Chicago Theatre Newsroom

With an all-Chicago cast led by Trumane Alston, previews begin this weekend for the Chicago-premiere of James Ijames's Pulitzer Prize-winning, five-time Tony Award-nominated play Fat Ham.

Drury Lane Theatre has announced casting for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, a heartwarming journey through Carole King's inspirational life story, where her music shines as a beacon of hope and personal growth, playing January 29 – March 23, 2025.

Raue Center For The Arts will welcome the Crystal Lake Strikers for “An Evening of Percussion” at 7 p.m. on February 22, 2025. Evening of Percussion features multiple groups of outstanding performers from all over the region.

SHUCKED is a corny musical...in the best way possible. Book writer Robert Horn and composer team Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally’s lyrics are chock-full (or should I say husk-full?) of puns, double entendres, and cringey punchlines. I was grinning ear-to-ear (of corn). SHUCKED is joyful, creative, and fun. 

The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation has awarded more than $1.58 million in grants to 59 of Chicago’s small arts organizations and arts advocacy organizations in 2024, including its end of year grant cycle. Learn more!

The Gift Theatre will present the world premiere of Cygnus, written by Susan Soon He Stanton and directed by Co-Artistic Director Brittany Burch, February 6 - March 16, at Filament Theater.

Celebrating its 65th year, the world’s most influential name in live comedy, The Second City, has revealed the cast and crew of We Always Bounce Black: A Black Excellence Comedy Revue.

The Legacy Theater surpassed its $75,000 fundraising challenge, enabling solar panel installation and equipment upgrades to cut costs and expand programming options.

Magician Dennis Watkins has now opened a new block of tickets to The Magic Parlour performances through the summer! Performances of The Magic Parlour take place every Thursday through Sunday.

Chicago’s First Floor Theater has revealed the cast and production team for the World Premiere production of ONE PARTY CONSENT, written by Omer Abbas Salem. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Music Theater Works has revealed that the beloved musical Annie is the final production of its 45th season. Performances will take place in December 2025. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets.

The Artistic Home will present the Chicago premiere of Mark O’Rowe’s adaptation of Ibsen’s HEDDA GABLER. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

 Pivot Arts  has announced the appointment of Jorge Silva as the new Executive Artistic Director, marking an exciting leadership transition poised to shape the next chapter of innovation and community engagement for the organization.

Court Theatre will present Lorraine Hansberry’s masterpiece A Raisin in the Sun, New York Drama Critics Award winner, Tony Award nominee for Best Play, and the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway.

Kokandy Productions has opened submissions for the 2025 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival (CMTF), returning in April on The Chopin Theatre Mainstage, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago.

The devised performance, there are no dead people, will run February 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 7:30pm in Stagg Court at the Chicago Athletic Association. Conceived and directed by Amanda Dunne Acevedo & Lindsey Barlag Thornton.

Get your tie-dye ready for a memorable night filled with incredible music as Spies of the World - Grateful Dead Experience, a Grateful Dead tribute band.

Northlight Theatre will continue its 2024–2025 season with The Heart Sellers, Lloyd Suh’s funny and moving play about the Asian immigrant experience in the 1970s, directed by Helen Young. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Warm up winter with the interactive storytelling, colorful puppets, music and dancing of The Lizard y El Sol—an all-ages event the whole family can enjoy. Learn more here!

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Tuesday. January 7, 2025, for Chicago Theatre Week (#CTW25), an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago during which visitors and residents can access value-priced tickets.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company will present a revival of Sam Shepard's dark and beautiful masterpiece Fool for Love, directed by Jeremy Herrin, playing January 30 – March 16, 2025.

Cast and production team have been announced for Citadel Theatre’s upcoming production of Lauren Gunderson’s I AND YOU. I AND YOU will open on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Raue Center School For The Arts has announced the open enrollment for its Spring 2025 classes and exciting On Stage productions, offering a vibrant selection of courses and performance opportunities designed for students of all ages.

Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL – a one-of-a-kind production that brings the circus arts to the ice for the very first time, will make its Rockford debut at BMO Center. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Writers Theatre to continu 2024/25 Season with Frida…A Self Portrait, starring acclaimed writer and performer Vanessa Severo as both herself and legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Learn how to purchase tickets.