Displaying items by tag: theatre news

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents Halloween Boo Bash, its annual costumed fundraiser benefiting artists' wages during Season 41. This popular, all-ages celebration features live performances and ghost stories, trick or treating in the theater, contests, seasonal bites and brews, and more. Halloween Boo Bash will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, 4:00pm-7:00pm at the company's home, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.

Tickets, priced at $35, are available now at americanbluestheater.com.

Highlights of the Halloween Boo Bash include:

Pumpkin Decorating, Costume Parade, Outdoor Games, & Prizes

4:00pm-5:00pm

Guests must provide their own pumpkins. American Blues Theater will have tables, some tools, and paint! You may bring your pumpkin already decorated to enter the contest. Prizes will be awarded for all ages. Costumes are optional. Partygoers wearing costumes will automatically be entered for prizes.

Trick or Treating in the theater, Seasonal Bites, Bevs & Brews

5:00pm-5:30pm

Trick or Treat inside American Blues Theater's home! Guests will also enjoy seasonal bites of sweet, salty, and savory snacks and specialty witches brew and drinks for all age and thirsts.

Karaoke Performances & Campfire Stories by incredible artists

5:30pm-7:00pm

American Blues ensemble and artistic affiliates perform karaoke and campfire stories with spine-chilling flair. Some karaoke spots are available for members of the public.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a slot. Space is limited and subject to availability.

There will be no reserved parking for this event as many of the activities and games will take place in the lot. There is free street parking on Lincoln and neighborhood streets.

To learn more about the Halloween Boo Bash or to make a donation, contact Director of Development Sarajane Johnson at (773) 654-3103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Season 41

American Blues Theater's Season 41 opened with the world premiere of Black Girl from a White Suburb, a tour-de-force solo show by Artistic Affiliate Tania Richard, directed by J. Nicole Brooks (September 4 – October 4, 2026). The season continues with the 25^th Anniversary production of Chicago's original holiday hit It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (November 19 – December 27, 2026); the world premiere of Ken Urban's Blue Ink Award winner The Conquered, directed by Jonathan Berry (June 11 – July 18, 2027); and the Chicago Premiere of UHURU by Gloria Majule, directed by Mikael Burke (Sept 3 – Oct 10, 2027) Tickets are available through the American Blues Theater box office, online at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.

Public Programming and Special Events

American Blues Theater is excited to offer audiences even more ways to engage with artists, neighbors and the larger community through its two programs The Commons and @Home Accessibility Series.

The Commons features readings, live concerts, open mics, game nights, town halls and more at American Blues. The @Home Accessibility Series features readings, live concerts, and town halls from the comfort of home via Zoom. For the most up-to-date programming schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanbluestheater.com. Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.

About American Blues Theater

Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: "What does it mean to be American?"

The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2026, the theater and artists received 265 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.  

The Goodman wraps its 2025/2026 Centennial Season, an unprecedented line-up marking the 100^th anniversary of Chicago's flagship not-for-profit theater, as the most successful in its history. Today, the theater released its "A Century of Impact" report, detailing milestone programming and attendance figures (a full annual report, including audited financials, will be published at year's end).  Led by Walter Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, the season drew more audiences than ever, topping 300,000—with 57% attending The Goodman for the first time—to 4,000 performances and events. The works in the 15-production season, curated by Booth, earned widespread critical and audience acclaim: 11 extended productions, 290 sold-out performances, while the world-premiere musical Iceboy! Or, The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O'Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh became the theater's all-time best-attended, best-selling production. Attendees hailed from 61 countries beyond the U.S. with audiences from 5,837 unique zip codes.

