CONSTELLATIONS And More Set for PrideArts 2025–26 Season
The lineup includes a revival of William Finn’s musical A New Brain, the U.S. premiere of the bawdy British panto Rapornzel, and more.
PrideArts has announced a return to a full four-show season for 2025–26, which will also mark the company’s first season in its new home at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted.
The lineup includes a revival of William Finn’s musical A New Brain, the U.S. premiere of the bawdy British panto Rapornzel, a gender-diverse dual-cast production of Nick Payne’s Constellations, and the world premiere of a new work developed through PrideArts’ Queery Playwrights Lab.
Season Overview
A NEW BRAIN
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by William Finn and James Lapine
Directed by Jay Españo | Music Direction by Robert Ollis
August 22 – September 14, 2025
Press Opening: Monday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m.
This life-affirming, sung-through musical by the late William Finn (Falsettos) and James Lapine (Into the Woods) follows a songwriter confronting a serious illness, balancing dreams, memory, and love. Presented shortly after Finn’s passing in 2024, the production opens the season with poignancy and celebration.
RAPORNZEL
By Tom Whalley
U.S. Premiere | Director TBA
November 21 – December 14, 2025
Press Opening: Monday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m.
PrideArts continues its popular holiday panto tradition with a new adult comedy from British playwright Tom Whalley (Sleeping With Beauty, Throbbin’ Wood). Filled with outrageous puns, pop songs, and audience participation, Rapornzel is an irreverent take on the classic fairy tale—strictly for audiences 18 and up.
CONSTELLATIONS
By Nick Payne
Directed by Jay Españo
February 6 – March 1, 2026
Press Opening: Monday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Nick Payne’s acclaimed drama, exploring love and the multiverse through nonlinear storytelling, will be staged with two alternating same-sex casts—one male-male, one female-female—expanding on the 2021 London revival's inclusive reinterpretation of the piece.
QUEERY NEW WORKS FESTIVAL WINNER
Title and playwright to be announced June 20, 2025
Directed by Taylor Pasche
April 17 – May 10, 2026
Press Opening: Monday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
The season concludes with the fully staged premiere of a new play developed through PrideArts’ Queery Playwrights Lab. One script from six LGBTQ+-focused finalists will be selected for production following a public showcase on June 20, 2025.
Venue & Ticketing
All performances take place at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago.
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Tickets: $35 (regular), $25 (previews)
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Seniors/students: $5 discount
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Tickets & more info: www.pridearts.org | 773-661-0770
Season subscriptions and packages will be announced at a later date.
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Disney's The Little Mermaid The Performing Arts Center (7/18-8/02) |
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EWP presents Robbie Fulks & Griffin William Sherry Showcase Raue Center For The Arts (8/07-8/07) |
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Hedwig and the Angry Inch Catalyst Ranch (7/09-7/26) |
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James and the Giant Peach North Shore Center for the Performing Arts - North Theatre (4/22-5/14) PHOTOS |
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Afterlife Music Fest: Story of the Year, Eve 6, The Early November and More! BaseCamp Pub (8/15-8/15) |
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Dirty Dancing: The Musical James M. Nederlander Theatre (9/09-9/20) |
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Cash Money & No Limit Tour: Master P, Birdman, Juvenile & Mannie Fresh Wintrust Arena (11/13-11/13) |
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Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars in Skokie, IL North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie (3/14-3/14) |
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Two Out of Three Falls The Factory Theater (6/04-7/18) |
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Rhythm World 36 Grand Finale - PLATFORM Premieres Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago (8/08-8/08) |