Oliver Oliver 1985

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2026 include Adirondack Chair Circle, A Christmas Carol and more.

The Jazz Composers Alliance opens its 41st season with consecutive performances featuring a 21-piece ensemble performing new compositions by resident composers David Harris, Darrell Katz, Bob Pilkington and Mimi Rabson.

The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra will perform consecutive concerts featuring new compositions by resident composers David Harris, Darrell Katz, Bob Pilkington and Mimi Rabson at two Boston-area venues.

On Saturday, September 26th, I had the pleasure of seeing another first-rate musical phenomenally performed at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton, CT, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, which is based on an unfinished novel by Charles Dickens. This unfinished novel was made into a play in 1985 with book, music, and lyrics written by Rupert Holmes. Director Tom Simonetti combines his talents with music director Chrissy Dominguez and choreographer Matt Mancuso to help bring out the best in this first-rate cast that includes Tom Simonetti as Chairman William Cartwright, Dr. Shaun Rimkunas as John Jasper, Emma Kelly as Edwin Drood, Emily Pollack as Rosa Bud, Priscilla Squiers as Princess Puffer, JR Resto as Neville Landless, Liz Joblin as Helena Landless, Bob Hyland as Reverend Crisparkle, Katie Ciurleo as Bazzard, Michael Primorac as Durdles, Luca Moretti as Deputy, Melissa Blanco as Jemma Throttle, Jeanie D Tuzzio as Violet Balfour, Nicole Finlay as Miss Gwendolen Pynn, and Sydney Kishimoto as Isabelle and Wendy. This stellar cast has incredible stage chemistry with each other, each member individually having a strong stage presence and radiating positivity, truly enjoying the performance, as the audience does!

Performances are now underway for Other Desert Cities, which will play a 16-week limited engagement at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre. Meet the cast of Other Desert Cities here!

Full casting has been announced for the UK tour of BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical, opening at the Bristol Hippodrome on 8 October 2026, with additional stops in Liverpool, Edinburgh and Milton Keynes.

More than 60 entertainers will perform at the Rose Theater in three themed concerts honoring Mabel Mercer, Sammy Davis Jr., and the American songbook.

The Mabel Mercer Foundation will bring more than 60 performers to Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater for three themed concerts honoring Mabel Mercer, Sammy Davis Jr., and the Great American Songbook.

The 10-disc collection compiles Kim Carnes' recordings for A&M, EMI America and MCA, featuring rare 12-inch dance mixes, bonus duets and a limited autographed print edition.

The Theatrical division of International Literary Properties (ILP) has acquired the literary works of Ronald Harwood. Ronald Harwood’s many plays include The Dresser, Taking Sides, Quartet, Mahler’s Conversion, and more.

Patti LuPone, Aaron Tveit, Jordan Donica, Philip Quast, and more Les Misérables alumni surprised audience members at the opening performance of Les Miserables: The Arena Concert Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Watch videos!

The Fire Island Pines Arts Project has announced a one-night-only benefit reading of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart in August at Whyte Hall, Fire Island Pines. 

The Fire Island Pines Arts Project (FIPAP) just announced a one-night-only benefit reading of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart, directed by Leigh Silverman, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Whyte Hall, Fire Island Pines. We have all of the details here!

Brian Conley will reprise his West End role as Doc Brown in the UK tour of BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL, joining Australian actor Axel Duffy as Marty McFly at Milton Keynes Theatre.

The Philadelphia Orchestra honored bassist Nathaniel West with the 2026 C. Hartman Kuhn Award, while three retiring musicians with 115 combined years of service and two 50-year veterans were also recognized.

Ed Harris has revealed that he will be returning to the stage this year, starring alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Allison Janney in a production of Jon Robin Baitz's family drama, Other Desert Cities.

The nominations are here for the 2026 Tony Awards. This year, a high number of titles have onscreen counterparts, and we have rounded up how to watch these versions at home, from The Lost Boys to Schmigadoon!

The 21-piece JCA Orchestra will perform new works by resident composers at Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown, featuring soloists and a program that includes strings, French horn, and tuba.

North Coast Repertory Theatre will present Beau Jest, James Sherman's delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical's acclaimed alumni cast Rosanna Hyland, Amber Davies and Sarah Goggin will make a special return to the production as ‘Lorraine Baines' at the Adelphi Theatre on Monday 9 March.

Nashville Repertory Theatre, in co-production with The Nashville Shakespeare Festival, will present the Regional premiere of FAT HAM, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames.

Back to the Future will play its final show at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End on Sunday 12th April 2026, before it begins a National Tour of the UK in October 2026.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical's alumni cast Olly Dobson and Ben Joyce will make a special return to the production as ‘Marty McFly' to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the UK film release.

Next week, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Melissa Errico, Sondheim Unplugged: The Final Season and more. 

Presenter, stylist and actor Gok Wan will make a special cameo appearance as ‘Principal Strickland' to celebrate Back to the Future Day at the Adelphi Theatre on Monday 20 October.