Caitlin Dobbins

2025 Black Excellence Awards Nominees Revealed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025

The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago has revealed the 2025 Black Excellence Awards, honoring and celebrating Chicago theatre, dance, music, film, literary, and visual artists. Learn more!

2025 BLACK THEATRE ALLIANCE AWARDS Nominations Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2025

The 2025 Black Theatre Alliance Awards have announced nominations celebrating excellence in Chicago’s African American theatre community. The ceremony will take place October 27, 2025, at the Beverly Arts Center and honor ILesia Duncan with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

CHILDREN OF EDEN IN CONCERT: THE 2022 LIVE CHICAGO STAGED READING To Stream For One Weekend Only
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 11, 2025

Following its acclaimed 2022 staged reading, the Chicagoland Theatre Fund will present a one-weekend-only streaming of Children of Eden in Concert: The 2022 Live Chicago Staged Reading in April 2026.

Pegasus Theatre Reveals Cast of SHAKIN' THE MESS OUTTA MISERY
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 16, 2025

Pegasus Theatre Chicago and Director ILesa Duncan have announced the casting for the revival of playwright Shay Youngblood's Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery.

Jackie Taylor's THE OTHER CINDERELLA to be Presented at Black Ensemble Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2023

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER will conclude its 2023 season with the holiday favorite, THE OTHER CINDERELLA, written and directed by Jackie Taylor.

Black Ensemble Extends A TASTE OF SOUL Through October 29
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 6, 2023

Black Ensemble Theater extends the hit musical revue 'A Taste of Soul' written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks. Experience the evolution of Soul music from its Gospel roots to today's pop culture sensation. Now playing through October 29, 2023.

Review: PASSING STRANGE at Theo Ubique Cabaret
by Kathleen Anwar - Jun 26, 2023

What did our critic think of PASSING STRANGE at Theo Ubique Cabaret? Originally premiering in 2006, Passing Strange is a rock musical that pushes the boundaries of Broadway storytelling and delves into themes of identity, love, and artistic rebellion. The main character, The Youth, embarks on a journey to find “The Real” that takes him from his middle-class Black Los Angeles Church to Amsterdam, and finally to Berlin.  Theo Ubique’s lively rendition brings this coming-of-age story to life in their wonderfully immersive theater.

Cast & Creative Team Set for PASSING STRANGE at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 6, 2023

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the final production of its 25th Anniversary Season, the electrifying Tony Award-winning production, Passing Strange.

Porchlight's RENT Announces Extension Through December 11
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 9, 2022

Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the extension of its production of the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, RENT, with music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson, through Sunday, Dec. 11. Porchlight's production, now playing at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., is directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo, music directed by Dr. Michael McBride and choreographed by Laura Savage.

Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of Porchlight's RENT
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 5, 2022

Porchlight Music Theatre's production of the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, RENT, music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson, at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. has opened, and will run through Sunday, Nov. 27. The production is directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo, music directed by Dr. Michael McBride and choreographed by Laura Savage. Check out the photos here.

Photos: First Look at RENT at Porchlight Music Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 2, 2022

Porchlight Music Theatre is presenting the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, RENT, music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson, at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts through November 27. See photos here!

Porchlight Announces Cast And Creative Team For RENT
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 23, 2022

Porchlight Music Theatre presents the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, RENT, music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson, at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., October 29 - November 27.

Porchlight Music Theatre Adds Performances of BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD At Ambassador Chicago
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 15, 2022

Porchlight Music Theatre has announced a second date added to its Broadway in your Backyard special performance at Ambassador Chicago, a JDV by Hyatt Hotel, 1301 N. State Pkwy, Wednesday, Aug. 10.

The Story Theatre's MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES Extends at Raven Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jul 14, 2022

Due to popular demand, The Story Theatre's Chicago premiere of  Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes is pleased to add one additional week of performances, extending through Sunday, July 24, 2022 on Raven Theatre's Schwartz Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago.

The Chicago Premiere of MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES Is Performing At The Story Theatre This Summer
by Grace Cutler - Jul 1, 2022

The Story Theatre will present the Chicago premiere of MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES, written and directed by Chicago playwright and Governing Ensemble Member Terry Guest. This new play, which explores rebellion and Black liberation through the lens of the French Revolution, will play June 30 – July 17, 2022.

Porchlight Announces The Company For Its Free Summer Concert Series BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 1, 2022

Porchlight Music Theatre has announced the cast for the return of its free concert series Broadway in Your Backyard, July 19 - September 6, as part of Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor's Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

MARIE ANTOINETTE AND THE MAGICAL NEGROES to be Presented by The Story Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 31, 2022

The Story Theatre will welcome back audiences with the Chicago premiere of Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes, written and directed by Chicago playwright and Governing Ensemble Member Terry Guest.

Photos: First Look at the World Premiere Musical NOTES & LETTERS at Underscore Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 11, 2022

Underscore Theatre Company is celebrating its tenth anniversary season with the world premiere of Notes & Letters featuring book, music and lyrics by Annabelle Lee Revak (she/her), based on letters Revak’s great-great grandfather Joe Loula sent to his family upon his immigration to Chicago from Eastern Europe.

Underscore Theatre Presents NOTES & LETTERS World Premiere At The Richard Christiansen Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 1, 2022

Underscore Theatre Company will present the world premiere of Notes & Letters featuring book, music and lyrics by Annabelle Lee Revak (she/her), based on letters Revak's great-great grandfather sent to his family upon his immigration to Chicago from Eastern Europe.

Photos: PUMP BOYS & DINETTES Opens at Porchlight Music Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2021

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre returns to live performances and the launch of its 27th Mainstage season with Pump Boys & Dinettes, now playing through December 12 at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N.