Mechanic Theatre

Ron OJ Parson to Receive SDCF's Zelda Fichandler Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 21, 2022

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, the not-for-profit foundation of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society announced the recipient and finalist for its annual Zelda Fichandler Award.

Alice Childress' TROUBLE IN MIND to be Presented at TimeLine Theatre Company in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2022

TimeLine Theatre Company’s 2022-23 season will continue this fall with the landmark classic Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress, directed by TimeLine Company Member Ron OJ Parson, running November 2 – December 18, 2022.

World Premiere of PEARL'S ROLLIN' WITH THE BLUES: A NIGHT WITH FELICIA P. FIELDS to be Presented at Writers Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 31, 2022

Writers Theatre will conclude its 2021/22 Season with Pearl’s Rollin’ with the Blues: A Night with Felicia P. Fields.  The production runs June 23, 2022 – July 24, 2022 in the in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. The Press Opening is Friday, July 1, 2022 at 7:30pm.

World Premiere of CAMPAIGNS, INC. & More Announced for TimeLine Theatre Company 2022-23 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2022

After celebrating its 25th Anniversary in residence at Theater Wit—a season that featured the world premiere, acclaimed hit Relentless, which went on to an extended run at Goodman Theatre—the company will return to its longtime home in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood, located at 615 W. Wellington Avenue, for three productions.

Full Creative Team and Open Auditions Announced For THE WIZ at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 14, 2021

As previously announced, this Christmas Hope Mill Theatre will stage the first new UK production of The Wiz, in 10 years, running from Wednesday 24th November 2021 to Sunday 16th January 2022.

Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre To Stage New Production Of THE WIZ
by Stephi Wild - Apr 8, 2021

Hope Mill Theatre has announced that this Christmas it will stage the first new UK production of The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in 10 years. With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, book by William F. Brown and original orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, The Wiz is a retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Celebrating Black History Month: Encores! Eases On Down the Road with THE WIZ in 2009
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 14, 2021

Today we're celebrating Black History Month by taking a closer look at the 2009 Encores! production of The Wiz, which starred James Monroe Iglehart, Joshua Henry, LaChanze, Ashanti and more. Watch as we take you inside rehearsals with the cast!

Court Theatre Announces Casting For KING HEDLEY II
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 16, 2019

Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Charles Newell, Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director, and Angel Ysaguirre, Executive Director, has announced casting for August Wilson's King Hedley II, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. King Hedley II runs September 12 - October 13, 2019 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. The press opening is Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 7:30pm.

SWEAT Opens Tonight At Goodman Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2019

Powerful drama: still made in America. Lynn Nottage's 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning play Sweat opens tonight in its Chicago premiere at Goodman Theatre. Ron OJ Parson directs the collision of race, class and friendship at a pivotal moment in America-hailed as 'extraordinarily moving' (The New York Times) and 'passionate and necessary...a masterful depiction of the forces that divide and conquer us' (Time Out New York). Sweat marks the fourth Nottage play to be produced at the Goodman, following Crumbs from the Table of Joy (2006), Ruined (a 2008 world-premiere Goodman commission that earned the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama) and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (2013). Sweat appears through April 14 in the Albert Theatre. Tickets ($20 - $80; subject to change) are available at Goodmantheatre.org/Sweat, by telephone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 N. Dearborn).

BWW Review: All Hail THE WIZ at TUTS
by Bryan-Keyth Wilson - Oct 27, 2018

Though it's 2018 in Houston, Texas, at the height of the 2018 primary election, but thankfully, there's an escape from the tumultuous political climate where blue and red are the subject. The color of today is green.

Black Theatre Troupe Presents THE WIZ
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 18, 2018

Black Theatre Troupe presents The Super Soul Musical version of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" September 28 - October 14 At Tempe Arts Center. This joyous, modern retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic children's story reflects contemporary African-American culture. After Dorothy gets swept up in a tornado, she finds herself in the fantastical world of Oz.

TimeLine Theatre Announces 2018-19 Season
by Julie Musbach - Mar 15, 2018

TimeLine Theatre Company, acclaimed for presenting plays inspired by history that connect to today's social and political issues, is thrilled to announce its 22nd season and to preview an upcoming partnership with Firebrand Theatre.

Rubicon Theatre Presents KING LEAR Starring George Ball
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 14, 2018

Rubicon Theatre presents a timely and trenchant production of Shakespeare's tragedy KING LEAR as the centerpiece of the company's 20th Anniversary Season. Directed by Co-Founder James O'Neil, the production features a 20-member cast led by acclaimed actor and company memberGeorge Ball, who has starred in previous Rubicon productions of All My Sons, Man of La Mancha, and Jacques Brel… (New York, L.A., and international companies of the latter).

Eclipse Theatre Announces 9th Annual Corona Award; Ceremony On 1/22/18
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 19, 2017

Eclipse Theatre Company announces the recipient of 2018's Ninth Annual Corona Award: Ron OJ Parson, Court Theatre Director and Resident Artist. The Corona Award honors individuals who play support and nurture the growth of the Chicago theatre community at-large as well as small- to medium-sized theatres like Eclipse Theatre. The evening will be hosted by Eclipse ensemble member and Goodman Theatre artist emeritus Steve Scott, with other guest presenters to be announced.

Court Theatre Extends Smash-Hit FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 28, 2017

Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Charles Newell, Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director, and Stephen J. Albert, Executive Director, announces the extension of Five Guys Named Moe by Clarke Peters, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson, Music Director Abdul Hamid Royal and Associate Director Felicia P. Fields. Five Guys Named Moe, which features Louis Jordan's greatest hits, now runs through October 15, 2017 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Tickets to extension performances of Five Guys Named Moe are on sale and available by calling the box office at (773) 753-4472 or www.CourtTheatre.org.

Court Theatre presents FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 15, 2017

Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Charles Newell, Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director, and Stephen J. Albert, Executive Director, opens its 2017-2018 season with Five Guys Named Moe by Clarke Peters, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson, Music Director Abdul Hamid Royal and Associate Director Felicia P. Fields. Five Guys Named Moe, which features Louis Jordan's greatest hits, runs September 7 - October 8, 2017 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. The press opening is September 16, 2017 at 8:00 p.m.

Timeline Theatre Announces Cast, Composer & More of PARADISE BLUE
by Julie Musbach - Mar 24, 2017

TimeLine Theatre Company announces the final production of its 20th Anniversary 2016-17 season-the Midwest premiere of PARADISE BLUE by Dominique Morisseau, directed by TimeLine Company Member Ron OJ Parson and featuring original music composed by Orbert Davis, the co-founder, conductor and Artistic Director of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, May 4 - July 23, 2017 (previews April 26 - May 3) at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago. Press Night is Wednesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. 

Court Theatre Extends Pearl Cleage's BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY
by BWW News Desk - Feb 2, 2017

Court Theatre, under the leadership of Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert, announces the extension of Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage, directed by Ron OJ Parson. Blues for an Alabama Sky now runs through February 19, 2017 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue in Chicago.

Windy City Playhouse Announces Casting for APARTMENT 3A
by BWW News Desk - Oct 6, 2016

Windy City Playhouse, Chicago's most sophisticated theater, presents the Chicago premiere of Apartment 3A by Emmy award-winning, twice Tony award-nominated actor/musician Jeff Daniels.

Windy City Playhouse Announces Casting for APARTMENT 3A
by BWW News Desk - Sep 28, 2016

Windy City Playhouse, Chicago's most sophisticated theater, presents the Chicago premiere of Apartment 3A by Emmy award-winning, twice Tony award-nominated actor/musician Jeff Daniels.