REVIEW: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM Via OIL LAMP THEATER Now Playing Through September 14th, 2025

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

OIL LAMP THEATER'S

SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM

Now Playing Through September 14th, 2025

DIRECTED BY CHRISTINA RAMIREZ AND MUSIC DIRECTED AMY BRANAHL

Oil Lamp Theater Celebrates the Life and Works of the Late, Great, Stephen Sondheim

Tommy Wells, Abbey Loria, Jacob Alexander and Daria Koon.

Photo credit for all: Gosia Photography 

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Whether you're an avid Sondheim fan, or completely uninitiated, Oil Lamp will illuminate and entertain you with their latest production, Side by Side by Sondheim, a full immersion into the legacy of this legendary composer and lyricist. This production features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne with continuity by Ned Sherrin. This tiny but mighty cast of four are ready to take you on a journey through dozens of songs in Sondheim's repertoire, including deep cuts, forgotten gems, and over 2 hours of favorites!

Tommy Wells and Jacob Alexander

Embrace this joyful reprieve from daily life with a plethora of timely tunes. Feel free to laugh, toe tap, and sing along. You might even be surprised by the famous collaborations you didn't know he had a hand in. We adored this cast's playful sense of humor. This is a great pick for multigenerational fun so bring the kids and the grandparents too. 

ChiIL Tips: I've been covering Oil Lamp for years but I've always caught their opening nights or other evening performances. This time I caught a matinee and we could hear a cacophony of different dogs barking from what I assume is the business next door. It was quite loud and ongoing. I don't know if this is an ongoing issue, but if sound bleeding in from the neighborhood would limit your enjoyment of Oil Lamp's shows, I suggest you avoid matinees and pick an evening time instead.

Daria Koon and Abbey Loria 

Spilling the tea: This production is light on dialogue, with just a few short introductions and backstories, so it's more like a concert experience than a musical.

Tommy Wells and Jacob Alexander

Stephen Joshua Sondheim was a beloved American composer and lyricist whose witty lyrics and catchy hooks revolutionized Broadway musicals and Oil Lamp celebrates his legacy in style. Don't miss this! Now playing through September 14th, 2025. Recommended. 3 out of 4 stars ★★★

Check out Oil Lamp Theater’s brand new SPARK CENTER for the Performing Arts! 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

The production runs August 15 - September 14, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. Side by Side by Sondheim is directed by Christina Ramirez and music directed by Amy Branahl. The schedule includes a preview performance Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. with the opening/press performance Friday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.,Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances August 20 at 3 p.m. and September 3 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be an understudy performance on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are on sale now for $30 for previews and $55 for the run at OilLampTheater.org.  

Abbey Loria

Side By Side By Sondheim offers a captivating journey through the wit and brilliance of one of Broadway’s greatest musical storytellers. Simple and unpretentious, this Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of the contemporary master, Stephen Sondheim, and a must for diehard fans featuring songs from Gypsy, Company, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, Follies and others.

The cast of Side by Side by Sondheim includes Jacob Alexander (he/him); Michael Davis Arnold (he/him)); Abbey Loria (she/her); Alondra Rios (she/her); with understudies Julia Hope Budd (she/her); Thomas Ferro (he/him); Daria Koon (she/they) and Tommy Wells (he/him). 

The production team includes Christina Ramirez (she/her, director); Amy Branahl (she/her, music director); Andy Cahoon (he/him, technical director); Spencer Donovan (he/him, scenic designer); Taylor Pfenning (she/her, costume designer); Ellie Fey (she/her, lighting designer); Alex Trinh (he/him, sound designer); Leo Bassow (he/they, props designer); Connor Windle (he/him, production stage manager) and Sara Segneri (she/her, assistant stage manager).

ABOUT CHRISTINA RAMIREZ, director

Christina Ramirez is thrilled to be back at Oil Lamp after directing First Date last season. Ramirez serves as managing director at the award-winning Actors Training Center in Wilmette, working with actors of all ages (youth through adult) and when not directing is known for her work as a teaching artist and coach. She holds a masters in directing from Roosevelt University CCPA and a BFA in musical theatre from The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. 

ABOUT AMY BRANAHL, music director 

Amy J. Branahl is the director of Choral Activities at New Trier High School and president of the IL-American Choral Directors Association(ACDA).  She is the music and vocal director of the Frosh/Soph musical and coaches badminton there. Branahl is a proud alum of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where she received her MME/BME in choral music education. With her husband Jared, they have three awesome boys. When not doing music, she loves to travel and document them by knitting, crocheting, while watching tennis/sports or going to shows. Please check out her work @craftingcourtside. 

MORE FROM FROM OIL LAMP THEATER

Gaslight (Angel Street)

October 2 - November 2

By Patrick Hamilton

Directed by Susan Gorman

Preview Performance:Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances October 8 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., October 15 at 7:30 p.m. October 22 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and October 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Audiences are invited to step into the suspenseful world of Gaslight (Angel Street), where secrets lurk in the shadows and reality blurs with deception. When Bella begins to suspect that the flickering lights and missing objects in her home aren’t just in her imagination, her world unravels into a chilling game of manipulation and control. Suspenseful, haunting and unforgettable, this is the classic mystery that inspired the 1944 Academy Award-winning film starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury, in her film debut, defined a genre and inspired the term “gaslighting.”

