REVIEW: World Premiere of THE SHIP AND THE SEA Via Curious Theatre Branch at Facility Theatre September 6 - 29

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Curious Theatre Branch presents the World Premiere of 

THE SHIP AND THE SEA

at Facility Theatre September 6 - 29 

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we were particularly interested in catching this show since we've all been to Sweden and seen the actual Vasa ship in person!

GUEST REVIEW

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

The Ship and The Sea expertly blends beauty and tragedy into a delightful little performance. In this show, we follow the Swedish Vasa ship, the Sea, and two captains (one rightful, one involuntary) as they finish the ship’s construction and embark on her maiden voyage. This performance was masterful in developing a sense of slow but gentle impending doom. The sea understands that it will swallow the ship and the captains recognize that it is not safe, but everyone acknowledges that it must be launched. Luckily, it was gentle enough not to leave anyone sobbing like other tragedies might. 

The cast of THE SHIP AND THE SEA. Photo by Chris Bower

In The Ship and The Sea, there is not a ton of plot, but luckily it doesn’t need it. There aren’t any big flashy moments or dramatic reveals, but instead, the story is presented through a multitude of monologues and deep conversations. This slower pacing lets the audience sit with each moment and reflect on it as it happens. We are really given the time to get to know each character and learn what motivates them, how they feel about themselves, the other characters, and the situation they find themselves in. 

(L to R)  Andrew Schoen, Vicki Walden and  Kristy Lockhart. Photo by Chris Bower

(L to R) Kristy Lockhart and Andrew Schoen. Photo by Chris Bower

Some things we appreciated about the performance were the characters, the music, and the tone. All of the characters were well thought out and established. We especially liked the childlike naiveté of the ship and how she grew throughout the show. It was also neat to watch the characters during non-speaking moments, as both of the inanimate characters were on stage the entire time. The musical interludes were beautiful and gave the perfect quick neat transition between scenes. I also adore the sound of a piano paired with a banjo or ukelele, and can always appreciate the humor that comes with playing a kazoo. And finally, the performers gracefully weave humor into many of their touching moments. Despite portraying a tragedy the audience was given the time to laugh and have fun. 

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and graduate of Northwestern University's theatre program.

(L to R)  Andrew Schoen, Vicki Walden and  Kristy Lockhart. Photo by Chris Bower

Curious Theatre Branch, is proud to present the world premiere of The Ship and The Sea, written and directed by Chris Bower, September 6 - 29, at Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. Opening night is Friday, Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets for The Ship and The Sea can be found at CuriousTheatreBranch.com. Tickets are priced on a “pay what you can” scale, with a suggested price of $20. 

Chris Bower’s The Ship and The Sea reimagines the infamous sinking of the 17th- century Swedish warship Vasa moments after it set sail on its maiden voyage and less than 1500 yards from its port.The story is told from the perspective of the ship, too big, beautiful, and young to fail, the sea, unable to relate to any of the creatures that live and die in her body and two sailors struggling to make sense of their own short lives. Funny and profound, the play echoes our current moment of hubris and dismay. 

The cast of The Ship and The Sea includes Lola Zimmerman (she/her, The Ship); Vicki Walden (she/her, The Sea); Kristy Lockhart (she/her, Captain Gamel); Andrew Schoen (he/him, Ordinary Seaman Ny); Paul Brennan (he/him, Ghost Narrator #1) and Lena Brun (she/her/they/them, Ghost Narrator #2).

The production team includes Chris Bower (he/him, writer/director); Charlotte Lastra (she/her, asst. director/stage manager); Jayita Bhattacharya (she/her, movement specialist); Vicki Walden (she/her, music); Matt Test (he/him, sound/music); Lena Brun (she/her/they/them, sound/music) and Paul Brennan (sound/music).

(L to R) Andrew Schoen, and Kristy Lockhart. Photo by Chris Bower

ABOUT CHRIS BOWER,  PLAYWRIGHT AND DIRECTOR

Chris Bower is a teacher, playwright and the author of the short story collection “Little Boy Needs Ride” (Curbside Splendor)  and the novella “The Family Dogs,” which was part of the “My Very End of the Universe” novella collection published by Rose Metal Press. He is also the curator and host of The Ray’s Tap Reading Series and his work has been featured at pretty much every Rhinoceros Theater Festival since 2005. Past plays include Siberian Mouth (Bruised Orange), Mascot (Found Objects), Birthday Boy (Curious Theatre Branch) and his imaginary Logan Square fine-dining series Cafe Neckbeard, which featured at Rhino Fests 2018-2022. He is a proud ensemble member of Curious Theatre Branch. 

ABOUT CURIOUS THEATRE BRANCH

Curious Theatre Branch is dedicated to the creation of new plays and performances and to the production of the annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival. Curious aims to promote innovative works of the imagination in the performing arts from a broad and inclusive spectrum of artists and are also devoted to mentoring programs that engage emerging artists as a way to enrich and expand our artistic community.  We are committed to creating and producing new plays and performances in a collaborative manner, encouraging our members as artists to share decision making and responsibilities, while expanding their skills as writers, actors, designers, directors, and arts administrators.  Curious also is committed to the idea that a pay what you can pricing policy is sustainable and will suffice over the long term as an economic model.

Curious Theatre Branch, is proud to present the world premiere of The Ship and The Sea, written and directed by Chris Bower, September 6 - 29, at Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. The regular performance schedule is Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets for The Ship and The Sea are at CuriousTheatreBranch.com. Tickets are priced on a “pay what you can” scale, with a suggested price of $20. 

