Renowned director Robert Falls is set to direct once again in the Chicago theater scene. This time, he moves from his long-standing home at the Goodman Theatre to the intimate Redtwist Theatre, located at 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. This venue accommodates fewer than 50 seats. Falls described this as a return to his Chicago storefront roots. He plans to direct a world premiere by local playwright L.C. Bernadine titled “Flying Monkeys.” The show will explore two agents in the “troubled teen” transportation industry. Scheduled to run from December 6, 2026, to January 17, 2027, “Flying Monkeys” will appear between other planned performances at Redtwist. Bernadine, involved with the New Theatre Project, brings experience from non-traditional theater spaces. Though casting remains unannounced, this non-Equity theater promises fresh opportunities for emerging actors.
Broadway welcomes several talents with strong Chicago ties. Bruce Norris’ “Downstate” will grace Broadway’s Booth Theatre, featuring Chicago actors Francis Guinan and K. Todd Freeman. Directed by Joe Mantello, this play centers around a home for sex offenders. It offers a different production than its 2018 debut at Chicago’s Steppenwolf. Additionally, “Paranormal Activity,” by DePaul University alumnus Levi Holloway, opens at the August Wilson Theatre. The show, first seen at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, casts Cher Álvarez, Travis A. Knight, and Shannon Cochran. It marks a significant moment for many debuting on Broadway.
Shattered Globe Theatre announces its 36th season at Theater Wit on 1229 W. Belmont Ave. The season includes the Midwest premiere of “Vladimir” by Erika Sheffer in the fall, “The Waterfall” by Phanésia Pharel in winter, and “Brace Brace” by Oli Forsyth in spring. Each production brings distinct stories and creative teams to the fore, promising varied narratives and experiences this season.
In casting news, “Kowalski,” aiming for Broadway, reveals its complete lineup for its premiere at Lookingglass Theatre’s Water Tower Water Works. New additions include Alison Cimmet, Reece Dos Santos, and Ellie Ricker, joining Johnny Galecki and Jacob Moskovitz. Meanwhile, Nora Dunn exits “The Humanities” at Victory Gardens Theater due to scheduling conflicts.
The Chicago theater community mourns the loss of Kurt Ehrmann, a talented actor who passed away at 58. Ehrmann was known for his work on various off-Loop stages. Notable performances include his role as Roy Cohn in “Angels in America” and as Hamm in “Endgame” with Hypocrites, where he frequently collaborated. His presence was esteemed for its intellectual and emotional depth, particularly memorable as Lopakhin in Sean Graney’s “The Cherry Orchard.” Ehrmann’s contributions leave a significant mark on the theater community.