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List Of Shows Coming Soon

Friends In Low Places: Brandon Bennett Sings Garth Brooks
Friends In Low Places: Brandon Bennett Sings Garth Brooks Sep 14 - Sep 15, 2026
Marriott Theatre

In this new concert, the internationally acclaimed touring star brings his signature swagger to the legendary hits of the country music superstar Garth Brooks. As the best-selling solo artist of all time, Garth made country really rock, and the electrifying Bennett - magnetic, authentic, and radiating southern charm - is just the man to do him justice. His new show is brimming with humor, heart, and sing-along hits including "Friends in Low Places," "The Dance," "Shameless," and "Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House."

Kowalski
Kowalski Sep 15 - Oct 25, 2026
Lookingglass Theatre

Set over one pivotal evening in 1947 Provincetown, Kowalski imagines the electrifying first meeting between Tennessee Williams and a young Marlon Brando, just as Williams searches for the actor who would forever change the destiny of A Streetcar Named Desire. Blending fact, memory, and theatrical imagination, the play offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative forces behind one of the most influential works in American theater. Kowaslki explores the intersection of ambition, artistry, desire, and the creation of theatrical history.

Drunk Dracula
Drunk Dracula Sep 17 - Nov 7, 2026
The Lion Theater

One actor takes five shots and attempts an epic retelling of Transylvania's thirstiest bachelor... DRACULA! Sink your teeth into the Halloween event of the season, presented by the illustrious Drunk Shakespeare Society (the drinkers behind the hit off-Broadway comedy, Drunk Shakespeare!) When history's most famous vampire (sorry, Edward Cullen) is loosed upon Manhattan, do you want to stop him? Or let him have his way with you?

Topdog/Underdog
Topdog/Underdog Sep 17 - Nov 1, 2026
Steppenwolf Theatre

Brothers Lincoln and Booth, named in jest, are two Black men living in America just trying to get by. Lincoln dresses like his namesake, reenacting his assassination for money and laughs. Booth stays stuck in their apartment, working tirelessly on his three-card hustle. Sibling rivalry and a lifetime of resentment come to a head in this fast-paced and ferocious thrill ride from Suzan-Lori Parks. The deck is stacked with a Tony Award-winning director, a Pulitzer Prize-winning script and a tour-de-force showdown for ensemble members Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood. "Take thuh cards and show me whatcha got!"

Prayer Circle
Prayer Circle Sep 17 - Nov 8, 2026
Redtwist Theatre

As the world hurtles ever faster in the wrong direction, Addy discovers she may have the power to make it better. Joining with the members of a small town prayer circle, four people try to convince their pastor to pray with them... to bring about some killer results. Erik Gernand, Redtwist's resident playwright, invites audiences to a darkly comedic debate - how far would you go to save your country?

American Son
American Son Sep 17 - Oct 4, 2026
Ghostlight Ensemble Theatre Co. at Friendship Community Place

An estranged biracial couple must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by the local police following a traffic stop incident. The story unfolds over a single night as Kendra, a Black mother, desperately seeks answers about the whereabouts of her teenage son, Jamal, who has gone missing after an encounter with the police. As tensions escalate, Kendra is joined by her estranged white husband, Scott, and their clashing perspectives expose deep-seated issues of race, privilege and systemic bias. Set in a Florida police station, American Son is a gripping tale of two parents caught in our national divide, with their worst fears hanging in the balance. This tense and emotionally charged drama is a compelling exploration of contemporary social issues.

Monster Jam
Monster Jam Sep 18 - Sep 20, 2026
Allstate Arena

Get ready for non-stop excitement as Rosemont roars to life with gravity-defying stunts, heart-pounding races, and plenty of big air! The world's best drivers tear up on the dirt as they battle for the Event Championship in four competitions: Racing, Skills, Donuts, and everyone's favorite, Freestyle, where Monster Jam trucks defy the laws of physics and do the impossible. Fans will be right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves.

I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire
I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire Sep 18 - Oct 31, 2026
Refracted Theatre Company at The Den Theatre

To cope with the absence of her father, neglect of her mother and ridicule by her classmates, eighth-grader and president of the Tobey Maguire Fan Club, Shelby Hinkley decides to risk it all for love, kidnap famous actor Tobey Maguire and marry him in her basement. Her fantasies of happily ever after start to crumble as she realizes Tobey may not be the charismatic, heartthrob actor she thinks she knows,while Tobey does everything he can to escape the clutches of his number one fan. A Y2K farce, I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire is a full-throttle explosion of our para-social relationships and the obsessions that detonate them.

I Am the Wind
I Am the Wind Sep 24 - Nov 1, 2026
Theatre Y

Two lifelong friends sail into open water: one edging closer to the pull of oblivion, the other with a question neither can escape. Nobel laureate Jon Fosse's I Am the Wind is a poetic, aching meditation on companionship, loss, and the fragility of life. Staged with physical risk - actors suspended on narrow swinging planks with nothing to catch them - the delicate reality of the body hangs in the balance.

Black Bear Island
Black Bear Island Sep 25 - Oct 17, 2026
Bramble Theatre Company at Bramble Arts Loft

When her estranged childhood sweetheart mysteriously dies, Amitra returns home after a long absence to Black Bear Island, which legend says is haunted by a monstrous man-killing bear. As she searches for the truth, the forest begins to engulf the house and her past begins to collide with the present as her memory starts to unfog. This gothic, magical realistic thriller explores regret, the unreliableness of our own memories, and the paths we choose to become who we are. A Chicago premiere!

Candlelight: Tribute to Phil Collins
Candlelight: Tribute to Phil Collins Sep 26
Wicker Park Lutheran Church

Candlelight brings its signature multi-sensory concert experience to the music of Phil Collins, performed live by the Metropolis String Quartet in a space illuminated by the warm glow of hundreds of candles. Over the course of an hour, the quartet reimagines the beloved songbook of the Genesis frontman and solo superstar through elegant string arrangements, with a program expected to include "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds," "Another Day in Paradise," "Sussudio," "Invisible Touch," "You'll Be in My Heart," and more. The intimate candlelit setting transforms familiar pop and rock anthems into something entirely new, making this a memorable evening for longtime fans and newcomers alike. This tribute concert is open to guests ages 8 and up, with anyone under 16 accompanied by an adult, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artist.

