600,000 grant from the Paul M. Angell Foundation in support of Theater Wit’s Shared Spaces program, which empowers the artistic work of independent itinerant theater producers through subsidized, affordable space rentals and tailored production, accessibility and administrative support.

To learn more, visit theaterwit.org or follow the company on Facebook or Instagram.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, opens its new theater in Evanston with The Front Page, Jeffrey Hatcher's world premiere adaption of the rapid-fire classic comedy that also inspired the 1940 film His Girl Friday. The play, based on the original by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur and directed by Artistic Director BJ Jones, runs September 9-October 18, 2026, at the company's new home at 1012 Church Street in Downtown Evanston. The opening is Friday, September 18 at 7:30pm.

Tickets, starting at $36, are now available at northlight.org or 847.563.8400. Season subscriptions are also available at northlight.org/subscribe or 847.563.8400. With its wide range of ticket prices, discounted subscription packages and complimentary parking at the 1800 Maple Garage, Northlight remains of one of the best theatrical values in Chicagoland. Package options include traditional 5-Play Subscriptions and 4-Ticket Flex Passes.

In a 1930s Chicago press room, wise-cracking reporters are abuzz with the latest news: ace reporter Hildy Johnson is quitting her job and getting married. Editor Walter Burns has no intention of letting her go– out of the newsroom, or into the arms of another man. When a death row convict manages a daring escape, Walter wrangles Hildy into covering one last irresistible story, a tangle of rival reporters, crooked politicians, and a scoop too big to ignore!  

The cast features Kate Fry (Hildy Johnson), Timothy Edward Kane (Walter Burns), Joe Dempsey (McCue), William Dick (Sheriff Hartman), John Drea (Earl Williams), Cindy Gold (Mrs. Hefflefinger), Mark David Kaplan (Bensinger), Tim Kazurinsky (Pincus), John Lister (The Mayor), Peter Moore (Brad Hefflefinger), Sadieh Rifai (Molle Malloy), Kelan Smith (Kruger), and Guy Van Swearingen (Endicott).

The creative team Jeff Kmiec (set design), Izumi Inaba (costume design), JR Lederle (lighting design), and Andre Pluess (sound design). The stage manager is Katie Klemme, resident properties supervisor is Nick Bartleson, and the resident violence and intimacy coordinator is Jyreika Guest.

BJ Jones comments, "To open our new home in Evanston, we are celebrating our roots with a brand new adaptation of The Front Page, a nearly 100-year-old play set in Chicago, by Chicago playwrights and with local stars, including Evanston residents Kate Fry, Tim Kane and Tim Kazurinsky. The play is refreshed and adapted by one of America's most produced playwrights Jeffrey Hatcher, who also wrote the adaptation of Dial M for Murder seen at Northlight in 2023."

The new state-of-the-art facility is a major component in the arts and cultural scene in Chicagoland and the North Shore and features approximately 285 comfortable seats with excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, a dedicated box office and contemporary bar in the lobby, a second floor rehearsal and event space, and lounge and gathering areas on the first and second floors. Located in the heart of downtown Evanston, with easy, nearby access to parking and public transportation via CTA and Metra, Northlight will contribute to a vibrant local economy and will serve as an economic driver for downtown Evanston.

Convenient, free parking is available for all Northlight patrons at the 1800 Maple Self Park Garage. Details and locations, including ADA parking, are available at northlight.org/location.

The 2026-27 Season is sponsored in part by Paul Epner and Janet Gans Epner. 

Northlight's production of The Front Page is sponsored in part by Sandra and Bill Farrow, Donna and Gene Frett, Susan and Henry Gaud, Barbara Goodman and Seth Weinberger, Joan and Guy Gunzberg, Paul and Leslie Lehner, Ginny Noyes, Bob Regan and Cindy Clark, Bob and Charlene Shaw, Anne and Greg Taubeneck.

The World Premiere of The Front Page 

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher 

From the original by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur 

Directed by BJ Jones 

Dates: September 9 - October 18, 2026 

Cast: Kate Fry (Hildy Johnson), Timothy Edward Kane (Walter Burns), Joe Dempsey (McCue), William Dick (Sheriff Hartman), John Drea (Earl Williams), Cindy Gold (Mrs. Hefflefinger), Mark David Kaplan (Bensinger), Tim Kazurinsky (Pincus), John Lister (The Mayor), Peter Moore (Brad Hefflefinger), Sadieh Rifai (Molle Malloy), Kelan Smith (Kruger), and Guy Van Swearingen (Endicott).

