Court Theatre

Court Theatre Court Theatre is a Tony Award-winning center for classic theater located in the heart of Hyde Park.
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Established in 1955, Court Theatre is the professional theatre on campus at the University of Chicago. We are guided by our mission to create innovative productions of classic plays that are thought provoking, character-driven, and thematically enduring. Through main stage productions, audience enrichment programs, and collaborations with the University of Chicago, we re-examine, re-envision, and

renew classic texts that pose enduring and provocative questions that define the human experience. Underlying this mission is our vision of becoming the Center for Classic Theatre, where the arts community looks for leadership in the creation, production and study of classic theatrical works. Court works to fulfill this mission first through the rigorous exploration of dramatic texts, including the African-American canon and musical theatre works; second by expanding the canon of classic theatre through initiatives such as the Barbara E. Franke Commissioning Program for New Classics; and third, by ongoing institutional strategic planning, which currently includes the possibility of an expanded, state-of-the-art facility. In all of its work, Court strives to sustain an artistic environment conducive to deeply creative work. Named โ€œthe most consistently excellent theater company in Americaโ€ by The Wall Street Journal, Court has a national reputation for excellence and innovation. Through five adventurous and compelling main stage productions per season, as well as a wealth of free symposia, post-performance discussions and education programs, it endeavors to make a lasting contribution to American theatre by thoroughly examining and imaginatively re-envisioning classic works to illuminate timeless themes and uncover immediately relevant messages.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Discussion alert! Even if you don't have tickets for FALSETTOS this Sunday, November 24, we invite you to stop by for ...
11/22/2024

๐Ÿ’ฌ Discussion alert! Even if you don't have tickets for FALSETTOS this Sunday, November 24, we invite you to stop by for Exploring History's Ripples: The '70s Sexual Revolution, the AIDS Crisis, and Today's LGBTQIA+ Communityโ€”a FREE expert panel discussion after the show!

Moderated by FALSETTOS director Nick Bowling, our distinguished panelists will be Caprice Carthans, a trans advocate and author with more than 30 years of experience and leadership in HIV and Trans issues; Roberto Sanabria, a community organizer and co-founder of Vida/SIDA and of El Rescateโ€”two initiatives of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center that address HIV/AIDS and q***r youth homelessness respectively; and Renslow Sherer, M.D., Director of the International HIV Training Center and Professor of Medicine in the Section of Infectious Diseases at the University of Chicago and founder of Chicago's first HIV clinic in 1982.

This discussion is FREE and open to all. Reservations are recommended but not required. Learn more >> timelinetheatre.com/events/exploring-historys-ripples/

We are saddened to learn of the passing of arts journalist Kris Vire. A fierce advocate for Chicago theatre and a vibran...
11/19/2024

We are saddened to learn of the passing of arts journalist Kris Vire. A fierce advocate for Chicago theatre and a vibrant and distinct voice, he will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kris's family, friends, and community, and we are grateful to Kris for his advocacy, generosity, and keen insight.

He was part of the founding editorial crew of the publication Time Out Chicago and his specialty was covering theater in his adopted hometown. He was particularly passionate about storefront theateโ€ฆ

11/18/2024

"Better than the 2016 Broadway revivalโ€ฆThis is a very special show, one of the best Chicago productions of the yearโ€ โ€” Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… (of four) โ†’ https://bit.ly/FalsettosFourStars

FALSETTOS is a home run, and critics and audiences are singing the praises of this gay musical odyssey:

โค๏ธ "As witty and impressively sophisticated as ever...a superlative set of performances" (Chicago Sun-Times, 4 out of 4 stars)
๐Ÿ’› "One of the most enjoyable, heartfelt and moving productions you will ever see" (Picks in Six)
๐Ÿ’š โ€œThe direction by Nick Bowling is flawless and the cast could not be any better...one of the best productions of the year" (Around the Town Chicago)
๐Ÿฉต "Skillfully navigates the intricacies of love's complexities, leaving a lasting impression" (Let's Play Theatrical Reviews)
๐Ÿ’œ "The cast here is truly something special" (Talkin' Broadway)

Read the rest of the reviews, get your tickets, and learn more โ†’ https://bit.ly/FalsettosReviews

Produced in partnership with TimeLine Theatre Company, performances run through December 8.

"Love can tell a million stories."Happy Opening to FALSETTOS! Thank you to the cast, band, crew, creative team, and our ...
11/16/2024

"Love can tell a million stories."

Happy Opening to FALSETTOS! Thank you to the cast, band, crew, creative team, and our producing partners at TimeLine Theatre for bringing this project to fruition. FALSETTOS is many things: it's a massive undertaking, with an intricate score and a yearslong story; a tribute to family and its many forms; and a celebration of the beauty, complexity, and necessity of love.

Staging this musical, in this moment, has been an act of love in itself. Love can tell a million stories, and we hope you'll join us for this one.