Candlelight: Classical Sounds to Stimulate Little Minds
Candlelight: Classical Sounds to Stimulate Little Minds Sep 26
The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

Candlelight Babies invites parents and their littlest music lovers, ages 0 to 36 months, to share a warm, multisensory concert experience bathed in the glow of thousands of flickering candles. A live string duo performs beloved classical works by Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, along with familiar childhood favorites like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Old MacDonald Had a Farm, all played at gentle, baby-friendly volume levels. Designed to support early cognitive and emotional development while sparking creativity, the 45-minute concert offers a relaxed atmosphere where families can settle into comfortable seating or spread out in a padded movement area made for wiggling, playing, and cuddling. Part of the popular Candlelight concert series, this tender introduction to live music creates a memorable bonding experience for the whole family.

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical
Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical Sep 29 - Oct 11, 2026
CIBC Theatre

How did a dead body, a fake love letter, and - of all people - Ian Fleming turn the tide of World War II? Olivier Award winner for Best New Musical and a 2025 Tony winner, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical is the best-reviewed show in West End history with 88 five-star reviews and the #1 Broadway Show of 2025 (Entertainment Weekly). It’s 1943 and the Allies are on the ropes. Luckily, they’re about to gamble our futures on a stolen corpse. Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, it’s the fast-paced, hilarious true story of the secret mission that won WWII.

The Thanksgiving Play
The Thanksgiving Play Oct 1 - Oct 11, 2026
Elgin Art Showcase

This wildly satirical look at political correctness gone wrong features a quartet of hopelessly misguided and culturally clueless theater artists scrambling to create an inoffensive Thanksgiving pageant - with hilariously disastrous results! Indigenous playwright Larissa FastHorse has crafted one of the most popular and celebrated new plays of the last 10 years, and this production, directed by Brian Rabinowitz, has its cast doing quintuple duty, playing the main characters plus 4 sets of students - from kindergarten through high school - performing outrageously misguided Thanksgiving songs and skits.

Dial M For Murder
Dial M For Murder Oct 2 - Nov 1, 2026
Oil Lamp Theater

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.

Vladimir
Vladimir Oct 2 - Nov 14, 2026
Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit

In a world where facts are manipulated and fear is currency, the truth becomes dangerous. As a new authoritarian government tightens its grip on Russia, Erika Sheffer's Vladimir follows an independent journalist who uncovers a story that could expose the truth behind a nation in transition. But when every headline comes with consequences and every source becomes a target, she must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice for the story. Vladimir is a gripping political thriller about what happens when silence becomes complicity.

The Addams Family
The Addams Family Oct 2 - Oct 18, 2026
BrightSide Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall

This wickedly funny musical with book by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman (JERSEY BOYS), and songs by Andrew Lippa (THE WILD PARTY, BIG FISH), follows Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a perfectly respectable young man from a very normal family. When the two families meet for dinner, secrets are revealed, expectations are challenged, and hilarity ensues. Filled with unforgettable characters, catchy songs, and laugh-out-loud comedy, this Broadway hit celebrates what makes every family unique.

Princess Ida
Princess Ida Oct 2 - Oct 11, 2026
The Savoyaires at Chute School Auditorium

Princess Ida and Prince Hilarion were betrothed when they both were babies, but now that they're grown up, she has other ideas. A fairy-tale battle of the sexes, Gilbert & Sullivan's underrated Princess Ida combines Gilbert's sparkling wit with one of Sullivan's most thrilling scores. Performed by a 32-person cast with a 30-piece orchestra.

Candlelight: Tribute to Ariana Grande
Candlelight: Tribute to Ariana Grande Oct 3 - Oct 10, 2026
Wicker Park Art Center

Candlelight: Tribute to Ariana Grande transforms the pop superstar's biggest hits into an intimate, multi-sensory concert experience, performed live by the Metropolis String Quartet in a room aglow with hundreds of flickering candles. Over the course of an hour, audiences will hear string arrangements of fan favorites spanning Grande's career, from early anthems like "The Way" and "Dangerous Woman" to chart-toppers including "thank u, next," "God is a woman," "Into You," and selections from her recent eternal sunshine era. Part of the internationally acclaimed Candlelight concert series, this tribute reimagines familiar pop songs through the elegance of classical instrumentation, creating an evening that appeals equally to devoted Arianators and lovers of live string music. The concert runs 60 minutes and is open to guests ages 8 and up.

Million Dollar Quartet
Million Dollar Quartet Oct 7 - Jan 3, 2027
Paramount Theatre

Four Legends. One Night. Music History Made. You may have loved Million Dollar Quartet in 2017 at Paramount Theatre - now imagine it set in Sun Studio itself. The new Stolp Island Theatre will be designed to immerse you in the experience so you can say "I was there!" On December 4, 1956, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins had a chance encounter at Sun Studio in Memphis. What transpired ?was one of the greatest impromptu jam sessions in music history.

A Strange Loop
A Strange Loop Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2026
Raven Theatre

Usher is a Black, queer playwright who spends his days working as an usher on Broadway. He spends his nights struggling to write an original musical about a Black, queer playwright who spends his days working as an usher on Broadway. Lines blur, thoughts intrude, and soon he finds himself wrestling to break free from a very strange creative loop.

Any Rebellion of Will
Any Rebellion of Will Oct 8 - Nov 1, 2026
Trap Door Theatre

A dark absurdist comedy with a twist of vaudeville, Any Rebellion of Will finds a depressed, anguished Will being kicked out of his authoritative parents' home on his 25th birthday. Will returns home with an odd, mystical street performer, Giselle who ignites a rebellious passion in Will and a demented, destructive mania in his parents.

Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville
Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville Oct 9 - Nov 1, 2026
Music Theater Works at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Music Theater Works presents the first professional production of Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville in Chicago since its pre-Broadway run. Set sail for a tropical getaway with this feel-good musical packed with island vibes and beloved Buffett classics. This lighthearted romantic comedy follows Tully, a laid-back island singer, and Rachel, a career-focused tourist, as their worlds collide at a beachfront resort. With a story about adventure, self-discovery and living life to the fullest, Escape to Margaritaville is the ultimate musical vacation for Parrot Heads and newcomers alike.

Waitress
Waitress Oct 13 - Oct 18, 2026
Nederlander Theatre

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying encounter with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.