Star Studded Cast to Helm Pinter's Betrayal at Goodman Theatre February 8 – March 16, 2025

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TONY AWARD-WINNER ROBERT SEAN LEONARD MAKES HIS GOODMAN THEATRE DEBUT IN BETRAYAL

WITH HELEN HUNT AND IAN BARFORD, DIRECTED BY SUSAN V. BOOTH

***BOOTH’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF HAROLD PINTER’S FAMED MASTERWORK APPEARS FEBRUARY 8 – MARCH 16, 2025; TICKETS GO ON SALE NOVEMBER 22 ***

The “eternal triangle” is complete! Artistic Director Susan V. Booth announces that stage and screen star Robert Sean Leonard joins her upcoming production of Betrayal by Nobel Prize-winner Harold Pinter—slated to appear as Jerry alongside the previously announced cast members Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Helen Hunt (as Emma) and Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Ian Barford (as Robert)—for the Goodman’s major revival of Harold Pinter’s classic work this winter. Leonard, a Tony Award winner (for The Invention of Love) whose most recent notable theater credits include At Home at the Zoo (Signature Theatre), Richard II (Old Globe Theatre) and Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George, made his film debut in Dead Poet’s Society at age 19. He earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for his portrayal of ‘Dr. James Wilson’ on the iconic Fox medical drama House alongside Hugh Laurie. Susan V. Booth’s revival of Betrayal by Harold Pinter appears February 8 – March 16, 2025 in Goodman Theatre’s 856-seat Albert Theatre. Tickets are now available through Goodman Membership; call 312.443.3800 or visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Connect. Single tickets go on sale November 22. The Goodman is grateful for the support of Northern Trust (Lead Corporate Sponsor).

“Robert Sean Leonard is one of the consummate stage actors of our generation, and the opportunity to complete the Betrayal triangle – populated by Helen and Ian already – with an actor of Robert’s caliber just delights me,” said Susan V. Booth, whose major revival of Pinter’s masterwork follows her acclaimed directorial debut as Goodman Theatre Artistic Director this past season with Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad.

Emma, Robert and Jerry have history. As Emma’s marriage to Robert comes to an end, she reconnects with Jerry, her former lover—and her husband’s best friend. The action unspools backward in time, uncovering hidden truths and revealing how little we know about those we think we know so much about. Acclaimed stage and screen actor Helen Hunt (Mad About You, As Good As It Gets) makes her Goodman debut in this “elegy about time and memory (where) the greatest dramatic weight lies in what’s unspoken, in the darkness of unsorted feelings” (New York Times).

Robert Sean Leonard’s additional screen appearances include ‘President Harry Truman’ in the Showtime limited series The First Lady and has had recurring roles on the TNT series Falling Skies and the NBC series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Film credits include Much Ado About Nothing, The Age of Innocence, The I Inside, Mr. and Mrs. Bridge, Swing Kids, Tape, Chelsea Walls and Whit Stillman’s The Last Days of Disco. London theater credits include Our Town and ‘Atticus Finch’ in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Additional Broadway appearances include Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Tony nomination), Born Yesterday, The Violet Hour, The Music Man, The Iceman Cometh, Arcadia, Candida (Tony nomination), Philadelphia, Here I Come!, The Speed of Darkness, Breaking the Code and Brighton Beach Memoirs. He worked on the Ridley Scott-produced mini-series The Hot Zone for National Geographic Television, based on Richard Preston’s bestselling book about the Ebola virus, and has recently wrapped 10 episodes on HBO’s The Gilded Age S2.

Helen Hunt has  enjoyed a distinguished  career not only as an  award-winning actor, but as an accomplished writer, director and producer. As an actress, her extensive and diverse body of work includes roles in film, theater and television. Hunt’s latest role is as Rainey in Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal’s Blindspotting, a television adaptation of the acclaimed film of the same name. The series garnered a nomination for the Best New Scripted Series at the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Hunt can next be seen in the upcoming season of HBO Max’s Hacks American comedy-drama television series created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky. 

In 2022, Hunt undertook a residency at The Old Vic Theatre, portraying a character in Eureka Day. This play delves into the lives of parents serving on the Executive Committee of a progressive private school in Berkeley, California. When faced with a public health crisis, their professed acceptance of diversity is put to the test, revealing their true nature. Written by Jonathan Spector and directed by Katy Rudd, this production marks the European premiere of a highly acclaimed narrative. Alongside Hunt, the cast included Kirsten Foster, Mark McKinney, Ben Schnetzer and Susan Kelechi Watson. 

In 2019, Hunt revived her role as Jamie Buchman for another season of the hit show Mad About You opposite Paul Reiser. The show  returned  as a limited series on Spectrum Originals  with all episodes available on demand.     

In 2012 Hunt’s  performance  in The Sessions earned her  an  Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female and  notations  in the same category by the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, SAG Awards, Broadcast Film  Critics’ Awards and the BAFTA Awards.  The film  premiered in competition at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival  and  took home the Audience Award as well as the jury prize for Best Ensemble.   

