Life has been difficult for Jessie and her hope for the future has faded. Spiraling between a failed marriage and caretaker fatigue due to her criminal son and aging mother, Jessie is determined to take control of her life in the only way left to her. When society and technology isolate Jessie, when the world turns to chaos around her and a promised future fades away: Jessie digs up her father's old pistol with the intention to end her life. Marsha Norman's Pulitzer Prize-winning play launches audiences through a mother and daughter's darkest night together.

Static-Head is a sharp, topical sci-fi thriller centered on Sensor-E, a hit new social media app capable of simulating real-life sensations-allowing users to touch, taste, and smell everything they see on their screens. When strange events begin unfolding at the prestigious Osman-Haskill University of Technology, where the app was first developed, the line between innovation and exploitation blurs. Written by Ryan Stevens and directed by Stefan Roseen, Static-Head renders a cautionary tale about the internet, AI, and the people it uses.

Charlie and Anna are on a date. He asks her to get in a cage, and she says "sure. okay". An examination of degradation, pornography and who we become for one another.

Mickey Lodovico is a celebrated artist with a full workshop, powerful clients, and a life his friends call blessed. He's not so sure. For years he's kept everything in delicate balance — his art, his faith, and his young assistant Thomas, who holds the palette on which Mickey can touch a past he'd rather leave in stone. It works until it doesn't. MARBLED is the story of what's left when the juggling act finally breaks — and what hidden beauty a broken rock might reveal.

The Dover Road by A.A. Milne is a not-so-subtle dissection of romantic love with hints at the homosocial instinct of English upper-class men. Ghostlight's production brings to the forefront the play's implied observations on sexuality and gender expression that has always existed in society if you knew where to look.

Sven Svensen and Ole Olsen have been best buds since kindergarten, but all that changes on the morning of Ole's ice-fishing bachelor party. Could they be something more than friends, or is Sven destined for something even more wild and strange. This fantasia on Midwestern masculinity invites us to consider the limits of Queerness. Dream ballet included.

Fade tells the story of Lucia, a Mexican-born novelist navigating life as a "diversity hire" TV writer in a white, male-dominated Hollywood. When she forms a complicated friendship with Abel, the American-born Mexican janitor in her building, shared heritage collides with ambition, class, and identity. Will it unite them-or pull them apart?

Triumph and tragedy converge in this universal yet personal story of the Great Migration. This Afro-surrealist tale is told through the eyes of the Booker family, who return from the northern U.S. to their Southern hometown after five years of banishment to bury their patriarch.

In this play with broken songs, Shakespeare’s Ophelia rises out of the water dreaming of reclaiming her life. She finds herself in a neo-Elizabethan Appalachian setting where Gertrude runs a brothel, Hamlet is a Rude Boy and nothing is what it seems. In this mirrored world of word-scraps and cold sex, Ophelia cuts a new path for herself.

Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor best known for his multiple stand-up specials, winning Last Comic Standing and his recurring roles on "The Eric Andre Show", "Superstore", and "Gentefied". He's also the host of a popular podcast called "What's Up Fool?" that has been running for 10 years.

Fault is a wickedly dark comedy, full of blistering humor and searing revelations. All's fair in love and marital warfare as Lucy and Jerry Green go head-to-head after 30 years of marriage in a late-night tangle of lies, ambition, and betrayal. Fault makes the case that being honest with ourselves might just be the trickiest game we play in life and love... but whose fault is that anyways?

Emmy and SAG Award winner Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso’s co-creator/writer/“Coach Beard”) presents his hilarious new one-man show fueled by bittersweet memories of his Chicago childhood, a love for The Beatles that got him through it and the tongue-tied moment he met Paul McCartney. The Movement You Need is a laugh-filled love letter to the family that makes us, the music that shapes us and the crazy shit life throws our way.

THE GREAT GATSBY is a "Broadway extravaganza that explodes with life and energy" (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Tony Award-winning new musical is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage.