King Lear
King Lear Oct 15 - Nov 21, 2026
Babes With Blades Theatre at Theater Wit

King Lear, in order to "unburdened, crawl toward death," chooses to divide the ruling of the kingdom between his three daughters via a verbal joust of who loves him the most. When his youngest daughter Cordelia does not meet the standards he expected her, chaos, greed and betrayal creep in to take over the story. Parallel to Lear's suffering, his friend the Earl of Gloucester is manipulated by one son to turn on his other son.

A Dark Wood
A Dark Wood Oct 15 - Nov 1, 2026
Tin Drum Theatre Company at The Greenhouse Theater Center

'The Fix' was supposed to correct everything that had gone wrong with the country. Now, three members of a shattered family occupy different corners of a society in free-fall, even surviving in their own way. Which of them will make it to Paradise and what will it cost? Does such a place even exist?

Mud Row
Mud Row Oct 15 - Nov 15, 2026
Remy Bumppo Theatre at Theater Wit

Set in the historically Black neighborhood of Mud Row in West Chester, Pennsylvania, two generations of sisters protect and defy the legacy of their foremothers in this surprisingly funny, thrilling and ultimately hopeful play from Tony Nominee and MacArthur “Genius” Grant Recipient Dominique Morisseau. Mud Row deftly shifts between past and present exploring themes of identity, belonging and the complexities of heritage through the lives of several Black women and men, each with their own struggles and aspirations.

Brad Williams: The Tall Tales Tour
Brad Williams: The Tall Tales Tour Oct 16
Chicago Theatre

Brad Williams possesses something that everyone can agree is funny: a disability. Brad is a dwarf. He has appeared on numerous TV shows including Mind Of Mencia, Live at Gotham, the Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Pitboss. Brad has also performed for the troops all over the world because soldiers think dwarfs are funny too.

King Hedley II
King Hedley II Oct 16 - Nov 29, 2026
City Lit Theater

Revisiting characters established in August Wilson's SEVEN GUITARS, this play returns to Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1985. King Hedley, a man recently released from prison, attempts to rebuild his life by selling stolen refrigerators so he can buy a video store. Despite decades of generational trauma, can King break free from the crippling socio-economic struggles that have held him down? Amid the realities of rampant crime and drug use in the neighborhood community, he tries to carve out his own destiny.

Ben Schwartz and Friends
Ben Schwartz and Friends Oct 17
Chicago Theatre

Ben Schwartz is an American actor, comedian, writer, director and producer and he's bringing his Ben Schwartz and Friends Improv Show to Chicago! Schwartz will be accompanied by some talented improvisers straight from LA.

Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour
Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour Oct 19 - Oct 21, 2026
Allstate Arena and United Center

The all-new "Worlds Collide Concert Tour" brings together the worlds of "Descendants," "ZOMBIES," and for the very first time, "Camp Rock," in an unforgettable new arena spectacular. A pop concert of the highest caliber, this year's cast features an exceptionally talented lineup of Disney stars including Malachi Barton ("ZOMBIES 4," "Camp Rock 3"), Liamani Segura ("Descendants: Wicked Wonderland," "Camp Rock 3"), Dara Renee ("Descendants: The Rise of Red"), Mekonnen Knife ("ZOMBIES 4"), Hudson Stone ("Camp Rock 3"), Swayam Bhatia ("ZOMBIES 4"), Kiara Romero("Descendants: Wicked Wonderland"), and Alexandro Byrd ("Descendants:Wicked Wonderland"). Fans will experience an evening packed with hit songs from all three franchises brought together in a brand-new production with fresh mashups and fan favorite songs. Next-level choreography and electrifying special effects create a show filled with nonstop delight, fan interactions, and nostalgia. Come dressed as your favorite character, sing along all night, and experience the music and moments from "Descendants," "ZOMBIES" and "Camp Rock" colliding on stage in this all-new concert experience!

Adirondack Chair Circle
Adirondack Chair Circle Oct 22 - Dec 6, 2026
Steppenwolf Theatre

Banna has it all... or at least that's what the other suburban moms think. Beneath the charcuterie boards, backyard soirees and pickleball, there's a funny feeling bubbling underneath this seemingly perfect facade. Is it the pressure to save her children from the beliefs of the school district? Or is it just that suspicious crow watching her every move? A piercing world premiere from a playful Chicago voice, Stephanie Alison Walker's Adirondack Chair Circle exposes the hilarious hypocrisy of the clubs we join and the company we keep. And has a damn good time doing it.

The Royale
The Royale Oct 22 - Nov 29, 2026
Writers Theatre

Jay is a really good boxer, so good they call him “The Sport.” He’s won his last seventy-six fights and has his sights set on being crowned the next heavyweight champion. But it’s 1905, and in the Jim Crow era, a Black man doesn’t get to fight a reigning white champion. When a surprising chance at the title appears, Jay gears up for the fight of his life—where the stakes are staggeringly high inside the ring and out. Inspired by real-world boxer Jack Johnson, this adrenaline rush of a play by Marco Ramirez (Orange is the New Black, Buena Vista Social Club) is a kinetic and poetic portrayal of what it takes and what it costs to make history.

The Book Of Mormon
The Book Of Mormon Oct 23 - Nov 1, 2026
Cadillac Palace Theatre

THE BOOK OF MORMON is the Winner of 9 Tony Awards including Best Musical! From Trey Parker and Matt Stone, four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of "South Park," and Tony Award-winner Robert Lopez, co-creator of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Avenue Q, comes THE BOOK OF MORMON, a new Broadway musical that Jon Stewart of The Daily Show describes as, "a crowning achievement, so good it makes me angry" and by Entertainment Weekly as "the funniest musical of all time." Don't miss your chance to see what Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls "the best musical of this century." Don't miss THE BOOK OF MORMON Chicago.

Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac Oct 23
Arts Center of Oak Park

Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac is a glowing, immersive concert that transforms Fleetwood Mac’s iconic soft-rock sound into lush, cinematic string arrangements performed live in a sea of flickering candles. Expect an intimate, emotionally rich journey through favorites like “Everywhere,” “Gypsy,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Never Going Back Again,” “Don’t Stop,” “Gold Dust Woman,” “Go Your Own Way,” “Landslide,” “Little Lies,” “Songbird,” “Rhiannon,” and “The Chain,” where familiar melodies take on new warmth and drama—part sing-along nostalgia, part classical reimagining, and entirely transportive.