Other  film credits include: Netflix’s Comedy Candy Jar, Ride (which Hunt also co-wrote, produced, and directed),  Decoding Annie Parker, Soul Surfer, Every Day, Bobby, Then She Found Me (which Hunt  again  also co-wrote, produced and directed),  As Good As It Gets, What Women Want, Castaway, A Good Woman, Woody Allen’s The Curse Of The Jade Scorpion,  Robert Altman’s Dr. T And The Women, Pay It Forward  and Twister.  Hunt can  last be  seen in How It Ends, Michael Cristopher’s The Night Clerk and Adam Randall’s thriller I See You. Early  career  film  credits  are: The Waterdance, Kiss Of Death, Mr. Saturday Night, Peggy Sue Got Married, Next Of Kin, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Project X  and Miles From Home. Additional television credits include Mad About You and the critically acclaimed  HBO Miniseries Empire Falls. For her role as Jamie Buchman in Mad About You,  Hunt  garnered  four Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards  (three as lead actress and one as Producer for Best Comedy)  and  a Screen Actors Guild Award.  She was also named “Best Actress” for her role in the film As Good As It Gets for which Hunt won a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Oscar.     

Ian Barford returns to the Goodman stage after 27 years having appeared in All The Rage by Keith Reddin and Design For Living by Noël Coward. On Broadway, Tony nomination and Outer Critics award for his performance in Linda Vista. He originated the role of Little Charles in the Tony-winning play August: Osage County which also played at London's National Theater. Original Broadway company of the Tony-winning play Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Nighttime. Also, The Minutes and The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice. In Los Angeles, several stage appearances at the Geffen and Ahmanson Theaters. Ensemble member at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater, where he has appeared in plays for more than 30 years. 

Harold Pinter was born on October 10, 1930 in the London borough of Hackney, son of a Jewish dressmaker. Growing up, Pinter was met with the expressions of anti-Semitism, and has indicated its importance for his becoming a dramatist. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he was evacuated from London at the age of nine, returning at the age of twelve. He has said that the experience of wartime bombing has never lost its hold on him. Back in London, he attended Hackney Grammar School where he played Macbeth and Romeo among other characters in productions directed by Joseph Brearley. This prompted him to choose a career in acting. In 1948 he was accepted at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. In 1950, he published his first poems. In 1951 he was accepted at the Central School of Speech and Drama. That same year, he won a place in Anew McMaster’s famous Irish repertory company, renowned for its performances of Shakespeare. Pinter toured again between 1954 and 1957, using the stage name of David Baron. Between 1956 and 1980 he was married to actor Vivien Merchant. In 1980 he married the author and historian Lady Antonia Fraser. 

Pinter made his playwriting debut in 1957 with The Room, presented in Bristol. Other early plays were The Birthday Party (1957), at first a fiasco of legendary dimensions but later one of his most performed plays, and The Dumb Waiter (1957). His conclusive breakthrough came with The Caretaker (1959), followed by The Homecoming (1964) and other plays. 

Pinter is generally seen as the foremost representative of British drama in the second half of the 20th century. That he occupies a position as a modern classic is illustrated by his name entering the language as an adjective used to describe a particular atmosphere and environment in drama: “Pinteresque”. 

Pinter restored theater to its basic elements: an enclosed space and unpredictable dialogue, where people are at the mercy of each other and pretense crumbles. With a minimum of plot, drama emerges from the power struggle and hide-and-seek of interlocution. Pinter’s drama was first perceived as a variation of absurd theater but has later more aptly been characterized as “comedy of menace,” a genre where the writer allows us to eavesdrop on the play of domination and submission hidden in the most mundane of conversations. In a typical Pinter play, we meet people defending themselves against intrusion or their own impulses by entrenching themselves in a reduced and controlled existence. Another principal theme is the volatility and elusiveness of the past. 

It is said of Pinter that following an initial period of psychological realism he proceeded to a second, more lyrical phase with plays such as Landscape (1967) and Silence (1968) and finally to a third, political phase with One for the Road (1984), Mountain Language (1988), The New World Order (1991) and other plays. But this division into periods seems oversimplified and ignores some of his strongest writing, such as No Man’s Land (1974) and Ashes to Ashes (1996). In fact, the continuity in his work is remarkable, and his political themes can be seen as a development of the early Pinter’s analyzing of threat and injustice.

Since 1973, Pinter has won recognition as a fighter for human rights, alongside his writing. He has often taken stands seen as controversial. Pinter has also written radio plays and screenplays for film and television. Among his best-known screenplays are those for The Servant (1963), The Accident (1967), The Go-Between (1971) and The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981, based on the John Fowles novel). Pinter has also made a pioneering contribution as a director. 

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director/CEO Roche Schulfer*, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, now in its fourth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s off-Loop theaters.

As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered free of charge for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation of the new Goodman center in 2000.

Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Kimberly Senior, Chuck Smith and Mary Zimmerman. Julie Danis is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Lorrayne Weiss is Women’s Board President and Kelli Garcia is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

*Note: On September 1, 2024, John Collins becomes Executive Director of Goodman Theatre. 

Steppenwolf Theatre's Hit World Premiere PURPOSE Transfers To Broadway in Spring 2025

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Steppenwolf Theatre Company Announces

Broadway Transfer of its Hit World Premiere

PURPOSE

Written by Tony Award Winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

Directed by Two-Time Tony Award Winner Phylicia Rashad

Limited Engagement Begins Previews February 25, 2025 – Opening Mid-March!

"Purpose" playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and director Phylicia Rashad.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, is thrilled to announce its critically acclaimed world premiere of Purpose, written by Tony Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate, The Comeuppance) and directed by two-time Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad (Skeleton Crew, A Raisin in the Sun), will transfer to Broadway in spring 2025.

