Patrick Thornton News

The Gift Theatre, Chicago's most intimate and pioneering Equity ensemble theatre, presents the world premiere of Melissa Ross' haunting and heartfelt mystery A Life Extra Ordinary. Ensemble member John Gawlik directs a cast featuring ensemble members Cyd Blakewell (Annabel), John Kelly Connolly (Bill), Paul D'Addario(Tom), Darci Nalepa (Polly), Lynda Newton (Grace), Jay Worthington (Jeff), and making his Gift Theatre debut, Rudy Galvan (Sam). A Life Extra Ordinary opens Today, October 6 at The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Press performance is onMonday, October 3 at 7:30PM.

The Gift Theatre's Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton is proud to announce that 4802-the new play research and development wing of The Gift named after its storefront address located on N Milwaukee Ave in Jefferson Park-is now accepting applicants. In 4802, Chicago-based artists and artistic teams will be given residencies in the Gift Theatre's 40-seat storefront, providing dedicated tailor-made time, space, and support for their work. 

The Gift Theatre, Chicago's most intimate and pioneering Equity ensemble theatre, presents the world premiere of Melissa Ross' haunting and heartfelt mystery A Life Extra Ordinary. Ensemble member John Gawlik directs a cast featuring ensemble members Cyd Blakewell (Annabel), John Kelly Connolly (Bill), Paul D'Addario(Tom), Darci Nalepa (Polly), Lynda Newton (Grace), Jay Worthington (Jeff), and making his Gift Theatre debut, Rudy Galvan (Sam). A Life Extra Ordinary opens Thursday, October 6 at The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Press performance is onMonday, October 3 at 7:30PM.

Six world premiere plays and four new adaptations seen first by Chicago audiences were among those receiving nominations by The Jeff Awards Committee. 178 nominations in 32 categories honor Chicago Equity theatrical productions that opened between August 1, 2015 and July 31, 2016.

The Agency Theater Collective is pleased to announce the fall production of Chagrin Falls, written by Mia McCullough and directed by Sommer Austin, October 22 - December 4, at the Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The Agency Theater Collective is pleased to announce the fall production of Chagrin Falls, written by Mia McCullough and directed by Sommer Austin, October 22 - December 4, at the Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The Gift Theatre, Chicago's most intimate and pioneering Equity ensemble theatre, presents the world premiere of Melissa Ross' haunting and heartfelt mystery A Life Extra Ordinary. Ensemble memberJohn Gawlik directs a cast featuring ensemble members Cyd Blakewell (Annabel), John Kelly Connolly (Bill), Paul D'Addario (Tom), Darci Nalepa (Polly), Lynda Newton (Grace), Jay Worthington (Jeff), and making his Gift Theatre debut, Rudy Galvan (Sam). A Life Extra Ordinary opens Thursday, October 6 at The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Press performance is on Monday, October 3 at 7:30pm.

During Saturday's Season Release Bash at Fischman Liquors and Tavern, co-founder and artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton proudly announced The Gift Theatre's 2017 season of three world premieres by women playwrights. The all-new season kicks off in February with the debuts of Mona Mansour's war-torn drama Unseen, Claire Kiechel's futuristic Pilgrims and Janine Nabers' time-hopping love story A Swell in the Ground.

?The Gift Theatre, Chicago's most intimate Equity theater, presents John Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize-winning tale, The Grapes of Wrath, centering on an American family forced off of their land during the Great Depression and their epic journey west to California. New ensemble member Erica Weiss (Vigils) returns to direct the extraordinary and emotionally wrenching The Grapes of Wrath, adapted by Frank Galati.  The Grapes of Wrath opens Thursday, June 23 at The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Press performance is on Monday, June 20 at 7:30pm.

Profiles Theatre announces an extension for its hit production of JERUSALEM by Jez Butterworth, directed by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. The critically-acclaimed Midwest premiere opened at Profiles on March 10, 2016 and will extend for an additional four weeks through May 22, 2016.

NYTVF Productions and The Orchard recently announced their original TV series, The Jamz, would available on iTunes exclusively beginning today, April 12.

The Gift Theatre, Chicago's most intimate Equity theater, presents John Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize-winning tale, The Grapes of Wrath, centering on an American family forced off of their land during the Great Depression and their epic journey west to California. New ensemble member Erica Weiss (Vigils) returns to direct the extraordinary and emotionally wrenching The Grapes of Wrath, adapted by Frank Galati. 

NYTVF Productions and The Orchard today announced their original TV series, The Jamz, will be available on iTunes exclusively beginning on April 12.

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.

Profiles Theatre continues its 27th season with the Midwest premiere of the Tony Award-winning smash hit Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth, directed by Artistic Director Joe Jahruas. Profiles' production runs at The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway, March 4, 2016 through April 24, 2016 with the press opening on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 7:30 pm.

The Bard is back! Shakespeare 400 Chicago today announced the festival line-up for 2016, featuring 850 events on stages and in museums, restaurants, parks, schools and neighborhoods across Chicago.

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

TEN, The Gift Theatre's annual season kickoff celebration of ten 10-minute plays curated by artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton and associate artistic director Paul D'Addario, returns this year as TEN (+5) to honor the 15 year anniversary, tonight, January 1-10, 2016.