Creative team: Jeff Kmiec (set design), Izumi Inaba (costume design), JR Lederle (lighting design), and Andre Pluess (sound design). The stage manager is Katie Klemme, resident properties supervisor is Nick Bartleson, and the resident violence and intimacy coordinator is Jyreika Guest.

Tickets:

Box Office: 1012 Church Street in Evanston, northlight.org, 847.563.8400

Previews (September 9-September 17): start at $36

Regular run (September 19-October 18): start at $50

Season-long discounts, subject to availability:

Student tickets: $20

Rush seats for evening performances available at 3pm daily: $20

Evanston resident discount: 10% off Friday performances

Schedule:

Tuesdays: 7:30pm

Wednesdays: 2:00pm and 7:30pm

Thursdays: 7:30pm

Fridays: 7:30pm

Saturdays: 2:00pm and 7:30pm

Sundays: 2:00pm and 7:30pm

Accessible Performances:     

Audio Description/Touch Tour: Saturday, October 3 at 2:00pm

Open Captioning: Friday, October 2 at 7:30pm and Saturday, October 3 at 2:00pm

Notes of Interest:

• Northlight Theatre's new theater, education, and community space is a major component in the arts and cultural scene in Chicagoland and the North Shore and features 287 comfortable seats with excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, a dedicated box office and contemporary bar in the lobby, a second floor rehearsal and event space, and lounge and gathering areas on the first and second floors. Located in the heart of downtown, with easy, nearby access to parking and public transportation via CTA and Metra, Northlight will contribute to a vibrant local economy and will serve as an economic driver for downtown Evanston.
• The opening of Front Page follows a series of opening events for Northlight's new home, including a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 28, 2026, and the Grand Opening Gala, "Celebrating our Past, Building our Future," on Saturday, August 15, marking the culmination of the company's 50^th Anniversary Season and the beginning of a new era in Evanston.
• BJ Jones, Kate Fry, Timothy Edward Kane, Tim Kazurinsky, and John Lister are all Evanston residents and frequent artists at Northlight.
• Married couple Kate Fry and Timothy Edward Kane, who lead the cast of The Front Page, previously performed together in Birthday Candles and The Miser. Kate also appeared at Northlight in Mother of the Maid, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, and Outside Mullingar. Timothy has also been seen at Northlight in Gaslight, Faceless, Lost in Yonkers, and She Stoops to Conquer.

About the Artists

BJ Jones (Director and Northlight Artistic Director) is entering his 27th season as Artistic Director of Northlight. Mr. Jones is a two-time Joseph Jefferson Award-winning actor and a three-time nominated director. He's directed the world premieres of First Lady of Television, Brooklyn Laundry, Charm (Jeff Award Best New Play), The Outgoing Tide (Jeff Award Best New Play), White Guy on the Bus (Jeff Nominated Best New Play), Chapatti (Jeff Nominated Best New Play), Better Late, and Rounding Third. Notably, he has directed productions of Outside Mullingar, Grey Gardens, The Price, The Lieutenant of Innishmore, Andy Warhol in Iran, and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. As a producer, he has guided the three world premieres of The Christmas at Pemberley trilogy, Shining Lives, The Last Five Years, and Studs Terkel's The Good War. Additional directorial credits include Pitmen Painters (Timeline, Jeff Award Best Production); 100 Saints You Should Know (Steppenwolf); Glengarry Glen Ross (Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Suzi Bass nomination Best Director); The Lady with All the Answers (Cherry Lane, New York); Animal Crackers (Baltimore Center Stage); Three Musketeers, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing (Utah Shakespeare Festival), and four productions at the Galway International Arts Festival. As a performer, he has appeared at Northlight, Goodman, Steppenwolf, Court, and other theatres throughout Chicago. Film/TV credits include The Fugitive, Body Double, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Early Edition, Cupid, and Turks, among others.

Joe Dempsey (McCue) is so very happy to be in the inaugural production at Northlight's new home. Past Northlight shows include The First Lady of Television, The Mousetrap, Faceless, Inherit the Wind, and All in the Timing. He's also worked at Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, Lookingglass, Court, Paramount, Theatre Wit, Remy Bumppo, many others, and most recently at Drury Lane Oak Brook, performing the titular role in Father of the Bride. Joe is an alum of the Neo-Futurists and The Second City National Touring Company. Congrats to BJ, Tim, and the Northlight staff on the new digs!

John Drea (Earl Williams) Northlight: Little Women (Jeff Nomination). Chicago: Little Bear Ridge Road (Steppenwolf), The Sound Inside (Goodman), The Da Vinci Code (Drury Lane), A Lie of the Mind (Raven). Broadway: Death of a Salesman, Little Bear Ridge Road. Regional: American Players Theatre, Constellation Stage & Screen. Television: Monster. Film: Patient.

