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Chicago Theatre Newsroom

The latest news on live theatre in Chicago from Broadway shows on tour to regional theatre.

Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Goodman
by Zac Thriffiley - December 04, 2025
This year's timeless and timely production, under the thoughtful yet daring direction of Malkia Stampley, runs through December 31.
Review: ELF THE MUSICAL at Broadway In Chicago
by Rachel Weinberg - December 04, 2025
Thanks to Buddy the Elf, ELF THE MUSICAL has plenty of holiday cheer. Jack Ducat has large shoes to fill as the beloved film character Buddy, a now adult man raised on the North Pole by Santa (Andrew Hendrick) and his elves— who must then venture into the wilds of New York City to meet his human father. Will Ferrell’s performance in the original 2003 film is embedded in the holiday movie zeitgeist — so it’s a big ask.
Tickets to THE OUTSIDERS in Chicago on Sale This Week
by BWW News Desk - December 04, 2025
Broadway In Chicago has revealed that single tickets for the Tony Award winning Best Musical, THE OUTSIDERS, based on the seminal novel by S.E. Hinton and Francis Ford Coppola's landmark motion picture will go on sale.
Open Space Arts' To Extend Run Of Chicago Premiere Of DORIAN
by BWW News Desk - December 04, 2025
Open Space Arts will extend the run of its Chicago Premiere of DORIAN, by by one week, adding three performances. Open Space Arts' DORIAN is directed by 20-year veteran Chicago director, actor, and playwright Aaron Holland.
Engage Dance Theatre Brings THE NUTCRACKER to Raue Center For The Arts
by BWW News Desk - December 04, 2025
Raue Center For The Arts will welcome the return of Engage Dance Theatre’s holiday classic, The Nutcracker, running December 19–21, 2025. Learn more about the production here!
Nick Colletti, Marcus Monroe, Doughboys, Kevin Nealon and More Come to The Den Theatre in January 2026
by BWW News Desk - December 03, 2025
The Den Theatre has announced its January 2026 programming at its Wicker Park location. The month will feature stand-up, podcasts, solo shows, and comedy award events across multiple stages.
Steppenwolf Theatre Reveals LookOut's Spring 2026 Season
by BWW News Desk - December 03, 2025
Steppenwolf's LookOut Series launches into 2026 with a line-up featuring vital work from Chicago's dance, cabaret and music artists. With eight distinct programs over the course of two months, the city's artistic communities is on display.
SUZY EDDIE IZZARD TALKS SHAKESPEEARE N'STUFF [FORSOOTH] is Coming to Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by BWW News Desk - December 03, 2025
Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present a one-night-only benefit event: Suzy Eddie Izzard Talks Shakespeare N’Stuff [Forsooth] in January in The Yard.
Marriott Theatre To Present NEW YEAR'S ROCKABILLY EVE
by BWW News Desk - December 02, 2025
Marriott Theatre's special event for New Year's Eve will be NEW YEAR'S ROCKABILLY EVE, FEATURING THE CAST OF MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS – a one-of-a-kind evening of classic rock ‘n' roll tunes from a bygone era.
Elvis Tribute With Jimmy Holmes & The Change Of Habit Tribute Band is Coming to Raue Center
by BWW News Desk - December 02, 2025
Fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll won’t want to miss a night of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits when World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist Jimmy Holmes takes the stage with the legendary Change of Habit Tribute Band at Raue Center for the Arts.
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards; JEKYLL & HYDE Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - December 01, 2025
The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
ELF THE MUSICAL Begins Its Holiday Run At The Auditorium
by BWW News Desk - December 01, 2025
ELF THE MUSICAL will be sprinkling jolly joy as it begins tomorrow at The Auditorium (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) for a limited engagement through December 14 only.
Trap Door Theatre To Present GREEN CORRIDORS by Natalka Vorozhbyt
by BWW News Desk - December 01, 2025
Trap Door Theatre will begin its mainstage work of their 32nd season with a production of Ukrainian Playwright Natalka Vorozhbyt's Green Corridors, directed by Kay Martinovich.
THE BEATLES IN BLOOM Live Concert Event Comes to Raue Center This Month
by BWW News Desk - December 01, 2025
“The Beatles in Bloom: A Musical Journey Through the Seasons of Life,” a live concert event will be performed at Raue Center for the Arts, Wednesday, December 31 at 7 pm.
Cast Set for Pegasus Theatre's 39th Annual Young Playwrights Festival
by BWW News Desk - December 01, 2025
Pegasus Theatre Chicago has revealed the cast and for its 39th Annual Young Playwrights Festival.
The Gift Theatre to Welcome New Ensemble Members and the Return of TEN
by BWW News Desk - December 01, 2025
The Gift Theatre is busy making plans for its 25th Anniversary season, including new ensemble members and a new home for TEN 25th, the company’s annual 10-minute performance festival.
2026 New Stages Festival Lineup Revealed at The Goodman
by BWW News Desk - December 01, 2025
New plays will ring in the new year at The Goodman when the popular annual New Stages Festival returns. This year’s line-up features the newest works by some of the country’s hottest playwrights.
Review: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL
by Tina St. Angelo - November 28, 2025
Don’t forget where you came from. Words spoken by Sam Phillips, founder and owner of Sun Records, to Elvis Presley. The holiday production at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre is Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. It continues the story where Million Dollar Quartet ends.
Photos/Video: SISTER ACT at Drury Lane Theatre
by Stephi Wild - November 26, 2025
Sister Act is now playing at Drury Lane Theatre, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner. Check out all new photos and video from the show here!
CLUE Full Cast Revealed at The Beverly Theatre Guild
by BWW News Desk - November 26, 2025
The Beverly Theatre Guild will present Clue as part of its 63rd season, bringing the classic murder-mystery to the Baer Theater in Chicago. The production will feature a full cast of Chicago-area performers under the direction of Anna Rachel Troy.
ELTON ROHN Tribute Show Comes To Raue Center This December
by BWW News Desk - November 26, 2025
Elton Rohn, led by Ron Camilleri, will perform at Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake on December 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. The group, which has appeared at theatres and festivals across North America, is known for its live performances of Elton John’s early catalogue.
Photos: THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF THE NORTH POLE Holiday Parody At The Clutch
by BWW News Desk - November 26, 2025
Hell in a Handbag Productions is presenting the world premiere of The Real Housewives of The North Pole, a holiday parody written by Artistic Director David Cerda*, directed by Tommy Bullington. Check out photos of the show.
Review: IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS at Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL
by Tina St. Angelo - November 25, 2025
An aptly titled song from one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century, Irving Berlin. The holiday offering at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre is Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Jeff Award-winning director Stephen Schellhardt has created a musical that will stay with you long after the last note is played and the last bow taken.
Video: First Look At IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS at Paramount Theatre
by BWW News Desk - November 25, 2025
Paramount Theatre has released new video highlights showcasing highlights from its upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, including footage from the ensemble’s staging of “Snow,' 'The Best Things Happen When You're Dancing,' and the finale performance of “White Christmas.” 
The Peppermint Patties to Celebrate the Holiday Season With Two Shows in Chicago
by BWW News Desk - November 25, 2025
 The Peppermint Patties are ringing in the holidays with two very different live performances this December in Chicago. The season begins with A Christmas Carol Cabaret, a playful re-imagining of Dickens' classic tale told by the Patties.

