Regional Theater of the Week: Goodman Theatre in Chicago, IL

BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre site on the Internet, is excited to announce a new feature to its comprehensive regional coverage - the Featured Regional Theater of the Week! Each week, BWW will introduce its readers to a regional theater located in one of our (over 130!) coverage cities. By exploring these different venues, their history and showcasing the production seasons, BWW continues its commitment to expand our presence in communities and cities across the United States.

This Week's Featured Regional Theater: Goodman Theatre in Chicago, IL

Goodman Theatre, Chicago's oldest and largest not-for-profit theater, has won international renown for the quality of productions, the depth and diversity of artistic leadership, and the excellence of its many community and educational programs. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the Goodman is committed to producing both classic and contemporary works, giving full voice to a wide range of artists and visions. Central to that mission is the Goodman Artistic Collective, a diverse group of outstanding theater artists whose distinctive visions have given the Goodman an artistic identity of uncommon richness and variety. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles-quality, diversity and community-Goodman Theatre seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city.

Goodman Theatre, recipient of the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, is internationally recognized for its artists, productions and educational programs. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the Goodman is committed to producing classic and contemporary works, giving full voice to a wide range of artists and visions.

The current production, THE JUNGLE BOOK, is now playing through August 11, 2013 in the Albert Theatre. Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman reimagines Walt Disney's 1967 animated hit into a wholly original new work for the stage, drawing from both the film as well as Rudyard Kipling's 1894 collection of stories set in the Indian jungle and featuring original Indian-inspired music and dance. As previously announced, 10-year-old Akash Chopra makes his Chicago debut as young "man cub" Mowgli, who comes of age with the help of the anthropomorphic singing and dancing jungle animals; joining him in the role at select performances is Roni Akurati, who most recently appeared at the Goodman as Tiny Tim in the 2011 production of A Christmas Carol.

The 2013/2014 "Dream Season" has also been announced. In the Albert Theatre you'll feel the undeniable tug of ambition in Pullman Porter Blues and experience the sizzling power dynamics of two passionate souls in Broadway sensation Venus in Fur. From Mary Zimmerman's mystical ancient Chinese sorcerers in The White Snake, to the unflinchingly honest portrait of love and betrayal in Rebecca Gilman's Luna Gale, to the enchanting village and timeless romance of Scotland's mysterious Brigadoon the Albert offers a captivating combination of unforgettable tales.

The Owen Theatre brings you the fantasy and joy of family life in Smokefall; the darkly humorous examination of race and romance in Buzzer; and the endless intrigue of the wild and unwieldy web in Ask Aunt Susan. It's a season that will sweep you away with its richly textured stories!

For more information about the Goodman Theatre, visit: http://www.goodmantheatre.org/

Know of a theatre we should feature? Contact christina@broadwayworld.com