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 “the most consistently excellent theater company in America” 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.

This weekend, we're proud to present the following accessible performances for BERLIN:🖋 Touch Tour at 12:30pm on Saturda...
05/08/2025

This weekend, we're proud to present the following accessible performances for BERLIN:

🖋 Touch Tour at 12:30pm on Saturday, May 10
🖋 Audio Description at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 10
🖋 ASL Interpretation at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 10
🖋 Open Captioning at 2:00pm on Sunday, May 11

This weekend is almost completely sold out, so we recommend calling the Box Office at (773) 753-4472 if you would like to make use of our accessibility offerings. Our Box Office staff will be happy to discuss your options.

Don't miss this "thrillingly staged piece of theater" (Chicago Sun-Times). Don't miss BERLIN....
📸 Molly Hernández, Terry Bell, and Guy Van Swearingen by Michael Brosilow
🎭 Directed by Charles Newell
📚 Adapted by Mickle Maher
✍️ Based on the graphic novel by Jason Lutes
🛠️ Scenic Design by John Culbert
👔 Costume Design by Jacqueline Firkins
💡 Lighting Design by Keith Parham, with Josiah Croegaert
🎶 Sound Design by Mark Messing, with Josh McCammon
📚 Production Dramaturgy by David J. Levin
🩰 Movement Direction by Julia Rhoads
🎼 Music Consultant, Kory Danielson
🗣 Vocal and Dialect Consultant, Sammi Grant
✅ Culture and Consent Consultant, Sheryl Williams
📒 Production Stage Manager, Kate Ocker
📒 Stage Manager, Katie Moshier
📒 Assistant Stage Manager, Olivia Leslie
📒 Floor Manager, Alex Umekubo

05/07/2025

✅ "A theatrical thunderbolt...something rare and electric" (Buzz Center Stage)
✅ "Unlike anything I’ve seen before on stage" (Third Coast Review)
✅ "At once admirable, astonishing and awe-inspiring" (Chicago Theatre Review)

BERLIN is the talk of the town! Less than two weeks left to experience this astonishing world premiere - must close on Sunday, May 18!...
🎬 Cast of BERLIN by HMS Media
🎭 Directed by Charles Newell
📚 Adapted by Mickle Maher
✍️ Based on the graphic novel by Jason Lutes
🛠️ Scenic Design by John Culbert
👔 Costume Design by Jacqueline Firkins
💡 Lighting Design by Keith Parham, with Josiah Croegaert
🎶 Sound Design by Mark Messing, with Josh McCammon
📚 Production Dramaturgy by David J. Levin
🩰 Movement Direction by Julia Rhoads
🎼 Music Consultant, Kory Danielson
🗣 Vocal and Dialect Consultant, Sammi Grant
✅ Culture and Consent Consultant, Sheryl Williams
📒 Production Stage Manager, Kate Ocker
📒 Stage Manager, Katie Moshier
📒 Assistant Stage Manager, Olivia Leslie
📒 Floor Manager, Alex Umekubo

05/06/2025

The Poets are back! Join us at the Poetry Foundation & Poetry Magazine on Thursday, May 8 for ANTIGONE Reimagined, a moving and modern response to Sophocles's classic tale of civil disobedience → https://bit.ly/SongsFromThePoets

In our 2024 production of ANTIGONE, the Poets—portrayed by Cage Sebastian Pierre and Danielle Davis—reimagined the text's classical choral odes as spoken word, body percussion, and melodic ballads. Now, the Poets are back—and with a new mixtape!

Don't miss one-of-a-kind, immersive listening experience, and book your free tickets online. ..
🎬 Cage Sebastian Pierre and Danielle Davis

05/03/2025

In BERLIN, there's more than meets the eye—and the same goes for John Culbert’s set!

Join House Manager and Audience Development Associate Phillip Lewis and Technical Director Luke Lemanski as they explore the set of this world premiere. Step into 1920s Berlin and discover the hidden secrets and surprises built into the design.
….
🛠 John Culbert
📸 Michael Brosilow

05/01/2025

Martha Müller came to Berlin from Cologne in search of what? Love? Freedom? An Instagram takeover?

While we can't reveal if she finds love or freedom (you'll have to see BERLIN to find out!), she does achieve her dream of an Instagram takeover! On Saturday, May 3, we're handing over our Instagram to Raven Whitley (playing Marthe).

Follow along on Saturday to get a glimpse into a two-show day and experience the hustle and bustle of BERLIN.