Videos


Irving Berlin's White Christmas in Chicago Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Paramount Theatre (11/12 - 1/11) Tracker
A Soulful Motown Christmas Holiday Cabaret in Chicago A Soulful Motown Christmas Holiday Cabaret
Harris Theater (12/13 - 12/13)

CONCERT HOLIDAY SHOW Tracker
Jingle Belles Comedy in Chicago Jingle Belles Comedy
Raue Center For The Arts (12/11 - 12/11) Tracker
Amadeus in Chicago Amadeus
Steppenwolf Theatre Company (11/6 - 1/4) Tracker
RCSA presents A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol in Chicago RCSA presents A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol
Raue Center For The Arts (11/21 - 12/7) Tracker
A Carpenters Christmas in Chicago A Carpenters Christmas
Raue Center For The Arts (12/10 - 12/10) Tracker
Miracle on South Division Street in Chicago Miracle on South Division Street
Citadel Theatre (11/14 - 12/14) Tracker
DISCOUNT
Anthony Rapp: Home for the Holidays in Chicago Anthony Rapp: Home for the Holidays
Lookingglass Theatre Company (12/17 - 12/20) Tracker
Lionel Bart's Oliver! in Chicago Lionel Bart's Oliver!
Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center (5/9 - 5/24)
Engage Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker- Sensory Performance in Chicago Engage Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker- Sensory Performance
Raue Center For The Arts (12/19 - 12/19)
REJOICE! The Springfield Choral Society's Annual Messiah Concert December 6, 2025 in Chicago REJOICE! The Springfield Choral Society's Annual Messiah Concert December 6, 2025
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (12/6 - 12/6)
The Long Christmas Dinner in Chicago The Long Christmas Dinner
Bramble Arts Loft (12/1 - 12/28)
A Black Ensemble Holiday Spectacular 2025 in Chicago A Black Ensemble Holiday Spectacular 2025
Black Ensemble Theater (11/29 - 12/21)
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