Manny Buckley News

Fresh off the success of Random Acts' Recommended production of The Diplomats, which NewCity called 'timely as ever,' the company will present 2 PILOTS, 2 PLAYS, a reading series by Ben F. Locke. The scripts will be performed live over Zoom each Friday in February.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents the live, online reading of The Lion written and performed by Ensemble member Manny Buckley, as part of “The Room” series. The reading will be live on Friday, January 15 at 7pm Central. The 75-minute reading will be followed by a group discussion.

American Blues Theater will present the live, online reading of Red Bike, written by Caridad Svich, directed by Lavina Jadhwani, and starring August Forman, as part of “The Room” series. The reading will be live on Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm Central. The 75-minute reading will be followed by a group discussion.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, has announced the 2021 Blue Bash, a fundraiser celebrating 35 Years Strong.

THE BROTHERS SIZE is an artful exploration of the obligations put upon its characters. McCraney beautifully reflects on both the societal systems that oppress these three black men, while also deepening the exploration of the personal obligations they feel to one another-and the question of what it means to be part of a brotherhood, whether biological or chosen.

Currently playing its first return to the stage since its celebrated Chicago premiere, Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) presents The Brothers Size by ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney (Academy Award Moonlight, co-creator of MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT) and directed by acclaimed Chicago director Monty Cole.

Returning to the stage for the first time since its celebrated Chicago premiere, Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) presents The Brothers Size

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announces casting for the first four productions of the 2019/20 season featuring previously announced ensemble members Audrey Francis, Tim Hopper, Caroline Neff, Yasen Peyankov and Karen Rodriguez, and the return of Steppenwolf regulars including Michael Patrick Thornton, Cedric Young and Keith Kupferer, along with dozens of Chicago-based actors and an exciting debut by South African stage and screen star Nondumiso Tembe.

FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK ? In a nondescript bar on Christopher Street a revolution was sparked 50 years ago when the LGBTQ patrons decided gathering as a community was not a crime.

The CHICAGO ONE-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL (#1MPF) returns for its ninth year! The marathon evening of one-minute plays by 70 of Chicago's established and emerging playwrights and directors plays two nights only, Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27 at 8 pm at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood.

American Blues Theater announces casting for the World Premiere of Six Corners, written by Keith Huff and directed by Gary Griffin. The production features Brenda Barrie, Ensemble member Manny Buckley, Peter DeFaria, Monica Orozco, Lyric Sims and Byron Glenn Willis. Six Corners runs February 16, 2018 - March 24, 2018 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. The official press opening is February 22, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

American Blues Theater announces casting for the World Premiere of Six Corners, written by Keith Huff and directed by Gary Griffin. The production features Brenda Barrie, Ensemble member Manny Buckley, Grier Burke, Peter DeFaria, Monica Orozco, and Byron Glenn Willis. Six Corners runs February 16, 2018 March 24, 2018 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. The official press opening is February 22, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the lineup for its 2017 - 2018 Season, 'The Beat Goes On.'

American Blues Theater opens its 2017-2018 Season with the Chicago Premiere of Beauty's Daughter by Dael Orlandersmith, directed by Ron OJ Parson, and Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine. Beauty's Daughter runs July 7 - August 5, 2017 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.  The official press opening is Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity Ensemble, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the 2017 Blue Ink Playwriting Festival. 

Led by the incomparable Ted van Griethuysen, The Father forms a palpable connection with the audience as it explores what happens when loved ones, and indeed one's own self, become unrecognizable.

American Blues Theater opens its 2017-2018 Season with the Chicago Premiere of Beauty's Daughter by Dael Orlandersmith and directed by Ron OJ Parson. Beauty's Daughter runs July 7 - August 5, 2017 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.  The official press opening is Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity Ensemble, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, hosts 2017 Ripped: The Living Newspaper Festival on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity Ensemble, announces the appointment of the theater's new Managing Director, Claude Binder. He will begin his tenure at American Blues Theater today, March 6, 2017.