The Ruffians' BURNING BLUEBEARD Returns to Theater Wit Tonight

The Ruffians have announced the return of their critically acclaimed holiday hit BURNING BLUEBEARD by Jay Torrence, directed by Halena Kays and featuring most of the original cast and creative team. This fantastical tale inspired by Chicago's 1903 Iroquois Theatre fire will play for three weeks only tonight, December 13, 2014 - January 4, 2015 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets for BURNING BLUEBEARD are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150. The press opening is Monday, December 15 at 8 pm.

The remount coincides with the 111th anniversary of the Iroquois Theatre fire. On Tuesday, December 30, the actual anniversary of the legendary fire, The Ruffians will present special performances at 3 pm (the actual time of the fire) and 8 pm.

BURNING BLUEBEARD will feature original cast members Anthony Courser, Molly Plunk, Jay Torrence, Leah Urzendowski and Ryan Walters with Pam Chermansky joining the production.

Inspired by the true story of Chicago's 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, BURNING BLUEBEARD is the story of six singed clown performers who emerge from the burnt remains of history attempting to perform their spectacular Christmas Pantomime once and for all. But this time, they hope to finally reach the true happy ending of their second act and avoid the fateful fire that killed 600 of its audience members. BURNING BLUEBEARD is a whimsical romp with a sensitive heart, a joyful eulogy with a sharp irreverent wit including music, clowning, tumbling, acrobatics and dance. Each night is a vaudevillian delight with a story that excavates the poetic and poignant remains of a piece of Chicago's rich history.

The production team for BURNING BLUEBEARD includes: Dan Broberg (scenic design), Lizzie Bracken (costume design), Mike Tutaj (sound design), Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (lighting design & production manager), Justine Palmisano (stage manager) and JC Widman (assistant stage manager).

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Sound Design - Top 3

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29.6% of votes

2. John Shivers - Chess

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3. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

8.9% of votes

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