Avaaz
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Avaaz

Avaaz is one of the best one-person performances you will ever see. Emmy Award nominee Michael Shayan's masterful and engaging solo theatrical play features Shayan embodying the character of his mother, Roya. In this heartfelt presentation, Roya invites the audience into her warm and vibrant home to celebrate the rich traditions of the Persian New Year, Nowruz.

Read More
Fat Ham
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Fat Ham

Just like Hamlet, it can be somewhat confusing to follow the obscurities and complex characters and understand the parallels between Fat Ham and Hamlet, even if you saw them performed together. Still, Ijames' unique parallel is captivatingly entertaining while delivering a powerful message.

Read More
Jaja's African Hair Braiding
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Jaja's African Hair Braiding

JaJa shattered previous records by attracting an unprecedented number of first-time individuals purchasing theater tickets to see a live performance. The excitement surrounding this production drew in audiences eager to experience the JAJA of the stage, marking a significant achievement that even surprised Bioh, who stated she always looks for her plays to bring in new audiences.

Read More
Too Hot To Handel -              The Jazz-Gospel Messiah
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Too Hot To Handel - The Jazz-Gospel Messiah

The two-part production featuring 28 curated songs has captivated audiences at The Auditorium. Blending the rich traditions of classical, jazz, and gospel music with each performance has garnered rave reviews, and this year's rendition was no different.

Read More
Shucked
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Shucked

The story centers on Maizy, Beau, and the plight of the local farmers as their cornfields begin to wither. Seeking to live a life of simplicity and nostalgia, the people of Cob County have isolated themselves from the outside world. Still, the mysterious plague on their crops threatens their desire to maintain their hominy lifestyle.

Read More
Hitt Records
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Hitt Records

The two-act musical, featuring a final concert performance, is Black Ensemble's most substantial musical attribute, perfecting their ability to bring stories to life on stage.

Read More
Little Women
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Little Women

The chemistry among the cast of sisters, featuring Tyler Meredith (Jo), Janyce Caraballo (Meg), Yourtana Sulaiman (Amy), or one of my favorite actors, Demetra Dee as Beth, felt authentic and relatable to Alcott's desire to illuminate each sister's unique personality traits.

Read More
& Juliet
Rick McCain Rick McCain

& Juliet

Romeo who? This rockstar jukebox musical rewrite gives females of all ages a voice, declaring, "I'm here, so hear my roar!"

Read More
A Christmas Carol
Rick McCain Rick McCain

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol" is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the spirit of the holiday season. This enchanting tale is a must-see for the family.

Read More
Falsettos
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Falsettos

Initially, I wasn't particularly fond of Falsettos. However, this production, including memorable performances by Stephen Schellhardt, Jack Ball, Jackson Evans, and young star Charlie Long as "Four Jews In A Room Bitching," Sharriese Hamilton, Elizabeth Stenholt, and an outstanding performance by Sarah Bockel as Trina…

Read More
The Little Mermaid
Rick McCain Rick McCain

The Little Mermaid

The beauty of this Disney classical tale is seeing the glimmering joy in the children's eyes as they watch the play. It's a magical performance that the entire family would love

Read More
A Beautiful Noise
Rick McCain Rick McCain

A Beautiful Noise

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, "A Beautiful Noise" is a captivating biographical jukebox that delves into Neil Diamond's extraordinary life. The production is a thrilling spectacle, bursting with iconic songs that resonate deeply with audiences.

Read More
Leroy and Lucy
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Leroy and Lucy

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience at the theater, don't miss Anyanwu's "Leroy and Lucy" at the Steppenwolf Theater. This captivating production will leave you spellbound and is a must-see!

Read More
BEST KEPT SECRET: TELL EVERYONE
Rick McCain Rick McCain

BEST KEPT SECRET: TELL EVERYONE

That's where The Second City's hidden gem, BEST KEPT SECRET: TELL EVERYONE, steps in. This comedic experience is precisely what the doctor—better yet, your therapist—prescribed to lift your spirits

Read More
Some Like It Hot
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Some Like It Hot

Some Like It Hot is dazzling with its vibrant performances and entertaining musical numbers. The combination of humor, music, and spirited characters makes for a charming show.

Read More
Primary Trust
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Primary Trust

Eboni Booth's Primary Trust is a love story about the mind and how tragic circumstances can sequester us from humanity but never touch the beauty of our soul to love, live, and survive.

Read More
Dennis Christie M.D. (Master Deceptionist)
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Dennis Christie M.D. (Master Deceptionist)

He loves going around Chicagoland, creating a family-friendly show free from crude humor and foul language, demonstrating his commitment to providing genuine and wholesome entertainment.

Read More
Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People

Jackie Taylor and the Black Ensemble Theater welcome you to the unique world of Voice, Passion, Mind, Intellect, Spirit, Humanity, and Soul as they perform with the aid of historians Barthalamul, Lydaya, and Othello at the Sacres Oracle

Read More
Misery
Brenda McCain Brenda McCain

Misery

When Wandachristine's exceptional acting skills shine through, she embodies the role of Wilkes with a captivating, sinister presence reminiscent of iconic characters from The Shining, Psycho, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane.

Read More
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Rick McCain Rick McCain

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Prepare for an exhilarating journey where wizards are transported through time, wickedly good displays of magic, and heroic battles, all brought to life with the most mesmerizing theatrical enchantment ever to grace the stage...

Read More