In addition, the Goodman broke new ground transforming a 15,000 square-foot, in-the-raw space for Theater of the Mind, Academy, Grammy and Tony Award-winning artist David Byrne's immersive work, drawing 63% first-time Goodman attendees. Chicago resident magician Dennis Watkins continued into his third year at The Magic Parlour, in partnership with The Goodman and Petterino's, hosting 163 sold-out performances and expanding his roster by welcoming nine guest artists. Beyond the stage, The Goodman offered 100 Free Acts of Theater—a year-long collaboration with 48 community partners at creative organizations in all 50 Chicago wards—drawing more than 20,000 people, presented in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Expanded Theater for the Very Young programming drew nearly 5,000 children and caregivers, with nearly 13,000 people of all ages engaging in free and low-cost Education and Engagement programming. Goodman Theatre Centennial Season leadership included Chair of The Goodman Board of Trustees is Marsha Cruzan; Women's Board President is Diane Landgren; and Kelli Garcia as President of the Scenemakers, The Goodman's young professionals board.

"One hundred years ago, Chicago gave us a stage. Over the past century, this city has given us so much more—welcoming generations of artists with bold ideas, filling our theaters with laughter, applause and conversation, challenging us to tell stories that reflect who we are, who we've been and who we might yet become," said Booth and Collins in a joint statement. "There are many ways to measure success; for us, it's ultimately about impact. We're proud to have reached more audiences through more programming in more communities this year than ever before. As theater leadership, we deeply feel the gratitude and responsibility that comes with a 100-year legacy. We look to continue The Goodman's story in our second century with the greatest ambition to deepen our reach, welcome more voices, and build stronger connections."

PRODUCTIONS, EVENTS AND OFFERINGS IN THE CENTENNIAL SEASON 

ALBERT THEATRE (856-SEAT PROSCENIUM STAGE) PRODUCTIONS

Ashland Avenue 
By Lee Kirk, Directed by Susan V. Booth 
Starring Jenna Fischer 
September 6 – October 5, 2025 (extended through October 19) | A World Premiere

A Christmas Carol (48^th annual production) 
By Charles Dickens, Directed by Malkia Stampley 
Starring Christopher Donahue as Ebenezer Scrooge 
November 15 – December 31, 2025

Holiday
Adapted by Richard Greenberg, Based on the play by Philip Barry, Directed by Robert Falls
January 31 – March 1, 2026 (extended through March 8) | A World-Premiere Adaptation 

August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 
Directed by Chuck Smith, Associate Director and Music Director Harry J. Lennix 
March 28 – April 26, 2026 (extended through May 3)

Iceboy! or, The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O'Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh 
Music by Mark Hollman, Lyrics by Mark Hollman and Jay Reiss, Book by Erin Quinn Purcell and Jay Reiss 
Directed by Marc Bruni, Choreographed by JoAnn M. Hunter 
Starring Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman 
June 9 – July 19, 2026 (extended through August 16) | A World-Premiere Musical

OWEN THEATRE (350-SEAT FLEXIBLE STAGE) PRODUCTIONS

Revolution(s) 
By Zayd Ayers Dohrn, Music and Lyrics by Tom Morello, Directed by Steve H. Broadnax, III 
October 4 – November 9, 2025 (extended through November 23) | A World-Premiere Musical

New Stages Festival (21^st annual event) January 11 – 18, 2026 
FEAST! by Calamity West, Directed by Susan V. Booth  
Pennies by Hansol Jung, Directed by Patricia McGregor 
This Part of His Life Blooms by Christina Anderson, Directed by Malkia Stampley 
The Audience Unseen by Ike Holter, Directed by Gus Menary, Dramaturgy by Sarah Slight

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao 
By Marco Antonio Rodriguez, Adapted from the novel by Junot Díaz, Directed by Wendy Mateo 
February 21 – April 5, 2026 (extended through April 12) | A World-Premiere Adaptation

Covenant 
By York Walker, Directed by Malkia Stampley 
May 2 – 31, 2026 (extended through June 7) | A Chicago Premiere

Raven Theatre's production of Dave Malloy's Octet 
Directed by Keira Fromm 
July 15 – 26, 2026 (extended through August 2)

TJ and Dave 
Starring TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi, with special musical guest Ike Reilly 
July 30-31 and August 1

