Chicago Theater News and Updates

Renowned director Robert Falls is making a return to the Chicago theater scene. This time, he is not at the Goodman Theatre but at the intimate Redtwist Theatre, located at 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. With seating for fewer than 50 people, Falls describes this as his comeback to the Chicago storefront theater. His new production follows a recent restaging of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at the Lyric Opera, which, in contrast, boasts larger seating arrangements. The upcoming show is a world premiere titled “Flying Monkeys” by Chicago playwright L.C. Bernadine. It spotlights two agents working in the ‘troubled teen’ transportation industry, where teens are often taken from their families at unexpected times. Scheduled to run from December 6, 2026, to January 17, 2027, the show is a ‘pop-up’ within Redtwist’s existing plans. Bernadine is a producer and writer involved with the New Theatre Project, a Chicago company known for performing in non-traditional spaces. Falls expressed admiration for Bernadine’s work. Casting details for “Flying Monkeys” are not yet announced.

Looking ahead to Broadway, Bruce Norris’ “Downstate” is set to play at Broadway’s Booth Theatre for a limited engagement this fall. Directed by the accomplished Joe Mantello and produced by Scott Rudin, the controversial play, set in a home for sex offenders, will feature Chicago actors Francis Guinan and K. Todd Freeman. However, this is a separate production from its Steppenwolf world premiere in 2018. Meanwhile, “Paranormal Activity,” developed by DePaul University graduate Levi Holloway, is opening at the August Wilson Theatre. It stars Cher Álvarez, Travis A. Knight, and Shannon Cochran, though previous Chicago cast member Kate Fry will not be joining the Broadway show. Many gathered at the stage door to support the Chicago actors making their Broadway debut as the show opens.

Shattered Globe Theatre has announced its 36th season lineup. This includes the Midwest premiere of Erika Sheffer’s “Vladimir,” directed by Lou Contey, “The Waterfall” by Phanésia Pharel, directed by Jasmine B. Gunter, and Oli Forsyth’s “Brace Brace,” directed by Elizabeth Margolius. All performances will take place at Theater Wit, located at 1229 W. Belmont Ave.

In casting updates, the full lineup for “Kowalski” at Lookingglass Theatre’s Water Tower Water Works has been revealed. Joining Johnny Galecki and Jacob Moskovitz are Alison Cimmet, Reece Dos Santos, and Ellie Ricker. Also, Nora Dunn has exited the cast of “The Humanities” at Victory Gardens Theater due to scheduling conflicts.

The Chicago theater community mourns the passing of Kurt Ehrmann, who suffered a heart attack and died on August 10 at age 58. Ehrmann, distinguished for his versatility, left a memorable mark on various stages in Chicago. His roles included Roy Cohn in Hypocrites’ “Angels in America” and Hamm in “Endgame.” Described as a superb yet humble actor, Ehrmann’s work was characterized by emotional depth. His legacy includes notable performances like Lopakhin in “The Cherry Orchard.”