Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, continues its 2026-27 Season with the World Premiere of Lauren M. Gunderson's new love story All the World, directed by Jessica Thebus. All the World runs November 11-December 20, 2026, at the company's new home at 1012 Church Street in Downtown Evanston. 

'Tis the season for a love story! Gunderson's signature blend of romance, wit, and bittersweet beauty shines in this world premiere.

Featuring Alejandra Escalante (Ros) and Ryan Hallahan (Jake), two actors find themselves in an ever-shifting relationship during the most emotionally charged time of the year: the holidays. Set amidst the backstages and quick changes of beloved theatre classics, they try to keep the mess of their private lives offstage, whether they're falling in love or falling apart. Surprising, heartbreaking, and hopeful, All the World reminds us why-time after time-we keep stepping into the light, telling the story, and leaving it all on the stage.

The creative team Jack Magaw (set design), Raquel Adorno (costume design), JR Lederle (lighting design), and Andre Pluess (sound design). The stage manager is Julie Jachym, resident properties supervisor is Nick Bartleson, and the resident violence and intimacy coordinator is Jyreika Guest. The assistant director is Sofia Ubilla.

"Northlight's relationship with Lauren Gunderson goes back over a decade, beginning with the Christmas at Pemberley series that she co-authored with Margot Melcon. Lauren is one of the top 10 most produced living playwrights in the United States, and I hope we have contributed to that achievement. We could not imagine opening our new home without a Lauren Gunderson play because our audience has responded so well to her work," comments BJ Jones. "All the World is a delicious celebration of our craft that takes place in a theater's green room. It's our gift to the audiences who have supported us so generously over the years."

Northlight's new state-of-the-art facility is a major component in the arts and cultural scene in Chicagoland and the North Shore and features approximately 285 comfortable seats with excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, a dedicated box office and contemporary bar in the lobby, a second floor rehearsal and event space, and lounge and gathering areas on the first and second floors. Located in the heart of downtown Evanston, with easy, nearby access to parking and public transportation via CTA and Metra, Northlight will contribute to a vibrant local economy and will serve as an economic driver for downtown Evanston.