Memphis The Musical
Memphis The Musical Oct 24 - Oct 25, 2026
The Studebaker Theater

Set in the underground clubs, radio stations, and recording studios of 1950s Memphis, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Memphis tells an inspiring story of music, passion, and breaking barriers. The musical follows Huey Calhoun, a young white radio DJ with a deep love for rhythm & blues, and Felicia Farrell, a talented Black singer he meets on Beale Street dreaming of her big break. As their careers rise during the birth of rock 'n' roll, the pair must navigate family pressures, personal ambition, and a divided world that challenges their relationship.

Carmela Full of Wishes
Carmela Full of Wishes Oct 25 - Nov 15, 2026
Chicago Children's Theatre at The Station

When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true-she's finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Traveling through their neighborhood, Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make...

Matt Rife: Stay Golden World Tour
Matt Rife: Stay Golden World Tour Oct 25
United Center

Matt Rife is bringing his "Stay Golden Tour" to Capital One Arena as part of his highly anticipated 2025 North American tour. Produced by Live Nation, the tour marks another milestone in Rife's rapidly growing career, following the global success of his sold-out performances and viral comedic presence. Rife has become a standout voice in modern comedy, known for his sharp observational humor, quick improvisation, and engaging stage presence. His work has captivated audiences both online and on stage, earning him a massive following. He gained widespread recognition through his viral stand-up clips, appearances on MTV's Wild 'N Out, The Challenge, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Classical Compositions
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Classical Compositions Oct 25
Art Institute of Chicago

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Classical Compositions transforms a beloved concert series into something delightfully sinister, as the Metropolis String Quartet performs a spine-tingling program illuminated entirely by the flicker of candlelight. The hour-long experience weaves together the great macabre masterworks of the classical canon, from Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain and Saint-Saens' Danse Macabre to Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King and Bach's thunderous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, alongside eerie favorites like Chopin's Funeral March and Mozart's Lacrimosa. Modern chills round out the evening with string arrangements of Thriller, Ghostbusters, The Cranberries' Zombie, and themes from The Exorcist and The Nightmare Before Christmas. It's an atmospheric, multi-sensory celebration of the season that makes classical music feel gloriously haunted.

Heroes of the Fourth Turning
Heroes of the Fourth Turning Oct 29 - Dec 6, 2026
A Red Orchid Theatre

It's nearing midnight in Wyoming, where four recent graduates have gathered to celebrate their beloved mentor and professor Gina, newly inducted as president of their tiny Catholic liberal arts college. The reunion spirals into spiritual chaos, clashing generational politics and a vicious fight to be understood. Offering grace and disarming clarity, this haunting play speaks to the torn heart of a country at war with itself.

The Niceties
The Niceties Oct 31 - Nov 15, 2026
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at Noyes Cultural Art Center

Zoe, a Black student at a liberal arts college, is called into her white professor's office to discuss her paper about slavery's effect on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into an urgent debate about race, history and power.

Annie
Annie Nov 4 - Jan 10, 2027
Drury Lane- Oakbrook

Broadway’s favorite little orphan returns to Drury Lane for the first time in over 20 years! This heartwarming musical will delight you and your family during the holiday season with cheer, optimism, and the power of love.

Happy Days
Happy Days Nov 5 - Nov 21, 2026
AutoBody Theater at Neo-Futurists

Buried up to her waist in a giant mound of earth, Diana Slickman delivers a whirlwind monologue of love and survival as Winnie in Beckett's masterpiece. Ryan Walters co-stars as her oblivious husband, Willie. Directed by Trent Lunsford for the inaugural production of AutoBody Theater.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey - The Greatest Show On Earth
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey - The Greatest Show On Earth Nov 6 - Nov 8, 2026
Allstate Arena

Bringing to life an arena spectacle at unbelievable scale, The Greatest Show On Earth will debut stunning feats of real human achievement, musical performances blended with aerial artistry, modern comedy, and never-before-seen acts on highwire, trapeze, bicycles, and more. The reimagined American icon will captivate families through a multi-platform, 360-degree experience that brings fans into the action, creating real connections between audiences and performers from all over the world - coming to the Chicago area with six performances at Allstate Arena.

Mexodus
Mexodus Nov 6 - Nov 21, 2026
The Studebaker Theater

The live-looping hip-hop musical Mexodus recently won four Lucille Lortel Awards including Outstanding Musical, four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical, three Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Music, one Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best Musical, and one Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical—the first Off-Broadway musical to win the award in 30 years.

Candlelight: Tribute to Eric Clapton
Candlelight: Tribute to Eric Clapton Nov 6
Arts Center of Oak Park

Experience the timeless music of Eric Clapton like never before at Candlelight: Tribute to Eric Clapton, an intimate 60-minute concert performed by a live string quartet amid the warm glow of hundreds of flickering candles. The Listeso String Quartet reimagines Clapton's legendary catalog through elegant classical arrangements, transforming rock and blues classics into something entirely new. The tentative program spans his career, including "Layla," "Wonderful Tonight," "Tears in Heaven," "Lay Down Sally," "Cocaine," "Let It Rain," and more. Part of the wildly popular Candlelight concert series, this multi-sensory experience pairs world-class musicianship with a stunning candlelit atmosphere, making it perfect for a date night, a special evening out, or any Clapton fan eager to hear familiar favorites in a fresh and unforgettable setting.

They Broke Up
They Broke Up Nov 6 - Nov 22, 2026
Avalanche Theatre at Rivendell Theatre

It's New Year's Eve, and it sure looks like the world is ending. But much more importantly, Brett and Amy have just broken up. As aliens pollute the water, zombies run for Congress, birds ravage the housing market, and apocalyptic cult plans for the end of days, Brett and Amy's friends scheme to reunite them while the ex-couple themselves try to navigate a world with an end-date and a world without each other.

Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys Nov 10 - Nov 22, 2026
CIBC Theatre

JERSEY BOYS returns to Chicago. JERSEY BOYS is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty.

A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol Nov 11 - Jan 3, 2027
Paramount Theatre

Rediscover the magic of the holiday season with A Christmas Carol, the timeless tale that warms hearts and reminds us all of the true spirit of Christmas. Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and lonely miser, is visited on Christmas Eve by three ghosts who take him on a journey through his past, present, and future. Along the way, he learns how to once again experience joy, compassion, and the power of generosity.