Performances run through Sunday, December 8. ...
๐Ÿ“ธ Elizabeth Stenholt, Charlie Long, Stephen Schellhardt, Jackson Evans, Jack Ball, Sarah Bockel, and Sharriese Hamilton by Michael Brosilow
๐Ÿ“ธ Jack Ball, Charlie Long, Jackson Evans, and Stephen Schellhardt by Michael Brosilow
๐Ÿ“ธ Sarah Bockel by Michael Brosilow
๐Ÿ“ธ Sharriese Hamilton and Elizabeth Stenholt by Michael Brosilow
๐Ÿ“ธ Jack Ball by Michael Brosilow
๐Ÿ“ธ Jackson Evans, Elizabeth Stenholt, Sarah Bockel, Sharriese Hamilton, Stephen Schellhardt, Jack Ball, and Charlie Long by Michael Brosilow
๐Ÿ“ธ Sarah Bockel, Jackson Evans, Charlie Long, Elizabeth Stenholt, Sharriese Hamilton, and Stephen Schellhard by Michael Brosilow
๐Ÿ“ธ Elizabeth Stenholt, Stephen Schellhardt, Jack Ball, Jackson Evans, Sarah Bockel, Sharriese Hamilton, and Charlie Long by Michael Brosilow...
๐ŸŽผ Music and Lyrics by William Finn
๐Ÿ“• Book by William Finn and James Lapine
๐ŸŽญ Directed by Nick Bowling
๐Ÿ’ƒ Movement Direction by William Carlos Angulo
๐ŸŽน Music Direction by Otto Vogel
๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Scenic Design by Arnel Sancianco
๐Ÿ‘” Costume Design by Theresa Ham
๐Ÿ’ก Lighting Design by Maggie Fullilove-Nugent and Josiah Croegaert
๐ŸŽถ Sound Design by Stephanie Farina and Sarah Ramos
๐Ÿ—ฃ Vocal and Dialect Design by Sammi Grant
๐Ÿ“š Production Dramaturgy by Deborah Blumenthal
๐Ÿ›ผ Roller Skating Instruction by Batsmoke Entertainment
โœ… Culture and Consent Consultant, Sheryl Williams
๐Ÿ“’ Production Stage Manager, Kate Ocker
๐Ÿ“’ Assistant Stage Manager, Katrina Herrmann
๐Ÿ“’ Floor Manager, Amanda Blanco

FALSETTOS is a gay musical odyssey about family, faith, and finding yourself - of  course we're bringing the drama!This ...
11/14/2024

FALSETTOS is a gay musical odyssey about family, faith, and finding yourself - of course we're bringing the drama!

This fall, we - along with our friends at TimeLine Theatre Company - are thrilled to participate in ' . Don't miss FALSETTOS (now through December 8), and be sure to catch all the exciting shows happening this fall across the Chicagoland area.

We are a proud member of the vibrant Chicago theatre community, and we encourage you to support the arts - however you can, whenever you can, throughout Theater Season and beyond.

And, as always, don't forget to bring the drama ๐Ÿ˜‰...
๐Ÿ“ธ Elizabeth Stenholt, Stephen Schellhardt, Jack Ball, Jackson Evans, Sarah Bockel, Sharriese Hamilton, and Charlie Long by Michael Brosilow

Actual footage of us racing to grab Bob's Pizza - Hyde Park at UChicago Student Night.Join us at 7:30pm on Friday, Novem...
11/12/2024

Actual footage of us racing to grab Bob's Pizza - Hyde Park at UChicago Student Night.

Join us at 7:30pm on Friday, November 15 to see FALSETTOS, produced in partnership with TimeLine Theatre Company; participate in a post-show conversation with a member of the creative team; and enjoy FREE pizza from Bob's. Tickets for this performance are almost sold out, so get yours before they're gone!..
๐Ÿ“ธ Jackson Evans, Elizabeth Stenholt, Sarah Bockel, Sharriese Hamilton, and Stephen Schellhardt by Michael Brosilow

What do your Thursday night plans have in common with FALSETTOS, INTO THE WOODS, and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE? Ton...
11/11/2024

What do your Thursday night plans have in common with FALSETTOS, INTO THE WOODS, and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE? Tony Award-winning librettist James Lapine!

Join us at FALSETTOS this Thursday, November 14, and stick around for a post-show conversation featuring Lapine and professor Jennifer Brier, PhD, as they discuss this production's place in the history of the HIV/AIDS crisis. This is your chance to hear from one of the most prominent figures in American musical theatre and ask him your questions.

Tickets are going fast, so get yours today! Don't miss your chance to meet James Lapine in Falsettoland โ†’ https://bit.ly/MeetJamesLapine...
๐Ÿ“ธ James Lapine
๐Ÿ“ธ Jennifer Brier, PhD

11/10/2024

Myesha-Tiara is taking over! Follow Myesha, Assistant Director of FALSETTOS, during her Instagram takeover on Tuesday, November 12, as she gives a sneak peek into what happens during Preview week.

