Eric Backus News

Raven Theatre is pleased to announce casting for its a revival of Henrik Ibsen's masterpiece A DOLL'S HOUSE, in a vibrant and progressive new adaptation making its Chicago premiere.

First Floor Theater will continue its eighth season with the Chicago premiere of Will Arbery's dark comedy PLANO, directed by Steppenwolf Ensemble Member Audrey Francis. Presented as part of Steppenwolf's LookOut Series, PLANO will play February 16 - March 27, 2020 at Steppenwolf's 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Casting will be announced shortly. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 13, 2019 at www.steppenwolf.org or by calling (312) 335-1650. The press opening is Thursday, February 20 at 8 pm.

Raven Theatre is pleased to present the world premiere of the heartwarming, family-friendly comedy COLD TOWN/HOTLINE: A Chicago Holiday Story, written and directed by Eli Newell, playing November 30 a?" December 22, 2019 on Raven's 85-seat East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. The press opening is Friday, December 6 at 7:30 pm.

American Blues Theater continues its 2019-2020 Season with the Chicago Premiere of Roan @ The Gates, written by Christina Gorman* and directed by Lexi Saunders. Roan @ The Gates runs January 31, 2020 a?' February 29, 2020 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.  The official press opening is February 6, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.

Following their sold-out run of Come Rain or Come Shine: A Judy Garland Cabaret at Mary's Attic, Brown Paper Box Co., announces the cast, staff, and design team behind Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Tony Award-nominated musical, If/Then.

Raven Theatre is pleased to launch its 2019-20 season with the Chicago premiere of Rachel Bonds' drama SUNDOWN, YELLOW MOON, featuring music and lyrics by The Bengsons, directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle with music direction by Andra Velis Simon. This warm and delicate play with music is an honest look at the hard work of holding a family together and reconnecting with what we've left behind.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, based on the children's book by Bernard Waber, with adaptation by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christina Calvit, music and lyrics by George Howe, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link. While the Primm family is busily moving into their new home on East 88th Street, they are shocked to discover a crocodile in their bathtub! His name is Lyle, he performs tricks, and, oh, he only eats Turkish caviar. The Primm's are quick to welcome Lyle into the family, but not everyone is so thrilled about a crocodile living on the block. Discover the meaning of family in this musical based off the beloved classic by Bernard Waber. This production is recommended for children ages five and up and runs approximately one hour with no intermission. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile runs Saturday, Oct. 19 a?" Sunday, Nov. 24 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press Opening is Sunday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m.) Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children (2-18), and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival (FLMTF) opens its fourth production this season, Working, A Musical. The show runs September 4 through September 21 at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Emerson Park.

Eleven world premiere plays and musicals seen first by Chicago audiences were among those receiving nominations by the Jeff Awards, announced today. A total of 192 nominations were made in 34 categories that honor Chicago Equity theatrical productions that opened between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019. During the 2018-19 season, Jeff Awards judges attended opening nights of 132 Equity productions offered by 43 producing organizations and from these openings, 112 productions were a?oeJeff Recommendeda?? and eligible for award nominations.

Raven Theatre is pleased to announce the world premiere of the heartwarming comedy COLD TOWN/HOTLINE: A Chicago Holiday Story, written and directed by Eli Newell, playing November 30 a?" December 22, 2019 on Raven's 85-seat East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago.

Working, A Musical opens on September 4th at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival (FLMTF). The show runs through September 21st at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Emerson Park.

Raven Theatre announces casting for its Chicago premiere of Rachel Bonds' drama SUNDOWN, YELLOW MOON, featuring music and lyrics by The Bengsons, directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle with music direction by Andra Velis Simon. This warm and delicate play with music is an honest look at the hard work of holding a family together and reconnecting with what we've left behind.

Raven Theatre launches its 2019-20 season with the Chicago premiere of Rachel Bonds' drama SUNDOWN, YELLOW MOON, featuring music and lyrics by The Bengsons, directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle with music direction by Andra Velis Simon. This warm and delicate play with music is an honest look at the hard work of holding a family together and reconnecting with what we've left behind. Casting will be announced shortly.

The Gift Theatre continues its 2019 Season with the Chicago premiere of Hansol Jung'sWOLF PLAY, a messy, funny and disturbing theatrical experience grappling with a wolf, a puppet, and a very prickly problem: What is a family? What do we need from them, today? Is it very different from the things humans have needed from families before?

Sideshow Theatre Company and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble present the Midwest premiere of Selina Fillinger's breathtaking new drama SOMETHING CLEAN, directed by Lauren Shouse, playing June 16 - July 21, 2019 at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.

The Gift Theatre continues its 2019 Season with the Chicago premiere of Hansol Jung's WOLF PLAY, a messy, funny and disturbing theatrical experience grappling with a wolf, a puppet, and a very prickly problem: What is a family? What do we need from them, today? Is it very different from the things humans have needed from families before?

Sideshow Theatre Company and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble present the Midwest premiere of Selina Fillinger's breathtaking new drama SOMETHING CLEAN, directed by Lauren Shouse, playing June 16 - July 21, 2019 at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.

The Gift Theatre announces casting for its Chicago premiere of Hansol Jung's WOLF PLAY, a messy, funny, and disturbing theatrical experience grappling with a wolf, a puppet, and a very prickly problem: What is a family? What do we need from them, today? Is it very different from the things humans have needed from families before?

Sideshow Theatre Company and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble are pleased to announce casting for the Midwest premiere of Selina Fillinger's breathtaking new drama SOMETHING CLEAN, directed by Lauren Shouse.