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

November 20 - December 28

Adapted by Joe Landry

Preview Performance:Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with an additional Wednesday performance, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

This heartwarming production is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the Holidays. Experience unrivaled cheer with Frank Capra's beloved classic, “It's a Wonderful Life,” reimagined as a captivating live radio play, complete with foley sound effects and set in Oil Lamp’s own WBFR radio studio.

Journey to Bedford Falls, where George Bailey's troubles lead him to wish he was never born. Clarence, an angel sent to intervene, steps in to make his wishes come true and George quickly learns just how many lives he has touched and just how blessed he really is.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER’S SPARK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Oil Lamp Theater recently opened the Oil Lamp Theater’s SPARK CENTER for the Performing Arts, 1009 Waukegan Rd. The SPARK CENTER spans 2,750 square feet, featuring two spacious studios for classes and dedicated office spaces for Oil Lamp staff. The SPARK CENTER enables the expansion of Oil Lamp’s arts education programs led by top Chicagoland theater professionals for all ages and skill levels. These same studios serve as the creative center where Oil Lamp’s productions come to life as it is also a rehearsal space for Oil Lamp Theater productions taking place across the street at 1723 Glenview Road.

The inaugural offerings of the SPARK CENTER included Summer Camps and Youth and Adult Education classes with fall classes on sale now. For more information on the SPARK CENTER, go to OilLampTheater.org/spark-center.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER

Oil Lamp Theater is an award-winning 60-seat storefront theater located in the heart of downtown Glenview. Keith Gerth founded the theater in February 2005, originally staging 20 productions for up to thirty-five friends and guests at night in his condo in Chicago. In March 2012, the organization was incorporated as a nonprofit and established a new location in downtown Glenview, fitted with warm décor and comfortable seating, reminiscent of a home. Oil Lamp produced 53 shows over the next seven years, reaching 10,000+ patrons per year and earning “Best Live Theater in the North Shore'' for four consecutive years. At the start of 2020, Keith Gerth retired, and shortly after, the pandemic began. Despite these major changes, Oil Lamp sprung into action and organized a drive-in for a fully-produced solo show, hosted outdoor concerts and built an outdoor venue for two full productions. Seeing the impact this made and the ability to conquer any challenge, Oil Lamp returned to indoor programming with a renewed vision. Oil Lamp now produces a dynamic Main Stage Season, Speak Easy Nights, a Women on Wednesdays series and continues investing in its connection with the community.

Activism and Atrocities Abound: Review of Steppenwolf For Young Adults' World Premiere of a home what howls

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: 

Theatre For Young Adults On Our Radar 

Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the world premiere of

a home what howls (or the house what was ravine)

By Matthew Paul Olmos

Directed by Laura Alcalá Baker 

Featuring ensemble member Tim Hopper with Charín Álvarez,

Leslie Sophia Pérez, Isabel Quintero and Eddie Torres

 February 7 – March 2, 2024 in the Ensemble Theater

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Meet Soledad Vargas (expertly embodied by Leslie Sophia Pérez), a youth activist standing up to the forces of injustice, imminent domain land grabs, greedy developers, displacement, and even murder. Words matter, and neighborhood renewal is a spin for developers' glossy ads, and usually not a positive for uprooted families, forcibly evicted and/or priced out of land and homes that have been theirs for generations. Steppenwolf's world premiere of a home what howls is a welcome reminder of who bears the highest cost and consequences for gentrification. This poetic and powerful look at real-life struggles of displaced communities around the globe is a lyrically-rendered exploration of humanity's capacity for evil and environmental devastation. 

A coyote howling. A home in disarray. A young woman alone. In Matthew Paul Olmos’ world premiere, Soledad Vargas is in the city, fighting for her family’s right to live on their land. When hope starts to dwindle, how far will she go, and what will she be forced to leave behind? 

With a talented, primary Latinx Chicago cast, this production pops. The cast includes ensemble member Tim Hopper (Downstate, Chicago, New York & London) with Charín Álvarez (I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, ¡Bernarda!), Leslie Sophia Pérez (I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter), Isabel Quintero (La Osa Menor) and Eddie Torres (Downstate, Chicago, New York & London).

Interesting lighting and audio choices enhance the story telling, as this all too timely modern myth plays out on a simple stage with rock formations, a water feature made of light, and the jagged remains of what was once a family home. Don't miss this. Recommended. 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to present Steppenwolf for Young Adults’ (SYA) world premiere of a home what howls (or the house what was ravine) by Matthew Paul Olmos and directed by Laura Alcalá Baker. This powerful and poetic look at displacement and youth activism will play February 7 – March 2, 2024 in Steppenwolf’s stunning in-the-round Ensemble Theater in Honor of Helen Zell, 1646 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. 

The cast of Steppenwolf Theatre’s world premiere of a home what howls (or the house what was ravine)

includes (left to right) Eddie Torres, Isabel Quintero, Leslie Sophia Pérez,

Charín Álvarez and ensemble member Tim Hopper. Photo by Joel Moorman.

$5 Tickets for High School Students and School Groups

Tickets Starting at $20 for all Public Performances

Ticket Information

a home what howls will feature both public performances and student matinees, inviting all audiences to experience this world premiere. Regular tickets are $5 for high school students, $15 for college students and begin at $20 for the general public. Single tickets to a home what howls are now on sale at steppenwolf.org and (312) 335-1650.

Student Matinees

Student matinees will take place at 10 am on weekdays from Wednesday, February 7 – Friday, March 1, 2024. Tickets are only $5 for students and chaperones are free. Recommended for grades eight and up. To register your school, click here.

