AUGUST 26 — SEPTEMBER 25, 2016
DUTCHMAN/TRANSit
2 PLAYS. 1 RIDE.
Dutchman by: Amiri Baraka
Dutchman Directed by: Chuck Smith
TRANSit by: Darren Canady
TRANSit Directed by: Lisa Portes
Experience two powerful plays in one event. See Dutchman—one of the most important plays in 20th-century culture to take on race relations. Then inspired by Baraka’s pivotal work, watch the world-premiere commission TRANSit, about an encounter between two strangers that reveals more than planned when an explosive mix of identity, sex, and betrayal is unleashed. Featuring Ensemble member Manny Buckley.
Award-winning playwright Darren Canady was commissioned to write a present-day response to Baraka’s call. To modernize Baraka’s binary-piece, Canady focused on intersectionality of race, class, sexuality, gender, and location. TRANSit was inspired by real events and developed over three years. The playwright, actors, and producer worked with transgender consultants throughout the development of the project.
To learn more about Dutchman / TRANSit, read our Backstage Guide.
PERFORMANCE INFO
This production must close September 25, 2016.
(773) 404-7336 box office
- Thursday: 7:30pm
- Friday: 7:30pm
- Saturday: 3:00pm & 7:30pm
- Sunday: 2:30pm
There are additional performances on 8/31 and 9/12 @ 7:30pm; no performance on 9/4 @ 2:30pm
- Duration: Runs 2 hours with one intermission.
- Location: Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Ticket Price: $19-$49
- Recommended for ages 14 yrs +;
- Adult language & themes, and violence.
- Town Halls: We offer free post-show events on Sundays and other events. Learn more.
REVIEWS
Joseph Jefferson Award recommended
“Daring! Profound in conception…intimidating, high-stakes pairing. Timeless complexities.” – Chicago Tribune
“TRANSit is the perfect juxtaposition to Dutchman. Filled with the raw, uncut issues of our society.” – Newcity
“Best bets for fall theater! A double bill of provocation.” – Chicago Reader
“Exemplary ensemble!…tremendous achievement for a young playwright [Darren Canady].” – Time Out Chicago
“Highly recommended! Riveting, explosive, and truthful.” – Chicago Critic
“Much-vital staging with thoroughly modern twist.” – Chicago Theatre Review
“Thrilling theater!” – Windy City Times
“Highest rated shows in Chicago” – Theatre in Chicago
Read full reviews
ARTISTS
CAST (in order of appearance): Michael Pogue (“Clay” in Dutchman), Amanda Drinkall (“Lula” in Dutchman), Manny Buckley* (“Veronica” in TRANSit), Jake Szczepaniak (“Luke” in TRANSit), and Edgar Miguel Sanchez (“Lalo” in TRANSit). ENSEMBLE (in alphabetical order): Grant Carriker, Sawyer Krause, Warren Levon, Kirstin McGinnis, and Nicola Rinow.
PRODUCTION TEAM: Amiri Baraka (playwright of Dutchman), Chuck Smith (director of Dutchman), Darren Canady* (playwright of TRANSit), Lisa Portes (director of TRANSit), Sarah E. Ross* (scenic), Sarah Hughey* (lights), Christopher J. Neville* (costumes), Thomas Dixon (sound), Alec Long (properties), Ricardo Garcia (dance choreographer), Vincent Teninty (fight director), and Kevin Gregory Dwyer (production stage manager).
COMMUNITY SERVICE
We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations. For this production, we support and partner with Center on Halsted, Gender Development Services at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago House, Chicago Gender Society, “The Family Institute” at Northwestern University, and Professor Kenneth Warren of University of Chicago. We continue our “Pink Previews” to donate proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for breast cancer research.
MORE INFORMATION ON “DUTCHMAN/TRANSit”
Exec. Artistic Director’s Note for IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
For many of you, attending our production is a family tradition. For others, we’re thrilled to share this story for the first time in our own special, heartfelt way.
Backstage Guide for 2025 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! & Additional Resources
Insider look at IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE – read interviews, see designs, & learn more about the production.
2025 BRAVERY BULLETIN
Accepting nominations for the 2025 Bravery Bulletin!
2025 IT’S A WONDERFUL PARTY!
Join us for our annual holiday party. Beats your office shindig and your aunt’s homemade cheeseball. All proceeds go towards artists’ wages.
Message from Ensemble Member Ian Paul Custer
Learn more about ensemble member Ian Paul Custer’s history with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST
Join us for our next book in the Rubber Banned Book Club! HOW DOES THE CLUB WORK? Admission is free. Registration required. There are 2 sessions per book. Professional artists read sections of the book and members discuss. OCTOBER 28, 2025 (6:30-8:00pm) – in person @...
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