William Dick (Sheriff Hartman) Northlight: The First Lady Of Television, The Book Of Will, The Odd Couple; Steppenwolf: Amadeus, Choir Boy (Jeff Award-Ensemble); Goodman: Inherit The Wind, A Christmas Carol, Bernhardt/Hamlet, Father Comes Home From The Wars, Blind Date; Chicago Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors, All's Well That Ends Well, among many; TimeLine: The Pitmen Painters (Jeff Award-Ensemble). Regional: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, The Little Foxes (Asolo Repertory); Henry IV, 1&2 (Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival); plus Milwaukee Repertory, Madison Repertory, and Los Angeles Theatre Center. TV: Dark Matter, Emperor of Ocean Park, A League of Their Own, 4400, Fargo, Chicago Fire, Empire. Film: Fred Claus, Stranger Than Fiction, The Break Up, The Merry Gentleman, Oz the Great and Powerful, The Company.

Kate Fry (Hildy Johnson) Northlight: Birthday Candles, Mother of the Maid, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Outside Mullingar, and The Miser. Chicago: The Cherry Orchard, The Winter's Tale, Ah, Wilderness! (Goodman); The Belle of Amherst, Electra, The Hard Problem and others (Court); Leopoldstadt, Marjorie Prime, Hedda Gabler, A Minister's Wife, Oh Coward! (Writers); and productions with Victory Gardens, Chicago Shakespeare, Apple Tree Theatre, and Marriott Theatre. Regional: Center Theatre Group, McCarter Theatre Center, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Lincoln Center. TV credits include: Empire (Fox), Boss (Starz), Chicago PD (NBC), and Proven Innocent (Fox). She has received four Joseph Jefferson awards, the local Sarah Siddons award, the After Dark award, and Chicago Magazine's actress of the year. Kate is married to actor/teacher Timothy Edward Kane; they have two sons.

Cindy Gold (Mrs. Hefflefinger) Chicago credits: The First Lady of Television, Pride and Prejudice, Jekyll and Hyde, Mothers and Sons, and Awake and Sing (Northlight); The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington (Steppenwolf); Measure for Measure, Christmas Carol (Goodman); Wipeout (Rivendell); Indecent (Victory Gardens); Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Drury Lane); Taming of the Shrew (Chicago Shakespeare), Showboat, My Fair Lady (Lyric Opera). Regional: The Cake (Asolo Theatre); Showboat, Daughter of the Regiment (The Kennedy Center); Music Man (Glimmerglass Opera); and several summers with Peninsula Players. She won a Jeff Award for her performance in Loving Repeating. Recent TV appearances include Work in Progress, Empire, Chicago Fire, and Leverage. Film: Ghostlight, I Used to Go Here. Cindy is Professor Emeritus of Theatre at Northwestern University. Represented by Stewart Talent.

Timothy Edward Kane (Walter Burns) is pleased to return to Northlight, having previously appeared in Gaslight, Birthday Candles, Faceless, Lost in Yonkers, The Miser, and She Stoops to Conquer. Other Chicago credits include work with Court Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Writers Theatre, Rivendell, TimeLine, Goodman, and Steppenwolf. International and Regional credits: The Royal Shakespeare Company (UK), The Mark Taper Forum, Notre Dame Shakespeare, Peninsula Players, and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. TV: Chicago P.D. (NBC), Chicago Fire (NBC), and Empire (FOX). Awards: two Jeff Awards, AfterDark, and Chicago Magazine's actor of the year. Mr. Kane is married to actress Kate Fry, with whom he has two sons; he is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Loyola University Chicago.

Mark David Kaplan (Bensinger) has received three Joseph Jefferson Awards – for Les Misérables, Ragtime, and Forbidden Broadway. Select theatre: First Lady of Television and Mr. Dicken's Hat (Northlight); The Diary of Anne Frank (People's Light); Fiddler on the Roof (Drury Lane/Lyric Opera); Titanic (Marriott); No Man's Land (Steppenwolf); Clue (Mercury); The Band's Visit (TheatreSquared); Kinky Boots (Paramount); and premieres with Chicago Shakespeare, About Face, Goodman, and Skylight Theatres. Concert appearances: She Loves Me (w/Bryce Pinkham); Cabaret (Gulf Coast Symphony); and Ragtime  - opposite Ashley Brown (Cincinnati Pops). Mark toured the US as Zazu in The Lion King. TV: Utopia (Amazon); Chicago Fire (NBC). Film: Adult Children and the upcoming Patient. Mark is a part of Season of Concern, an organization that supports those who work in the performing arts.