The a home what howls production team includes Lauren Nichols (Scenic Design), Uriel Gómez (Costume Design), Lindsey Lyddan (Lighting Design), Peter Clare (Sound Design), April Dawn Guthrie (Original Music), Maya Vinice Prentiss (Fight Choreographer & Intimacy Consultant), Kate DeVore (Vocal Coach), Mike Przygoda (Music Consultant), Bryar Barborka (Dramaturg), Patrick Zakem (Creative Producer), Elise Hausken (Production Manager), JC Clementz, CSA (Casting), Michelle Medvin (Production Stage Manager) and Kathleen Barrett (Assistant Stage Manager).

 

PRODUCTION DETAILS

Cast: Charín Álvarez (abrana vargas), Tim Hopper (frank, male conductor), Leslie Sophia Pérez (soledad), Isabel Quintero (coyotl/syera loma) and Eddie Torres (manuel vargas).

Location: Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater in Honor of Helen Zell, 1646 N. Halsted St., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Friday, February 9 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, February 10 at 3 pm

Press Performance/Opening: Saturday, February 10 at 7:30 pm

Public Run: Saturday, February 17 – Saturday, March 2, 2024

Public Performance Curtain Times: Saturdays at 3 pm & 7 pm. Please note: there will be an added 7:30 pm performance on Friday, February 23 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: Single tickets for a home what howls ($20 - $30) are now on sale at steppenwolf.org and the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. Regular tickets are $5 for high school students and $15 for college students.

 

Accessible Performance Dates:

Spanish Language-Captioned Student Matinee: Friday, February 16 at 10 am

Open-Captioned Public Performance: Saturday, February 17 at 3 pm

Relaxed Sensory Friendly Public Performance: Saturday, February 17 at 3 pm

Audio-Described and Touch Tour Public Performance: Saturday, February 24 at 3 pm (1:30 pm touch tour, 3 pm curtain)

ASL-Interpreted Student Matinee: Friday, March 1 at 10 am

ASL-Interpreted Public Performance: Saturday, March 2 at 3 pm

 

Artist Biographies:

Matthew Paul Olmos (Playwright) is a Mexican-American playwright who focuses on the creation of space for marginalized, underrepresented communities and gives them poetics and theatricality. While his work is always personal, it is aimed at reaching across sociopolitical boundaries, showing the ridiculous of how separate we are, and illuminating hope for future generations.

He is a three-time Sundance Institute Fellowship/Residency recipient, inaugural Dramatists Guild Foundation Catalyst Fellow, Echo Theater Company Resident Playwright, lifetime Ensemble Studio Theatre member and Sloan Commission recipient, Playwrights’ Center Core Writer and two-time Venturous Playwright Fellowship nominee. Previous Actors’ Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival Commission, Arizona Theatre Company’s National Latine Playwriting Awardee, Baryshnikov Arts Center Resident Artist, Brooklyn Arts Exchange Resident Artist, Center Theatre Group LA Playwright, Drama League nominee, Geffen Playhouse Writers Room, Ingram New Works at Nashville Repertory, INTAR H.P.R.L., a proud Kilroys nominator, New York Theatre Workshop Fellow, Oregon Shakespeare Festival Black Swan Lab, two-time Ojai Playwrights Conference, inaugural Primary Stages Creative Development Grantee and Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group, Princess Grace Awardee in Playwriting, Repertorio Español Miranda Family Nuestra Voces Playwriting Awardee. 

He spent two years as a Mabou Mines/SUITE Resident Artist being mentored by Ruth Maleczech, was chosen/mentored by Taylor Mac for Cherry Lane’s Mentor Project, and was La MaMa e.t.c.'s Ellen Stewart Emerging Playwright Awardee as selected by Sam Shepard. His work has been presented nationally and internationally, taught in university and is published by Concord Theatricals/Samuel French and NoPassport Press. matthewpaulolmos.com

Laura Alcalá Baker (Director, she/they) is a Chicago-based director and new work developer specializing in unearthing the missing canon and reimagining the existing one. She lives in the intersection of a mixed child, one and both – Mexican American. Chicago directing credits include: Anna in the Tropics (Remy Bumppo), The Leopard Play, or sad songs for lost boys (Steep Theatre); The Way She Spoke (DCASE, Greenhouse Theater Center); Nancy García Loza’s BRAVA (Make-Believe Association); BULL: a love story (Paramount Theatre); and The Pillowman (The Gift Theatre). Regional directing credits include Somewhere Over the Border (City Theatre/People’s Light), Equivocation, The Giver, 11:11 and Collapse (B Street Theater). New play workshops and readings include work with Steep Theatre, The New Colony, Paramount Theatre and the Goodman Theatre New Stages Festival. She is a Steep Theatre ensemble member and a proud former member of the Alliance of Latinx Theatre Artists. She was nominated for “Best Casting Director” and “Best Director: Brava” at the ALTA Awards. labdirecting.com