THEATER FOR THE VERY YOUNG PRODUCTIONS

Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake 
Directed by Ellie Levine and Jamal Howard, created in collaboration with students from Total Child Preschool 
February 28 – March 15, 2026 (extended through March 22)

The Lizard y El Sol 
Presented as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks Series, supported by the Mayor's Office and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) 
Co-Directed by Jamal Howard and Raquel Torre 
July 22 – August 9, 2026 (extended through August 15)  
Appeared at 12 Chicago Parks District locations and four (4) Chicago Public Libraries

OFF-SITE PRODUCTIONS

Theater of the Mind
Created by David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar, Directed by Andrew Scoville  
Appearing at 333 N. LaSalle in an open run (performances began March 11, 2026)

Dennis Watkins' The Magic Parlour  
Produced in partnership with Goodman Theatre and Petterino's
Appearing at 50 W. Randolph in its third season, in an open run (tickets on sale through December 31)

EVENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS

100 Free Acts of Theater  
In partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) 
Summer 2025 – Summer 2026

Sweetest Season: A Gathering of Indigenous Creativity 
In partnership with Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum 
August 15

THEATER FOR A LIFETIME

The Goodman's Education and Engagement programs cater to theatergoers at every stage of life. During the Centennial Season, nearly 13,000 people participated in nearly 200 free and low-cost programs, workshops and performances—including 4,490 children and caregivers through Theater for the Very Young, more than 4,800 students and teachers through school-based programming and nearly 900 older adults through GeNarrations. Goodman Education and Engagement programs include:

For Young Children & Families – Second Saturdays; Theater for the Very Young 
Students & Teachers – Pages; School Matinee Series; Stage Chemistry 
Teens – Musical Theater Intensive; PlayBuild Youth Intensive; Teen Studio; Youth Arts Council 
Adults – ACTivation; CONTEXT; GeNarrations

CENTENNIAL SEASON SUPPORT

The Goodman hosted two major fundraisers that together raided $1.6 million in support of the theater's Education and Engagement programs. In October 2025, stage and screen star Jenna Fischer shared her thoughts about formative experiences in the arts at the annual Education and Engagement Benefit, co-chaired by Elizabeth Balthrop and Anne Van Wart; Kathleen Cowie and Melissa Donaldson were Education and Engagement Committee Co-Chairs. In May 2026, Emmy, SAG and Critics Choice Award nominee Tituss Burgess dazzled audiences with a live show, followed by dinner and dancing at the Goodman Gala. The event was co-chaired by Wendy Krimins, Heather Poladian and Heather Zimmerman with Trustee Co-Chair Troy Zimmerman and Benefits Events Leadership Chair Joan E. Clifford, Board of Trustees Past Chair and Life Trustee.

The Goodman is grateful to its Centennial Season Sponsors, including Leading Sponsors Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Allstate Insurance Company; Helen Gurley Brown BOLD Circle; Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; Chicago Department of Planning and Development; Edgerton Foundation New Play Award; Julius N. Frankel Foundation; Illinois Office of Tourism; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust; Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust; Northern Trust Bank; Alfred P. Sloan Foundation; and The Shubert Foundation. Additional Support by Abbott Labs; BMO; Illinois Arts Council; National Endowment for the Arts; Petterino's; PNC; Polk Bros Foundation; Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation; and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Individual Sponsors include Susan and James Annable; Roger and Julie Baskes; Joan and Robert Clifford; Patricia Cox; Julie M. Danis and Paul F. Donahue; Christopher C. Dewey; Shawn M. Donnelley and Christopher M. Kelly; Paul Dykstra and Spark Cremin; Albert and Maria Goodman; The Kenneth Sawyer Goodman Family; Elaine R. Leavenworth; Carol Prins and John Hart; Alice and John Sabl; and Kimbra and Mark Walter. Impact Sponsors include Marsha Cruzan and Tom McGinnis; Drs. Robert and Frances Del Boca; David and Alexandra Fox; Diane Landgren; and Lorrayne and Steve Weiss.