The Broadway production will begin previews on February 25, 2025 at The Helen Hayes Theater (240 West 44th St., New York) and will officially open in mid-March. Purpose will mark Ms. Rashad’s Broadway directing debut. Tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Purpose is produced on Broadway by David Stone, Debra Martin Chase, Marc Platt, LaChanze, Rashad Chambers, Aaron Glick and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Casting will be announced in the coming months.

Commissioned by Steppenwolf, Purpose enjoyed its world premiere on March 14, 2024 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater, where it opened to rave reviews. The production sold out its initial engagement and extension weeks, becoming one of the highest-grossing shows in Steppenwolf’s nearly 50 year history. 

About Purpose

For decades, the influential Jasper family has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors and congressmen. But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home to Illinois with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith and the legacies of Black radicalism. Spirited, hilarious and filled with intrigue, Purpose is an epic family drama from one of the country’s most celebrated voices.

The Broadway production will feature original Chicago creative team members Todd Rosenthal (Scenic Design), Dede Ayite (Costume Design), Amith Chandrashaker (Lighting Design), Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen (Sound Design) and Jonathan L. Green (Dramaturg). Casting is by JC Clementz, CSA and Calleri Jensen Davis. 

Steppenwolf Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis and Executive Director Brooke Flanagan comment, “Purpose continues Steppenwolf’s legacy of commissioning and developing new plays that expand the American theatrical canon with dynamic, provocative, ensemble-driven work. After our record-breaking run in Chicago, we couldn’t be more thrilled to be bringing Branden’s beautiful play to Broadway. He is not only a genius, but the hottest writer in America. This play, being directed by one of the great artists our time in Phylicia Rashad, is one that we are incredibly proud of and can’t wait for New York audiences to experience.”

About the Creative Team

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Playwright) is a Brooklyn-based playwright and producer and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist. He recently received the 2024 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play for Appropriate, which recently completed an acclaimed, record-breaking, 8-month run on Broadway. Other recent theatre credits include The Comeuppance (Signature Theatre Company, NYC; Almeida Theatre, London); Girls (Yale Rep); Everybody (Signature Theatre); War (Yale Rep; Lincoln Center/LCT3); Gloria (Vineyard Theatre); An Octoroon (Obie Award; Soho Rep, Theatre for a New Audience); and Neighbors (The Public Theater). He currently teaches at Yale University and serves as Vice President of the Dramatists Guild council and on the boards of Soho Rep, Park Avenue Armory, the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, and the Dramatists Guild Foundation. Additional honors include a USA Artists fellowship, a Guggenheim fellowship, the MacArthur fellowship, the Windham-Campbell Prize for Drama and the inaugural Tennessee Williams Award. He is currently writing the book for the upcoming stage adaptation of Purple Rain.

Phylicia Rashad (Director) A two-time Tony Award winner (A Raisin in the Sun and Skeleton Crew), Ms. Rashad’s directing credits include Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Our Lady of 121st Street; Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky; August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (2014 NAACP Theatre Award for Best Director) and Fences; Paul Oakley Stovall’s Immediate Family; Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun; The Roommate; and Four Little Girls. Producing credits include the recent revival of Ossie Davis’ Purlie Victorious on Broadway and PBS film, The Old Settler. Ms. Rashad is Dean Emerita of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

About Steppenwolf Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premiere Ensemble Theater with 49 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions – from Balm in Gilead and Grapes of Wrath to August: Osage County, Downstate and The Brother/Sister Plays – have made this theatre legendary. Founded in 1976, Steppenwolf started as a group of teens performing in the basement of a church. Today, the company's artistic force remains rooted in the original vision of its founders: an artist-driven theatre, whose vitality is defined by its appetite for bold and innovative work. Every aspect of Steppenwolf is rooted in its Ensemble ethos, from the intergenerational artistic programming to the multi-genre performance series LookOut, to the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education and Engagement which serves nearly 15,000 teens annually. While 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. Steppenwolf also holds accolades that include the National Medal of Arts, 12 Tony Awards, and more. Led by Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Executive Director Brooke Flanagan and Board of Trustees Chair Keating Crown – Steppenwolf continually redefines the landscape of acting and performance.

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.

CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR GOODMAN THEATRE’S INHERIT THE WIND AND PRIMARY TRUST

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COMPLETE CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR GOODMAN THEATRE’S 2024/2025 

SEASON OPENERS: HENRY GODINEZ’S REVIVAL OF 

INHERIT THE WIND

AND EBONI BOOTH’S 

PRIMARY TRUST 

DIRECTED BY MALKIA STAMPLEY

***OPENING NIGHT DATES SET FOR THE PRODUCTIONS IN GOODMAN THEATRE’S 99TH SEASON, 

LED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SUSAN V. BOOTH AND INCOMING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOHN COLLINS***

This fall, Goodman Theatre draws nationally acclaimed actors and local rising stars to its 2024/2025 Season opening productions—a major new reivival of a three-time Tony Award-winning masterwork and the Chicago-premiere production of a newly minted Pulitzer Prize-winner. The 99th year of Chicago’s flagship not-for-profit producing theater kicks off with a new production of Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, directed by Resident Director Henry Godinez, in the 856-seat Albert Theatre, while Goodman BOLD Artistic Producer Malkia Stampley makes her Goodman directing debut with Primary Trust, Eboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Complete casting for these productions, plus the opening night dates for each play in the upcoming season, follows. Goodman Theatre is led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and John Collins, who becomes Executive Director on September 1. 