Charín Álvarez (abrana vargas) Steppenwolf Theatre Company: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, La Ruta, Infidel, Ordinary Yearning, Fermi. Chicago: Anna in the Tropics, Passage, Skin of Our Teeth, Clean House (Remy Bumppo); Lettie, Mojada, Oedipus El Rey, Anna in the Tropics, A Park in the House (Victory Gardens Theater); The Scene (Writers Theatre); 2666, Pedro Paramo, El Nogalar, Dollhouse, Electricidad (Goodman Theatre); In The Time of the Butterflies, Our Lady of the Underpass, I Put the Fear of Mexico in ‘em, Dreamlandia, Another Part of the House (Teatro Vista); Water by the Spoonful (Court Theatre); What We Once Felt (About Face Theatre); Kita & Fernanda (16th Street Theatre); Esperanza Rising (Chicago Children’s Theatre); Two Sisters and a Piano (Apple Tree Theatre); Generic Latina (Teatro Luna); La Casa de Bernarda Alba (Aguijon Theatre). Film/TV: Rooftop Wars, Arc of a Bird, Were the World Mine, Chicago Overcoat, First and Only Lesson, Dogwalker, Olympia: An Instruction Manual For How Things Work, Signature Move, En Algun Lugar, Somebody Somewhere, Paper Girls, Ripple Effects, Chicago Med, Easy, Shameless, Chicago Fire, Mob Doctor, Boss, Chicago Code, Approach Alone, Rogers Park, Princess Cyd, Single File, Teacher, Hala, Saint Frances, Rounding, Heartsong, Museum, Last Drop, Single Car Crashes and Adult Children.

Tim Hopper (frank/male conductor) is a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble. Recent roles at Steppenwolf include Andy in Downstate, which traveled to the National Theatre in London, and to Playwrights Horizons in New York. He also appeared at the Goodman Theatre in the title role of Uncle Vanya. Television appearances include Chicago Fire, the Amazon series Utopia, Fargo, The Americans, The Exorcist, Empire and Chicago Med. Film appearances include Perpetrator; Knives and Skin, School of Rock and To Die For, among others. Recipient of the 2018 Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship. Broadway: Present Laughter. Off-Broadway: New York Theatre Workshop, Theatre for a New Audience, Vineyard Theatre and the Atlantic Theater. Regionally, at Long Wharf; Williamstown and La Jolla Playhouse. Internationally, the Edinburgh Festival and Antwerp's De Singel Theatre. 

Leslie Sophia Pérez (soledad) Class of ‘23 graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University. Steppenwolf Theatre Company: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (also at Seattle Rep). Chicago: Project Potential (Theater on the Lake); Assumptions and Forgiveness (American Blues Theater). Television: Chicago PD, HBO Max Pilot: Computer School. Commercial: Visa commercial. @_leslie.sophia.

Isabel Quintero (coyotl/syera loma) Steppenwolf Theatre Company: The House On Mango Street (u/s), La Osa Menor (LookOut 2019, 2023). Chicago: In The Heights (Porchlight Music Theatre); The Sins of Sor Juana, Blood Wedding ad., Yasmina’s Necklace (u/s), Let the Eagle Fly, Boleros for the Disenchanted (u/s) (Goodman Theatre); Living Large in a Mini Kind of Way, Quita Mitos (Teatro Luna); La Posada Magica (Teatro Vista); Mark of Zorro (Lifeline Theatre) Regional: The Roommate (Renaissance Theaterworks); Mojada (Indianapolis Shakespeare Company); Quixote Nuevo (Roun House Theatre) Calabasas Street (Children’s Theater of Madison) Film: Holy Trinity, A Handful of Dirt, L.A.I.D.; Television: Chicago P.D.,The Chi. Awards: DCASE Esteemed Artist Award 2022;  laosamenoralbum.com

Eddie Torres (manuel vargas) Steppenwolf Theatre Company: Downstate (2023 Lortel nomination/Best Featured Performer in a Play) at Playwrights Horizons, The National Theatre in London and Steppenwolf Theater Company. Directing: The Old Globe, productions of El Borracho, Familiar, Native Gardens and Water by the Spoonful. Geffen Playhouse, Second Stage, Goodman, The Public, Repetorio Espanol, and more. He directed the world premiere of Kristoffer Diaz's The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. (Victory Gardens Theatre & Teatro Vista), which was named Best Play and New York Times (2010).  Received Joseph Jefferson Awards, including Best Production and Director.  Awards: Latin ACE Award (Best Musical, Artist de Teatro Independient (Best Director). He is an Associate Professor in Theater at University of Illinois Chicago and is Artistic Director Emeritus at Teatro Vista.

Accessibility

As a commitment to make the Steppenwolf experience accessible to everyone, performances featuring American Sign Language Interpretation, Open Captioning and Audio Description are offered during the run of each STC production (see dates above). Assistive listening devices and large-print programs are available for every performance and all our spaces are equipped with an induction hearing loop. Our building features wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms, push-button entrances, a courtesy wheelchair and all-gender restrooms, with accessible counter and table spaces at our bars. For additional information regarding accessibility, visit steppenwolf.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility or e-mail access@steppenwolf.org.

Sponsor Information

United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf is also grateful for the significant season support from Northern Trust, Allstate Insurance Company, Amazon, Conagra Brands Foundation, Kirkland & Ellis, PNC, ArentFox Schiff, and Vinci Restaurant. Additional Steppenwolf Education support comes from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Polk Bros. Foundation, ADM and the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation. Steppenwolf also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. 

