Lili-Anne Brown
Birth Place: Chicago, IL
Latest News on Lili-Anne Brown:
Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady and More Join 2026 Encores! Productions (Dec 9, 2025)
Arena Stage Receives Edgerton Foundation New Play Award for FREMONT AVE. (Dec 8, 2025)
Construction More Than 75% Complete on TimeLine Theatre New Home (Nov 19, 2025)
Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady and More Join 2026 Encores! Productions (Dec 9, 2025)
Arena Stage Receives Edgerton Foundation New Play Award for FREMONT AVE. (Dec 8, 2025)
Construction More Than 75% Complete on TimeLine Theatre New Home (Nov 19, 2025)
BIO
Lili-Anne Brown is a nationally-appearing director, based out of her native Chicago, IL. Brown works as a director, actor and educator, and has performed in, directed and produced many award-winning shows, both local and regional. She is the former Artistic Director of Bailiwick Chicago, where she focused programming on Chicago-premiere musicals and new play development with resident playwrights. Recent credits include SCHOOL GIRLS, OR THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY and the world premiere of Ike Holter's LOTTERY DAY at Goodman Theatre; THE COLOR PURPLE (Drury Lane Theatre) and PUT YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER (La Jolla Playhouse). She is a member of SDC, AEA, and SAG-AFTRA, a graduate of Northwestern University and is represented by William Morris Endeavor.
[photo by Joe Mazza @Bravelux]
Photos
(L to R) Percussionist Tony Scandora, Actors Vasily Deris, Karl Hamilton, Greg Zawada, Khaki Pixley, Robert Quintanilla, Sharriese Hamilton, Patrick Byrnes, Curtis Bannister, and Nancy Kolton with Director Lili-Anne Brown and Music Director Andra Velis Si
Date:
05/10/2017
From: Photo Flash: Opening Night of Porchlight's Revisited ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER
(front center) Angela Alise and Desmond Gray with (back, l to r) TJ Crawford, Anna Dauzvardis, Tia L. Pinson and Breon Arzell in Kokandy Productions’ revival of THE WIZ, directed by Lili-Anne Brown with music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Photo by Michae
Date:
03/10/2017
From: Photo Flash: Kokandy Productions Launches Fifth Anniversary Season with THE WIZ
(front, center) Gilbert Domally with (back, l to r) Sydney Charles, Nicole Michelle Haskins, Frederick Harris and Breon Arzell in Kokandy Productions’ revival of THE WIZ, directed by Lili-Anne Brown with music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Photo by Micha
Date:
03/10/2017
From: Photo Flash: Kokandy Productions Launches Fifth Anniversary Season with THE WIZ
(left to right) Gilbert Domally, Chuckie Benson, Sydney Charles, Steven Perkins and Frederick Harris in Kokandy Productions’ revival of THE WIZ, directed by Lili-Anne Brown with music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Date:
03/10/2017
From: Photo Flash: Kokandy Productions Launches Fifth Anniversary Season with THE WIZ
(left to right) Steven Perkins, Chuckie Benson, Sydney Charles and Gilbert Domally in Kokandy Productions’ revival of THE WIZ, directed by Lili-Anne Brown with music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Date:
03/10/2017
From: Photo Flash: Kokandy Productions Launches Fifth Anniversary Season with THE WIZ
(left to right) Sydney Charles, Gilbert Domally, Chuckie Benson and Steven Perkins in Kokandy Productions’ revival of THE WIZ, directed by Lili-Anne Brown with music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Date:
03/10/2017
From: Photo Flash: Kokandy Productions Launches Fifth Anniversary Season with THE WIZ
Productions
Videos
Video: Devin DeSantis and Jessica Vosk Sing 'You Matter To Me' from WAITRESS at The Muny
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-08-03 14:43:24
Video: In Rehearsals for WAITRESS at The Muny, Starring Jessica Vosk
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-07-27 13:26:54
VIDEO: Jessica Vosk & Devin DeSantis Sing 'Bad Idea' from WAITRESS in Rehearsals at The Muny
by Joshua Wright - 2024-07-24 14:59:57
Video: Go Behind The Scenes of The Sets of DREAMGIRLS at McCarter Theatre Center
by Joshua Wright - 2024-02-20 12:41:48
Video: Go Behind The Scenes Of The Dreamgirls Costume Shop For McCarter Theatre Center
by Joshua Wright - 2024-02-14 14:48:50
VIDEO: Get a First Look at DREAMGIRLS at McCarter Theatre Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-01-09 17:25:05
VIDEO: Watch Footage from 'One Night Only Disco' from Goodspeed's DREAMGIRLS
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-12-09 16:19:09
VIDEO: Watch Footage from 'Steppin' to the Bad Side' from Goodspeed's DREAMGIRLS
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-12-09 16:07:55
Video: Watch Lindsay Heather Pearce & Anastacia McCleskey Sing 'Take Me or Leave Me' in RENT at The Muny
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-08-08 17:01:00
VIDEO: Director Lili-Anne Brown Talks SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY as Part of the Goodman Theatre's Intermission Series
by Stephi Wild - 2020-05-01 08:43:49
News
Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady and More Join 2026 Encores! Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025
New York City Center has revealed additional cast members for the 2026 Encores! series, including Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady, Claybourne Elder, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 9, 2025
New York City Center has revealed additional cast members for the 2026 Encores! series, including Rachel Dratch, Wayne Brady, Claybourne Elder, and more.