Myesha's ready to show off the Falsettoland you don't see onstage. Are you ready to join her?

11/08/2024

Happy First Preview! To celebrate, House Manager and Audience Development Associate Phillip Lewis and Technical Director Luke Lemanski are putting the "Set" in FALSETTOS.

Check out their Set Tour, in which they explore Scenic Designer Arnel Sancianco's bright, colorful playground for this gay musical odyssey.

FALSETTOS begins today and runs through Sunday, December 8! Tickets are going fast - get yours before they're gone (or before they vanish behind those colorful doors!) โ†’ https://bit.ly/falSETtos...
๐Ÿ›  Arnel Sancianco

Thank you to Windy City Times for highlighting FALSETTOS, Director Nick Bowling, and Dramaturg Deborah Blumenthal! Learn...
11/04/2024

Thank you to Windy City Times for highlighting FALSETTOS, Director Nick Bowling, and Dramaturg Deborah Blumenthal!

Learn about FALSETTOS' place in the q***r canon and how its portrayal of HIV/AIDS remains distinctive: "Thereโ€™s this dramatic irony that as time moves on, audiences know more and more than the characters do.โ€

๐Ÿ“ฐ Ahead of preview performances beginning this Friday, November 8, check out this feature on our upcoming production of FALSETTOS, produced in partnership with Court Theatre! The Windy City Times spoke with director Nick Bowling and production dramaturg Deborah Blumenthal about how the show approaches the AIDS epidemic and what makes this musical such a groundbreaking piece.

Read the full article >> windycitytimes.com/2024/11/01/theater-falsettos-returns-to-illuminate-the-aids-crisis/

11/04/2024

This cast can do it all: act, sing, and skate!

We're gearing up for a huge week in Falsettoland: the election is tomorrow and FALSETTOS starts on Friday. So, lace up your skates and hit the polls, and then skate down to Hyde Park on Friday for this gay musical odyssey about family, faith, and finding yourself.

Learn more and get tickets โ†’ bit.ly/4euySTZ

11/02/2024

Days like this, we almost believe in gefilte fish. Enjoy this clip of Elizabeth Stenholt singing "Days Like This" from FALSETTOS rehearsal ๐ŸŽผ

Hungry for more? Read this article from University of Chicago professor Sheila E. Jelen, in which she celebrates the connection between food and FALSETTOS' depiction of Judaism โ†’ https://bit.ly/BeyondTheSynagogue

This delicious, Tony Award-winning musical is a tribute to family and its many forms; a playful interrogation of faith and identity; and a celebration of the beauty, complexity, and necessity of love. Presented in partnership with TimeLine Theatre Company, onstage from November 8 - December 8. ...
๐ŸŽฌ Elizabeth Stenholt

Happy Halloween from all of us in Falsettoland! We're coming out of the (costume) closet, thanks to these mood boards cr...
10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from all of us in Falsettoland! We're coming out of the (costume) closet, thanks to these mood boards created by Costume Designer Theresa Ham. Each character has a distinct color story, just like pieces in a board game โ†’ https://bit.ly/OutOfTheCostumeCloset

Who will you be dressing as this spooky season? We've got our eyes on Mendel's skates and jumpsuit ๐Ÿ˜Ž...
๐Ÿ‘š Theresa Ham

10/28/2024

Whether you're a frequent Court patron or new to our space, we want you to feel welcome ๐Ÿค—

As we prepare to welcome audiences to the theatre for FALSETTOS, we've created a series of videos with detailed information about what to expect at Court: wayfinding, where to park, how to claim your tickets, what it's like in the theatre itself, and more. Check out the first video in the series about how to get here, featuring House Manager and Audience Development Associate Phillip Lewis.

Stay tuned for more content throughout the season, and we'll see you at the theatre!...
๐ŸŽฌ Phillip Lewis

10/26/2024

"He's trying to deal with this new world where he has an ex-wife, and a son, and a lover, and yet, he doesn't really know how to."

Dive into Marvin's journey with FALSETTOS Director Nick Bowling. Presented in partnership with our friends at TimeLine Theatre Company, we can't wait to embark on this gay musical odyssey with you โ†’ bit.ly/4euySTZ...
๐ŸŽฌ Nick Bowling
๐Ÿ“ธ Stephen Schellhardt, Sarah Bockel, Charlie Long, and Jack Ball by Joe Mazza

Address

5535 S. Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL
60637

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 5pm
Tuesday 12pm - 5pm
Wednesday 12pm - 7:30pm
Thursday 12pm - 7:30pm
Friday 12pm - 8pm
Saturday 12pm - 8pm
Sunday 12pm - 7:30pm

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