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is a Chicago theater that is home to America’s ensemble. The company began performing in the mid-1970s in the basement of a Highland Park, IL church—today Steppenwolf is the nation’s premier ensemble theater with 49 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Deeply rooted in its ensemble ethos, the company is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and making the Steppenwolf experience accessible to all. Groundbreaking productions from Balm in Gilead and August: Osage County to Downstate and Pass Over—and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony® Awards—have made the theatre legendary. Artistic programming includes a membership series; a Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; and LookOut, a multi-genre performance series. The nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education engages more than 20,000 participants annually in Chicagoland communities promoting compassion, encouraging curiosity and inspiring action. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, more than 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. 2021 marked the opening of Steppenwolf’s landmark Lefkofsky Arts & Education Center—deepening the company’s commitment to Chicagoland teens and serving as a cultural nexus for Chicago. Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis are the Artistic Directors and E. Brooke Flanagan is Executive Director. Keating Crown is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees.

Steppenwolf’s Mission: Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. 

We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world. steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

REVIEW: ANASTASIA at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre Through September 25, 2022

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

ANASTASIA

Anastasia is recommended for ages 7 and older

Run Time is approx. 2 hours and 25 minutes with an intermission.

“Captivating, beautifully staged and emotionally vital. ANASTASIA hits the sweet spot!”

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

History, mystery, royals, revolution, and romance...

Something old... something new. As a critic for the past 14 years and a lifelong theatre lover, I can attest that it's exciting to see a new musical. As a mother and a history buff, it's even more fun to see all the young kids in the audience making memories, watching a fierce survivor of a princess as a role model, and engaging with a live production at the CIBC Theatre, a lavish, historical venue. Early exposure to theatre increases empathy in children and who knows what those experiences might spark for the future. Anastasia is only in Chicago for a few short days, so don't miss this!

Anastasia has been a long time coming. Here at ChiIL Mama, we first wrote about the Broadway touring production in May of 2018, when it was slated to open in Chicago in March of 2019. Three years later we can attest that some shows are worth the wait, and in Anastasia's own words. "It's never too late. I'm here now."

We loved the lavish costumes, poignant score, and clever use of projections to transport the audience across the ocean and back in time to the fall of the Russian Empire and onward to 1920's Paris. 

Veronica Stern was a joy to see as Anya, well complimented by Willem Butler as Dmitry. We also enjoyed the performances of Ben Edquist as Gleb and Gerri Weagraff as Dowager Empress. There was a well deserved standing ovation on opening night. Kudos to the entire cast and crew for bringing soaring vocals, delightful dance numbers, and stellar storytelling to life on stage. The touring production may be a scaled down version of the Broadway hit, in production values, but it's well worth a look. 

From the devastating violence of war to the exiled expats reliving their glory days, the musical, Anastasia gives audiences a timeless and timely tale for the ages. Whether sweeping the streets in rags or attending the ballet and bravely facing the Dowager Empress, Anya excels. Was she the last of the Romanovs or a royally talented rogue, scamming her way out of Russia and into royalty? Where did she disappear to? Was the iconic music box a con or a concrete clue to authenticity? Did Anya and Dimitry both choose love over money, forgoing both the reward and a lineage with luxury? The Anastasia story raises more questions than it answers, in this delightfully complex mystery. Regardless of the realism, we were completely captivated by this riches to rags tale.

Fast forward to 2022. One hundred years later, Russia is once again at war in the region. Refugees and the impoverished still struggle to find food, water, and basic needs. Love blooms amid the wreckage of revolutions. And tenacious, smart survivors are always in fashion. Don't miss this. Recommended. 3 out of 4 stars ★★★

Anastasia played to sold out audiences on Broadway for more than 3 years before expanding it’s global “Fanastasia” community with productions on tour across North America and in Japan, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. Globally, the show has been performed more than 2,500 times and sold 3.4 million tickets. Additionally, the show has garnered more than 15 major international awards, including Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards and Best New Musical in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that ANASTASIA is now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) through September 25, 2022. Ticket prices range from $27.00 to $118.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Individual tickets are available at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime and inspired by the beloved films, ANASTASIA is the new Broadway musical that’s “one of the most gorgeous shows in years!” (New York Observer). This dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. 

“★★★★

A sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic that piles discovery upon discovery.

Its fine craftsmanship will satisfy musical theater fans.”

TIME OUT NEW YORK

CAST

Veronica Stern leads the show as ANYA, joined by Willem Butler as DMITRY, Ben Edquist as GLEB, and Gerri Weagraff as DOWAGER EMPRESS. The tour also features Bryan Seastrom (VLAD), Madeline Raube (COUNTESS LILY), Leela Chopra (LITTLE ANASTASIA), Alexandrya Salazar (LITTLE ANASTASIA), Thalia Attalah (ENSEMBLE), Lance Timothy Barker (SWING/DANCE CAPTAIN), Zachary Bigelow (ENSEMBLE), William Aaron Bishop (ENSEMBLE), Louis Brogna, (ENSEMBLE), Amin Fuson (ENSEMBLE), Rebecca Hartman (SWING), Kaitlyn Jackson (ENSEMBLE), Brooklyn Libao (ENSEMBLE), Alec Lloyd (SWING), Victoria Madden (ENSEMBLE/ASST. DANCE CAPTAIN), Billy McGavin (ENSEMBLE), Lathan A. Roberts (ENSEMBLE), Amy Smith (SWING), Sarah Statler (ENSEMBLE), Lauren Teyke (ENSEMBLE), Aidan Ziegler-Hansen (SWING)

"ANASTASIA IS THE REAL THING!

Fantastical, intelligent, well-crafted, and exhilarating,

ANASTASIA deserves a coronation!"

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

CREATIVES

ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush, new score by the Tony Award® -winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), and tour direction by Sarah Hartman based on original direction by Tony Award®-winning director Darko Tresnjak.

