Welcome to our 41st anniversary season! We’re excited to share 4 incredible productions with you – world premiere of BLACK GIRL FROM A WHITE SUBURB by artistic affiliate Tania Richard; the 25th anniversary of our holiday classic IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!; Chicago premiere of UHURU; 2024 Blue Ink Award winning world premiere of THE CONQUERED. In addition to our plays, we continue with our popular The Common series, @Home Accessibility Series, Rubber Banned Book Club, and arts education. There’s something for all ages and interests. Experience world class theater at a working class price.
Buy Season 41 Membership for 2026-2027.
World Premiere
BLACK GIRL FROM A WHITE SUBURB
by artistic affiliate Tania Richard
directed by J. Nicole Brooks
September 4 – October 4, 2026
Tour-de-force solo show by artistic affiliate Tania Richard. Growing up in an all-white Chicago suburb, she spent her days dodging microaggressions, striving to fit in, and yearning to see herself reflected. Her transformation began when cast as The Caterpillar in “Alice in Wonderland.” Blending cautionary tales, social commentary, and humor, Tania takes the leading role in a culture that often relegates Black women to supporting characters.
Coming soon!
25th Anniversary
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
Chicago’s original holiday hit!
directed by Exec. Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside
music directed by ensemble member Michael Mahler
original music by ensemble member Austin Cook
November 19 – December 27, 2026
George Bailey – the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty – has fallen onto desperate times. Only a miracle can save him from despair. Told as a radio play with original music and classic holiday carols, it’s “the don’t miss show of the season” (Chicago Tribune).
Learn more!
Chicago Premiere
UHURU
by Gloria Majule
directed by Mikael Burke
April 2 – May 9, 2027
An unlikely foursome ascends Mount Kilimanjaro in this sharp satire. The dramedy follows a tour guide, Tanzanian-American tourist, and two missionaries as they make their way to the “Roof of Africa.” They must confront questions of identity, access, and who deserves a place on the mountain. Featuring American Blues artists Manny Buckley, Ian Paul Custer, William Anthony Sebastian Rose II, and J.G. Smith.
Coming soon
World Premiere
THE CONQUERED
by Ken Urban
directed by Jonathan Berry
June 11 – July 18, 2027
Jane is adrift. She suffers a recurring nightmare in which a young man breaks into her house. Her husband recommends that she speak to someone about her growing anxiety. Jane finds a therapist who could help, but her quest leads to a dangerous discovery. Featuring American Blues artists Editha Rosario-Moore and Nate Santana. Winner of our 2024 Blue Ink Award for playwriting.
Coming soon
Check this space!
Additional programming includes The Commons – in person community events (readings, small concerts, karaoke, trivia, Town Halls) that occur 1 Monday per month; @Home – an accessibility series of readings and concerts live-streamed from artists’ homes; Rubber Banned Book Club – our award-winning artists read passages live and host discussions; New Work – developing the classics of the tomorrow through the Blue Ink Award, The Ripped Festival, readings and commissions; Arts Education – education initiatives for all ages, including Classes for the Masses, school matinees, Ripped in Chicago Public Schools, and The Check It Out Project.
Check this space!
Check this space!
Additional events include Boo Bash – annual costume party; It’s a Wonderful Party – annual holiday party; Blue Bash – annual swanky party with live and silent auctions.
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