Tim Kazurinsky (Pincus) got his start at Chicago's Second City Theatre. Movie appearances include Neighbors, Somewhere in Time, and three Police Academy films.  A former cast member of NBC's Saturday Night Live, Tim came home to Chicago to co-write such screenplays as My Bodyguard, About Last Night..., The Cherokee Kid, and For Keeps. He was nominated for a BAFTA and Writers' Guild Award for his screenplay for Strange Relations, starring Julie Walters, Paul Reiser, and dear friend George Wendt. Tim still loves performing and has appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Still Standing, and According to Jim in guest star roles. He has previously appeared at Northlight in The Odd Couple and Funnyman. Tim lives in Evanston with his wife Marcia, kids Zoe & Pete, and Zippy the dog.

John Lister (The Mayor) returns for his sixth production with Northlight, having previously appeared in Tom Jones, She Stoops To Conquer, Inherit The Wind, Red Herring, and Lady Windermere's Fan. Theatre credits include numerous productions with Steppenwolf, Writers, The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, APT, and Lyric Opera. Film and TV credits include Public Enemies (Universal), Animals (Oscilloscope), The Secret Santa (TLC), Never Not Yours (Adult Children), Chicago Fire (NBC), Chicago Med (NBC), Patriot (Amazon), easy (Netflix), The Red Line (CBS), and Dark Matter (Apple TV+). John is a proud union member, represented by Stewart Talent Management. He is especially excited to be working for the first time with Artistic Director BJ Jones.

Peter Moore (Brad Hefflefinger) Is a founding member and Artistic Director of Steep Theatre where he has performed in numerous productions over the last 25 years, including A Slow Air, The Writer, Light Falls, Pomona, Birdland, Brilliant Adventures, Harper Regan, If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet, A Brief History of Helen of Troy, and some other impossibly long titles. Other credits: I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, The Crucible, and August: Osage County (U/S) (Steppenwolf); Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Writers); In the Canyon (Jackalope); The Downpour, (Route 66 Theatre). Film & TV: Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Chicago Justice (NBC); Emperor of Ocean Park (MGM+); The Red Line (CBS); and the Bollywood blockbuster Dhoom 3. Pete is represented by Gray Talent Group.

Sadieh Rifai (Mollie Mallory) is a Chicago-based actor, playwright, and graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. A recipient of the prestigious 2011 Princess Grace Award, she is an ensemble member at A Red Orchid Theatre, where her credits include The Targeted, Do You Feel Anger?, An Evening at the Talk House, and the world premiere of Grey House. She is making her Northlight Theatre debut and has performed across major regional stages, appearing in You Will Get Sick (Steppenwolf); Support Group for Men, A Christmas Carol (Goodman); The Nativity Variations (Milwaukee Repertory); and the world premiere of The Humans (American Theatre Company). Film: All Happy Families and The Wise Kids. Television: Shining Girls, Somebody Somewhere, Patriot, The Red Line, and Bettendorf Talks.

Kelan M. Smith (Kruger) is thrilled to return to Northlight for this exciting world premiere! Chicago credits include The Porch on Windy Hill (Northlight); Spring Awakening, Pump Boys and Dinettes (Porchlight); Jekyll and Hyde, Amélie (Kokandy); Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Marriott); Sunny Afternoon, The Lord of the Rings (Chicago Shakespeare); Ring of Fire (Drury Lane); The Choir of Man (Apollo); Camp Rock (The Beautiful City Project); Bright Star (Boho Theatre), Haymarket (Underscore Theatre). Regional/International credits include The Lord of the Rings (Auckland Civic Theatre); Plaid Tidings, Lost Highway, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story (Timber Lake Playhouse); and Once (Bristol Valley Theatre). Love to Kara, and his late brother Riley.www.kelanmsmith.com

Guy Van Swearingen (Endicott) Northlight Theatre debut. Off-Broadway: The Opponent (59E59). Select Regional: Berlin, Arsenic and Old Lace (Court); Sweat (Huntington); Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (Goodman); Simpatico (McCarter); The Time of Your Life (Steppenwolf, Seattle Rep, A.C.T.); Taking Care (Steppenwolf); Trouble In Mind (Timeline); Cleansed (Defiant); Eleven Rooms of Proust (Lookingglass, About Face, Goodman); Mann ist Mann (Famous Door). Founder of A Red Orchid with over 15 performance credits. TV: The Bear (FX); Power Book IV: Force (Starz); Chicago Fire (NBC); Fargo (F/X); The Red Line (CBS); Boss (Starz); The Beast (A&E). Film: Captive State (Lionsgate); Take Shelter (Sony); The Dilemma (Universal Pictures); The Merry Gentleman (Samuel Goldwyn); The Weatherman (Paramount); Ali (Sony Pictures). Former Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant. Agency: Paonessa Talent; Management: WEG Talent, NYC.

Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from BMO; Bulley & Andrews; Byline Bank; ComEd, An Exelon Company; Dr. Scholl Foundation; Eckenhoff Saunders Architects, Inc.; Evanston Community Foundation; Franklin Square Foundation; Full Circle Foundation; Grumman Butkus Associates; Hagerty Consulting; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; John R Halligan Charitable Fund; Kirkland & Ellis; LionBird; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Mabadi Realty; Mammel Family Foundation; Modestus Bauer Foundation; Northwestern University; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; The Revada Foundation of the Logan Family; Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation; The Schubert Foundation, Inc.; SLOAN; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; The Sullivan Family Foundation; Tom Stringer Design Partners.

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Founded in 1974 with its inaugural season in 1975-76, the organization has mounted over 250 productions, including more than 45 world premieres. Northlight has earned 238 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 37 Awards, as well as 11 Edgerton Foundation for New Play Awards. As one of the area's premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.

Oil Lamp Theater, currently at 1723 Glenview Road, announces its new future home will be at the former Ten Ninety Brewing Co. in Downtown Glenview, 1025 Waukegan Road. The opportunity to move to a larger performance space, that is adjacent to Oil Lamp Academy, became possible due to the founder of the Negaunee Foundation, client of Virginia Trux, who purchased the property as a personal project and looks forward to years of joy with Oil Lamp Theater. This new location pursues the goals of the “Light the Way” fundraising campaign that was announced in September of last year. The campaign included a 2028 opening of the new venue, a $5 Million fundraising goal, the expansion of its arts education, strengthening essential staff and establishing a larger performance venue with the goal of remaining in downtown Glenview. For more information or to support the campaign go to OilLampTheater.org/Light-the-Way or reach out to Oil Lamp at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

At approximately 11,000 square feet, this new home will feature a warm and welcoming lobby, a flexible theater with seating for up to 150+ guests and thoughtfully designed spaces by Future Firm that will serve Oil Lamp’s artists, students and community. 

MORE FROM OIL LAMP THEATER:

I Love You Because

August 14 – September 13, 2026

Book and Lyrics by Ryan Cunningham

Music by Joshua Salzman

Directed by Scott Shallenbarger

Music Directed by Aaron Kahn

Preview Performances: Friday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Aug. 15 at 3 p.m .

Opening Night: Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. 

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday September 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Wednesday September 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Modern dating is a mess. Sometimes to find Mr. Right you need to find Mr. Wrong even if that means seeing someone stuck on their ex, awkward encounters of the intimate kind and lots of horrible coffee dates. Opposites attract in this feel-good musical that will transport audiences into the heart of your favorite guilty pleasure rom-com. Created by acclaimed musical team Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman and inspired by Jane Austen’s gold-standard romance novel “Pride and Prejudice,” this delightful musical will make you fall head over heels. 

Dial M for Murder

October 2 – November 1, 2026

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original play by Frederick Knott

Directed by Daniel King

Preview Performances: Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. 

Opening Night: Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. 

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday Oct. 21 at 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Alfred Hitchcock’s adored, chilling thriller gets a modern twist that no one will see coming. A murderous misstep begins a high-stakes hunt for the real criminal as time is quickly running out. This captivating, heart-racing play leaves audiences on the edge of their seats while the mystery of the year unravels before their eyes. Will the clues unlock the right person, or will an innocent victim pay the price? The suspense is to die for…

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

November 20 - December 27, 2026

Adapted by Joe Landry

Directed by Becca Holloway

Preview Performances: Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. 

Opening Night: Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. 

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday Dec. 16 at 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

The holiday tradition returns for its 13th year. Audiences may experience unmatched holiday cheer with Frank Capra's beloved classic, “It's a Wonderful Life,” reimagined as a captivating live radio play, complete with foley sound effects and set in our own WBFR radio studio.

Journey to Bedford Falls, where George Bailey's troubles lead him to wish he was never born. Clarence, an angel sent to intervene, steps in to make his wishes come true and George quickly learns just how many lives he has touched and just how blessed he really is.