In the Albert Theatre, science and religion go head-to-head in Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s iconic courtroom showdown where a small-town educator’s trial for teaching the theory of evolution becomes a battle royal of wits, wisdom and will for two of the country’s most powerful lawyers. Joining the previously announced Harry Lennix (attorney Henry Drummond) and Alexander Gemignani (prosecuting attorney Matthew Harrison Brady) are Charín Álvarez (2666), Terry Bell (A Christmas Carol), Hamid Dehghani (English), William Dick (A Christmas Carol), Meighan Gerachis (Roe), Lawrence Grimm (2666), Kevin Gudahl (King Lear), Presley Rose Jones (The Who’s Tommy), Christopher Kale Jones (The Music Man), Mi Kang (The Chinese Lady), Ryan Kitley (Roe), Tyler Meredith (The Penelopiad), Thomas Murphy Molony (Highway Patrol), Christopher Llewyn Ramirez (LUCHA TEOTL), Robert Schleifer (A Christmas Carol), Eric Slater (The Cherry Orchard) and Penelope Walker (A Christmas Carol). Inherit the Wind appears September 14 — October 13 (opening night is Monday, September 23 at 7pm. Tickets ($25 - $95; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Inherit or by phone at 312-443-3800. Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of JP Morgan Chase & Co. and Winston & Strawn.

“Inherit The Wind is a deeply meaningful play for me, not only because it was the first professional play that I saw as a freshman in high school, but also because of the remarkable timeliness of its powerful themes and their uncanny reflection of this current moment in our nation’s history,” said director Henry Godinez. “It is a great American play that I’m honored to help bring to life with some of the greatest actors in Chicago, led by my old friend, the always amazing Harry Lennix.  I am beyond excited to share this thought provoking and incredibly moving play with Chicago audiences!”

In the Owen Theatre, Eboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning production Primary Trust, directed by Goodman BOLD Artistic Producer Malkia Stampley makes its Chicago debut with an all-Chicago cast—starring the previously announced Namir Smallwood as the reclusive Kenneth, whose job loss prompts him to step out of his comfort zone in a journey of self-discovery. Smallwood is joined by Christiana Clark (the ripple, the wave that carried me home), Charles Andrew Gardner (Objects in the Mirror), Mike Przygoda (Rust) and Fred Zimmerman (Bounce). Primary Trust appears October 5 — November 3 (opening night is Monday, October 14 at 7pm. Tickets ($20 - $65; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Primary or by phone at 312-443-3800. Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of the Goodman Women’s Board, Bold Theater's Women's Leadership Circle, Conagra Brands Foundation and The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust.

“I'm always drawn to plays that push the boundaries of empathy, that interrogate love and grief, friendship and longing, and do so in subtle and profound ways,” said Malkia Stampley, who makes her Goodman directing debut with this production. “Primary Trust is the kind of play that sticks with you, that days later you find has allowed you to look at the world differently, even if just for a moment. I am truly honored to be able to direct the Chicago premiere with our city’s finest!"  

FULL COMPANY OF Inherit the Wind (in alphabetical order)

In the Albert Theatre

By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

Directed by Henry Godinez

Charín Álvarez…Mrs. Brady

Terry Bell…Sillers

Hamid Dehghani…Storekeeper

William Dick...Mayor

Alexander Gemignani… Matthew Harrison Brady

Meighan Gerachis…Elijah

Lawrence Grimm…Dunlap

Kevin Gudahl…Judge

Presley Rose Jones…Melinda

Christopher Kale Jones…Tom Davenport

Mi Kang…E.K. Hornbeck

Ryan Kitley…Reverend Jeremiah Brown

Harry Lennix…Henry Drummond

Tyler Meredith…Rachel Brown

Thomas Murphy Molony…Howard

Christopher Llewyn Ramirez…Bertram Cates

Robert Schleifer…Meeker

Eric Slater…Mr. Bannister

Penelope Walker…Mrs. Krebs

Understudies for this production include Chase Clevenger, Theo Gyra, Hannah Kato, John Lister, Michael Milligan, Kailey Danielle Morand, Aila Peck, Alex Benito Rodriguez, Eric Slater and Cedric Young. 

Creative Team

Set Designer…Collette Pollard

Costume Designer…Jessica Pabst 

Lighting Designer…Jason Lynch

Sound Designer and Composer….Richard Woodbury

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Neena Arndt is the Dramaturg. Nikki Blue is the Production Stage Manager and Krista Kanderski and Beth Koehler are the Stage Managers.

FULL COMPANY OF Primary Trust (in alphabetical order)

In the Owen Theatre

By Eboni Booth

Directed by Malkia Stampley

Christiana Clark…Corrina/Wally’s Waiter/Bank Customers

Charles Andrew Gardner…Bert

Mike Przygoda…Onstage Musician

Namir Smallwood…Kenneth

Fred Zimmerman…Clay/Sam

Understudies for this production include Daniel Ajak, Victoria Angelica Cruz, Sam Hyson, Christopher Meister and Keith Surney.

Creative Team

Associate Director…Ericka Ratcliff

Set Designer…Lex Liang

Costume Designer…Yvonne Miranda 

Lighting Designer…Heather Gilbert

Sound Designer and Composer….Brandon Reed 

Composer…Mike Przygoda

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA. Lena Romano is the Dramaturg. Pat Fries is the Production Stage.

2024/2025 SEASON OPENING NIGHT DATES 

In the Albert Theatre

Inherit the Wind

Opening Night: September 23 at 7pm

47th Annual A Christmas Carol

Opening Night: November 24 at 7pm

Betrayal

Opening Night: February 17 at 7pm

BUST

Opening Night: April 28 at 7pm

The Color Purple

Opening Night: June 30 at 7pm

In the Owen Theatre

Primary Trust

Opening Night: October 14 at 7 pm

Fat Ham

Opening Night: January 21 at 7pm

The Antiquities

Opening Night: May 12 at 7pm

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director/CEO Roche Schulfer, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earner two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and nearly 200 Joseph Jefferson Awards, among other accolades. 