Rediscover the soundtrack of a lifetime with GOING BACHARACH, a vibrant new revue celebrating the legacy of one of America’s most iconic composers. Straight from its critically acclaimed hit run Off-Broadway, GOING BACHARACH comes to Chicago with three powerhouse vocalists and a five-piece band who take audiences on a melodic journey through the timeless songs spanning Bacharach’s extraordinary career.

Two years ago, Alé left the city to move back into their childhood home to caretake for their mother. Far from friends, their plans in the wind, Alé turned to the familiar world of TV sitcoms for comfort. That’s when Alé discovered Frasier.

Welcome to the greatest rock 'n' roll show not on Earth! LOKI arrives at Asgard, bringing chaos, comedy, and three monstrous (maybe) children. LOKI tangles with Odin, Thor, and the mysterious Freya; each with their own agenda; their own secrets-but all paths lead to one eternal question: In an us vs. them world, can we envision a new mythology? Ensemble member Heather Currie directs this epic musical world premiere from the Jeff award-winning team of Howe and Calvit.

Andrew Rally has it all: TV fame, a glamorous girlfriend, a devoted agent, the perfect New York apartment and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. There's just one problem-he hates Hamlet. When his agent recalls a romance with legendary actor John Barrymore in Andrew's very apartment, a seance summons Barrymore's ghost. From that moment on, Andrew's life is no longer his own. Things spiral into hilarious chaos as he battles with self-doubt, Shakespeare, his own sword and a swashbuckling specter determined to push him toward greatness.

Akaash Singh is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His career took off with many television shows including MTV's "Guy Code" and "Wild'n Out," Netflix's "Brown Nation," and HBO's "The Leftovers" After finding success in TV, he pivoted his focus toward growing the now hugely successful podcast "Flagrant," co-created with fellow comedian and good friend, Andrew Schulz, along with his successful stand-up comedy touring career.

South Pacific is a beloved musical tale that follows World War II armed services personnel through spy missions, war-time drama and romance in a tropical paradise with warm breezes, breathless sunsets and B52 bombers. Balancing duties to their country with their island expectations, ensign Nellie Forbush and lieutenant Joseph Cable suddenly find themselves irresistibly falling in love on foreign soil. But will that love translate back in the States?

In a church basement meeting room, a group of people -always eight-gather to sing. Told via chamber-inspired, a cappella music, OCTET investigates the total impact of internet and technology addiction on modern society, from Dave Malloy, writer of Tony-winning NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812.

It is Rocko and Allen’s job to watch the moon, and it is really quite boring. Night after night, they time the sequences exactly - the cow jumps, the comet soars, but NEVER the alien spaceship. This is until the dastardly space criminal Johnny Rumble steals the moon, taking it to the far-off space desert of the Midnight Sun. This course of events sends the moonwatchers on an intergalactic space odyssey filled with music, love, new friendships, and epic showdowns to win back the one, the only, the Moon.

Based on the rip-roaring novel by Rafael Sabatini. Radicalized by his friend's brutal murder on the eve of the French Revolution, a sardonic provincial lawyer repeatedly evades disaster by taking on a series of new identities-first an insurgent orator, then a traveling comic actor, and finally a master swordsman.

This musical play, complete with down home country humor and big-hearted emotion, includes hits "Crazy", "I Fall to Pieces", "Sweet Dreams", "Walkin' After Midnight" and more!

For Gustave explores the legacy of a creative life, the status of women in nineteenth-century society, and the nature of love. For Gustave is playwright Mike Brayndick’s intimate interpretation of the relationship between the multifaceted Caillebotte and two deeply perceptive and devoted women. The play also explores Caillebotte’s contentious yet close friendship with fellow artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. For Gustave takes place in Caillebotte’s studio on the Seine River and Paris.

Expect one devilish twist after another in Covenant, a mythic and suspenseful new play hailed as "blackout-and-blood-curdling-scream deliciousness" (New York Magazine),"undeniably spooky (and) absolutely enjoyable" (TheaterMania). He left the small Georgia town a struggling guitarist-and returned a blues star. As rumors of a darker deal abound, it becomes clear that he's not the only one with a secret...or seeking salvation. This "striking Southern gothic work" (New York Times) explores the power of belief and the thin line between rumor and truth.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Katt Williams has earned a worldwide reputation as one of today's top entertainers, having developed a career seeded with thousands of sold-out arenas, an expansive list of starring roles on the small screen and memorable performances in major box office hits. Since performing his first stand-up show as a teenager, Williams took the comedy world by storm. He quickly developed a unique style of stand-up that combines articulate and sharp dialogue rooted in conversations reflecting the American political landscape.