A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol Nov 13 - Dec 31, 2026
Goodman Theatre

Now a beloved Chicago tradition, The Goodman Theatre ushers in the holiday season with its adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story A Christmas Carol. Audiences look forward to the "bah humbugs," the electrifying arrival of the ghosts, the jubilant musical numbers and dancing, and Scrooge's joyful rediscovery of life, love and the Christmas spirit. Goodman's Carol continues to lift heats and spirits after four decades more than a million visitors, and the timeless holiday tale promises to be merrier and more magical than ever. The Daily Herald says the play is "the crown jewel of the holiday season" -- find out for yourself or relive the magic again.

Nikki Glaser: The Stunning Tour
Nikki Glaser: The Stunning Tour Nov 13 - Nov 14, 2026
Chicago Theatre

Nikki Glaser brings her The Stunning Tour to Chicago with the kind of stand-up she’s become famous for: sharp, fearless, and hilariously candid, tackling modern dating, pop culture, and the awkward truths we all try to pretend aren’t real. Expect fast punchlines, big laughs, and Glaser’s signature no-holds-barred honesty delivered with the precision of a seasoned headliner.

Wild Kratts Live!
Wild Kratts Live! Nov 14
Auditorium Theatre

The Emmy-nominated PBS kids' TV show The Wild Kratts Live! brings an all-new theatrical stage show starring Martin and Chris Kratt to the Rosemont Theatre. First, the Kratt Brothers will share some "wow facts!" about animals, and then they'll pull on their Creature Power vests and gloves and begin activating Creature Powers -- live on stage -- with a touch of comedy, of course. And when the Wild Kratts receive a message that Zach and his Zachbots are invading the Tortuga, you'll join the duo on a quest filled with hilarious pratfalls and slapstick fun. Discover why Wild Kratts is so popular with kids and their families!

Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi
Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi Nov 15 - Jan 28, 2027
Stan Mansion

Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi is an intimate, candlelit concert that celebrates the sweeping, instantly recognizable melodies of Joe Hisaishi—best known for his iconic film music in the Studio Ghibli universe—reimagined for string quartet in a warm, cinematic setting where every theme feels close enough to breathe. Over the course of the program, Listeso’s quartet moves from soaring adventure to tender lullaby and quiet wonder, featuring beloved selections from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Ponyo, and Howl’s Moving Castle, creating a nostalgic journey that’s as transportive for longtime fans as it is enchanting for first-time listeners.

It's A Wonderful Life Live in Chicago
It's A Wonderful Life Live in Chicago Nov 19 - Dec 27, 2026
American Blues Theater

George Bailey-the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty-has fallen onto desperate times. Only a miracle can save him from despair. Told as a radio play with original music and classic holiday carols, it's "the don't miss show of the season" (Chicago Tribune). The annual production will feature favorite American Blues actors.

Candlelight: Tribute to Dolly Parton
Candlelight: Tribute to Dolly Parton Nov 21
Wicker Park Lutheran Church

Candlelight: Tribute to Dolly Parton reimagines the beloved country icon's catalog as an intimate classical concert, performed by the Metropolis String Quartet beneath the warm glow of hundreds of flickering candles. Over 60 minutes, the quartet moves through Dolly's most cherished songs, including "Jolene," "9 to 5," "I Will Always Love You," "Islands in the Stream," "Coat of Many Colors," "Here You Come Again" and "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," revealing the tenderness and storytelling at the heart of her writing through the voices of violin, viola and cello. Part of the popular Candlelight concert series, this multi-sensory experience pairs timeless music with a stunning, candlelit setting for an evening that is equally suited to devoted fans and newcomers.

Daniel Sloss: Bitter
Daniel Sloss: Bitter Nov 22
Auditorium Theatre

People complain that you can't say anything anymore... Scotland's comedy superstar Daniel Sloss begs to differ. One of the biggest global ticket sellers in live stand-up, Daniel's massive tours to-date span 55 countries and he has been performing standup for literally more than half of his 35 years on this planet. In the process he has broken multiple box office records, published a "Pandora's Box of Self-Help Books" (Conan O'Brien) and created and toured 13 solo shows which include comedy specials "Jigsaw" and "DARK" on Netflix, as well as "X", "SOCIO", "HUBRIS" and most recently, "CAN'T". Daniel is delighted to unleash his devastatingly funny, Brand-new show "BITTER" on the Netflix is a Joke audience.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker
The Hip Hop Nutcracker Nov 24 - Nov 29, 2026
Cadillac Palace Theatre

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season as it returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop's founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.

Mrs. Doubtfire
Mrs. Doubtfire Nov 24 - Nov 29, 2026
Nederlander Theatre

Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. It's "the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now," raves the Chicago Tribune - one that proves we're better together.

Blue Man Group A New Holiday Surprise
Blue Man Group A New Holiday Surprise Nov 24 - Dec 13, 2026
CIBC Theatre

Blue Man Group invites audiences to experience an all-new holiday production that reimagines the season through its signature blend of music, comedy, art, and immersive theatrical experience. Featuring classic holiday music performed on Blue Man Group's iconic custom instruments, the production follows the Blue Men as they discover the traditions, rituals, and joyful absurdities of the holidays while exploring timeless themes of generosity, presence, creativity, and human connection.

Who's Holiday!
Who's Holiday! Nov 27 - Dec 27, 2026
Theater Wit

Who's Holiday! is a wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy that tells the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.

Candlelight: Tribute to Gwen Stefani
Candlelight: Tribute to Gwen Stefani Nov 28
Wicker Park Lutheran Church

Candlelight: Tribute to Gwen Stefani reimagines the pop-punk princess's catalog in a way you've never heard it, performed live by the Metropolis String Quartet under the warm, flickering glow of hundreds of candles. From her No Doubt years to her solo chart-toppers, the 60-minute program spans ska-tinged anthems and dance-floor hits reborn as lush string arrangements, including "Just A Girl," "Hella Good," "Hollaback Girl," "The Sweet Escape," "What You Waiting For?," "Rich Girl," "Underneath It All," "Spiderwebs," and the swooning ballad "Don't Speak." It's an intimate, multi-sensory evening that trades stadium spectacle for candlelit atmosphere, letting familiar melodies land with fresh emotional weight. Part of the popular Candlelight concert series, this tribute is ideal for longtime fans, date nights, or anyone craving a distinctive live-music experience.