The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of theatrical practice, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand and empathize with cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

Goodman Theatre was built on the traditional homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations. We recognize that many other Nations consider the area we now call Chicago as their traditional homeland—including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo and Mascouten—and remains home to many Native peoples today. While we believe that our city’s vast diversity should be reflected on the stages of its largest theater, we acknowledge that our efforts have largely overlooked the voices of our Native peoples. This omission has added to the isolation, erasure and harm that Indigenous communities have faced for hundreds of years. We have begun a more deliberate journey towards celebrating Native American stories and welcoming Indigenous communities. 

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Julie Danis is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Lorrayne Weiss is Women’s Board President and Kelli Garcia is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals. 

Tony Award Winning 1776 On Stage at Marriott Theatre Through October 13, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Marriott Theatre Presents

  1776

Courage, Conviction, and the Birth of a Nation

With election season comes 1776, winner of multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical, previewing on Wednesday, August 21, opening on Wednesday, August 28 at 7:30pm and running through October 13, 2024 at Marriott Theatre. Directed by Nick Bowling, (Marriott Theatre: The Sound of Music, Ragtime, Man of La Mancha; TimeLine: The History Boys and The Normal Heart; Porchlight Music Theatre: Sondheim on Sondheim; recipient of eight Jeff Awards for outstanding direction) with choreography by Tanji Harper and Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson, this musical celebrates the inception of the nation through the trials and tribulations of our founding fathers as they craft the Declaration of Independence.

Summer, 1776 - The nation is ready to declare independence...if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! Witness the forging of America as the likes of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson struggle, through courage and conviction, to lead the young nation to independence. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the people behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, charming, and often petty, determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation. The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this funny, insightful and compelling drama.

 “I’m not sure there’s a better show for this moment,” said director Nick Bowling. “Rather than rigidly replicating historical details of Independence Hall, we hope this production will capture the feeling in that room…the fragmented political landscape, the spiraling nature of debate, and the monumental task of upholding democracy - all the while, embracing the humor and wit which has made 1776 a favorite of so many people.”

1776 will star Tyrick Wiltez Jones as “John Adams” (Broadway/New York: Bat Out of Hell, Finian’s Rainbow, Hairspray; National: Miss Saigon, Seussical, Fosse, and Show Boat); Richard R. Henry as “Benjamin Franklin” (Marriott Theatre: Man of La Mancha; New York: Streets of New York, Drift, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Fiorello); and Erik Hellman as “Thomas Jefferson” (Marriott Theatre: The Sound of Music; Court: Proof (Jeff Nom.) and The Mystery of Irma Vep (Jeff Nom.); TV: “Chicago Fire”, "Mrs. America”, “Fargo”) with Katherine Thomas (Marriott Theatre: Ragtime and Darling Grenafine) as “Abigail Adams,” Alicia Kaori (Broadway: Sweeney Todd and The King & I) as “Martha Jefferson and Joseph Hewes,” Heidi Kettenring as “John Dickinson,” Matthew Hommel as “Edward Rutledge,” and Lucy Godinez as “Richard Henry Lee,” alongside Neala Barron, Jesse Bhamrah, Patrick Byrnes, Lillian Castillo, Danielle Davis, Teddy Gales, Joel Gelman, Dan Gold, Karl Hamilton, Ed Kross, Gabrielle Lott-Rogers, Michael Earvin Martin, Austin Nelson Jr., Mary Robin Roth, Nancy Voigts, and Jay Westbrook with understudies Kelli Harrington, Kavin Moore, Nathe Rowbotham, and Savannah Sinclair. 

The artistic team features Associate Director DeRon Williams, Scenic Designer Regina García, Costume Designer Theresa Ham, Wig Designer Miguel Armstrong, Dramaturg Carol Ann Tan, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Sound Designer Michael Daly, Props Designer Sally Zack, Intimacy Director Katie Johannigman, and Dialect Coach Sammi Grant, with Stage Manager Jessica Banaszak, Assistant Stage Manager Richard Strimer and Conductor Brad Haak.

1776 is scheduled to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. 

Ticket prices start at $63 (excluding tax and fees). Call for dinner-theatre, student, senior, and military discounts. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Reservations are strongly recommended, please ask about the Theatre Prix Fixe menu. 

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.tickets.marriotttheatre.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

 

Collaboraction’s BIPOC Youth Ensemble To Perform at Kidzapalooza and More

 ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Collaboraction’s The Light youth ensemble to bring  live summer performances with a side of social justice to Kidzapalooza, Austin, Rogers Park and Englewood

Collaboraction Theatre has long  Collaboraction Theatre’s new 2024 cohort for its youth ensemble The Light features 11 multi-talented, BIPOC young artists/activists from all over the city. They're ready to go on tour this summer performing original works of music, dance, comedy, poetry and spoken word. And each one of them has something important to say. Meet The Light 2024 cohort - Adalys, Ameeor, Aura, Carrington (aka Iced Strawberry Cream), GG, Marlen, Mercedes, Montiara, Samantha, Sathvik and Serenity. Watch and listen to their first public outing, live, in-studio on Collaboraction Radio on June 29. Currently, The Light is learning from Collaboraction company members, staff and teaching artists about the intersection of live performance and social change, while creating original, solo and ensemble works rooted in their own, personal social justice cause.  Ranging in age from 15 to 18, they’re doing it all under the guidance of legendary Chicago Hip Hop artist, Pinqy Ring, Collaboraction’s new Director of Youth Programming, and Teaching Artist Assistant Linda Sol.  Additionally, all of the youth are earning equitable pay while participating in Collaboraction’s youth program, including meetings, rehearsals and performance time.