Farewell Opportunity tells the story of Halley, who visits the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab and meets the Opportunity Mars rover. The two have something in common: a curious spirit and a shortened life expectancy. Halley and the NASA scientist in charge of the Mars mission find themselves transformed by an unlikely friendship-with each other, and with a rolling robot millions of miles away. With poetic language and magical realism, Farewell Opportunity explores the question "How do you keep on roving when you-or someone you love-faces a dust storm that threatens to block out the sun?"

In 2012, just hours before his death, Andrew Breitbart, creator of Breitbart.com, wrote about Terrapin Theatre’s 1998 production, The Love Song of Saul Alinsky, for which then-State Senator Barack Obama served on a post-play panel. I Killed Andy Breitbart is a timely satirical solo show that unravels the absurdly true story of what happened next, when Terrapin’s producer became the unwitting target in the far-right’s efforts to torpedo the re-election of President Obama. This compelling tale illuminates how quickly an ordinary person can become entangled in a web of social media spin and misperception.

CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen. In the whirlwind of Chicago's Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail's most notorious murderesses-vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart-become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy.

Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, "Dog Man: The Musical" is a hilarious and heartwarming new production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world's most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Dog Man: The Musical is a TheaterWorksUSA production, with book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, music by Brad Alexander, and direction and choreography by Jen Wineman.

When a respected doctor in small-town Norway makes a deadly discovery that threatens the health of the entire village, he raises the alarm. But as local leaders—including his own brother, the mayor—scramble to protect their own interests, the truth becomes inconvenient, and the doctor finds himself the target of the very community he’s trying to protect. Winner of the 2024 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Adaptation, this vibrant new version of Ibsen’s thunderous masterwork asks: what happens when doing the right thing means losing everything?

Welcome to the Solidarity and Truth Summit. A gathering of the most persecuted, tortured, and misunderstood people in the entire world. They call themselves Targeted Individuals, and they are victims of a vast and covert program of systematic torture, surveillance, and harassment by global intergovernmental powers. Over the course of this weekend in the woods they will discuss strategies to take down the deep state, bring awareness to their plight, and despite their suffering, stay human.

This tender, touching story follows Ernestine Ashworth as she celebrates her birthday from age 17 to 101-all while baking her birthday cake. Through a seamless montage of moments, Ernestine grapples with love, loss, family and the passage of time, continually asking the timeless question: "What's it all about?" The Chicago Sun-Times calls it "emotionally rich;" and the Chicago Tribune says, "'Birthday Candles' is precisely why people go to the theater...It's a personal piece but you'd swear it was about you." BTE Managing Artistic Director Emeriti and Ensemble Member Connie Canaday Howard, who starred in Steve Scott's staging of BTE's 2020 production "The Cake," reteams with Scott as she takes on the lead role of Ernestine.

Originally developed through Clubbed Thumb’s Summerworks Festival, WORK HARD HAVE FUN MAKE HISTORY is an experimental dark comedy that explores chaos, alienation, and the absurdities of modern capitalism. Framed as “a catalog of all the possible phone calls that exist,” the play, which is “not about Amazon, not about Jeff Bezos, and certainly not about Elon Musk,” unfolds through surreal encounters and fractured conversations, creating a genre-bending theatrical experience that blends humor, technology, and existential dread.

Dostoyevsky’s epic novel distilled into a 90-minute play for three-actors and performed in TUTA’s hyper-intimate 24-seat theater. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT focuses on the plight of an intellectual young man whose moral struggle with his belief system compels him to commit a horrendous crime. A psychological game of cat and mouse ensues with the investigator who hunts him down. Dreams, waking visions, even ghosts paint this psychological portrait of crime, guilt, and retribution.

