A Red Orchid Theatre has announced that due to popular demand and enthusiastic critical response, the Chicago premiere of Anna Ouyang Moench's "Birds of North America" has been extended through Sunday, March 8, 2026. The intimate two-person production, directed by Artistic Director Kirsten Fitzgerald, features Ensemble Member John Judd alongside Cassidy Slaughter-Mason in a deeply moving exploration of a father-daughter relationship that unfolds over the course of a decade.

Birds Of North America at A Red Orchid Theatre

The story centers on John and his daughter Caitlyn, both dedicated birders who scan the skies over their suburban Maryland backyard in search of elusive birds. As they watch and wait together, years pass, relationships form and dissolve, and both the natural world and their own lives transform in profound ways.

Critics have praised the production's remarkable emotional authenticity and the powerful chemistry between the two actors. The performances have been singled out for their nuanced portrayal of a complex family dynamic, with both leads bringing genuine depth to characters who struggle to bridge generational and emotional divides. Reviewers have noted how the production captures the small, telling moments that define a relationship, the awkward silences and tentative connections that feel achingly real.

The play's use of birdwatching as a through-line has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The metaphor of searching for rare birds becomes a poignant expression of how family members seek to truly see and understand one another, even as the passage of time and changing circumstances create distance. The production has been commended for its patient pacing and its willingness to let difficult emotions simmer beneath everyday conversations, creating a viewing experience that feels both intimate and universal.

The staging has earned particular acclaim for its elegant simplicity and evocative design elements. Critics have highlighted how the production team has created an environment that allows the story's emotional core to shine through, using lighting, sound, and set design to subtly convey the passage of time and the changing seasons. The theatrical storytelling manages to capture both the vastness of a decade and the precious specificity of individual moments shared between parent and child.

The production features scenic design by Morgan Laszlo, costumes by Ben Argenta Kress, lighting by Seojung Jang, and original composition and sound design by Ethan Korvne. Spencer Diaz Tootle designed props and set dressing, with dramaturgy by Jojo Brown. Amy Carpenter serves as assistant director, with casting by Kyle Stoffers, production management by Shelbi Weaver, and technical direction by Tom Daniel. Alivia Arizaga is the stage manager, with Faith Locke as assistant stage manager. Understudies include Sahar Dika and Guy Wicke.

"Birds of North America" offers Chicago audiences a rare theatrical gem: a deeply human story about the ways we love and fail to understand the people closest to us, told with humor, heartbreak, and hope. Don't miss this acclaimed production during its extended run through March 8 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St. in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood.