Three barefoot dancers in black outfits perform a dynamic pose against a red brick wall. One dancer is mid-air, supported by the other two, whose arms and bodies create dramatic, fluid lines.

Dance Top 5: October 2026

Sharon Hoyer September 29, 2026

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Fly Away on “Bonnie’s Last Flight” Rivendell Theatre Ensemble celebrates the culmination of their thirtieth anniversary season with this world premiere by playwright Eliza Bent.

Tristan Bruns September 28, 2026

Two men pose together in black and white. One wears a striped shirt with suspenders and has a mustache; the other wears a fitted black t-shirt and rests his arm on the first mans shoulder. Both look directly at the camera.

Sparks Fly When Tennessee Williams Meets a Young Marlon Brando Featuring a riveting performance by Johnny Galecki, Lookingglass Theatre's "Kowalski" poses deep questions of identity, both onstage and for the company itself.

Hugh Iglarsh September 25, 2026

Northlight’s Adaptation of “The Front Page” Rewrites the Narrative Prepare to have your sides split at this innovative rendition depicting the drama of an old Chicago newsroom.

Amanda Finn September 25, 2026

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A theatrical performance with a central figure standing triumphantly on a raised platform, surrounded by expressive dancers in dramatic poses, with colorful stage lighting and fog effects.

Kokandy’s Musicals for Now Chicago’s storefront company on the meaning of success.

Two people stand smiling in front of a wall sign that reads TimeLine Theatre Company. The person on the left has curly hair and wears a denim shirt; the person on the right has short hair and wears glasses and a dark shirt.

How “The Birth of the Pill” Moved From a History Book to the Stage Chicago author Jonathan Eig discusses “The Birth of the Pill” with Jessica Huang, who adapted his book into a play staging its world premiere this month at TimeLine.

Lyric Opera’s Sunday in the Park Showcases Selections From the Upcoming Season On Sunday evening, the opera company performed selections from five of the six staged operas that will make up its 2026-27 season, among other works.

A close-up of a persons face, showing sweaty skin, slightly parted lips, and eyes looking to the side.

Grelley Duvall Recreates the Story of Sigourney Weaver’s Character in “Alien” At the Empty Bottle, drag, puppetry, acting, singing and dancing combine to make "Ripley" an ultimate work of art.

Amy Boyle Photography 2026

Run, Don’t Walk, to Kokandy Productions’ “Jekyll & Hyde” Don't miss this ghoulish, campy romp now remounted at the Broadway Playhouse.

Amanda Finn September 23, 2026

A performer in white holds a bunch of white balloons above another performer lying dramatically on a table, with an orchestra visible in the background.

The Joffrey Ballet’s Otherworldly and Cinematic “Liliom” at the Lyric Opera House John Neumeier's ballet quickly pulls us into the colorful yet tawdry landscape of a Depression-era carnival with top-notch dancing from Joffrey.

Eileen B. Fisher September 22, 2026

Two men in dress shirts are indoors; one sits looking thoughtful while the other stands by window blinds, peering outside. Warm light fills the room, creating a dramatic atmosphere.

“Por’Knockers” Is a Tale of Crime and No Punishment Gwydion Theatre’s Chicago premiere of Lynn Nottage’s misguided 1995 play about a botched terrorist bombing ends up being a dramatic dud.

Hugh Iglarsh September 18, 2026

A man and woman in dance attire share an intimate moment on stage, standing in front of large mirrors that reflect their embrace. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting their connection.

A New Tour Delivers a “Dirty Dancing” Makeover Broadway in Chicago brings this well-crafted show that delivers for those craving eighties nostalgia.

Dennis Polkow September 17, 2026

Five actors on a stage set resembling a laboratory; three wear white lab coats, one woman sits with a cane, and another woman sits at a desk in a purple suit, with bottles and lamps on the table.

“The Birth of the Pill” Shows Contraception’s Inception The adaptation of Jonathan Eig's book on the pill's invention struggles to express the complexity of a topic suited for a documentary.

Mary Wisniewski September 16, 2026