A one-woman show about the life of Elizabeth Taylor, written and performed by Kayla Boye. Through an intimate conversation at the Beverly Hills Hotel, CALL ME ELIZABETH examines Elizabeth Taylor’s life, career, and loves as she grapples with the culture of celebrity and embraces her greatest role as a humanitarian. Act One, set in 1961, focuses on the formative events of Taylor’s life and career leading up to the filming of CLEOPATRA. Act Two, set in 1985, focuses on Taylor’s relationship with Richard Burton and her subsequent reinvention and entry into the fight against AIDS.

In this hilarious new adventure, Rose (Ed Jones) finds herself in need of extra income and stumbles upon a unique business opportunity - the first multi-level marketing company in St. Olaf, introducing local households to the cheeses of her hometown. What could be more perfect?

The story follows the titular orphan, who, after having been raised in a harsh workhouse, escapes to 1830s London where he's taken in by a gang of pickpockets, led by the elderly criminal Fagin, who discovers the secret of Oliver's parentage. Through it all, Oliver never loses his innocence as he dreams of a better life. Featuring themes of courage, determination, and the enduring power of love, "Oliver!" is a heartwarming show with a classic Golden Age score, featuring standards such as "Where Is Love," "I'd Do Anything," and "As Long as He Needs Me" that you'll be sure to love all over again.

Evanston playwright Gloria Bond Clunie's sweet, funny, and energetic adaptation follows three Harlem girls as they vie for the crown of Hula-Hoopin' Queen! Championed by Oprah Winfrey, this Chicago Public Library's "Best of the Best" award-winner is a joyful reminder of the essentials that bind our communities.

Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo's Got the Moves-the all-new Sesame Street Live show coming to your neighborhood! This exciting show will have kids and parents alike out of their seats and moving and dancing along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they dance, stretch, and play along to fan-favorite songs, including "Sunny Days," "Elmo's Got the Moves," and "Letter of the Day."

Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Miserables, makes a triumphant return to Chicago. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Miserables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption - a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.

Le Bal is a newly commissioned adaptation of Ettore Scola's iconic film-a sweeping, dialogue-free production that tells the story of political and personal transformation through dance, music, and fashion. Set to a score composed and curated by Danny Rockett, Le Bal uses movement and sound to capture the emotional pulse of a changing world. From intimate moments to global shifts, this immersive theatrical experience brings decades of U.S. and world history vividly to life.

On a hot August night in a small Massachusetts town the last few weeks before school starts. Three teens try to navigate their way through the murky path to adulthood. Phoebe wants to grow up. Jason wants Evie. And Evie just wants to get as far away from everyone as she possibly can.

Experience the electrifying music of AC/DC like never before in this unforgettable Candlelight concert event. A talented string quartet reimagines some of the greatest hard rock anthems ever written - from "Thunderstruck" and "Highway to Hell" to "You Shook Me All Night Long" and "For Those About to Rock" - all performed by flickering candlelight in a stunning church setting. The Candlelight concert series has earned a reputation for transforming beloved music into something deeply immersive and new, and this tribute to AC/DC is no exception. With 13 iconic tracks on the program and a 60-minute runtime, it's a one-of-a-kind evening perfect for rock fans and live music lovers alike - proof that even the most thunderous rock can be breathtaking in an intimate, candlelit atmosphere.

Beloved humorist and perennial New York Times best-seller David Sedaris has been bringing his signature self-deprecation to both the page and the stage ever since his comic debut in the late-'70s. Sedaris's live shows are equal parts touching and uproarious, taking his childhood trials and tribulations as a starting point and going on to tackle everything from his eccentric family to American politics. Fans of witty, irony-laden anecdotes are in for a treat as Sedaris hits concert halls around the country with his latest show An Evening with David Sedaris.

SPAMALOT, which first galloped onto Broadway in 2005, features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The original Broadway production was nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and won three, including best musical. The musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features well-known song titles such as "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," "The Song That Goes Like This," "Find Your Grail" and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theatre canon.