One weekend, two cabarets! Join us for the final public programs celebrating the world premiere of BERLIN, and get a dos...
04/30/2025

One weekend, two cabarets! Join us for the final public programs celebrating the world premiere of BERLIN, and get a dose of defiant joy:

On Friday, May 2, join us for a screening of the iconic film CABARET, featuring Liza Minelli and Joel Gray. Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome – in here, life is beautiful → https://bit.ly/CabaretScreening

Then on Saturday, May 3, experience a cabaret live and in-person! Don’t miss Notes on Masculinity: A Drag King-Centered Cabaret hosted by Po’Chop and Switch the Boi Wonder. It’s burlesque. It’s masculine drag. It’s entertaining, comedic, and provocative. It’s a must-see → https://bit.ly/NotesOnMasculinity...
📸 Still from CABARET (1972) dir. Bob Fosse.
📸 Po'Chop and Switch the Boi Wonder by Greg Inda

04/29/2025

Everyone’s abuzz about BERLIN! Due to popular demand, this world premiere is officially extended through Sunday, May 18 → https://bit.ly/BerlinExtension

“This is a major new work from Court of a size and scope that has been all too rare in post-pandemic Chicago theater…If you follow significant theatrical events here, you’ll want to see this piece.” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 (of four)

“A homegrown Chicago project of jaw-dropping ambition and exhilarating theatricality”– Chicago Sun-Times, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (of four)

Jump into the movement, the sound, and the story. Experience the hustle and bustle of BERLIN....
🎬 Cast of BERLIN by HMS Media
🎭 Directed by Charles Newell
📚 Adapted by Mickle Maher
✍️ Based on the graphic novel by Jason Lutes
🛠️ Scenic Design by John Culbert
👔 Costume Design by Jacqueline Firkins
💡 Lighting Design by Keith Parham, with Josiah Croegaert
🎶 Sound Design by Mark Messing, with Josh McCammon
📚 Production Dramaturgy by David J. Levin
🩰 Movement Direction by Julia Rhoads
🎼 Music Consultant, Kory Danielson
🗣 Vocal and Dialect Consultant, Sammi Grant
✅ Culture and Consent Consultant, Sheryl Williams
📒 Production Stage Manager, Kate Ocker
📒 Stage Manager, Katie Moshier
📒 Assistant Stage Manager, Olivia Leslie
📒 Floor Manager, Alex Umekubo

In Berlin in 1928, there were over 200 newspapers in circulation. While we may not have that many media outlets in Chica...
04/27/2025

In Berlin in 1928, there were over 200 newspapers in circulation. While we may not have that many media outlets in Chicago, the ones we DO have are buzzing with excitement about BERLIN, the world premiere adaptation of Jason Lutes's acclaimed graphic novel.

Tickets are moving faster than the Spree! Do you have yours yet?...
📸 Raven Whitley, Tim Decker, and Elizabeth Laidlaw by Michael Brosilow
📸 Elizabeth Laidlaw by Michael Brosilow
🎭 Directed by Charles Newell
📚 Adapted by Mickle Maher
✍️ Based on the graphic novel by Jason Lutes
🛠️ Scenic Design by John Culbert
👔 Costume Design by Jacqueline Firkins
💡 Lighting Design by Keith Parham, with Josiah Croegaert
🎶 Sound Design by Mark Messing, with Josh McCammon
📚 Production Dramaturgy by David J. Levin
🩰 Movement Direction by Julia Rhoads
🎼 Music Consultant, Kory Danielson
🗣 Vocal and Dialect Consultant, Sammi Grant
✅ Culture and Consent Consultant, Sheryl Williams
📒 Production Stage Manager, Kate Ocker
📒 Stage Manager, Katie Moshier
📒 Assistant Stage Manager, Olivia Leslie
📒 Floor Manager, Alex Umekubo

"Into the river."Happy Opening to the cast, crew, and creative team of BERLIN! This world premiere adaptation is a rush ...
04/26/2025

"Into the river."

Happy Opening to the cast, crew, and creative team of BERLIN! This world premiere adaptation is a rush of sound, movement, and story - a stunning portrayal of ordinary people surviving extraordinary circumstances. It captures the essence of its source text, the acclaimed graphic novel by Jason Lutes. It is urgent and timely. And it is a remarkable theatrical feat that has to be seen to be believed.

None of this would be possible without this incredible team. Thank you for bringing this world premiere to life.