The creative team also includes Peggy Hickey (Original Choreographer), Bill Burns (Choreographer), Alexander Dodge (Set Design), Linda Cho (Costume Design), Donald Holder (Lighting Design), Peter Hylenski (Sound Design), Aaron Rhyne (Projection Design), Charles G. LaPointe (Hair/Wig Design), Joe Dulude II (Makeup Design), Tom Murray (Music Supervision), Jeremy Lyons (Music Direction), Doug Besterman (Orchestrations), David Chase (Dance Arranger), and casting by Jason Styres, CSA.

“An irresistible and sumptuous fairy tale!”

VARIETY

ANASTASIA began performances on Broadway in March 2017 at the Broadhurst Theatre with critics exclaiming “Ahrens and Flaherty have chosen the right moments to musicalize, and their score here sounds complete and full — one of the season’s strongest! (NBC)” and “Smartly adapted by Terrence McNally, Anastasia is a sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic whose fine craftsmanship will satisfy musical-theater fans (Time Out)”.

The original Broadway cast recording is available at BroadwayRecords.com, Amazon.com and iTunes. The 75-minute album includes the Academy Award-nominated favorite “Journey to the Past” alongside new numbers from the show such as “In My Dreams,” “Still” and “My Petersburg.”

Connect with ANASTASIA online at: www.anastasiathemusical.com

Twitter: @AnastasiaBway   ⬧   Facebook: AnastasiaBway  ⬧   Instagram: @AnastasiaBway

“A MONSTER HIT!”

THE NEW YORK TIMES

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances are on Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m. (with a Wednesday matinee at 2:00 p.m. on September 21), Saturday, September 24 at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., and the final performance is on Sunday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m.

COVID-19  PROTOCOL: Masks are recommended for all audience members.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 22 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theatre District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Follow Broadway In Chicago: #broadwayinchicago

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago   ⬧   Twitter @broadwaychicago

⬧  Instagram @broadwayinchicago    

REVIEW: Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Musical Version of Emma Now Playing Through March 15, 2020

EMMA

A New Musical

January 28–March 15, 2020

in CST’s Courtyard Theater

book, music & lyrics by Paul Gordon

adapted from the novel by Jane Austen

directed by Barbara Gaines

Artistic Director Barbara Gaines stages enchanting musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, 

Through March 15, 2020

*Run time is 2 hours and 15 minutes*

Party guests revel at a ball in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Emma, 

a new musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel

All Photos by Liz Lauren.

REVIEW:
By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has been transformed into an elegant playground for the gentry of the early 1800s, complete with chandeliers, copious amounts of billowing bunting, and an on stage quartet. The whirling center of this scene is Jane Austen's infamous Emma, a girl who has charmed readers and audiences across genres, despite her arrogance, classism, and a bit of a mean streak. Her goodnatured, yet misguided, attempts at matchmaking are conducive to a musical, and it's fun to experience the old, familiar story with the addition of song. Like most musicals, humor abounds and love wins out in the end on multiple fronts.

 Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer, at right) meets her match in Mr. Knightley (Brad Standley)

CST's production of Emma is well cast, and the rapport between Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer) and Mr. Knightley (Brad Standley) is a joy to see. Their snarky banter and love/hate relationship is adorable and enticing as it evolves on stage. Harriet Smith (Ephie Aardema) is also utterly endearing as lovelorn orphan and Emma's favorite side project, that almost went horribly awry. 

Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer) takes the impressionable Harriet Smith (Ephie Aardema) under her wing. 

Harriet Smith (Ephie Aardema) joyfully dances with Mr. Knightley (Brad Standley) as the ball guests look on 

Chicago favorite, Larry Yando elicits laughs with every line, as the dower, change-hating father, Mr. Woodhouse. 

Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer) comforts her father, Mr. Woodhouse (Larry Yando)

As usual for Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the costumes, staging, lighting, and clever set design are top notch. Jane Austin's brilliance shines through, as her iconic plots and schemes remain true to the original, even as her characters burst into song. If there's a weakness, it's the score. In an otherwise likable adaptation, Paul Gordon's music is thirty one songs that blend into one another, with few peaks and variations. Eight of the songs actually are reprise numbers, but most of the songs in the first act felt too similar to one another to be as engaging as I'd hoped. 

There were some exceptions. Second act solos by Mr Knightley and Frank Churchill (Devin DeSantis) were standouts, and Harriet Smith's pining for Mr. Robert Martin had its charm. Emma's piano solo and rivalry with Jane Fairfax (Erica Stephan) were playful and funny. 

This twisted tale of romantic entanglements, secrets, misdirection, mistakes and matrimony makes for an enjoyable evening of good old fashioned fun. Emma is a good bet for multigenerational appeal and creating family memories together. Recommended.

Follow along on social media and add your own experiences with #cstEMMA

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based writer-theater critic-photographer-videographer-actress-artist-general creatrix and Mama to two terrific teens. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer) flatters Frank Churchill, as the residents of Highbury enjoy a picnic 

Now playing, Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s highly anticipated production of Emma—a musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel. Book, music, and lyrics are by Tony Award-nominated composer Paul Gordon, whose world premiere production of Sense and Sensibility captivated Chicago Shakespeare audiences in 2015. Directed by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, this lush period production features one of literature’s most fiercely independent heroines in an enchanting new musical. Jane Austen’s Emma is presented in the Theater’s uniquely intimate Courtyard Theater, January 28–March 15, 2020.