In this raucous and bittersweet comedy, a woman named Carlo guides the audience through her ex-girlfriend’s wedding to a man, and talks to several friends and family about love, life, and how to cope with both.

GEE'S BEND is the story of the Pettway women, quilters from the isolated community of Gee's Bend, Alabama. Beginning in 1939, the play follows Alice, her daughters Sadie and Nella, and Sadie's husband, Macon, through segregation, family strife, and the Civil Rights movement. Throughout their lives, the women's extraordinary quilts provide a respite from the turmoil around them. In the last act of the play, it is the year 2000; the quilts have been discovered as folk art and have become very valuable. Sadie is pleased with the recognition, but despite the lure of the big city, she returns to Gee's Bend and continues to quilt. Wilder's play explores the resilience of the human spirit, especially as it is expressed in art.

In 1963 Louisiana, Caroline, an African American maid working for a Jewish family, navigates the challenges of racial, social, and economic change during the Civil Rights era. The play uses the backdrop of the family's laundry room and the symbolic "change" left in the pockets of clothes to explore Caroline's internal struggles, her relationship with the family, and the broader societal shifts happening around her. The musical blends personal drama with historical context, highlighting themes of dignity, transformation, and hope.

Wyoming 1963: a wild landscape of extreme rural poverty and insular conservative communities. When Ennis and Jack take jobs on the isolated Brokeback Mountain, all their certainties of life change forever as they flounder in unexpected emotional waters of increasing depth. This intense tale of an irresistible and hidden love spans twenty years and is interwoven with soulful, original Country Western songs, performed live onstage.

When a prodigal son returns to blue collar New England, his homecoming sets off a spiraling crisis for two families, threatening not only their relationships but their very identities. In Mia Chung's wildly inventive Catch as Catch Can, three actors take on six roles, bridging generation and gender, in a theatrical tour-de-force that upends the kitchen sink drama and asks what happens when we refuse to play the roles we're prescribed. Spanning hilarity, stunning virtuosity and outright horror, this ferocious Chicago premiere - featuring an all-ensemble cast - must be witnessed to be believed.

At the dawn of the 20th century, Vienna is the heart of European culture. While an extended family gathers in the elegant Merz home for the holidays, two brothers-in-law passionately debate their conflicting visions for the future of their family and the Jewish people--a tension that will echo through the generations that follow. Traversing decades of joy and strife, from 1899 to 1955, the latest Tony and Olivier Award-winning masterpiece and most personal play from Tom Stoppard follows one family's reckoning with a past it cannot escape and a future it cannot control.

Hilarity (and tragedy) ensue in the world premiere of Untitled Vampire Play when Val, a vampire, is in a new relationship with a mortal, Dom, each having different ideas about where their relationship should go. Rose, Val’s progeny, wants Val to consider leaving the country, and on top of that, Val’s estranged brother has returned, coincidentally, as a serial killer terrorizes the streets of Chicago. Untitled Vampire Play explores love, codependency, unwavering convictions and vampires.

Two out of Three Falls is a gritty wrestling drama about a woman's ill-advised match up against her father's killer.

Straight from Broadway, Jason Robert Brown's musical masterpiece The Last Five Years comes to Oil Lamp Theater. This widely beloved show takes audiences on the romantic rollercoaster of Jamie and Cathy as they fall in and out of love over the last five years. Told from each individual's perspective - one chronologically and one backwards - audiences will be swept into the unique storytelling and find an anti-love story full of humor and heart. Hailed as a powerful and intimate production, this Drama Desk Award-winner for Outstanding Music is not to be missed.

The phenomenal Champions Of Magic bring their acclaimed illusion spectacular to Chicago for a limited engagement this summer. See the production that critics have described as ‘the most spectacular show’, ‘two hours of mind-twisting, logic-defying entertainment’ and 'the summer blockbuster of magic shows'.

Based on true events, Kinky Boots follows the journey of two people with nothing in common- or so they think. Charlie Price reluctantly inherits his father's shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father's legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As Charlie and Lola work together to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they realized... and discover that you change the world when you change your mind.