"What an exciting time to be a musician and mentor in Chicago, with this incredible group of young people who get paid to create new art around social justice themes and tour it across the city!,” says Pinqy.  “As someone who didn't have access to music mentorship as a youth, I wonder how much further I could have gone if someone, anyone, had taken the time to guide and instruct me. The work we are doing with The Light is truly revolutionary, a reimagining of creative education and a way to teach and care and hold our youth in a way that they deserve. I am excited to witness the ways that they will shine, and to discover how this programming can illuminate what equitable youth programming should look like."

See The Light perform this summer at:  The Light 2023 Summer Parks Tour, July 25-27 The Light will share their message of positive social change citywide with performances at three of Chicago’s most beautiful parks, presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s 2024 Night Out in the Parks series: Thursday, July 25 at 5 p.m. Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St. in Austin Friday, July 26 at 5 p.m. Loyola Park, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave. in Rogers Park Saturday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m. Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St. in Englewood Kidzapalooza  Thursday through Sunday, August 1-4 at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St. Collaboraction returns to Kidzapalooza with the Peace, Love and Magic Tent with three interactive shows daily inside an air-conditioned tent. Kids and families can join immersive experiences for kids and families that emphasize respect, belonging and collaboration. Don't miss their roaming circus performers and bubble zone!  Sidebar: Collaboraction Artistic Director Anthony Moseley returns to emcee Kidzapalooza every day at Lollapalooza, Thursday through Sunday, August 1-4, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. For more, visit lollapalooza.com/kidzapalooza. Stay tuned for news about The Luminaries, Collaboraction’s new youth artist-activist program focused on professional development for BIPOC Chicago artist-activists ages 18 - 25. Luminaries, including alums from The Light, will learn about leadership, civic engagement, creative entrepreneurship and social artistry while creating new works to tour across Chicago. The Light is supported by the 2024 Chicago Fund for Safe and Peaceful Communities, the Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, O’Connor Casting Company, AV Chicago and the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series.

Meet the 2024 cohort of Collaboraction's The Light:

Meet Adalys (16, any pronouns), a queer, curly headed performer from Little Village. Adi uses dance and poetry to share aspects of her identity and stories from her community. She was awarded Nexstars’ national trophy for her performance with 8Teenth Hip Hop crew, and you can find her writing in “ChiArts Writes” Volumes 7 and 8, as well in Depaul’s “Blue Book: Best American High School Writing for 2023.” As a member of The Light, Adi aims to perfect her writing skills and advocate for the inclusion of BIPOC people and the awareness of body liberation.  

Ameeor (16, she/her) is an African American singer, actor, songwriter and artivist encouraging social change through the arts. Raised on both the South and West sides of Chicago, Ameeor is passionate about uplifting others and advocating for the destruction of all forms of inequality, discrimination and injustice. Deeply rooted in the performing arts community in Chicago, Ameeor is a student at ChiArts, and a proud member of Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir)'s highest ensemble “Voice of Chicago.”  

Aura (15, any pronouns) is an artivist that speaks love through their music. Being a genderfluid Latinx teen, they strive to be a beacon of light for the people who come after them. Aura has performed at Harris Theater and Jones College Prep. Aura wants to share their story as an Ecuadorian- American, showing just how inspiring they can be. On the big stage and in protest, Aura aims to protect the people who were once like them.

Carrington, aka Iced Strawberry Cream(15, any pronouns), is a multi-talented performer born and grown on the south side of Chicago. She has performed in many school performances, such as their yearly elementary school’s Kwanzaa performance, Chicago High School For The Arts’ curtain call and AAPI showcases, and also at ComplexCon as a part of an art exhibit. She hopes to do more performances centered around Black excellence and empowerment, which is what she has always fought for as a young African American. 

Meet GG (15, she/her), a multi-talented performing artist born in Ethiopia and raised in Chicago on a mission to spread love and body positivity through her artwork. From an early age, Girma was inspired by the visual arts pieces created by her parents, which led her to a love for violin, acting, singing and musical theater. As a member of “The Light,” GG is making new performance pieces about her social justice platforms such as racism, body positivity and feminism.  

Marlen (15, she/her) is a Latina artist from Chicago that utilizes her passion for musical theater to amplify the social justice platforms of feminism, climate change, racism and homophobia. She has performed in Alice in Wonderland (2023) and Dear Diary (2024) at ChiArts High School, where she is in the musical theater conservatory. She also is part of the Uniting Voices Choir. Marlen hopes to use her platform to advocate for better opportunities in her southwest side neighborhood, and all around Chicago. 

Mercedes (18, she/her) is a professionally trained dancer who graduated from The Chicago High School for the Arts. Mercedes has choreographed multiple pieces, including the dance section of the Latinx showcase at her school, and was the first-ever student choreographer for the schoolwide musical “Sister Act.” Challenging the stigma that art is not a viable career path, Mercedes creates work that inspires a community of creatives, emphasizing that despite one’s upbringing or obstacles in life anyone is capable of pursuing their passion.