Arena Stage Receives Edgerton Foundation New Play Award for FREMONT AVE.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 8, 2025
Arena Stage has received the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award for Fremont Ave. by Reggie D. White, directed by Lili-Anne Brown.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 8, 2025
Arena Stage has received the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award for Fremont Ave. by Reggie D. White, directed by Lili-Anne Brown.
Construction More Than 75% Complete on TimeLine Theatre New Home
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2025
TimeLine Theatre Company has confirmed that construction of its new home is more than 75% complete, with sights set on substantial completion of the building in February.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2025
TimeLine Theatre Company has confirmed that construction of its new home is more than 75% complete, with sights set on substantial completion of the building in February.
FREMONT AVE. to Have Two-Week Extension at Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 11, 2025
Arena Stage's world-premiere play, Fremont Ave., will extend two additional weeks. Freemont Ave. is written by Reggie D. White and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, Fremont Ave.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 11, 2025
Arena Stage's world-premiere play, Fremont Ave., will extend two additional weeks. Freemont Ave. is written by Reggie D. White and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, Fremont Ave.
Tickets to TimeLine Theatre's EUREKA DAY to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025
Tickets for TimeLine Theatre Company's Chicago premiere production of the 2025 Tony Award-winner for Best Revival of a Play, EUREKA DAY, written by Jonathan Spector and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, will go on sale.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025
Tickets for TimeLine Theatre Company's Chicago premiere production of the 2025 Tony Award-winner for Best Revival of a Play, EUREKA DAY, written by Jonathan Spector and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, will go on sale.
Review: FREMONT AVE. at Arena Stage
by David Friscic - Oct 20, 2025
The play Fremont Ave., which is now at the Kreeger Theater at the Arena Stage, is an interesting attempt to show the healing effects of intergenerational family bonds. The playwright, Reggie D. White, has attempted to convey a multitude of themes and moods as affects the Plique family as they live their lives in a southern California suburb from 1968 until the 2020’s. As the characters in the play confront their dreams, ambitions, and fears the audience reacted with such interactive yelling and talking back to the stage that the play certainly evoked much response –so much response that I was unable to hear the lines at many times.
by David Friscic - Oct 20, 2025
The play Fremont Ave., which is now at the Kreeger Theater at the Arena Stage, is an interesting attempt to show the healing effects of intergenerational family bonds. The playwright, Reggie D. White, has attempted to convey a multitude of themes and moods as affects the Plique family as they live their lives in a southern California suburb from 1968 until the 2020’s. As the characters in the play confront their dreams, ambitions, and fears the audience reacted with such interactive yelling and talking back to the stage that the play certainly evoked much response –so much response that I was unable to hear the lines at many times.
Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and More to Join City Center 2026 Encores! Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025
New York City Center has unveiled additional cast members for its Encores! series, including Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and more. Learn more about the productions and see how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025
New York City Center has unveiled additional cast members for its Encores! series, including Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and more. Learn more about the productions and see how to purchase tickets here!
Photos: Bradley Gibson, Jerrika Hinton and the Cast of FREMONT AVE. at Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2025
Arena Stage will present Fremont Ave., a searing and soulful new dramatic-comedy where three generations of Black men face off against masculinity, identity, and the weight of silence passed down. Get a first look at the cast here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2025
Arena Stage will present Fremont Ave., a searing and soulful new dramatic-comedy where three generations of Black men face off against masculinity, identity, and the weight of silence passed down. Get a first look at the cast here!
The Drama League Directors Project Opens 2026 Applications
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2025
The Drama League has opened the 2026-2027 applications for The Directors Project, its acclaimed suite of Fellowships, Residencies, and Assistantships for emerging and established stage directors. Learn how to apply!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2025
The Drama League has opened the 2026-2027 applications for The Directors Project, its acclaimed suite of Fellowships, Residencies, and Assistantships for emerging and established stage directors. Learn how to apply!