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

In the heart of the Bible Belt, a local theatre announces it will stage Tony Kushner's Angels in America and the city goes into a frenzy. Based on actual events, Eric Coble's Southern Rapture turns this civic eruption into a wickedly funny satire about artistic freedom.

Nate Bargatze has had three late night appearances on Conan and had his own Comedy Central Presents in 2011. He has also been on CMT's "Comedy Stage", has written for Spike TV's Video Game Awards, and has been featured at the Montreal Comedy Festival, Bonnaroo, and more. Nate has performed for the troops in Iraq five times now. He was also featured this year as one of Esquire's Best New Comedians of 2012, as one of Marc Maron's comedians to watch in Rolling Stone and in Paste Magazine, and as one of the 10 Comedians Who Deserve Their Own TV Show on CoolMaterial.com

Broadway's brightest star of 1938, Vera Vimm (Megan Mullally/Will & Grace), is at the top of her game. But when she adopts a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal discovered frozen in the Arctic, the spotlight begins to shift. As Iceboy thaws, he unexpectedly becomes a theatrical sensation, inspiring the "father of the American drama" Eugene O'Neill (Nick Offerman/Parks and Recreation) and challenging his legendary mother for center stage. It's All About Eve...if only Eve was a caveman.

Muddy Waters: The Hoochie Coochie Man is a soul-stirring celebration of the man who popularized the blues and carried its sound around the world. Follow McKinley "Muddy Waters" Morganfield from his humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to his groundbreaking success as the Father of Chicago Blues.

After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life-and love-beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.

Back for its fifth year, this year's Festival of Unfinished Work will feature six scenes from original full-length plays currently in process, all written by Chicago-based playwrights. This year, we're zeroing in on dialogue, with each scene featuring just two characters in conversation (and/or conflict). As always, audience members will have the opportunity to vote on which pieces they are most interested in seeing developed further. Plays and playwrights will be announced this spring.

The American tribal love rock musical HAIR celebrates the sixties counterculture in all its barefoot, long-haired, bell-bottomed, beaded and fringed glory. To an infectiously energetic rock beat, the show wows audiences with songs like "Aquarius," "Good Morning, Starshine," "Hair," "I Got Life" and "Let The Sunshine In." Exploring ideas of identity, community, global responsibility and peace, HAIR remains relevant as ever as it examines what it means to be a young person in a changing world.

Direct from Broadway, comes the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical Suffs about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season, this "thrilling, inspiring and dazzlingly entertaining" (Variety) new musical boldly explores the triumphs and failures of a struggle for equality that's far from over. Winner of the Outer Critics' Circle Award for Best New Musical.

John Mulaney is a three-time Emmy Award, Critics Choice award and WGA award-winning writer, comedian and actor. Most recently, Mulaney can be seen as the host, writer and executive producer of his Netflix talk show Everybody's Live with John Mulaney. The show serves as the continuation of the series Everybody's in LA. The series features monologues, guests, pre-taped sketches, musical segments and more. Everybody's in LA was a six-night live comedy series that explored Los Angeles during the Netflix Is A Joke Festival in 2024. In December 2024, Mulaney starred in the Broadway play All In: Comedy About Love, alongside a cast including Fred Armisen, Richard Kind and Renee Elise Goldsberry. Mulaney is currently on the first leg of his newest stand-up tour, JOHN MULANEY: MISTER WHATEVER, performing across North America.

Michael Carbonaro, star of truTV's The Carbonaro Effect, blends quick-witted comedy with mind-blowing illusions in a live show filled with audience participation. After two hit national tours, he returns with his newest adventure, Michael Carbonaro: WONDERBOY--where audiences discover him as the Hero of Mischief. Bringing wonder, laughter, and magic to the stage -- reality doesn't stand a chance.

Created by the Emmy-winning writer from "Schitt's Creek," this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love-her way. Juliet's new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life‚" "That's The Way It Is," and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"-all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there's life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.

yo ho. charts the journey of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two pirates aboard a campy, sexually charged ship facing immediate threat from the crown. Equal parts historical fantasy and introspective sexual and gender exploration, this play is a deeply emotional reimaging and reminder of queer history.

