Nick Sandys News

Over the course of five years, 1300 young people were asked what matters to them, how they see themselves in the world and how to change it. Their texts and drawings became the basis for a new musical play premiering June 23-26 in Chicago.

In the World of Future Perfect, what is a Draglion?  If you said a cross between a Dragon and a Lion, you're more than ready to meet one, along with flutterbys and other creatures in the musical and magical world of Future Perfect. The characters and lyrics of this modern tale of curiosity by librettist Christine Steyer are based on writings and drawings from 1,300 Chicago area school children. 

In October 2014, Christine Steyer embarked on a partnership with Chicago Public Schools: performing opera excerpts for five different classes at Senn High School, and facilitating a space for the students to think and write through what it feels like to be labeled… what words like “Diversity” and “interconnectedness” and “transcendence” mean to them…  and what a future perfect world would look like.

The Magic Flute meets The Wizard of Oz in this fantastical world premiere perfect for all ages! From Bellissima Opera's award-winning Transcendence Series, Future Perfect tells the adventures of Miranette, a curious youth who leaves a forbidding society to go towards a future that she wants to see.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, is continuing its 2021–2022 season with the World Premiere of Mr. Dickens’ Hat, A Play with Music written by Michael Hollinger, directed by David Catlin, with music direction by Chuck Larkin.

Music Theater Works will present 'Billy Elliot: The Musical' at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076) from December 23, 2021 through January 2, 2022 as the final production of the 2021 Season.

First Folio Theatre’s Board of Directors has announced that Founding Executive Director David Rice will be stepping down in the spring of 2024. In conjunction with that decision, the Board has also determined that First Folio will cease operations at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, continues its 2021–2022 season with the World Premiere of Mr. Dickens’ Hat, A Play with Music written by Michael Hollinger, directed by David Catlin, with music direction by Chuck Larkin. 

Working In Concert's Bellissima Opera presents in 2021-22: a virtual opera, a celebration of women artists, and a full-length live opera premiere.

Music Theater Works will present Ragtime at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076) from October 29, 2021 through November 7, 2021 being the third production of the 2021 Season.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company has announced that THE CHIMES by Charles Dickens, adapted and performed by Artistic Director Nick Sandys, will be returning to the Remy Bumppo stage for the first time since 2013 - this time virtually and on-demand. The show will be available for purchase December 7, 2020 through January 3, 2021. 

The Jeff Awards has announced the nominees for the 52nd annual awards for theater excellence that include 142 theater artists across 30 artistic and technical categories. The awards will be presented in an online program on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00PM.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company announces the cancellation of the last show of their 2019/2020 season, THE AGITATORS by Mat Smart, which had originally been scheduled to begin performances on April 30, 2020.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company has announced the cast for the second show of its 2019-2020 season, TOP GIRLS, playing January 16 - February 22, 2020 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company announces casting for the first show of its 2019-2020 season, HOWARDS END, playing August 29 - October 5, 2019 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company is pleased to announce that Ian Frank will take on the nonprofit professional theatre company's new role of Associate Artistic Director.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, in its 23rd season, will present three plays about women's historical struggles that fuel the debates of today, ranging from a world premiere adaptation of a beloved literary classic, a new production of a groundbreaking modern classic about female empowerment, all the way to a Chicago premiere of a new play about the relationship between two iconic Americans.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company is pleased to announce that Mike Durst, Yeaji Kim, Christopher Kriz, Joe Schermoly, and Ellen Willett have been the first to be named Associate Artists of the company. The newly created Associate Artist program honors the work of these talented collaborators and will give them more opportunities to work with the company on future projects.

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company is pleased to announce that FRANKENSTEIN will be EXTENDED by popular demand. The production will now play October 11 - November 17, 2018 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago. The Press Opening is October 16, 2018 at 7:00pm.

Lookingglass Theatre Company, Court Theatre and Manual Cinema, Lifeline Theatre, and Remy Bumppo Theatre Company announce FRANKENSTEIN: Unearthed, a one-time-only event exploring the four productions of this classic tale coming to Chicago stages during the 2018-2019 season. FRANKENSTEIN: Unearthed takes place September 30, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Lookingglass Theatre Company. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=85009b. Lookingglass is located at 821 N Michigan Avenue at Pearson.