ABOUT THE GOODMAN

Since 1925, The Goodman has been a theatrical home for artists and a gathering space for Chicagoland, where bold stories spark connection, conversation and change. Now, as it enters its second century, The Goodman builds on that legacy with an eye toward the future. Under the leadership of Walter Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, the theater continues to champion new work—following hundreds of plays developed and a national reputation for commissioning and premiering original stories by living writers—while reimagining classics and produce large-scale musicals.

But The Goodman's reach today extends beyond its home in the heart of the Loop. From the intimate magic of The Magic Parlour, now in its third year, to the boundary-pushing world of Theater of the Mind—an immersive experience that blurs the lines between science, storytelling and sensation—and from citywide initiatives like 100 Free Acts of Theater to partnerships with artists and companies across Chicago and around the world, The Goodman is expanding what theater can be, and where it can live.

At its core, The Goodman is driven by a belief that a more empathetic, more connected city is built one story at a time. Generation-spanning productions and programs offer theater for a lifetime—from babies and young children to teens, adults and seniors—including Theater for the Very Young (ages 0–5) and the beloved annual A Christmas Carol, which has welcomed audiences for five decades. Education and Engagement programs, led by Clifford Director Jared Bellot and based in the Alice Rapoport Center, use the tools of theater to spark imagination, reflection and belonging—reaching thousands each year, the majority from underserved communities.

With nearly 200 world or American premieres, two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and nearly 200 Joseph Jefferson Awards, The Goodman remains a defining force in American theater—and the first to produce all 10 plays of August Wilson's American Century Cycle. The theater also frequently serves as a production partner—from national and international companies to Chicago's Off-Loop theaters—to help amplify a wide range of theatrical voices.

Founded by William O. Goodman and his family in memory of playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, the theater carries forward a legacy of artistic ambition and civic generosity. With the help of Mr. Goodman's descendants—Albert Ivar Goodman and his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton—that spirit continues to shape its future as The Goodman expands its impact across Chicago and beyond. Marsha Cruzan is Chair of the Goodman Theatre Board of Trustees; Diane Landgren is Women's Board President; and Christopher Way is president of the Scenemakers Board for Young Professionals.

The Goodman stands on the unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires—the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations—and acknowledges the many other Nations for whom this land now called Chicago has long been home, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo, and Mascouten. The Goodman is proud to partner with the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum (Gichigamiin-Museum.org) and the Center for Native Futures (CenterForNativeFutures.org)—organizations devoted to honoring Indigenous stories, preserving cultural memory, and deepening public understanding.

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE), the professional theater company in residence at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC), is pleased to announce that, in keeping with the company's general policy of promoting from within, BTE Interim Artistic Managing Director Daniel Millhouse has been named the company's new Managing Artistic Director. 

"As we enter our 40th anniversary season, welcoming Daniel Millhouse as Managing Artistic Director seems incredibly fitting. He has worked with the Ensemble for nine years, and has been mentored by Connie Canaday Howard and Amelia Barrett, both sharing their deep institutional knowledge and sharp artistic vision. Daniel brings an understanding of who BTE has been, who we are, and who we strive to be. BTE has and will continue to provide thought-provoking, laughter-inducing, and heart-tugging professional storytelling not only for our community but for those who travel to see the immense level of talent our ensemble and guest actors share with us," shared Brandee Martin, president of BTE's Board of Directors. 

"I am honored to work with Buffalo Theatre Ensemble as we enter our 40th anniversary season," said Millhouse. "BTE has a remarkable legacy of bringing artists and audiences together through powerful storytelling. I look forward to building on that legacy with our Ensemble, Board, students, and community while creating new opportunities for connection, collaboration, and artistic growth." 