Get to know Montiara (17, she/her), an African American singer and performing artist from the south side of Chicago. She strives to inspire and connect with others, as well as tell stories and create awareness around mental health, climate change and women’s empowerment. Montiara is a student of the vocal conservatory at The Chicago High School for the Arts, and is a part of The Example Setters’ youth poetry team.  

Samantha (15, she/her) is an actor from Hermosa who uses her passion for theater to advocate against gun violence. Samantha has collaborated with prestigious companies such as Goodman Theater and Lookingglass Theater Company. Since placing third in the 2024 August Wilson New Voices city finals, Samantha is focused on experimenting with new roles that are the epitome of her own story, lineage and experiences.  

Sathvik (17, he/him) is a nerd. He is an artist from Chicago who produces plays, boxes and wants to save the world. Sathvik recently stage managed a seven-act short-play festival, Cut To The Chase, at The Artistic Home. He is also credited as Executive Producer on The Shoemakers, Dracula, and Alice in Wonderland. He’ll start at Middlebury College in the fall majoring in International Politics and Economics. 

Serenity (16, she/her) is a 16-year-old African American performer who wants to spread awareness around mental health and racism through her art. She is a multi-faceted artist - dancing and acting - but her strongest suit is her singing. She has been a praise dancer at Christ Universal Temple, and she works at an organization called Angel’s Message that helps immigrants and the unhoused. She hopes to use her platform as an artist to promote change in the world, where people are more positive and open minded. 

Pinqy Ring (aka Marisol Vélez, Director of Youth Programming and Lead Teaching Artist, she/her/ella) is a radical and revolutionary Puerto Rican rapper, decolonizing minds one rhyme at a time and aligning her destiny through Hip Hop. Born and bred in Chicago, she manifests her vision for a more just world as multi-hyphenate MC, Hip Hop Educator, speaker and U.S. Hip Hop Cultural Ambassador - traveling overseas to manage and facilitate Hip Hop diplomacy programming. With philanthropy as part and parcel of her platform, Pinqy prides herself in mentoring the next generation of creative change agents and providing culturally competent consulting to organizations looking to engage youth and explore Hip Hop as a transformative tool. In 2023, Pinqy Ring became a TEDxChicago performer, was featured on NPR, and was named “Best Hip Hop Artist” by the Chicago Reader. Though she is proud of her awards and accolades, Pinqy's most prized possession is the platform she’s purposing for historically excluded communities of the world. Hip Hop has taken her from the 'hood to speaking at Harvard, and Pinqy Ring raps her legacy loudly into place while creating pathways for others to do the same. To learn more about Pinqy, check out her performance at Collaboraction’s recent House of Belonging at Experimental Station.  

Linda Sol (Teaching Artist Assistant, she/her) is a poet turned rapper hailing from the west side of Chicago making waves with her innovative style and captivating lyrics. Her genre-fluid production, intricate flows, and lyrical precision carry listeners through the evolutions of herself, emphasizing the duality of life we all experience. Still early in her career, Sol has had the honor to open for 2 Chains, Dreezy, Omar Apollo, Mereba, Dua Saleh, Phony Ppl, Jamila Woods, A. Chal, Shangela, Samaria, Queen Key, Glorilla, and Phoebe Bridgers. Since then, Sol has taken strides as her own creative director, producing unique and professional visuals to her music. Sol is currently working on her next single "Right Now", set to release later this summer. Until then, here is a video of her amazing spoken word poetry and most recent music video for her song, Woah.

Collaboraction: Changing the map and removing barriers in the theater industry

Collaboraction is a 27-year-old, ethno-diverse non-profit arts organization that builds knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action around oppression and inequity through live theater, film, radio and online interactive programs. Across all platforms, Collaboraction uses its KEDA methodology - Knowledge, Empathy, Dialogue and Action - to spark changes in attitudes and behavior that manifest social change.  In May 2024, Collaboraction announced it will build and open a new home this fall inside the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave. in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community, right off the 606, where Chicagoans from across the city can come together to grow together. Collaboraction’s new “House of Belonging” will feature a 99-seat flexible studio theater and a 50-seat cabaret with a cafe/bar. The 4,000-square foot space will be acommunity hub presenting live theater, spoken word, music, dance, films, workshops and special events.  Collaboraction’s recent work includes the Emmy Award-winning Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till, Moonset Sunrise, Crime Scene, Forgotten Future, Gender Breakdown, PEACEBOOK and SKETCHBOOK. In addition to live performances, community building and video production, the company centers and presents its work in Chicago neighborhoods historically overlooked like Englewood, Austin and Lawndale.  Collaboraction has been honored for innovation and inclusivity with the Foster Innovation Award from Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Multi-Racial Unity Award from the First Unitarian Church-Chicago, a Stand For the Arts Award from Comcast and OvationTV, and an Otto Award from New York’s Castillo Theatre. In 2022, Collaboraction was one of the first theaters in the U.S. to be certified by On Our Team, a national trade organization advocating for pay equity and transparency in the live theater industry.  Collaboraction is lifted up by its growing ranks of Collaboractivists, individuals who support the company’s social change mission with a monthly contribution, starting at just $1. To join, visit collaboraction.org/memberships. Collaboraction is supported in part by AV Chicago, Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation, Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, Paul M. Angell Foundation, Naperville Rotary Club, Field Foundation, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.  To learn more, visit collaboraction.org, tune into Collaboraction Radio, live, every Saturday at 4 p.m. on WCPT AM 820, subscribe to the Collaboraction Radio podcast on