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The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao at Goodman Theatre
Dates: 2/21/2026 - 4/5/2026
📍 Theatre: Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn St 60601
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The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a world-premiere adaptation by Marco Antonio Rodriguez, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Junot Díaz. Directed by Wendy Mateo, the story follows Oscar, a nerdy Dominican college freshman, who, despite his unique struggles and the dark history that haunts his family, seeks love and purpose in both New Jersey and Santo Domingo. The production explores themes of identity, hope, and resilience against the backdrop of cultural expectations and personal desires.
News About The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao at Goodman Theatre
BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA, IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS, and More Nominated For Equity Jeff Awards; Full List
July 23, 2026 In celebration of its 58th anniversary awarding recognition for Equity theater, the Joseph Jefferson Awards announces its nominations for the 2025 –2026 season, including the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and more.
JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN, AMERICAN IDIOT and More Set for Goodman Theatre 26/27 Season
May 20, 2026 Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins have revealed the 2026/2027 Season line-up, beginning this fall. With 12 productions—five world or Chicago premieres, a reinvestigated classic and more.
Video: First Look at THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO at Goodman Theatre
March 18, 2026 Watch a first look video of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao at Goodman Theatre, now running through April 12, 2026.
Review: THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO at Goodman Theatre
March 03, 2026 THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO is a lopsided stage adaptation of Junot Díaz’s 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. While the first act is tight and focuses squarely on the budding relationship between ultra-nerd Oscar Wao and his freshman year college roommate Yunior, the second act incorporates almost all the other key plot points from Díaz’s text. As a result, the first half is a charming and sweet “bromance,” but the second half of this English language premiere (the production was originally produced in Spanish at Repertorio NYC) is sprawling, overlong, and not that engaging. There’s simply no reason this adaptation needed to be almost three hours.
2026 New Stages Festival Lineup Revealed at The Goodman
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.
New Musical ICEBOY!, THEATER OF THE MIND World Premieres and More Set for Goodman Theatre Centennial Season
February 25, 2025 Celebrate a century of innovation at Goodman Theatre with six world premieres, including two musicals, a major cultural attraction, and beloved annual productions. Join us for a year-long citywide event and a festival of new plays from September 2025 to August 2026.
20th Annual NEW STAGE FESTIVAL Announced At Goodman Theatre
October 21, 2024 Five new works—four developmental plays plus one musical in free public readings—are on tap this December for Goodman Theatre's 2024 New Stages Festival, under Artistic Susan V. Booth and Director of New Works Kat Zukaitis.About the Theatre
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What shows are coming up next at Goodman Theatre?
What shows have played recently at Goodman Theatre?
Iceboy! or The Completely Untrue Story of How Eugene O’Neill Came to Write The Iceman Cometh (06/09/26-07/19/26)
Blood Memory (05/02/26-05/31/26)
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (03/28/26-04/26/26)
Holiday (01/31/26-03/01/26)
Revolution(s) (10/04/25-11/09/25)
Ashland Avenue (09/06/25-10/05/25)
The Magic Parlour (09/01/25-08/31/26)
Theater of the Mind (09/01/25-08/31/26)
A Christmas Carol (01/01/25-01/01/25)
Blood Memory (05/02/26-05/31/26)
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (03/28/26-04/26/26)
Holiday (01/31/26-03/01/26)
Revolution(s) (10/04/25-11/09/25)
Ashland Avenue (09/06/25-10/05/25)
The Magic Parlour (09/01/25-08/31/26)
Theater of the Mind (09/01/25-08/31/26)
A Christmas Carol (01/01/25-01/01/25)
What is the history of Goodman Theatre ?
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.
Where is Goodman Theatre located?
Goodman Theatre is at 170 N Dearborn St.
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