From July 2024-June 2026, Millhouse served as BTE's Interim Associate Artistic Director, Associate Artistic Director, and then Interim Managing Artistic Director, contributing to season planning, production oversight, marketing, educational outreach, subscriber engagement, fundraising, and strategic planning. Other administrative credits include co-founder and Managing Director of Misalliance Repertory Theatre (2019-2022), where he oversaw company operations, financial planning, marketing, fundraising, nonprofit compliance, and production activities. 

As an actor, BTE audiences have enjoyed Millhouse in productions like "The 39 Steps" and the Pemberley trilogy by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Millhouse is an Associate Professor in the theater department of the College of DuPage where he directs collegiate productions. 

Millhouse* is also BTE's newest Buffalo Theatre Ensemble member. Other members of the
ensemble: Aly Renee Amidei^, Robert Jordan Bailey*, Amelia Barrett*, Bryan Burke*(Business Manager), Connie Canaday Howard*, Rebecca Cox, Lisa Dawn, Nick DuFloth, Jon Gantt, Christopher Kriz^, Laura Leonardo Ownby, Michael W. Moon, Kurt Naebig*, GalenG. Ramsey*, William Sandy "Smillie* and Kelli Walker.  

*Denotes member of Actors' Equity; ^Denotes member of United Scenic Artists 

In collaboration with BTE's Board of Directors and Ensemble members, Millhouse is ramping up plans for BTE's 40th anniversary season which includes: "Louisa May Alcott's Little Women" by Lauren Gunderson, directed by BTE Managing Artistic Director Daniel Millhouse*(Nov. 12-Dec. 13, 2026); "Dial M for Murder" by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, directed by former Goodman Theatre Associate Director and long-time BTE director Steve Scott (Jan. 28-Feb. 28, 2027); "One Man, Two Guvnors" by Richard Bean, directed by BTE Managing Artistic Director Emerita Connie Canaday Howard* (May 6-June 6, 2027). For tickets or more information, contact the MAC Box Office at 630-942-4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org. 

Throughout its 2026-2027 season BTE continues its commitment to the next generation of
artists by offering collegiate artists the opportunity to shadow professional artists and productions, continued mentoring through a student shadow program, the BTE Stage Management Scholarship and high school ambassador outreach. 

About Buffalo Theatre Ensemble  

The mission of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble is to provide a forum in which artists, scholars, writers, students and community members explore new ideas and provocative issues through the production of quality theater for the enjoyment of its audiences. Since its founding in 1986, BTE has produced 132 productions and presented more than 2,000 performances, featuring world and regional premieres. In the 2025-2026 season, BTE employed 80 professional artists and
welcomed 8,800 patrons. Over 500 College of DuPage students studied and attended productions. The Equity Jeff Awards have recognized the company with two awards and more than a dozen nominations. The Jeff Awards are Chicago's premier professional theater awards, recognizing excellence in acting, directing, design, and production among companies in the Chicago area. 

BTE was established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation in 2016. For more information about BTE, please visit BTEChicago.com or AtTheMAC.org.  

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble is partially supported and funded by generous grants from Arts DuPage, Choose DuPage, College of DuPage Foundation, The Norm Woodel Inspiration Fund, the DuPage Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. 

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.

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre announces today that the recent stars of Porchlight in Concert’s production of Follies, Tony Award-nominee Felicia P. Fields and Broadway’s Anthony Rapp, have joined the Artistic Advisory Board. Porchlight's Artistic Advisory Board consists of seasoned professionals who have excelled in their theatrical disciplines and who have a vested interest in the artistic and professional advancement of the company. For more information on Porchlight Music Theatre, go to PorchlightMusicTheatre.org.

“Felicia has been a part of Porchlight productions and special events for many years and we look forward to her joining us as an Advisory Board Member, ” said Artistic Director Michael Weber. “And Anthony, having just moved back to Chicago, is looking to be more involved in the city’s vibrant theatre scene. On behalf of everyone at Porchlight, I welcome these two great additions.”

“When Michael Weber asked me to join the Artistic Advisory Board, I immediately said ‘yes!’” added Felicia P. Fields. “I have always found a home on their stage and am excited to be a part of this Board and help guide Porchlight into the future.”

