Emily Werner

Emily Werner is a theatre critic and administrator located in Chicago, IL. Originally from Ohio, she holds a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration from the University of Connecticut and a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Music from the University of Toledo. Her professional experience includes internships with Lookingglass Theatre Company and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, as well as roles as Donor Services Coordinator at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sales Associate at The Auditorium and Outbound Sales Representative at Lyric Opera.

In addition to her writing and administrative work, Emily serves as a Marketing and Audience Engagement Committee board member of Porchlight Young Professionals. Deeply passionate about the performing arts and the city of Chicago, she is committed to expanding access to the arts and helping audiences discover the transformative value of creativity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Emily Werner

First Show:

Beauty and the Beast

Favorite Show:

Suffs

Favorite Stories:

Kokandy’s JEKYLL AND HYDE is a Masterpiece of Musical Theatre and Horror - Kokandy Productions' JEKYLL & HYDE was a wonderful master class of horror and musical theatre. Every company member breathed high energy and it radiated to the audience. It is super exciting that the production will soon be revived through Broadway in Chicago in Fall 2026. A wonderful performance that everyone should run to see.
A Mother’s Story Reclaimed: RSC’s HAMNET at Chicago Shakes - HAMNET is a beautiful piece of art that allows Shakespeare's wife Agnes Hathaway and their children to the center stage. Mixing it all with love, grief, family, and artistic inspiration, this performance is a spectacle to see.
PARADE is an Essential Piece About Injustice in American History - If any musical mirrors the current state of the United States, it is PARADE. The issues of discrimination and injustice is sadly relevant in the entire world as well as the universal themes of hope and love will pull at the audiences' heart strings.
Camp with a Bite: Lazy Susan’s DRACULA Delights - This production was absolutely hilarious. DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS brings both the homage to the iconic vampire along with bringing lovely camp that will will make Monty Python, Mel Brooks and the cast of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW proud. It is a comedy that will leave the audience with sore sides from laughing and wide smiles.
SUFFS Musical: A Triumph of Needed Progress and Equality - My first review for a production in New York. Shaina Taub writes a brilliant script presenting the struggles, successes and flaws of the Women Suffrage Movement. The artistic decision of an all diverse female/nonbinary cast is also perfection in presenting the crucial themes of the musical. It will be exciting for the touring production to come to Chicago.