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New Season and New Leadership

Author

Amanda Finn
July 25, 2025

Happy Friday Everyone!

Apologies, there won’t be a long feature in this week’s newsletter. I’ve been so overwhelmed with work for the last week that I couldn’t put anything together.

But instead of taking a total hiatus, I still have some news roundups to share. I didn’t want to neglect sharing some incredible Chicago A&E news with all of you.

Have a restful weekend,

Amanda

My Recent Reviews

Chicago A&E News

  • Court Theatre has appointed Avery Willis Hoffman as its new Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director. Hoffman brings extensive experience across theatre, opera, and dance, complemented by a doctorate in classical languages and literature. Her unique background in ancient texts and passion for modern interpretation perfectly align with Court Theatre's mission to re-envision classic plays for contemporary audiences.

  • Lookingglass Theatre invites all to the annual Sunset 1919 Ritual, a free public event honoring Eugene Williams. Williams's tragic death in segregated Lake Michigan waters on July 27, 1919, ignited the Chicago Race Riot. For the past four years, this ritual has served as a powerful space for Black artists to merge movement, music, and spoken word, acknowledging Indigenous roots and fostering community healing. Mark calendars for Sunday, July 27, 2026, at 7 PM at the Eugene Williams Memorial Marker, a quarter-mile north of 31st Street Beach, and join in this significant remembrance.

  • Writers Theatre kicks off its 2025/26 season with the world premiere of Hershey Felder's Rachmaninoff and the Tsar, running from August 13 to September 21, 2025. This new musical play features Felder as Sergei Rachmaninoff, performing the composer's greatest works. Notably, it marks Felder's first time appearing opposite another actor, Jonathan Silvestri, who portrays Tsar Nicholas II. The production, directed by Trevor Hay, delves into Rachmaninoff's longing for his homeland after escaping the 1917 revolution, exploring his haunting memories of Tsar Nicholas II.

    Do you have Chicago-based A&E news to announce?

Email me at [email protected]!

My Recent Reviews

Support ShowCago

Below, you will see a “buy me a coffee” link. I do not intend to put a paywall on this newsletter (though bonus subscriber content may be introduced in the future), so I’ve included this little "tipping” button.

Attending shows or events, in addition to my full-time freelance work, comes at a financial cost. Whether it's transportation fares or grabbing coffee after a long day to get me through a three-hour Shakespeare after an eight-hour day, every little bit helps.

Regardless, I hope you enjoy this newsletter!