(Photo by Jenn Udoni-Sharp) CHICAGO — The Theatre School at DePaul University, Chicago’s legendary theatre training ground, is pleased to present its 2024-2025 season. This year, six productions will explore the history, present and future as The Theatre School prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2025. Tickets are now on sale at https://theatre.depaul.edu/on-stage or by calling the Box Office at (773) 325-7900.“This season celebrates our long history by addressing the questions, ‘Who were we?, Who are we now?, and ‘Where are we going?’” said Martine Kei Green-Rogers, dean of The Theatre School. “We want everyone to know that we are proud of our journey and how we have evolved over the past 100 years.”
Plays in the lineup include offerings for audiences of many ages. The Chicago Playworks productions for families and young audiences include “Little Women” and “The Chronicles of the Kaleidoscope Visitors.” Plays for general audiences will be “All’s Well That Ends Well,” “Lottery Day,” Ride the Cyclone” and “Left Unheard.”
“The shows lined up this year are exciting to me because they showcase the best of storytelling and imagination that The Theatre School has to offer and how we have always been a beacon of light in theatre education,” said Green-Rogers. “We look forward to answering the questions from the theme over the course of the year and we are excited that the entire campus community will share in the discovery with us!”
Little Women
A Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Production
Oct. 12-Nov. 9, 2024
The Merle Reskin Theatre
As the March family awaits the return of their father from war, sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy navigate love, loss, and the pursuit of their dreams. Marisha Chamberlain's endearing adaptation of a literary classic celebrates the power of family, resilience and the heartwarming bond shared by sisters growing up together. An adaptation by Marisha Chamberlain of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Carolyn Hoerdermann will direct the play.
All’s Well That Ends Well
Nov. 1-10, 2024
The Watts Theatre
Helena, a low-born ward of the Countess, aspires to a love above her social station, despite the unworthiness of the object of her affection. Wit, deceit, love and redemption intertwine in William Shakespeare’s dramatic and comedic tale of status and spurned love. Nicole Ricciardi will direct this production. There will be a preview performance on Oct. 30.
Lottery Day
Feb. 14-23, 2025
The Watts Theatre
On a hot September afternoon in Chicago, the matriarch of a quickly gentrifying neighborhood invites her friends and family for a barbeque that will go down in local legend. Mallory has a plan up her sleeve for the young dreamers, married mid-lifers and lonely residents of the block. Will it bring their community back together or tear it apart for good? This timely play written by Chicago-based playwright Ike Holter will be directed by Carla Stilwell. There will be a preview performance on Feb. 12.
Ride the Cyclone
Feb. 28-Mar. 9, 2025
The Healy Theatre
Six teenagers from the Saint Cassian Chamber Choir find themselves in limbo after a tragic roller coaster accident. They are guided by the dilapidated fortune-telling machine, The Amazing Karnak, who gives them a chance to sing for a second chance at life. Ride The Cyclone blends humor, heart and haunting melodies in this quirky and poignant musical that begs the question: What makes a life meaningful? This cult-classic musical written by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell will be directed by Coya Paz Brownrigg. There will be a preview performance on Feb. 26.
The Chronicles of the Kaleidoscope Visitors
A Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Production
May 15-31, 2025
The Merle Reskin Theatre
Sister Fibonacci and her family live on a secluded winter island, growing food for the town on the mainland. When the island is visited by two green creatures with the ability to make sunflowers grow in the snow, their lives take an unexpected turn. Can Fibonacci save her new friends from being exploited for their powers? “The Chronicles of the Kaleidoscope Visitors” encourages keeping curiosity alive and standing up for what is right. Written by Omer Abbas Salem, this production will be directed by Katrina Dion.
Left Unheard
May 23-June 1, 2025
The Healy Theatre
Jude has a secret, Ruth has a disability, and Alodia has both. When three siblings collide after years apart, they're forced to confront old resentments and new conflicts. Left Unheard examines the stories we tell ourselves – the truths we share and what we keep carefully hidden away. Director Denise Yvette Serna will direct this play written by Perse Grammer. There will be a preview performance on May 21.
Locations: The Merle Reskin Theatre is located in the Loop at 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago, IL 60605. The Watts Theatre and Healy Theatre are in The Theatre School at DePaul University at 2350 N. Racine Ave. Chicago, IL 60614.
Tickets: Regular run $30. DePaul Student Tickets are $5. DePaul Faculty and Staff Tickets are $15. Senior Tickets are $20. Tickets remaining for mainstage productions will be available for purchase at the box office for $1 five minutes before the performance starts. Blue Demon Rush Tickets are cash only and available to DePaul community members with valid IDs, subject to availability. Tickets can be purchased now at https://theatre.depaul.edu/on-stage or by calling The Theatre School Box Office at 773.325.7900.
About Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences: Founded as the Goodman Children's Theatre in 1925 and recognized as a pioneer of theatre for families, Chicago Playworks welcomes more than 25,000 students and families to our highly celebrated productions each season. Today we are dedicated to reflecting our audience's experience in an urban, contemporary and multi-racial environment.
About The Theatre School at DePaul University: The Theatre School was founded as the Goodman School of Drama in 1925 and trains students to the highest level of professional skill and artistry in an inclusive and diverse conservatory setting.
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Media Contact:
Emily DeBold
Manager of Public Relations