*All productions, dates, creatives, etc. are subject to change.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER

Oil Lamp Theater is a professional nonprofit performing arts organization in Glenview, Illinois, welcoming over 10,000 patrons annually from more than 225 communities—41% from Glenview and others from across the North Shore and Chicago. Since establishing its intimate 60-seat home in downtown Glenview in 2012, Oil Lamp has grown into a cultural beacon, earning recognition as “Best Live Theatre in the North Shore” for four consecutive years.

With more than 70 productions to date, Oil Lamp is known for its dynamic Mainstage season, special events and its resilience during the pandemic, when it innovated with drive-in performances and outdoor productions. Today, the theatre continues to foster connection, broaden horizons and illuminate the human condition through professional theater and year-round programming.

In addition to its productions, Oil Lamp Theater operates Oil Lamp Academy, its education branch dedicated to “Training for Life Through the Performing Arts.” In 2025 alone, the program served more than 230 students ages three to 97 years old, offering classes that use theater as a pathway to build confidence, creativity and lifelong skills.

Get ready to have the time of your life! Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that single tickets for DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL – a new stage production based on Lionsgate’s beloved film Dirty Dancing – are now on sale. DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL will play Broadway In Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) for a limited two-week engagement, September 9 – 20.

Set against the unforgettable summer of 1963, DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL follows Frances “Baby” Houseman as she discovers love, passion, and independence through her relationship with charismatic dance instructor Johnny Castle. With live music from the original film, DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL is the feel-good escape audiences have been craving, alive with the pulse of electrified dancing, the thrill of secret encounters, and the allure of forbidden romance.

DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL will be directed by Tony Award^® nominee, Obie Award^® winner, and two-time Emmy Award^® winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd), who played Neil Kellerman in the original Dirty Dancing film, with choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie (Fat Ham, Beyonce’s World Tour). Bringing to the stage the celebrated story from Eleanor Bergstein — the original screenwriter of the film — the musical captures the pulse, romance, and youthful urgency that have defined Dirty Dancing for nearly four decades. This follows Lionsgate’s announcement that the Dirty Dancing sequel starring Jennifer Grey – from The Hunger Games producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson– will begin production this year.

With a fresh creative approach to the timeless love story, this new production will tour North America with an aim to reconnect audiences with the heart, heat, and rebellious spirit that made Dirty Dancing a worldwide sensation.

Dirty Dancing is an enduring cultural phenomenon that began with the iconic film that grossed over $200 million at the worldwide box office and went on to launch two multiplatinum soundtrack albums, numerous #1 hit singles, won an Academy Award^® for Best Original Song and a Grammy^® Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The original film is one of Lionsgate’s all-time best-selling library titles. This new North American stage tour aims to honor that legacy while reinventing the live experience for a new era.

DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL is produced by The Path Entertainment Group in conjunction with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions.

The creative team includes set design by Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Emily Rebholz, lighting design by Japhy Weideman, sound design by two-time Tony Award® winner Kai Harada, and video design by David Bengali. Casting is by The TRC Company / Claire Burke, CSA & Peter Van Dam, CSA, with music supervision and arrangements by Joseph Joubert. Alchemy Production Group serves as General Manager.

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PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 9 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 10 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 13 – 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 15 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16 – 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 17 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 19 – 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 – 1:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION (As of July 13, based on availability and subject to change)
Individual tickets for DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL are on sale now and range from $40.00 - $135.00 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.
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Oil Lamp Theater, currently presenting The Last Five Years, now extended through July 19, is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production, I Love You Because, August 14 - September 13, book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham, music by Joshua Salzman and orchestrations by Larry Hochman, directed by Scott Shallenbarger and music directed by Aaron Kahn, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. The schedule includes two preview performances Friday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Aug. 15 at 3 p.m., with an opening performance Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $30 for previews and $55 for the run at OilLampTheater.org.  

Modern dating is a mess. Sometimes to find Mr. Right you need to find Mr. Wrong – even if that means seeing someone stuck on their ex, awkward encounters of the intimate kind and lots of bad coffee dates. Opposites attract in this feel-good musical that will transport you into the heart of your favorite guilty pleasure rom-com. Created by acclaimed musical team Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman and inspired by Jane Austen’s gold-standard romance novel “Pride and Prejudice,” this delightful modern musical will make you fall head over heels.

The cast of I Love You Because includes Aiden McCoy (any with respect, Austin Bennet); Maxwell J DeTogne (any with respect, Jeff Bennet); Hannah Kipp  (she/her, Marcy Fitzwilliams); Kristin Brintnall (she/her, Diana Bingley); Daria Koon (she/they, NYC Woman); Tommy Rothwells (he/him, NYC Man); Freddy Mauricio (he/him, Austin Bennet U/S); Nic Eastlund (he/him, Jeff Bennet U/S); Kaitie Bonds (she/her, Marcy Fitzwilliams U/S); Dominique Ruffalo (she/her, Diana Bingley U/S); Nikki Holladay (she/her, NYC Woman U/S) and Joe Dennis (he/him, NYC Man U/S).