Privileged, pampered, and preoccupied with romance, Emma Woodhouse indulges in her pastime of misguided matchmaking, but is clueless when it comes to her own feelings, especially toward a gentleman named Mr. Knightley. As this imperfect heroine learns that love cannot be predicted or channeled, audiences will be swept away by Paul Gordon’s lyrical melodies in this deliciously charming romantic comedy.

A multi-talented composer, lyricist, and book writer, Gordon has been inspired by classic texts to great success. The Broadway musical Jane Eyre, which he co-wrote, was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, and Chicago Shakespeare’s world premiere of Sense and Sensibility garnered the Jeff Award for Best New Musical. Gordon’s Daddy Long Legs, written with director John Caird, has enjoyed productions around the world. Of Emma, Gordon shared, “There is a lyricism to the way Jane Austen writes—great melodies within the soul of the piece. The poetic language of the novel makes for a wonderful foundation of a musical and the music triggers your emotions in a profound way.”

Starring as Emma Woodhouse is Lora Lee Gayer. On Broadway, Gayer notably appeared as Linda Mason in the acclaimed 2016 revival of Holiday Inn, the New Irving Berlin Musical. Additional Broadway highlights include portraying Tonia in Doctor Zhivago and Young Sally in the Drama Desk Award-winning revival of Follies starring Bernadette Peters. Regionally, she has made celebrated appearances at Alliance Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and The Muny.

Brad Standley takes on the role of Mr. Knightley, a well-mannered voice of reason that tempers Emma’s impulsive nature. Standley comes to Chicago fresh off the National Tour of Waitress. His regional credits include productions with Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and the Weston Playhouse. An accomplished singer/songwriter, Standley headlines the alternative pop band The Foxflies.

Portraying Emma’s father, Mr. Woodhouse, is Larry Yando. The five-time Jeff Award-winner—named “Best Actor in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine—is a mainstay on Chicago stages and has appeared in more than thirty Chicago Shakespeare productions. Ephie Aardema is Emma’s impressionable young protégé, Harriet Smith. Aardema premiered on Broadway in the original cast of The Bridges of Madison County and has also appeared in Parade at Lincoln Center, Off-Broadway productions of Songbird and Clueless, the Musical, and the first National Tour of Waitress.

Devin DeSantis portrays Frank Churchill, one of Emma’s suitors. DeSantis’ notable roles include Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid and Tommy in The Who’s Tommy at Paramount Theatre, Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein at Drury Lane Theatre, and Judas in Godspell at Marriott Theatre. Erica Stephan is the charming and accomplished Jane Fairfax, who must find her way in the world without a fortune of her own. Stephan’s major Chicago credits include portraying Betty Haynes in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at Theatre at the Center, Belle in Drury Lane Theatre’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Cosette in Les Misérables at Paramount Theatre.

The Emma company also includes Michael Milligan and Kelli Harrington as Mr. and Mrs. Weston, and Dennis William Grimes and Bri Sudia as Mr. and Mrs. Elton. Rounding out the cast are Ian Geers (Mr. Robert Martin), Emily Goldberg (Ensemble), Marya Grandy (Miss Bates), and Brandy Cheyenne Miller (Elizabeth Martin).

Joining Gaines on the Emma creative team is Music Director Roberta Duchak—a two-time Jeff Award-winner who returns to Chicago Shakespeare after collaborating on the Theater’s hit North American Premiere musical SIX and its subsequent transfer productions—as well as Choreographer Jane Lanier, Dialect Coach Kate DeVore, Assistant Director Erin Kraft, and Assistant Music Director Kory Danielson.

Jane Austen’s nineteenth-century England comes to the Courtyard stage with sumptuous designs by Scenic Designer Scott Davis, Costume Designer Mariann Verheyen, Lighting Designer Donald Holder, Associate Lighting Designer Rachel Levy, Sound Designer Chad Parsley, and Wig and Make-up Designer Richard Jarvie. Also serving on the creative team is Alex Hare, the recipient of Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Charles Abbott Fellowship.

For more information, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/emma or on social media at #cstEMMA.

Chicago Shakespeare strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all patrons through its Access Shakespeare programs. 

Accessible performances for Emma include:

Open-captioned Performances – Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
A text display of the words and sounds heard during a play, synced live with the action onstage.
ASL Duo-interpreted Performance – Friday, March 6, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
All dialogue and lyrics are translated into American Sign Language by two certified interpreters.
Audio-described Performance – Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with optional touch tour at 12:00 p.m. A program that enables patrons who are blind or have low vision to more fully experience live performances by providing spoken narration of a play’s key visual elements. Touch Tours provide patrons who are blind or have low vision the opportunity to experience, firsthand, a production’s design elements.

Emma will be presented January 28–March 15, 2020 in Chicago Shakespeare’s Courtyard Theater. Single tickets ($49–$90) are on sale now. Special discounts will be available for groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater’s website at www.chicagoshakes.com.


ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be—a company that defies theatrical category. This Regional Tony Award-winning theater’s year-round season features as many as twenty productions and 650 performances—including plays, musicals, world premieres, family programming, and presentations from around the globe. Chicago Shakespeare is the city’s leading presenter of international work, and has toured its own productions across five continents. The Theater’s nationally acclaimed arts in literacy programs support the work of teachers, and bring Shakespeare to life on stage for tens of thousands of students annually. Each summer, the company tours a free professional production to neighborhood parks across Chicago. In 2017 the Theater unveiled The Yard, which, together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs, positions Chicago Shakespeare as Chicago’s most versatile performing arts center.