Candlelight: Tribute to Chris Cornell
Candlelight: Tribute to Chris Cornell Dec 4
Stan Mansion

Candlelight: Tribute to Chris Cornell transforms the grunge icon's searing catalog into an intimate, multi-sensory concert experience, performed by a live string quartet surrounded by the warm glow of thousands of flickering candles. Over the course of an hour, the Listeso String Quartet reimagines the raw power and haunting melodies of Cornell's work across Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog, with arrangements of favorites like "Black Hole Sun," "Like a Stone," "Spoonman," "Hunger Strike," and "Fell on Black Days." Stripped of distortion and amplification, these songs reveal the aching beauty and emotional depth that made Cornell one of rock's most distinctive voices. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering his music anew, this candlelit evening offers a moving, elegant way to experience one of alternative rock's greatest songwriters.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet Dec 6
Rosemont Theatre

This Christmas, bring the whole family back to a simpler time with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet! The acclaimed holiday tradition is live in theaters for the 30th anniversary tour. Gather friends and family to relive your fondest childhood memories. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is overflowing with larger than life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast featuring dancers from all over the world performing at the highest level of classical technique. Share in the message of peace and harmony and get your tickets now!

Flying Monkeys
Flying Monkeys Dec 6 - Jan 17, 2027
Redtwist Theatre

Flying Monkeys follows two transport agents working in the so-called "troubled teen industry." Hired by a desperate mother, they arrive in the middle of the night to legally take her 15-year-old daughter from her home and deliver her to a residential treatment program across the country. What begins as a job governed by contracts and procedure becomes increasingly complicated as everyone involved is forced to confront what they believe desperation can justify.

The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical
The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2026
Broadway Playhouse

The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical tells the story of our heroine, Holly, an overworked city executive forced to return to her quirky hometown to help her mother run the family business. Holly reunites with Mark, an old flame (who is now the local Sheriff!) and discovers the town’s long-running cookie contest cheating conspiracy involves a moose on the loose. As Holly juggles romance, small-town drama, and a looming corporate merger, she learns that love and community might matter more than work. Packed with immersive holiday moments and original pop songs such as, “Judge That Cookie” and “It Feels Like Christmas (Because It Is Literally Christmas),” the show offers a hilarious twist on the classic holiday movies you already know and love. It promises festive immersive fun for everyone whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a holiday movie superfan, or just in it for the moose.

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Dec 9 - Dec 27, 2026
Nederlander Theatre

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas" from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. Don't miss what The New York Times calls "AN EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCE! 100 times better than any bedtime story."

The Other Cinderella
The Other Cinderella Dec 12 - Jan 24, 2027
Black Ensemble Theater

Jackie Taylor's The Other Cinderella is a beloved Black Ensemble Theater classic that has delighted audiences for decades. This joyful African American version of the timeless fairy tale is filled with laughter, soul, and heart. In this story, Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmamma works at the post office, the Fairygodmama hails from Jamaica, and the Brothers from the Hood keep the kingdom jumpin'!

Love Actually In Concert
Love Actually In Concert Dec 12
Cadillac Palace Theatre

Fall in love with the holidays all over again at LOVE ACTUALLY IN CONCERT! As the beloved film plays in its entirety on a full-size screen, a live orchestra performs the soundtrack live, featuring music by Craig Armstrong alongside favorites including Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and "Love Is All Around."

Potted Potter
Potted Potter Dec 15 - Jan 3, 2027
Broadway Playhouse

Playing to sold out houses all over the world, Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favorite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic!

Hairspray
Hairspray Dec 17 - Jan 3, 2027
Music Theater Works at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Full of heart and 1960s flair, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, a big-dreaming teen who lands a spot on “The Corny Collins Show.” But when she sees injustice in Baltimore, she sets out to integrate the dance floor, proving one girl can make a difference. With infectious songs like “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” this musical makes the perfect closer to Music Theater Work’s 46th season: it is a joyful celebration of acceptance, self-love and standing up for what’s right.

Bluey's Big Play
Bluey's Big Play Dec 18 - Dec 20, 2026
Cadillac Palace Theatre

Grab the sticky geckos, break out the duck cakes, and alert the grannies! It's time to meet the much-loved Heeler family, who will be coming to the Auditorium Theater with the Bluey live show, Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show! The Emmy Award-winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+, will be "taking the show on the road"

Candlelight: Christmas Classics
Candlelight: Christmas Classics Dec 19
Arts Center of Oak Park

Candlelight: Christmas Classics transforms a beloved holiday songbook into an intimate, multi-sensory concert performed entirely by the light of hundreds of flickering candles. The Metropolis String Quartet takes the stage for a 60-minute program that glides from timeless favorites like Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, and Greensleeves to modern seasonal staples including Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You, Wham!'s Last Christmas, and Let It Snow. The evening also weaves in enchanting selections from The Nutcracker, Frozen, Anastasia, and The Holiday, giving the program a cinematic sparkle alongside its classical warmth. Part of the internationally acclaimed Candlelight concert series, this holiday edition invites audiences to slow down, settle into the glow, and experience the music of the season the way it was meant to be heard: up close, unplugged, and unforgettable.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings Dec 20
Art Institute of Chicago

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings wraps the season's most beloved music in the warm, flickering glow of hundreds of candles for a truly enchanting hour of holiday magic. The Metropolis String Quartet performs timeless carols including Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, Silent Night, Joy to the World, and Greensleeves, transforming familiar melodies into something intimate and transporting through the rich, expressive voices of four string instruments. Part of the wildly popular Candlelight concert series, this multi-sensory experience pairs world-class live music with a breathtaking candlelit setting, creating an atmosphere equally suited to a romantic evening out, a festive gathering with friends, or a memorable family tradition. Whether you come to rediscover the wonder of the classics or simply to soak in the ambiance, this hour of music by candlelight captures the spirit of the season beautifully.

The Sound Of Music
The Sound Of Music Dec 22 - Dec 27, 2026
Cadillac Palace Theatre

For 65 years, THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been one of our "favorite things." With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn't just meant to be enjoyed - it's meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music. Featuring beloved songs like "Do-Re-Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" and "Edelweiss," THE SOUND OF MUSIC is the iconic tale of a spirited nun who chooses not to live behind closed doors - and, by following her heart, learns to climb every mountain.

Maybe Happy Ending
Maybe Happy Ending Jan 5 - Jan 17, 2027
CIBC Theatre

Winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical,Maybe Happy Ending tells the deeply human story of a chance encounter that sparks connection, adventure, and maybe even love. Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Michael Arden (Parade), Maybe Happy Ending has been called "one of the best musicals in years" (USA Today) and even "The best musical in eons!" (Observer). Don't miss the totally original new musical adventure that explores what it means to be human. Even if they're not.

Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Joe Turner's Come and Gone Jan 8 - Feb 7, 2027
Court Theatre

It is 1911, and Harold Loomis and his daughter, Zonia, have been on the road for years, searching for Zonia's mother and, unbeknownst to Harold, chasing his forgotten song. Their journey leads them to Seth Holly's boardinghouse, where they meet Holly, his wife, and fellow boarders who, like them, are in relentless pursuit of love, identity, freedom, and purpose.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Jan 16
Art Institute of Chicago

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons is a high-energy, candlelit concert that transforms two arena-sized catalogs into lush, cinematic string arrangements, performed live by the Metropolis String Quartet for an immersive hour of soaring melodies and big emotional payoffs. The program moves through fan favorites like Coldplay’s “Clocks,” “Adventure of a Lifetime,” “Fix You,” “The Scientist,” “Viva la Vida,” and “A Sky Full of Stars,” alongside Imagine Dragons hits including “Radioactive,” “Eyes Closed,” “Nice to Meet You,” “Follow You,” “Bad Liar,” and “Believer,” creating a “best of both worlds” evening where familiar choruses feel intimate, dramatic, and completely reimagined under the glow of candlelight.

Oh, Mary!
Oh, Mary! Jan 19 - Feb 7, 2027
CIBC Theatre

Declared “one of the best comedies in years” by The New York Times, Oh, Mary! is about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this 80- minute one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln, through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).

9 to 5
9 to 5 Jan 27 - Mar 21, 2027
Drury Lane- Oakbrook

Based on the hit 1980 movie, this hysterical and empowering musical is the story of three unlikely friends who concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 is a nostalgic joyride that proves there’s nothing women can’t do.

The Comeuppance
The Comeuppance Feb 4 - Mar 21, 2027
Steppenwolf Theatre

Welcome back, St. Anthony's graduating class of 2002!?On the night of their 20th high school reunion, a group of misfit Millennial classmates reconnect for a familiar pregame: drinks, pot, a limo ride and a whole lot of messy memories. But, in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' riveting dark ensemble comedy, a specter looms over the proceedings, reminding us that time only marches forward, even for '90's kids. This Chicago premiere from the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Purpose is a contemplative, hilarious and grave reflection on life and death.

Sunday in the Park with George
Sunday in the Park with George Feb 10 - Mar 28, 2027
Paramount Theatre

In 1880s Paris, painter Georges Seurat is consumed by passion for his work, meticulously capturing every color and curve of the world around him. But as he chases perfection on the canvas, he risks losing Dot - the woman who inspires him. A century later, another George, Seurat's great-grandson, struggles with the same questions of meaning, legacy, and connection in a modern world that often overlooks the value of art.

Dead Outlaw
Dead Outlaw Feb 10 - Mar 21, 2027
Theater Wit and Porchlight Music Theatre at Victory Gardens Theater - Biograph

The 2025 Tony Award-nominated for Best Musical and winner of three Best Musical awards (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and New York Drama Critics' Circle), Dead Outlaw is a wickedly irreverent tale based on the true story of bumbling bandit Elmer McCurdy. This dark comedy spanning more than a century delves into themes of fame and its repercussions as McCurdy's mummified body becomes a traveling curiosity across America and beyond.

Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter Feb 11 - Mar 28, 2027
Writers Theatre

An ordinary commute becomes a whirlwind instant of once-in-a-lifetime possibility. Laura, a suburban housewife, and Alec, a married doctor, meet by chance in a busy railway station. As their weekly encounters continue and they fall more passionately and wildly in love, the pair is forced to reconsider their settled lives and decide if this romance is undeniably hopeless or worth risking everything for. Based on the beloved Noël Coward film, this critically acclaimed stage adaptation features live performances of an indelible selection of Coward’s best songs. You won't want to miss one of the greatest love stories of all time brought to dazzling life with music, movement and theatrical magic.

The Glass Menagerie
The Glass Menagerie Feb 11 - Mar 21, 2027
Raven Theatre

As America struggles through the Great Depression and the world stands on the brink of a second World War, a young man tries to dream of a future beyond the stifling confines of his day to day existence. Tom Wingfield dreams of adventure while his mother Amanda desperately yearns for a secure future for her two children. Sister Laura retreats into the fragile confines of her glass menagerie. A long hoped for arrival of a gentleman caller sends the family hurtling towards either salvation or despair. After 30 years, Tennessee Willams groundbreaking, autobiographical masterpiece returns to the Raven Stage in a bold new production.

The Who's Tommy
The Who's Tommy Feb 16 - Feb 28, 2027
Cadillac Palace Theatre

In 1969, The Who created a rock opera that changed the course of music history. And now, it's back in a dazzling all-new production that feels more relevant than ever. Myth and spectacle combine in this fresh reinvention that includes the unforgettable anthems "I'm Free," "See Me, Feel Me," "Sensation" and "Pinball Wizard." After witnessing his father shoot his rival, the young Tommy Walker is lost in the universe, endlessly and obsessively staring into the mirror. An innate knack for pinball catapults him from reticent adolescent to celebrity savior. Tony Award-winning composer Pete Townshend and Tony Award-winning original director Des McAnuff find powerful resonance reexamining this classic story for today.

Shadows Of Truth
Shadows Of Truth Feb 26 - Apr 11, 2027
City Lit Theater

After graduating from college in Chicago, Katie and Evey move back south to found a Christian day school for girls in their conservative hometown. After a troubled student alleges the women are in a sexual relationship, the young girl's mother accuses the women publicly of homosexuality and tries to bring the school to ruin.

We Had a World
We Had a World Mar 12 - Apr 25, 2027
Theater Wit

We Had a World premiered off Broadway in May 2025 at the Manhattan Theatre Club. "Rooted in a multigenerational Jewish family, Harmon has a gift for finding the universal in the specific, and the result is one of his most intimate and nakedly autobiographical works yet." (Stage and Cinema) Exeunt Magazine NYC wrote Harmon "traces a young man's relationship with both his mother and his grandmother - learning about art, theater, and the movies from one, and how (and how not) to conduct yourself in the world from the other."

