Goodman Theatre

Goodman Theatre has announced its new Stage Door Series, a provocative mix of lectures, discussions and special performances designed to give audiences an insider's look at Goodman Theatre productions.  This season's series includes three not-to-be-missed events: The Healing Power of Laughter on Monday, May 15 at 7pm in the Albert Theatre; The Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker on Monday, June 19 at 7pm in the Owen Theatre; and Latino Theater Around the World: Past, Present and Future on Monday, August 14 at 7pm in the Owen Theatre. 


The Healing Power of Laughter
Monday, May 15 at 7pm
Albert Theatre
$10 Subscribers/$15 General Public

In The Clean House, playwright Sarah Ruhl marries two subjects that are rarely found in the same sentence: comedy and cancer. This discussion explores why those two topics do belong together, addressing research and anecdotal evidence about the power of laughter to heal. Speakers include Dr. Ed Dunkenblau, past president of the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor, director of the Institute for Emotionally Intelligent Learning and a clinical psychologist in private practice; and a representative from Gilda’s Club, a national network of support communities for men, women and children living with cancer named for the late comedienne Gilda Radner.

The Legacy of Madame C.J. Walker
Monday, June 19 at 7pm
Owen Theatre
$10 Subscribers/$15 General Public

In The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove, playwright and director Regina Taylor chronicles the story of America’s first female millionaire, Madame C.J. Walker. The daughter of slaves, Walker (née Breedlove) built an empire by manufacturing and selling hair goods and preparations. She went on to become an important philanthropist and tireless advocate for civil rights. This discussion gathers together some of Chicago’s top female and African American entrepreneurs to reflect on Walker's example, assess what progress has been made since her time and discuss what obstacles to success continue to exist.

Latino Theater Around the World: Past, Present and Future
Monday, August 14 at 7pm
Owen Theatre
Free Event

As the Goodman celebrates its third Latino Theatre Festival, participating Festival artists will join in a spirited discussion of Spanish-language theater and theater styles around the globe. Festival curator and Resident Artistic Associate Henry Godinez hosts a panel of local, national and international artists as they celebrate the many trends and production styles that have made this Festival one of Chicago’s brightest theatrical events. Latino Theater Around the World: Past, Present and Future, the Marge and Irving J. Markin Theater Awareness Lecture, is offered to the public free of charge.


Tickets for The Healing Power of Laughter and The Legacy of Madame C.J. Walker may be purchased at the Goodman Theatre box office located at 170 North Dearborn Street, by calling 312.443.3800 or online at GoodmanTheatre.org. Tickets for Latino Theater Around the World: Past, Present and Future on Monday, August 14 at 7pm in the Owen Theatre may only be reserved at the Goodman Theatre box office or by phone at 312.443.3800.