IN THE CONTINUUM puts a human face on the devastating impact of AIDS in Africa and America through the lives of two unforgettably courageous women. Living worlds apart, one in South Central LA and the other in Zimbabwe, each experiences a kaleidoscopic weekend of life-changing revelations in this story of parallel denials and self-discoveries.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade and their Greaser family of 'outsiders' battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. THE OUTSIDERS navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them. With a dynamic original score, THE OUTSIDERS is a story of friendship, family, belonging...and the realization that there is still "lots of good in the world."

Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, THE NOTEBOOK tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. "Full of butterfly-inducing highs and beautiful songs" (Entertainment Weekly), THE NOTEBOOK is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love.

A timeless tale of love and rivalry, West Side Story brings Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to the streets of 1950s New York. Caught between the tensions of two warring gangs—the Jets and the Sharks—Tony and Maria find themselves drawn to each other despite the violence that surrounds them. Featuring iconic songs like “Tonight,” “America” and "Somewhere,” West Side Story remains one of the most powerful and enduring musicals of all time.

Matilda and Greta have always been there for one another, through joy and grief and homework and boyfriends. They’re as close as sisters can be—even if Greta is artificial intelligence. As Matilda ages and Greta longs for independence, their relationship begins to be tested like never before. Told over the course of 90 years, Sisters is a riveting and thought-provoking new play about the future of family.

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

The true story of the controversial 1923 Broadway production of GOD OF VENGEANCE, a Yiddish play that featured a romantic relationship between two women, for which the producer and cast were arrested and convicted on the grounds of obscenity. The play traces the journey of the original work from its creation in Europe to its American debut, examining issues of censorship, artistic freedom, and cultural identity. Through a blend of historical narrative and theatrical innovation, INDECENT celebrates the resilience of artists and the enduring power of love and expression in the face of adversity.

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the life and music of rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly from his early start in Texas to his meteoric rise to fame and untimely death at the age of 22. Experience the original sound that changed rock and roll music as we know it.

In this World Premiere Adaptation of the classic western, Shane, a mysterious stranger, shows up at the Starrett homestead in the Wyoming Territory in 1889. Though he seems to be hiding a dangerous past, he's offered a job as a farm hand and settles in with the Starretts: Joe, his wife Marian, and his son Bob, our narrator. When Joe refuses to sell his land to open range rancher Fletcher, it sets up a deadly showdown that alters the fates of everyone involved.

Based on the iconic Tina Fey film, Mean Girls is a hilarious musical with heart, telling the story of Cady Heron, a sweet and smart new girl who's just moved from Africa to suburban Illinois. When she enters the wild world of North Shore High, she quickly finds herself tangled up with The Plastics, the school's most popular - and most ruthless - clique led by queen bee Regina George. As Cady tries to fit in, she learns that popularity comes with a price - and revenge can get ugly fast.

Hop aboard the Mothership and take a groovy ride back to the era when Afros were high, bell-bottoms were tight, and the music was truly out of sight! You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music is a high-energy, feel-good celebration of the sound that defined a generation.

An evocative tale of two men – one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman – and two women – one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and trusting only herself – both women in love with the same man and both unaware of his dark secret. A devoted man of science, Dr. Henry Jekyll is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind's most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde.

Get ready to have the time of your life! Based on Lionsgate's beloved film, the story that awakened a generation is back in a new stage production. DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL is the feel-good escape you’ve been craving, alive with the pulse of electrified dancing, the thrill of secret encounters, and the allure of forbidden romance. Set to live music from the original film you love, Baby and Johnny bring to life the summer that changed everything. Your reservation at Kellerman’s awaits!

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!"

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

One of Shakespeare’s most popular tragedies, it tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families who fall deeply in love and secretly marry, despite their families' bitter rivalry. Their passionate relationship unfolds against a backdrop of violence, misunderstandings, and fate, ultimately leading to a series of tragic events that highlight the senselessness of hatred and the enduring power of love.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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'!

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.

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" to the Auditorium Theater with 5 performances:

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.