Into the river we go!...
📸 Tim Decker, Raven Whitley, Mo Shipley, Brandon Ruiter, Molly Hernández, Kate Collins, Ellie Duffey, and Guy Van Swearingen by Michael Brosilow
📸 Brandon Ruiter, HB Ward, Terry Bell, Jack Doherty, Raven Whitley, and Tim Decker by Michael Brosilow
📸 HB Ward, Terry Bell, Raven Whitley, Mo Shipley, and Brandon Ruiter by Michael Brosilow
📸 Ellie Duffey, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Guy Van Swearingen, and Jack Doherty by Michael Brosilow
📸 Molly Hernández, Elizabeth Laidlaw, and Guy Van Swearingen by Michael Brosilow
📸 Molly Hernández, Terry Bell, and Guy Van Swearingen by Michael Brosilow
📸 Jack Doherty by Michael Brosilow
📸 Tim Decker, Kate Collins, and Guy Van Swearingen by Michael Brosilow
📸 Raven Whitley by Michael Brosilow
🎭 Directed by Charles Newell
📚 Adapted by Mickle Maher
✍️ Based on the graphic novel by Jason Lutes
🛠️ Scenic Design by John Culbert
👔 Costume Design by Jacqueline Firkins
💡 Lighting Design by Keith Parham, with Josiah Croegaert
🎶 Sound Design by Mark Messing, with Josh McCammon
📚 Production Dramaturgy by David J. Levin
🩰 Movement Direction by Julia Rhoads
🎼 Music Consultant, Kory Danielson
🗣 Vocal and Dialect Consultant, Sammi Grant
✅ Culture and Consent Consultant, Sheryl Williams
📒 Production Stage Manager, Kate Ocker
📒 Stage Manager, Katie Moshier
📒 Assistant Stage Manager, Olivia Leslie
📒 Floor Manager, Alex Umekubo

Get a first look at a world premiere - Previews of BERLIN have begun! "One of the best shows I've seen at Court in the d...
04/23/2025

Get a first look at a world premiere - Previews of BERLIN have begun!

"One of the best shows I've seen at Court in the decades I've been going. A unique theatrical experience, and a narrative that couldn't be more timely.... I haven't stopped thinking about it."

It is 1928. Fascism is taking hold; revolutionaries are organizing; creatives are trying to capture the ineffable nature of their changing city; and – as everything falls apart – everyone is faced with a choice: abandon Berlin or fight to survive....
📸 Raven Whitley, Tim Decker, and Kate Collins by Michael Brosilow
📸 Jack Doherty and Ellie Duffey by Michael Brosilow
📸 Ellie Duffey and Jack Doherty by Michael Brosilow
📸 Mo Shipley by Michael Brosilow
📸 Terry Bell, Brandon Ruiter, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Raven Whitley, Guy Van Swearingen, Kate Collins, Mo Shipley, and Ellie Duffey by Michael Brosilow
🎭 Directed by Charles Newell
📚 Adapted by Mickle Maher
✍️ Based on the graphic novel by Jason Lutes
🛠️ Scenic Design by John Culbert
👔 Costume Design by Jacqueline Firkins
💡 Lighting Design by Keith Parham, with Josiah Croegaert
🎶 Sound Design by Mark Messing, with Josh McCammon
📚 Production Dramaturgy by David J. Levin
🩰 Movement Direction by Julia Rhoads
🎼 Music Consultant, Kory Danielson
🗣 Vocal and Dialect Consultant, Sammi Grant
✅ Culture and Consent Consultant, Sheryl Williams
📒 Production Stage Manager, Kate Ocker
📒 Stage Manager, Katie Moshier
📒 Assistant Stage Manager, Olivia Leslie
📒 Floor Manager, Alex Umekubo

It might only be Monday, but we're already thinking about the end of the week! Join us for two more public programs cele...
04/21/2025

It might only be Monday, but we're already thinking about the end of the week! Join us for two more public programs celebrating the world premiere of BERLIN, including a conversation with Jason Lutes himself:

On Friday, April 25, enjoy an intimate discussion between graphic novelist Jason Lutes (author of BERLIN) and professor Dr. Evan H. Carver at Seminary Co-Op → https://bit.ly/ConversationAndBookSigning

On Saturday, April 26, experience Books & Banners of the People and participate in a communal arts activation with Silvia Inés Gonzalez at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum → https://bit.ly/BooksAndBanners

Join us in community. Join us in resistance. Join us in resilience. ...
📸 Jason Lutes and Dr. Evan H. Carver
📸 Silvia Inés Gonzalez

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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