FEBRUARY 17 — APRIL 1, 2017
THE COLUMNIST
CHICAGO PREMIERE
Written by: David Auburn
Directed by: Keira Fromm
From the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning author of Proof, a drama about power, the press, sex, and betrayal. At the height of the Cold War, Joe Alsop is the nation’s most influential journalist—beloved, feared, and courted by the Washington world. But as the 60s dawn and America undergoes dizzying change, the intense political dramas Joe is embroiled in become deeply personal as well. Read the Producing Artistic Director’s note.
PERFORMANCE INFO
This production must close April 1, 2017.
(773) 327-5252 box office
- Thursday: 7:30pm
- Friday: 7:30pm
- Saturday: 3:00pm & 7:30pm
- Sunday: 2:30pm
Added shows on 3/6 @ 7:30pm & 3/29 @ 2:30pm.
No 3pm show on 2/18, 2/25, or 3/11.
No 7:30pm show on 4/1.
- Duration: 2 hours & 20 min; one intermission
- Location: Stage 773 at 1225 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago
- Ticket Price: $19-$49
- Recommended for ages 14+
- Town Halls: We offer free post-show discussions on Sundays (2/19-3/26).
REVIEWS
Joseph Jefferson Award recommended.
“3 stars (out of 4). Vital, present, & telling.” – Chicago Tribune
“Johnson brings intense volatility to a marathon role.” – Chicago Sun-Times
“Exhilarating! Precise, impassioned, and deeply affecting.” – Chicago Reader
“Admirably acted and seamlessly produced.” – Newcity
“Cast is first rate!” – Chicagoland Theater Reviews
“Character development is flawless.” – Chicago Theatre Review
“Relevant Chicago premiere.” – Stage & Cinema
“Highly recommended. Keenly directed.” – Around the Town
Read full reviews here.
ARTISTS
CAST: Philip Earl Johnson (Joe Alsop), Coburn Goss (Stewart Alsop), Kymberly Mellen (Susan Mary Alsop), Ian Paul Custer* (Halberstam), Tyler Meredith (Abigail), and Christopher Sheard (Andrei/Philip).
PRODUCTION TEAM: Keira Fromm (director), David Auburn (playwright), Joe Schermoly (scenic), Jared Gooding (lighting) Christopher J. Neville* (costumes), Christopher Kriz (sound & original music), Alec Long (props), Sarah E. Ross* (production manager), Eva Breneman (dialect coach), Sarah Illiatovitch-Goldman (dramaturg), and Dana M. Nestrick (stage manager).
*Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations. We’re proud to collaborate with Medill’s School of Journalism and Northwestern University’s The Family Institute. We continue our “Pink Previews” to donate proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for breast cancer research.
MORE INFORMATION ON “THE COLUMNIST”
2026 Blue Bash
Join us for our annual party – 2026 Blue Bash – Mardi Gras.
Backstage Guide for ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE
Inside look at AWAYS…PATSY CLINE – read interviews, see designs, & learn more about the production.
Exec. Artistic Director’s Note for ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE
Coming soon
FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON
Join us to discuss Rubber Banned Book Club’s next pick – “Flowers for Algernon” in Jan & Feb.
Interview with Elyse Dolan
Read the interview with ensemble member Elyse Dolan, director of COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA.
Interview with Phil & Wendy
Read an interview between ensemble members Philip Earl Johnson and Gwendolyn Whiteside from COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA.
SIGN UP FOR BLUES NEWS:
Subscribe to our mailing list for performance updates, special offers and exclusive events!