The production team includes Scott Shallenbarger (he/him, director); Aaron Kahn (he/him, music director/accompanist); Bob Knuth (he/him, scenic designer); Devin Meseke (he/him, properties designer); Maya Reter (she/her, sound designer); Sara Segneri (she/her, stage manager); Danielle Reinhardt (she/her, costume designer); Conner Nicoson (they/them, technical director); Connor Windle (she/her, production manager) and Rose Leisner (she/her, company manager).

ABOUT SCOTT SHALLENBARGER, DIRECTOR

Scott Shallenbarger makes his Oil Lamp debut with I Love You Because. Representative credits include Miracle on South Division Street, I And You, Baby the Musical (Citadel Theatre); Les Miserables (Uptown Music Theatre Company); The Glass Menagerie, Six Degrees of Separation, The Road to Mecca, Hot L Baltimore, The Children’s Crusade (Raven Theatre); Jeffrey and Love, Valor, Compassion (Hubris Productions) and Skyscraper (Piven Theatre). Shallenbarger is a published playwright and teaching artist who would like to thank you, dear audience, for attending live theatre. 

ABOUT AARON KAHN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Aaron Kahn is thrilled to be returning to Oil Lamp after previously working on the productions of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play and The Marvelous Wonderettes. Kahn is also a private voice teacher at the Christopher Laughlin School of Music in Northbrook and is a staff accompanist at Carthage College. Other favorite music and assistant music direction credits include: Fugitive Songs (Stagedoor Manor); Mel Brooks’ The Producers (Music Theater Works); A Little Night Music (Theo Ubique) and Spring Awakening (4 Chairs Theatre). 

MORE FROM FROM OIL LAMP THEATER

Dial M for Murder

October 2 – November 1, 2026

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original play by Frederick Knott

Directed by Daniel King

Preview Performances: Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. 

Opening Night: Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. 

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday Oct. 21 at 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Alfred Hitchcock’s adored, chilling thriller gets a modern twist that no one will see coming. A murderous misstep begins a high-stakes hunt for the real criminal as time is quickly running out. This captivating, heart-racing play leaves audiences on the edge of their seats while the mystery of the year unravels before their eyes. Will the clues unlock the right person, or will an innocent victim pay the price? The suspense is to die for…

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

November 20 - December 27, 2026

Adapted by Joe Landry

Directed by Becca Holloway

Preview Performances: Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. 

Opening Night: Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. 

Performance schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. (Understudy Performance); Wednesday Dec. 16 at 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

The holiday tradition returns for its 13th year. Audiences may experience unmatched holiday cheer with Frank Capra's beloved classic, “It's a Wonderful Life,” reimagined as a captivating live radio play, complete with foley sound effects and set in our own WBFR radio studio.

Journey to Bedford Falls, where George Bailey's troubles lead him to wish he was never born. Clarence, an angel sent to intervene, steps in to make his wishes come true and George quickly learns just how many lives he has touched and just how blessed he really is.

*All productions, dates, creatives, etc. are subject to change.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER

Oil Lamp Theater is a professional nonprofit performing arts organization in Glenview, Illinois, welcoming over 10,000 patrons annually from more than 225 communities—41% from Glenview and others from across the North Shore and Chicago. Since establishing its intimate 60-seat home in downtown Glenview in 2012, Oil Lamp has grown into a cultural beacon, earning recognition as “Best Live Theatre in the North Shore” for four consecutive years.

With more than 70 productions to date, Oil Lamp is known for its dynamic Mainstage season, special events and its resilience during the pandemic, when it innovated with drive-in performances and outdoor productions. Today, the theatre continues to foster connection, broaden horizons and illuminate the human condition through professional theater and year-round programming.

In addition to its productions, Oil Lamp Theater operates Oil Lamp Academy, its education branch dedicated to “Training for Life Through the Performing Arts.” In 2025 alone, the program served more than 230 students ages three to 97 years old, offering classes that use theater as a pathway to build confidence, creativity and lifelong skills.

