Jessica Thebus News

The co-founder of Chicago's Gift Theatre had been acting from a wheelchair since spinal strokes.

The title character's opening soliloquy sets the tone for the despicable acts to come in William Shakespeare's 'RICHARD III,' but it is a later scene in The Gift Theatre's version that packs the biggest punch.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces its 42nd season, including three World Premieres and two Midwest Premieres.  The season kicks off with the Midwest Premiere of Anthony Giardina's political family drama The City of Conversation, critically acclaimed and currently in development as a miniseries for F/X. The season continues with the World Premiere of the charmingly imagined sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Miss Bennet by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, followed by the World Premiere of Faceless by emerging playwright Selina Fillinger, and the Midwest Premiere of By the Water by Sharyn Rothstein, winner of the prestigious 2015 Primus Prize. Closing out the season is the World Premiere of Relativity by Mark St. Germain, the prolific playwright behind the long-running Freud's Last Session.

The Gift Theatre kicks off its 15th anniversary season in March 2016 with artistic director and ensemble member Michael Patrick Thornton starring in William Shakespeare's Richard III directed by Jessica Thebus (Sex with Strangers, Steppenwolf).  The Gift's Richard III will be in Steppenwolf's Garage Theatre (1624 N Halsted St) and runs March 3 - May 1, 2016.  Press opening is Monday, March 7.  www.steppenwolf.org

California Shakespeare Theater concludes its 2015 Main Stage season with King Lear, Shakespeare's most brilliant and profound tragedy, helmed by nationally-acclaimed director Amanda Dehnert, and featuring two-time Tony nominee and film star Anthony Heald (Silence of the Lambs, Broadway's The Elephant Man with Bradley Cooper) in the title role. King Lear plays at the BART-accessible Bruns Amphitheater from September 16 through October 11.

Chicago stage, TV and film star Michael Shannon did the honor of announcing the nominees for the 2014-2015 Equity Jeff Awards. A video of the presentation is available at www.JeffAwards.org.

During last night's Season Release Bash at Fischman Liquors and Tavern, artistic director and co-founder Michael Patrick Thornton proudly announced The Gift Theatre's 2016 season will include: Shakespeare's Richard III to be presented in Steppenwolf's Garage Theatre starring Thornton as the villainous Richard; John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, adapted by Frank Galati; and Melissa Ross' world premiere of A Life Extra Ordinary.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Local Tony and Jeff Award events, 'Shining Lives' shines, major productions of 'City Of Angels' and 'The Secret Garden,' original shows at Lifeline and Theo Ubique, two suburban theaters program 'Spamalot,' House updates 'The Bacchae' and New York gets its talent from where?

Northlight Theatre presents SHINING LIVES, now through June 14, 2015. Below, check out photos from Shining Lives: A Musical, opening this weekend at Northlight Theatre.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents the world premiere of Shining Lives: A Musical. Directed by Jessica Thebus and developed through Northlight's Interplay Series, the musical is adapted from the Northlight-commissioned play These Shining Lives. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from May 8 - June 14, 2015. Shining Lives: A Musical opens tonight, May 15 and 16, 2015.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents the world premiere of Shining Lives: A Musical. Directed by Jessica Thebus and developed through Northlight's Interplay Series, the musical is adapted from the Northlight-commissioned play These Shining Lives. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from May 8 - June 14, 2015. Shining Lives: A Musical opens May 15 and 16, 2015.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans presents the world premiere of Shining Lives: A Musical. Directed by Jessica Thebus and developed through Northlight's Interplay Series, the musical is adapted from the Northlight-commissioned play These Shining Lives. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from May 8 - June 14, 2015. Shining Lives: A Musical opens May 15 and 16, 2015.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The 'Jersey Boys' return, '[title of show]' premieres and CPaz hosts a belt-fest! Plus new works everywhere! Piven Theatre, Northlight Theatre, The Music Theatre Company, Chicago Children's Theatre, FWD Theatre and Porchlight Music Theatre show us our future, plus the world premiere of 'Sense And Sensibility' at Chicago Shakespeare Theater!

Irish Theatre of Chicago, formerly Seanachai Theatre Company, is pleased to announce its 2015-16 Season, featuring a U.S premiere and two Midwest premieres. The company's first-ever three-show season kicks off this fall with the Midwest premiere of Geraldine Aron's touching and comedic one-woman show MY BRILLIANT DIVORCE, directed by Siiri Scott. ITC's 21st Season continues in March 2016 with the Midwest premiere of Gary Mitchell's intense thriller IN A LITTLE WORLD OF OUR OWN, directed by Associate Artistic Director Jeri Frederickson. The season concludes in spring 2016 with the U.S. premiere of Deirdre Kinahan's probing drama SPINNING, directed by Joanie Schultz.

Windy City Playhouse, Chicago's newest Equity theater, has announced the extension of their production of END DAYS. It runs through April 26 at Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents the world premiere of Shining Lives: A Musical. Directed by Jessica Thebus and developed through Northlight's Interplay Series, the musical is adapted from the Northlight-commissioned play These Shining Lives. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from May 8 - June 14, 2015. Shining Lives: A Musical opens May 15 and 16, 2015.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Musicals in unlikely places! 'Carousel' and mariachi opera at Lyric, 'Louis And Keely' at the Royal George, plus one-off shows at the Northlight, Chopin and Court Theatres and Mary's Attic. Coming in 2016: Lifeline, Writers and the Goodman produce 'Northangar Abbey,' 'Company' and 'Wonderful Town!'

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans presents the world premiere of Shining Lives: A Musical. Directed by Jessica Thebus and developed through Northlight's Interplay Series, the musical is adapted from the Northlight-commissioned play These Shining Lives. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from May 8 - June 14, 2015. Shining Lives: A Musical opens May 15 and 16, 2015.

Next Theatre Company presents the second production in its 34th season, Shakespeare's Richard III, directed by Jessica Thebus, at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street.

?Next Theatre Company announces the cast for its second production in its 34th season, Shakespeare's Richard III, directed by Jessica Thebus, at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street. Previews are Saturday, January 3 at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, January 4 at 2p.m., Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 11 at 2 p.m. Press Opening night is Tuesday, January 13 at 7 p.m.