“One of the first offers when I returned to Chicago came from Porchlight for this spring’s Follies,” commented Anthony Rapp. “I had an incredible experience working with the entire team on that special event. I not only appreciate their dedication to music theater, but their desire to create memorable experiences for their audiences. I am grateful for the invitation to join this impressive Board.”

The Advisory Board is a valued resource for the artistic director, executive director and other facets of the company in their support and guidance to achieve Porchlight's mission as Chicago's center for music theatre. The membership includes artists from Chicago and across the United States including Wm. Eric Bramlett, John Bucchino, E. Faye Butler, Cheri Coons, Kevin Depinet, Raúl Esparza, William Finn*, Joel Grey, Larry Grossman, Kenny Ingram, Linda Kline, Jesse Klug, Sean Allan Krill, Donna McKechnie, Dominic Missimi, Jill Moore, Lonny Price, Hollis Resnik*, Chita Rivera*, Bill Russell, Chuck Smith, L. Walter Stearns, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, Bob Walton, Jim Walton and Maury Yeston.

*Denotes the advisory member is deceased. 

ABOUT FELICIA P. FIELDS

Felicia P. Fields is a proud Southsider and has worked in theater for 40 years at home in the Chicagoland area, as well as traveled and toured throughout the United States and Europe. Seasoned in theater, she has also directed and co-directed several projects with Ron OJ Parsons and most recently with Definition Theaters Amplified series. Tony-nominated for her creation of the role of “Sofia” in The Color Purple on Broadway, she also began the first national tour. She has many awards to her credit as well as on-camera and voice-over credits. She has her own Blues show, Pearl Rollin With The Blues and has performed many times at Chicago’s Blues Festival, Taste of Chicago and Navy Pier. She works with theatres in her community and has tutored and mentored many young people and several celebrities. She is blessed with a supportive family including two children, Sidney and Aubriel, both who are singers, and four fabulous grandchildren. Governor Quinn declared July 24, Felicia P. Fields Day.

ABOUT ANTHONY RAPP

Anthony Rapp is thrilled to return to live and work in the city of his birth. Chicago is also where he earned his Equity card 45 years ago, when he was nine years old. He has since appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in National Tours, at Regional Theatres and in films and on television. But his proudest work these days is as the father, with his husband Ken, of their two sons, Rai (aged 3) and Keony (aged 2).

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre, in its 31st season, is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Through live performance, youth education and community outreach, we impact thousands of lives each season, bringing the magic of musicals to our theatre home at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast and to neighborhoods across the city. Porchlight has built a national reputation for boldly reimagining classic musicals, supporting new works and young performers, and showcasing Chicago’s most notable music theatre artists, all through the intimate and powerful theatrical lens of the “Chicago Style.” 

Porchlight's history over three decades includes more than 70 mainstage works with 15 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. 

Porchlight's education and outreach programs serve schools, youth of all ages and skill levels and community organizations. Porchlight annually awards dozens of full scholarships and hundreds of free tickets to ensure accessibility and real engagement with this uniquely American art form. 

The company’s many honors include 178 Joseph Jefferson Award (Jeff) nominations and 50 Jeff awards, as well as 44 Black Theatre Alliance (BTA) nominations and 15 BTA awards. In 2019, Porchlight graduated to the Large Theatre tier of the Equity Jeff Awards and has been honored with seven awards in this tier to date including Best Ensemble for Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies (2019) and Best Production-Revue for Blues in the Night (2022). 

Through the global pandemic, Porchlight emerged as one of Chicago’s leaders in virtual programming, quickly launching a host of free offerings like Sondheim @ 90 Roundtables, Movie Musical Mondays, Porchlight by Request: Command Performances and WPMT: Classic Musicals from the Golden Age of Radio. In 2021, Porchlight launched its annual summer series, Broadway in your Backyard, performing at parks and venues throughout the city.