This past September, Oil Lamp launched  Light The Way, a transformative fundraising campaign designed to expand arts education, strengthen essential staff and establish a larger performance venue with the goal of staying in downtown Glenview. Building on its roots as a scrappy storefront, Oil Lamp is evolving into a more robust organization—without losing the intimacy and warmth that define its theater experience. Oil Lamp Theater hopes this announcement inspires excitement throughout the community. Stay tuned as additional news is shared in the near future. For information or to support the campaign go to OilLampTheater.org/Light-the-Way or reach out to Oil Lamp at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Oil Lamp Theater, currently presenting The Last Five Years, now extended through July 19, is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production, I Love You Because, August 14 - September 13, book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham, music by Joshua Salzman and orchestrations by Larry Hochman, directed by Scott Shallenbarger and music directed by Aaron Kahn, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. The schedule includes two preview performances Friday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Aug. 15 at 3 p.m., with an opening performance Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesday Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (which is an understudy performance); Wednesday, Sept.. 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Wednesday Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $30 for previews and $55 for the run at OilLampTheater.org.  

Great Lakes Operetta is delighted to present its first full-length, fully-staged operetta, Jacques Offenbach’s seminal work, Orpheus in the Underworld!

Originally premiering as Orphée aux enfers, this musical spoof of the Orpheus myth was the Hadestown of 1858’s Paris and had a cultural impact comparable to Hamilton or Phantom of the Opera. It is often considered the first operetta and inspired many other composers, most notably Johann Strauss Jr. The original book was written in part by Ludovic Halévy, of Carmen fame, and the score introduced the now world-famous “can-can” (known in the show as the “Infernal Gallop”). The show is raucous, wacky, and surprisingly modern, and the score is one of Offenbach’s best, ensuring its continued popularity.

Orpheus was initially controversial: in this version, Orpheus and Eurydice can’t stand each other and there is no moral redemption for anyone (although there is a singing bug, pictured below). Offenbach actively lampoons the tropes of classicism – both the original Greek myths and the revered operatic versions of those myths, such as Gluck’s Orfeo (which is even quoted musically in a very meta moment). Critics of the day felt Offenbach was disrespecting the Arts and Culture of the past – among other things – but Parisian audiences couldn’t get enough and allegedly the show only closed after running for 2 years straight (unheard of at the time) because the cast was exhausted.

20 years later, Offenbach released what might now be called a “Special Edition” version, turning the original 2 act show into a 4 act extravaganza with multiple new ballet numbers, more characters, and special effects. Most modern productions, including Great Lakes Operetta’s version, are 2 act versions with some elements of the 1874 production retained.

Great Lakes Operetta’s production will be in a new (premiere) English translation by Francis Lynch, who has translated three other French operetta works for Evanston Chamber Opera. The production will be directed by GLO Artistic Director SarahAnn Sutter, music directed by Lindsey Baer, assistant music directed by Anna Therese George, and produced by Kristin Weed. The production will be fully staged and presented with a small chamber ensemble.  Tickets are on sale now and are available here; tickets will also be available at the door (while supply lasts).

Cast & Creative Team

Great Lakes Operetta’s Orpheus in the Underworld is presented by two outstanding casts, as follows. Whichever cast you choose to watch, you are in for a treat! (And you might enjoy it all so much that you come back to watch the other cast!)

Orpheus: Mason Montuoro  (All dates)

Eurydice: Gabrielle Goudard (July 11, 17, 19); Gabrielle Haigh (July 10, 12, 18)

Public Opinion: Jennifer Barrett (July 11, 17, 19); Isabella Daltoso (July 10, 12, 18)

John Styx: Solamada Pando Girard (All dates)

Pluto: Jonathon Joseph Larson (July 11, 17, 19); Sasha Tomasevich (July 10, 12, 18)

Jupiter: Alexander Quackenbush (All dates)

Diana: Halle Rosemond (July 11, 17, 19); Catherine Larson (July 10, 12, 18)

Cupid: Hillary Esqueda (July 11, 17, 19); Abigail Greer Arcomona (July 10, 12, 18)

Venus: Alexandra Kassouf (July 11, 17, 19); Val Beck (July 10, 12, 18)

Mercury: Kristin Weed (July 11, 17, 19); Kelly Killorin (July 10, 12, 18)

Minerva: Allison Mann (July 10, 11, 12); Eugenia Bouboudakis (July 17, 18, 19); 

Juno: Katarina Bakas (All dates)

Mars: Jonathan Rodney (All dates)

Bacchus: Lucas Gassmann (All dates)

Vesta: Solamada Pando Girard (All dates)

Location

Great Lakes Operetta is proud to present its first full-length, fully-staged production on the stage of the Beatrice Theatre at the beautiful Bramble Arts Loft in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. Located on the second floor the historic Capital Garage building (with an ADA-accessible elevator!), this lovely, intimate space is one of Chicago’s newest performing arts venues.

For tickets, click here.