In the pursuit of joy, does method matter? The only thing sisters Ash and Harley have in common is a desire to get beyond their grief about their family's losses. But when they start a project together to do so, their pursuit of joy stops being just a philosophical question. It could literally change their worlds, if they can stay together long enough to let it. A world premiere original play that began in Lifeline's 2024 BIPOC Developmental Workshop by Chicago playwright Kimberly Dixon-Mays.

When soldier and aspiring musician Hampton Weems comes home from Afghanistan, he finds the South Side of Chicago is also occupied territory-and he's accidentally joined the resistance. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave and The Nightwatchman) brings a ground-breaking new punk/metal/hip-hop musical to our intimate Owen Theatre about a young artist finding his voice, why violence is as American as cherry pie, and how young radicals-across generations-are still motivated by love.

Q Brothers Collective (GQ, JQ, JAX & POS) is back to partner with CST to debut their satirical new "add-rap-tation" of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, after more than a decade of wildly successful collaborations including Othello: The Remix, Funk It Up About Nothin', and Q Brothers' Christmas Carol. Hailed by MTV as "nothing short of brilliant," their work blends hip hop and theater-adapting classic stories with a wholly original style of performance that has amassed a cult following of fans in Chicago and beyond. Igniting Julius Caesar with the pulse of '90s hip hop and New Jack Swing, Rome Sweet Rome infuses Shakespeare's political intrigue with bold satire and electrifying beats. Razor-sharp wit collides with revolutionary rhythm, proving that power struggles never go out of style. This is Shakespeare that bumps, breathes, and breaks boundaries.

At Saint Barbara, another year means another retreat heralding the perilousness of premarital sex and the importance of abstinence. For this reason (among others), Hana (Rocky Nguyen) is convinced that hell on earth exists at the young women's retreat. Elena (Liam Bouza Diaz) finds the experience quite life-affirming, and Idalia (Angelina Davila) has no idea what awaits her. With no adults in sight, this year's retreat will be unlike any before.

Enter a realm where reality and dreams converge; an experience unlike any other! Teatro ZinZanni is a whirlwind of international cirque, comedy and cabaret served with a multi-course feast. Described as the "Kit Kat Klub on acid," the fast-paced action unfolds around, above and alongside you as world-class acrobats, musicians, divas, illusionists, madmen and aerialists fill the intimate Spiegeltent ZaZou, a unique jewel box mirror tent. Teatro ZinZanni's signature blend of Love, Chaos & Dinner has played to sold out audiences in Seattle and San Francisco, and now comes to Chicago's Cambria Hotel with its "feast for the senses." (The New York Times)

Manhattan. Burt and Adele are hosting a dinner party. Steak is on the stove. The George Washington Bridge has collapsed into the Hudson. Kristoffer Diaz has written a play about it. We've already said too much. Featuring Ensemble members Audrey Billings and Casey Campbell, Artistic Affiliates Jon Hudson Odom and Maya Lou Hlava, and guest artists Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel and Nata Santana.

The Second City's 113th Mainstage Revue This Too Shall Slap is a wild sketch comedy show that spins the familiar into the absurd... and makes the absurd feel oddly familiar. Performed by a hilarious six-person ensemble who specialize in chaos, charm, and comedic whiplash, this show will keep you laughing, guessing, and possibly questioning your entire reality. Join us for a night where nothing is what it seems. Except the laughter. That's real.

Following a critically acclaimed world premiere at Diversionary Theatre in San Diego, this is TL;DR: Thelma Louise; Dyke Remix, a fantasy-driven, irreverent, funny, rock musical for a new generation. From the Richard Rogers winning writing team of EllaRose Chary and Brandon James Gwinn, Theo presents the Midwest Premiere of this exciting new musical that takes the story of Thelma & Louise and reimagines it into a queer rock musical, in which strong female characters don't "always gotta die."

TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody is a side-splitting, fangtastic romp that hilariously reimagines the iconic Twilight saga with catchy tunes, uproarious humor, and an unforgettable twist. Audiences will sink their teeth into the beloved story of Bella and Edward, while poking fun at the supernatural world we all adore. Whether you are a die-hard Twilight fan or just looking for a howling good time, this musical parody promises an evening of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.

After three tours in Afghanistan, Jess returns home to a changed world, and body. With biting dark humor and virtual reality therapy, she begins to rebuild her life one puzzle piece at a time, confronting scars both seen and unseen in this powerful story of how beauty endures beneath the surface.

Following a violent coup, a young woman named Chelsea becomes Queen of North America. Into her new palace walk three friends from middle school - Franny, Lulu and Noa - with whom she hasn't spoken in years. They've come to ask Chelsea for a big favor, but before she grants it, she's going to make them revisit their shared friendship - and its terrible end.

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is National Public Radio's Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show. Host Peter Sagal leads a rotating panel of comedians, writers, listener contestants, and celebrity guests through a rollicking review of the week's news. Contestants vie for the most coveted prize in all of public radio: a custom-recorded greeting by any of our cast members for their voicemail. Every week, Wait, Wait.... Don't Tell Me! records in front of a live audience, then carefully edits out all the raunchy, inappropriate, shocking, and hilarious stuff so we can broadcast something that doesn't get NPR in trouble... well, more trouble. The

Set in Iran from 1978 to 1991, this breathtaking and unabashed comedy-drama explores the evolving relationships among a group of five women during the escalation, height and aftermath of the Iranian Revolution.

Audiences will follow our friends in the woods who are celebrating Halloween Break from their monster-sory school. Wolfie's birthday is approaching, and they can't wait to celebrate. But when new and exciting plans come up, the creatures try to cram too much into their break. Can they do it all before Wolfie's birthday? Is there a lesson here? How many Halloween puns can fit into one kids' sized show??