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Esco Jouléy (front), Namir Smallwood, and Jon Michael Hill in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s world premiere of "Windfall."
Esco Jouléy (front), Namir Smallwood, and Jon Michael Hill in Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s world premiere of "Windfall."
Reviews
What is a life worth? Steppenwolf’s ‘Windfall’ makes the question burn
Lauren Emily Whalen Apr 22, 2026 0

Tarell Alvin McCraney's 'Windfall' dazzles at Steppenwolf with an ensemble that's on fire, even if the finale loses its footing.

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Kathryn Erbe and Cliff Chamberlain in Steppenwolf's "The Dance of Death."
Kathryn Erbe and Cliff Chamberlain in Steppenwolf's "The Dance of Death."
Reviews
Even with a stellar cast, Steppenwolf’s ‘The Dance of Death’ feels stale
Lauren Emily Whalen Feb 9, 2026 0

Kathryn Erbe shines in her Steppenwolf return, but "The Dance of Death" meanders through familiar toxic marriage territory.

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David Darrow and Ian Barford in "Amadeus."
David Darrow and Ian Barford in "Amadeus."
Reviews
Steppenwolf’s ‘Amadeus’ orchestrates the bitter rivalry between genius and ambition
Matthew Wexler Nov 17, 2025 0

By Lauren Emily Whalen What is the price of genius—and who really “deserves” it? Inspired by an 1830 Pushkin play…

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November regional theater composite
November regional theater composite
Hot Sec
5 regional theater productions worth the trip this November
Lauren Emily Whalen Nov 3, 2025 0

November openings bring Mozart rivalry, 80s power suits, heartbreak ballads, and radical joy to regional theaters nationwide.

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Emilie Maureen Hanson in "Mr. Wolf."
Emilie Maureen Hanson in "Mr. Wolf."
Reviews
Steppenwolf’s ‘Mr. Wolf’ gets lost in its own universe
Lauren Emily Whalen Sep 22, 2025 0

Strong acting elevates "Mr. Wolf" at Steppenwolf, although Rajiv Joseph's family drama suffers from distracting metaphors, plot holes, and an…

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Namir Smallwood and Amy Morton in "You Will Get Sick."
Namir Smallwood and Amy Morton in "You Will Get Sick."
Reviews
‘You Will Get Sick’ delivers brains, heart & courage, but ocassionally stumbles over its own yellow brick road
Lauren Emily Whalen Jun 17, 2025 0

Noah Diaz's "You Will Get Sick" offers a unique take on mortality and human connection through the lens of "The…

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A collage of Chicago theater productions
A collage of Chicago theater productions
Hot Sec
Spring stunners: 3 bold Chicago productions that redefine theater’s boundaries
Matthew Wexler May 8, 2025 0

Chicago's theater scene is heating up with three standout productions that deserve your attention.

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Set your alarm! Opening soon
  • Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare in the Park, June 11
  • Untitled Vampire Play, Chicago, June 13
  • La Cage aux Folles, Off-Broadway, June 17
  • Birthright, Off-Broadway, June 24
  • A Walk on the Moon, Off-Broadway, June

Clock's ticking! Closing soon
  • Covenant, Chicago, June 7
  • Fallen Angels, Broadway, June 7
  • New Born, Off-Broadway, June 8
  • Becky Shaw, Broadway, June 14
  • Well, I'll Let You Go, Off-Broadway, June 20
  • Chess, Broadway, June 21
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A collage of "The Lost Boys" and Schmigadoon!"
Hot Sec
My Tony pick for Best Musical may blow up. And I’m weirdly OK with it
Matthew Wexler Jun 6, 2026
Juliana Canfield in the world premiere of "Girl, Interrupted."
Reviews
‘Girl, Interrupted’ has something urgent to say. So why does it feel so distant?
Matthew Wexler Jun 5, 2026
(l-r) Jeorge Bennett Watson, Ken Barnett and Stephen Spinella in "Jerome."
Reviews
In ‘Jerome,’ a dying man’s last gift is someone to leave behind
Jerry Portwood Jun 2, 2026
Book cover for "My Bad: A Personal History of the Queer Nineties and Beyond."
Books
The truth about being queer in the 90s can’t be found in a history book
Bil Browning Jun 2, 2026
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