Mojada
Mojada Mar 12 - Apr 11, 2027
Court Theatre

Medea survived a treacherous journey from Mexico to the United States in search of a better life, but the promise of the American Dream is quickly unravelling. She sews exquisite garments in her backyard, suffocated by fear. Her son sheds tradition as fast as he can, trading huaraches for Vans. And her husband grows distant, seduced by ambition and proximity to power. Trapped between who she was and who America demands she become, Medea finds herself in a standoff with the very dream she risked everything to reach.

Ellen B.
Ellen B. Apr 1 - May 9, 2027
Steppenwolf Theatre

Astrid, a teacher, lives with Klara, her considerably younger partner - and also her former student. When Wolfram, the school's headmaster, drops by for a visit, he brings with him uncomfortable accusations, and the search for truth erupts into a wicked game of power and desire. In this psychological thriller with no easy answers, internationally-lauded playwright Marius von Mayenburg touches the nerve between past and present, professional and private, truth and lie.

UHURU
UHURU Apr 2 - May 9, 2027
American Blues Theater

An unlikely foursome ascends Mount Kilimanjaro in this sharp satire. The dramedy follows a tour guide, Tanzanian-American tourist, and two missionaries as they make their way to the "Roof of Africa." They must confront questions of identity, access, and who deserves a place on the mountain. Featuring American Blues artists Manny Buckley, Ian Paul Custer, William Anthony Sebastian Rose II, and J.G. Smith.

The Bodyguard
The Bodyguard Apr 6 - Apr 18, 2027
Nederlander Theatre

Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable music. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Both expect to be in charge of their situation - what they don't expect is to fall in love.

Creditors
Creditors Apr 8 - Jul 3, 2027
Writers Theatre

Adi, a struggling painter, is on holiday at the seaside with his glamorous wife, Tekla, who has recently published a wildly successful book. Left alone at the hotel while his wife is celebrated, Adi strikes up a conversation with a magnetic stranger, Gustav. As the two talk into the night, their budding friendship enters darker waters when Gustav becomes fixated on Tekla and Adi’s relationship. This classic psychological thriller by August Strindberg, newly adapted with biting wit by Jen Silverman (Witch, The Roommate), is an electrifying portrayal of three souls trapped in an intricate web of deception, seduction and revelation.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Apr 28 - Jun 13, 2027
Paramount Theatre

Nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a joyful celebration of hope and perseverance. Bursting with color, energy, and some of Broadway's most memorable songs, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's beloved musical reimagines the story of Joseph, a dreamer whose gift of prophecy and bright optimism set him apart from his eleven brothers. When jealousy lands him in trouble, Joseph's journey takes him from the depths of despair to the heights of success.

Disillusioned
Disillusioned Apr 30 - Jun 13, 2027
City Lit Theater

Jordan and Kelsey meet as teenagers at Magic Camp and become inseparable friends, but a moment of betrayal leads to a decades-long falling out. Now in their 30s, with Jordan an established, but struggling magician, and Kelsey a recent divorcee, they reunite in ways both tender and explosive. When the stakes are at their highest, this time-hopping, queer romance asks if old wounds can be healed with the help of a little Chicago stage magic?

Tell Me I'm Not Crazy
Tell Me I'm Not Crazy Apr 30 - Jun 13, 2027
Raven Theatre

Life can be overwhelming at any stage - kids to raise, in-laws to deal with, work-life to balance. In an age of shifting gender dynamics and rising cost of living, it can be a struggle to feel in control. But for recent retiree Sol Koening, a neighborhood crime wave proves to be the final straw. He buys a gun, joins a shooting range and sends his loving family running for cover. As barbed jokes fly and tempers flare, the once-close family threatens to break apart in this hilarious comedy about two generations struggling to find common ground in an America at odds with itself.

Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me
Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me May 5 - Jun 27, 2027
Writers Theatre

Hershey Felder, known for his hit portrayals of musical geniuses in his beloved composer series, now takes the stage as a different musical artist: himself. In this deeply moving new play, Felder pulls back the curtain on his own story. Growing up in Montreal as the child of Polish and Hungarian immigrants, a young Felder discovers the piano, its captivating music connecting him to his unsuspected heritage, while opening up a remarkable new world full of adventure, possibility, heartbreak, and connection.

safronia
safronia May 14 - Jun 13, 2027
Court Theatre

safronia is an epic poem told through the vibrant music of the hundreds of thousands who journeyed to Chicago during the Great Migration-and a revelatory conclusion to the 2026/27 season. It celebrates the sonic legacy of artists like Curtis Mayfield, Nina Simone, and Oscar Brown Jr., and completely reimagines the scope of the American classical music landscape.

The Night Fawn
The Night Fawn May 27 - Jul 3, 2027
Steppenwolf Theatre

Brendan has a story, one that hurts to tell.?He's lost his job, his marriage has ended and he's headed back home to settle his late mother's affairs. It's there that he finds the need to talk, as an unthinkable secret from his childhood demands attention. A provocative confession with haunting implications about memory and revenge, Adam Rapp's The Night Fawn offers a sunset to our season - but real monsters don't wait to come out after dark.

The Lion King
The Lion King Jun 3 - Jul 31, 2027
Cadillac Palace Theatre

Experience the phenomenon as it once again leaps onto the Cadillac Palace Theatre stage. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you'll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice's Oscar-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life." Let your imagination run wild at the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation Newsweek calls "a landmark event in entertainment."

Guys & Dolls
Guys & Dolls Jun 4 - Jun 20, 2027
Lyric Opera

Hailed as “the perfect musical comedy,” this brassy favorite follows a cast of gamblers and dreamers from New York City to Havana and back as they chase luck, love, and redemption. Enjoy Frank Loesser’s iconic score, featuring “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and more, brought to life by an all-star cast and the Lyric Opera Orchestra.

Heathers the Musical
Heathers the Musical Jun 8 - Jun 20, 2027
CIBC Theatre

Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day. But when she's unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true. That is, until J.D., the mysterious teen rebel, teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it's murder being a somebody...

The Conquered
The Conquered Jun 11 - Jun 18, 2027
American Blues Theater

Jane is adrift. She suffers a recurring nightmare in which a young man breaks into her house. Her husband recommends that she speak to someone about her growing anxiety. Jane finds a therapist who could help, but her quest leads to a dangerous discovery. Featuring American Blues ensemble member Editha Rosario-Moore. Winner of the 2024 Blue Ink Award for playwriting.