Cast and Creative Team Set for FREMONT AVE. at Arena Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025
Arena Stage has revealed the cast and creative team for Fremont Ave., a searing and soulful new dramatic-comedy where three generations of Black men face off against masculinity, identity, and the weight of silence passed down.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025
Arena Stage has revealed the cast and creative team for Fremont Ave., a searing and soulful new dramatic-comedy where three generations of Black men face off against masculinity, identity, and the weight of silence passed down.
Video: 'Rocks in My Bed' from PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Sep 3, 2025
Watch Wesley J. Barnes and Derrick D. Truby Jr. perform 'Rocks in My Bed' from PLAY ON! Signature Theatre is now presenting Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Performances run through October 5, 2025 in Signature’s MAX Theatre.
by Joshua Wright - Sep 3, 2025
Watch Wesley J. Barnes and Derrick D. Truby Jr. perform 'Rocks in My Bed' from PLAY ON! Signature Theatre is now presenting Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Performances run through October 5, 2025 in Signature’s MAX Theatre.
Review: PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre
by David Friscic - Aug 23, 2025
Twenty-three songs from the catalogue of the legendary composer and musician Duke Ellington creatively exploding with swinging energy or calming with mellow moods are enough to make one’s mind spin ---but combine this with a creative book by Cheryl L. West (the project was conceived by Sheldon Epps) that is based on playwright William Shakespeare’s famous comedy Twelfth Night, and you have hit the merriment mother lode courtesy of the Signature Theatre.
by David Friscic - Aug 23, 2025
Twenty-three songs from the catalogue of the legendary composer and musician Duke Ellington creatively exploding with swinging energy or calming with mellow moods are enough to make one’s mind spin ---but combine this with a creative book by Cheryl L. West (the project was conceived by Sheldon Epps) that is based on playwright William Shakespeare’s famous comedy Twelfth Night, and you have hit the merriment mother lode courtesy of the Signature Theatre.
Video: First Look At PLAY ON! At Signature Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 22, 2025
A delightful musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits, Play On! is now running through October 5, 2025. See brand-new video of the show!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 22, 2025
A delightful musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits, Play On! is now running through October 5, 2025. See brand-new video of the show!
Photos: PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre First Look Images
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2025
Signature Theatre is now presenting Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Get a first look at photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 20, 2025
Signature Theatre is now presenting Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Get a first look at photos here!
Video: Watch the Trailer For PLAY ON at Signature Theatre
by Michael Major - Aug 20, 2025
Signature Theatre has released the trailer for Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Watch the new video now!
by Michael Major - Aug 20, 2025
Signature Theatre has released the trailer for Play On!, a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits. Watch the new video now!
Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale to Lead HIGH SPIRITS at Encores!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 12, 2025
Tony nominee Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale will star in Encores! High Spirits, the first production of the 2026 Encores! Series. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 12, 2025
Tony nominee Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale will star in Encores! High Spirits, the first production of the 2026 Encores! Series. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
Goodman Theatre, Paramount, and More Nominated For 2025 Equity Jeff Awards
by Stephi Wild - Aug 12, 2025
The Joseph Jefferson Awards will celebrate the 57th Anniversary of its Equity Theater Awards on Monday, September 29. Check out the full list of nominations here!
by Stephi Wild - Aug 12, 2025
The Joseph Jefferson Awards will celebrate the 57th Anniversary of its Equity Theater Awards on Monday, September 29. Check out the full list of nominations here!
Video: Signature's PLAY ON Cast Rehearses 'Take the A Train'
by Michael Major - Aug 6, 2025
Signature Theatre has a video inside rehearsals for Play On!, with the cast rehearsing 'Take The A Train.' Play On! is a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits.
by Michael Major - Aug 6, 2025
Signature Theatre has a video inside rehearsals for Play On!, with the cast rehearsing 'Take The A Train.' Play On! is a musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night and set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits.
Cast and Creative Team Set for PLAY ON! at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for Play On!, conceived by Sheldon Epps. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 16, 2025
Signature Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for Play On!, conceived by Sheldon Epps. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Goodman Theatre
by Rachel Weinberg - Jul 1, 2025
Though THE COLOR PURPLE has a fair share of tragedy, the ending is heartwarming, celebratory, and puts a pin in Celie’s story — and with Brittney Mack at the lead, this musical makes that range of emotions land.
by Rachel Weinberg - Jul 1, 2025
Though THE COLOR PURPLE has a fair share of tragedy, the ending is heartwarming, celebratory, and puts a pin in Celie’s story — and with Brittney Mack at the lead, this musical makes that range of emotions land.
Videos