Emma Woodhouse (Lora Lee Gayer) indulges in her pastime of misguided matchmaking

Lora Lee Gayer takes on the title role in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Emma, a new musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel with book, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and directed by Barbara Gaines, in Chicago Shakespeare’s Courtyard Theater, January 28–March 15, 2020. Photo courtesy of Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

REVIEW: Sweet Charity at Marriott Theatre Through October 28th, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Sweet Charity 

Directed and Choreographed by Alex Sanchez

Review: 

Marriott Theatre has done it again, with a major crowd pleaser full of killer choreography, catchy iconic tunes, and talent to spare. The theatre in the round staging and sparse set design by Scott Davis work particularly well to show off Alex Sanchez's excellent choreography. Video design by Anthony Churchill and costume design by Mieka van der Ploeg, give this retro romp a fabulously fun 60's feel. I was out to review on October 3rd and the audience was enamored.

My favorite choreography by far, was the slinky, dance of the in crowd, when Charity hooked up with Vittorio Vidal (Adam Jacobs) for an evening.

So many songs from Sweet Charity are still in rotation, like “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This,” and “I’m a Brass Band.” Big Spender was particularly delightful, with a jaded, world weary twist.

Kenny Ingram is a hoot as Daddy Brubeck, the underpass preacher with the  colorful hippy congregation.

Initially, the storyline seemed to be following the trite, "Pretty Woman", cinderella plot, but there's an unexpected and delightfully empowering turn. Anne Horak is a particular standout as the unfortunately named heroine, Charity Hope Valentine. She has a compelling combination of naïveté and irrepressible optimism mixed with sexy showgirl finesse. Alex Goodrich also shines as neurotic nut job, Oscar Lindquist. For a lighthearted night out for musical fans, Sweet Charity is a toe tapping good time. Recommended.

Terry James, Executive Producer

Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

PRESENTS THE TONY AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY SMASH HIT

**run time approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission**

Hey Big Spender!

Spend a little time with SWEET CHARITY. The dance-filled, groovy musical comedy inspired by Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, SWEET CHARITY explores the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City. With a tuneful, cool, mid-1960s score by Cy Coleman (Little Me, City of Angels, Barnum), sparkling lyrics by Dorothy Fields (Annie Get Your Gun, Seesaw, Redhead), and a hilarious book by Neil Simon, SWEET CHARITY captures all the energy, humor, and heartbreak of Life in the Big City for an unfortunate but irrepressible optimist. Features the songs “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This,” and “I’m a Brass Band.”

From the high-spirited bustling and gritty streets of 1960s New York City comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon, SWEET CHARITY, continuing Marriott Theatre's sensational 2018 season, running September 5 through October 28 with a press opening on Wednesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. 



  The performance schedule for SWEET CHARITY is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices range from $50 to $60, including tax and handling fees. Call for student, senior, and military discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, there are a limited number of dinner and theatre packages available, which can only be purchased through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings there are a limited number of dinner-theatre packages available for purchase through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances. 

To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

"In approaching SWEET CHARITY, I focused a great deal on Charity's courage and optimism," says Alex Sanchez. "My goal is to highlight the epiphanies Charity discovers throughout her life journey, and how her positive outlook and willingness to become a better person can overcome all obstacles she is faced with." A comedy in every sense of the word, SWEET CHARITY follows the trials and tribulations of Charity Hope Valentine, a love-starved, hopelessly romantic dance hall hostess with a heart of gold. Unlucky in love and life, Charity is determined to change her life for the better after being unceremoniously dumped by her latest boyfriend. 

Singing, dancing, laughing and crying her way through one misadventure after the next, the comically unfortunate Charity joins a host of other vibrant characters including cynical girlfriends, an Italian film heartthrob, and the phony evangelist Daddy Brubeck, as she embarks on a wild ride and quest for love. Will her luck change when she meets a hilariously claustrophobic tax accountant, Oscar Lindquist? The electrifying musical comedy brings back all the breathtaking choreography and original classic hits including "Big Spender," "If My Friends Could See Me Now," "Too Many Tomorrows," "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This," "I'm a Brass Band," and "Baby, Dream Your Dream."



SWEET CHARITY stars Anne Horak as "Charity Hope Valentine" (Broadway: Chicago, White Christmas), Alex Goodrich as "Oscar Lindquist" (The Marriott Theatre: World Premiere of HERO, She Loves Me, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, ELF, and On the Town); Adam Jacobs as "Vittorio Vidal" (Broadway: Aladdin, The Lion King, Les Misérables), NaTonia Monét as "Helene," Dani Spieler as "Nickie," Kenny Ingram as "Daddy Brubeck," Terry Hamilton as "Herman," and Alexandra Palkovic as "Ursula," with Joe Bigelow, Elyse Collier, Lexis Danca, Alex Dorf, Alejandro Fonseca, Eben K. Logan, Hanah Rose Nardone, Liam Quealy, Adam Rogers, Laura Savage, Alex Smith, Kyra Sorce, and Jessica Wolfrum.

The production will feature set design by Scott Davis, costume design by Mieka van der Ploeg, lighting design by Jesse Klug, video design by Anthony Churchill, sound design by Bob Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Zach, and musical supervision and orchestra conducted by Patti Garwood.