Eric Backus News

The New Colony, under the new artistic leadership of Fin Coe* and Stephanie Shum*, is pleased to launch its 2018-19 season with the world premiere of FUN HARMLESS WARMACHINE, written by Co-Artistic Director Fin Coe* and directed by James Fleming.

About Face Theatre is pleased to announce casting for its Chicago premiere of the poetic and political romance THIS BITTER EARTH, by award winning playwright and McKnight Fellow Harrison David Rivers, directed by Mikael Burke, recipient of the 2017 Princess Grace Award in Theatre.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Bunnicula, a family musical based on the popular children's book by Deborah and James Howe, with adaptation and lyrics by Lifeline Theatre emeritus ensemble member James Sie, music by Doug Wood, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Anthony Kayer. At a showing of Dracula one dark and stormy night, the Monroe family discovers an abandoned rabbit. When they bring him home, resident know-it-all Chester the cat suspects the worst after spying gleaming fangs in the bunny's mouth. And as vegetables start turning up mysteriously drained of their juices, even easygoing Harold the dog wonders if they have a supernatural menace on their hands. Brave the night and dare to embrace our differences in this musical adaptation of the 1979 book by Deborah and James Howe. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs approximately one hour with no intermission.

What happens when a total stranger enters your life and changes it forever? Based on a true story, this Olivier Award winner for Best Play examines the impact of a charming young con man on a mature wealthy woman when she suddenly begins to care for his well-being. (Note: The play includes a brief scene with nudity)

The New Colony, under the new artistic leadership of Fin Coe* and Stephanie Shum*, is pleased to announce casting for its world premiere of FUN HARMLESS WARMACHINE, a journey down the rabbit hole of online masculinity cults written by Co-Artistic Director Fin Coe* and directed by James Fleming. 

Eclipse Theatre Company, the only Midwest theatre company to feature one playwright in one season, will continue their 2018 William Inge Season with Bus Stop, directed by ensemble member Steve Scott.

Eclipse Theatre Company, the only Midwest theatre company to feature one playwright in one season, will continue their 2018 William Inge Season with Bus Stop, directed by ensemble member Steve Scott.

Broken Nose Theatre, recipient of the 2018 Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theatre Award, is pleased to continue its 2018 Season with Sam Chanse's new drama THE OPPORTUNITIES OF EXTINCTION, directed by company member Jen Poulin*, playing June 1 - 30, 2018 at The Den Theatre (2A), 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood.

Broken Nose Theatre, recipient of the 2018 Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theatre Award, is pleased to continue its 2018 Season with Sam Chanse's contemplative new drama THE OPPORTUNITIES OF EXTINCTION, directed by company member Jen Poulin*, playing June 2 - 30, 2018 at The Den Theatre (2A), 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at brokennosetheatre.com. Tickets for all Broken Nose Theatre productions are available on a "pay-what-you-can" basis, allowing patrons to set their own price and ensuring theatre remains economically accessible for all audiences. The press opening is Monday, June 4 at 7:30 pm.

About Face Theatre is pleased to present the Midwest premiere of Bryna Turner's comedy BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, based on the true story of revolutionary academics and lovers Mary Woolley and Jeannette Marks. Directed by AFT Artistic Associate Keira Fromm*, BULL IN A CHINA SHOP will play May 24 - June 30, 2018 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.

The Factory Theater presents the world premiere of The Adventures of Spirit Force Five, playing June 29 - August 11 at the Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St. The new play is written by Jill Oliver and directed by Spenser Davis. Previews are Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 1 at 3 p.m.

Broken Nose Theatre, recipient of the 2018 Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theatre Award, is pleased to continue its 2018 Season with Sam Chanse's contemplative new drama THE OPPORTUNITIES OF EXTINCTION, directed by company member Jen Poulin*, playing June 2 - 30, 2018 at The Den Theatre (2A), 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at brokennosetheatre.com. Tickets for all Broken Nose Theatre productions are available on a "pay-what-you-can" basis, allowing patrons to set their own price and ensuring theatre remains economically accessible for all audiences. The press opening is Monday, June 4 at 7:30 pm.

About Face Theatre is pleased to present the Midwest premiere of Bryna Turner's comedy BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, based on the true story of revolutionary academics and lovers Mary Woolley and Jeannette Marks.

Redtwist Theatre presents Frost/Nixon by Peter Morgan, and directed by Scott Weinstein, featuring Redtwist company member & Jeff Award-winner Brian Parry as Richard Nixon. The show opens Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 3pm (this is also the press opening) and runs Thu, Fri, Sat at 7:30pm; Sun at 3pm, through Sun, May 20.

About Face Theatre is pleased to announce casting for its Midwest premiere of Bryna Turner's comedy BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, based on the true story of revolutionary academics and lovers Mary Woolley and Jeanette Marks.

Lifeline Theatre presents the world premiere of Anna Karenina, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Jessica Wright Buha and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link, based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy.

Lifeline Theatre presents the world premiere of Anna Karenina, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Jessica Wright Buha and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link, based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy.

The United States premiere of Pine, by Jacqui Honess-Martin, directed by Arianna Soloway, December 1 10 in the outdoor Christmas Tree lot at Uncommon Ground Edgewater, 1401 W. Devon Ave. The press opening is Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Performances are Fridays Sundays at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 suggested donation or free with the purchase of a tree*. Tickets may be purchased at FestivePines.com. The running time is currently two hours including the intermission. PLEASE NOTE: Performances take place outdoors. Heaters and blankets are provided, food and drink available for purchase at Uncommon Ground, audience members are encouraged to dress warmly.

The United States premiere of Pine, by Jacqui Honess-Martin, directed by Arianna Soloway, December 1 - 10 in the outdoor Christmas Tree lot at Uncommon Ground Edgewater, 1401 W. Devon Ave. The press opening is Today, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.

indy City Playhouse's critically acclaimed production of Gina Gionfriddo's Becky Shaw has extended its run one week longer, through December 17. Directed by Jeff Award winner Scott Weinstein, the show opened on September 28 to highly favorable reviews, with Chris Jones of Chicago Tribune calling it wise, complex, and really very moving. Funny, too, and Buzz Center Stage deeming the show funny and provocative.